How to Become a Denver Group Trip Leader

None of the hundreds of trips offered each season by the Denver Group could take place without dedicated CMC members volunteering to lead them. We need leaders for all categories of trips, from the easiest strolls through the toughest expeditions. Being a trip leader is a rewarding experience, and leaders learn skills useful not only on CMC trips but in many other situations. Twice each year Denver Group leaders have social "summits," where leaders get together to socialize, learn about techniques and equipment, and discuss issues of interest. Denver Group trip leaders also receive the Leader: a quarterly newsletter with articles of interest to trip leaders.

You don't have to be an athlete or a backcountry wizard to lead many of our trips. You do need good judgment, people skills, leadership training, basic first aid, and ability appropriate for a particular trip. The Denver Group has set certain requirements for all persons desiring to become trip leaders. They are:

• Current CMC membership
• Mountain Oriented First Aid certificate from the CMC or current Red Cross Standard First Aid or be a medical practitioner.
• Graduation from the Leadership School
• Successful leadership of at least one CMC trip with an approved leader as a "Leader in Training" (Trips with "LIT" after the trip number indicate that the leader is receptive to a "Leader in Training")

For leading winter trips, completion of the Avalanche Awareness School or equivalent or attendance at an avalanche awareness lecture is required.

The dates offered and applications for the Spring and Fall Leadership School are published in the Mile High Mountaineer. The Leadership School is of interest to any CMC member, and features presentations on group dynamics, liability issues, how to schedule, scout, and conduct trips; Leave No Trace ethics; health concerns, and features small group discussions of case studies. The school also includes mountain oriented first aid classes and one field day with instructors.

CMC Leadership Manuals and Leadership School are free to members. If you have mountain hiking experience we welcome your interest in the Leadership School and becoming a leader. For more information, call the CMC Office or the Leadership School Director.

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