AMC Outdoors, November 2001

After lunch, the various groups again gather at Joe Dodge Lodge. The discussion centers on leadership theory, decision-making models, group dynamics, participant roles (such as "opposer," "silent observer," "clown," "initiator," and "harmonizer"), leadership styles ("authoritarian," "consulting," "coordinating," and "charismatic"), trip planning, accident scene management, first aid, campsite management, and Leave No Trace ethics.

We also learn about role-playing, which, according to one instructor, "allows us to pack more experiences into the long weekend." The role-play situations can range from a quarrelsome group member to serious illness. To be successful, the role-plays require that students buy into the concept, says Ed Poyer, a facilitator from the AMC's Narragansett Chapter. Each is followed by a debriefing, designed to explain the purpose and evaluate student reaction.

"If a disagreement does turn real and nasty, don't expect the facilitators to step in," cautions Bryan Courtois of the AMC's Maine Chapter. "You're the leader, you need to deal with it. The best MLS trips are those where the participants don't know if it's a role-play or not."

I consider myself sufficiently warned. Next up is equipment check. I, of course, have brought far too much gear. Hogan has a field day tearing through my overstuffed pack, tossing out needlessly duplicated items, such as thermal underwear, socks, mittens, hats, a sleeping bag sleeve. "Feel how heavy that is," he says, handing me the sleeve. "Think light." He then uncovers my fluorescent orange Gore-Tex pants, and assigns me the nickname I carry throughout the course — "Flash."

Last, our group congregates to plan our route. Hogan and Broderick have decided that we're heading to the Bonds — Bondcliff, Mount Bond, and West Bond — in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. We'll start from the Lincoln Woods Trail off the Kancamagus Highway and exit at Zealand Road on Route 302. The route in between, however, is the group's choice. Davis and Behroozi are tapped as our first leader and co-leader, and they work seamlessly with us, weighing options, discussing, and deciding democratically.

The day's work is done. Exhausted, I fall into a deep, silent sleep. Good thing — I'll need it.

 Leader of the Backpack intro  |  Invitation to Adventure  |  Nuts and Bolts  | 
Everyday Interruptions  | Turn Me Loose  |  Safety, First and Foremost  | 
The Road from Here   |  Tips for Leaders