Trip Leader Checklists
✅ Before the Trip
☐ Submit Trip Info to the Club Groups.io Forum Board (include date, activity type, route, expected duration, difficulty, meeting location, and required gear)
☐ Pre-screen the Route for current conditions (e.g. tides, snow, closures, hazards)
☐ Confirm Club Insurance Coverage (only sanctioned trips are insured)
☐ Confirm Group Size & Participant List (ensure all are current members or signed waivers)
☐ Emergency Plan Prepared, including:
☐ Nearest emergency contact / extraction route
☐ Communication device (radio, cell, InReach)
☐ First Aid Kit on hand (Leader or designated team member)
☐ Know Participants’ Needs: Ask about medical conditions, allergies, or recent injuries
☐ Bring:
☐ Emergency contact sheet or phone
☐ Club radio / InReach if available
🏃 At the Trip Start
☐ Arrive Early and greet participants
☐ Headcount (verbal roll call or checklist)
☐ Gear Check + Readiness
☐ Review the Plan: Route, rest stops, turnaround time, group norms
☐ Safety Talk: Include buddy system, trail etiquette, wildlife protocol, group separation rules
⛰️ During the Trip
☐ Maintain Group Cohesion: Appoint a sweep, monitor pace
☐ Check In Regularly: Hydration, fatigue, injuries
☐ Adapt if Necessary: Be willing to shorten, turn back, or reroute if safety requires
☐ Leave No Trace: Reinforce respectful land and marine use
☐ Track Time + Headcount
✅ After the Trip
☐ Optional: Share Photos / Reflections for club newsletter or social
☐ Final Headcount at End Point
☐ Check Out: Everyone accounted for before leader leaves
☐ Report Any Incidents or Near Misses to club safety officer or board
☐ Submit Trip Report (brief summary + notes for future leaders via the initial groups.io post)