We recently received a hiking incident report from a leader in the New York-New Jersey Chapter of the AMC. The report describes an injury that occurred on a recent hike, what happened after that injury, and the essential equipment that the hike leaders and hikers did and did not have to help them through the subsequent hours spent on the trail awaiting a rescue. Below we include the original report (names have been elided). Following the report, we offer comments including a list of 10 essentials that each hiker should carry on every hike.
Our great volunteer leaders are the lifeblood of the chapter. (We're including leaders of hiking/paddling/climbing/etc. trips, trail maintenance work parties, social events, and all the other things we do when we say this.) If you're an active leader, well, *thanks!* If you're not, please consider becoming one and sharing your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm with others.
published by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/06/2016 - 3:47pm
Our New England Trail (NET) Committee works to ensure the protection and promotion of the NET for the enjoyment of current and future generations. This is done through a combination of maintenance work and public advocacy. The committee is led by a chairperson elected to a one-year term by members of the Berkshire Chapter at our Annual Meeting each November.
Check for water bottles; ask people if they have 2 liters water
Circle up, do introductions around the circle
Specific Description of the Hike - huddle to review the route on the map
• Review the route
• Review the pace: slow, moderate, fast?
• How long will we be hiking?
• Describe when/where we’ll break for lunch, etc.
• Any special features (stone walls, cellar holes, caves, etc.) for which we should be on the lookout
All Berkshire Chapter outdoor activities are led by volunteers. Our leaders are skilled in the events they lead. In addition, we have leaders that represent the respective activities and groups of people, that come together about monthly for Executive Committee meetings. We encourage our members to become leaders in the outdoor activities they love, and to participate further in the Executive Committee if you're interested. See our home page for meeting information, or contact vicechair@amcberkshire.org if you have questions.
