AMC: AMC Outdoors - Tips for Outdoor Leaders

Ten Top Tips Help Make you a Confident Outdoor Leader

AMC Outdoors, November 2001

By Brion O'Connor

Outgoing Mountain Leadership School Director Andy Cohen, incoming Director Jeff Hogan, and Trip Facilitator Peter Broderick have been around the block a few times — and in the woods even more. From their experience, they offer 10 tips to help leaders succeed.

Plan and prepare. Proper planning includes reviewing all contingencies, from trip route to escape points, emergencies to equipment, first aid to food. If you have a chance, pre-hike the route to ensure conditions are as advertised.
Navigate. The ability to know where you are at all times is so critical that Cohen lists "know how to read a map" twice on his Top Ten Tips. "Map and compass skills are essential," echoes Hogan.
Entertain. "Don't be a bore," says Hogan. "Learn a skill you can contribute — bird calls, animal i.d., history of the region."
Know your group. Broderick recommends taking the time to screen participants thoroughly beforehand, to make sure they can handle the trip, and then making an effort to get to know them better as soon as possible during the trip. Set the pace accordingly.
Know your co-leader. Make sure you're confident in his or her ability, and that you're both on the same page regarding the needs of the group, and each other. "Bring a co-leader who makes you laugh," says Cohen.
Keep learning. Hogan suggests hiking with different leaders. "Observe their styles and techniques," he says. "Hike with the best leaders and learn from them." Cohen agrees, and adds: "Practice your skills by hiking and camping in the winter, when the margin of error is much narrower, and when the pressure to do everything right is much greater."
Be responsible. When things go wrong, the leader has to step up. Know wilderness first aid. Make sure everyone has enough food and water, and that they're eating and drinking.
Mix things up. "Don't always accept the same people on your trips," says Hogan. "Experiment with taking different personality types."
Explore. "Push yourself," says Hogan, who suggests leading a solstice hike, a night hike, a winter trip, or a bushwhack. "Too many leaders become stale, marching to the same peaks."
Enjoy yourself. Don't lose sight of the real reason you're outdoors — to have fun. If you're having fun, chances are good that your participants are too.

—Brion "Flash" O'Connor is a freelance writer on Boston's North Shore.