Hike Leadership Workshop

7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115

If you haven't been to the Mountaineer's Program Center, we highly recommend you use MapQuest, Google, or another online mapping software to get specific directions, or check the clubhouse website for directions.   

The Mountaineers Hiking Group is always looking for new leaders. If you have the following skills or would like to develop these skills, you may be interested in becoming a hiking leader for the Mountaineers:

• Enthusiasm for hiking and sharing the experience with others.

• Personal preparation and good judgment.

• Group awareness.

• Knowledge of and adherence to Mountaineers principles.

• Ability to make and accept responsibility for decisions.

• Concern for safety appropriate to the nature of the activity.

• Knowledge of hiking and wilderness skills.

In general, an aspiring leader must be at least 18 years old, be a member of the Mountaineers, attend the Hike Leadership Workshop, co-lead one mentored hike, and be approved by the Hiking Committee. The Minimum Clubwide Standards for Hiking state that sponsoring committees must be satisfied that Leaders have competence in the following as appropriate for their trips.

• Group leadership

• Use of topographical maps and compass

• Mountain safety, including identification of hazards and actions to avoid injury

• First Aid

• Emergency preparedness (how to summon help should it be needed)

The Hike Leadership program has four components:

1. Seattle Branch Hiking Committee Leader Approval Process.

2. The Hiking Leaders Guide. This guide introduces new hiking leaders to the policies and procedures associated with leading Mountaineer hikes. It also contains practical information on leading outdoor activities. Prospective hike leaders are required to download the PDF version and read it thoroughly prior to attending the Hike Leader Workshop.
   

3. The Hike Leadership Workshop. Every aspiring new leader must attend a Hike Leadership Workshop. The workshop emphasizes the practical aspects of leading: signing up to lead hikes, what to do about unprepared hikers, scouting the trail, emergency procedures, etc. Hiking Leadership Workshops are held throughout the year (see schedule at the top of this page). Advance sign up for the workshop is required; participants are required to download the Hiking Leaders Guide and be familiar with its contents prior to attending the workshop.
   

4. Mentored Hike. Every new leader must go on a minimum of one mentored hike with an established leader before they can be added to the hike leader's list and lead hikes on their own. The purpose of these mentoring trips is twofold. First, it will give the new leader first-hand experience with a typical group of Mountaineer hikers and give the new leader a chance to learn from our best leaders. Second, it gives the Hiking Committee a chance to examine the effectiveness of the Hike Leadership Workshop by having our best hiking leaders evaluate the skills and knowledge of our new leaders.