TG Activity Leader Guidance

We appreciate the folks who step up to lead our activities very much. Without them there would be no TG. We have put together the following primarily for the new leaders coming up; however, it may prove to be a resource for the more experienced.

Planning:

Think of something we haven't done (or done lately): a place, activity or a tour. We love to hike in the fall and winter, bike in the shoulder seasons and paddle in the summer. If you know of a special place you would like to share, please contact Phyllis or Ellis. We will be glad to help you with the calendar announcement and associated paperwork. That said, we appreciate it when you draft your announcement including the date, time and place and what you plan to do. If you submit the draft by email, it makes it easy for us to post your activity directly into the website. Once your activity is posted on the TG schedule, please verify that it looks okay. Yes, we sometimes mess up a date or time, so please carefully double check the details. Occasionally, we may suggest changes to keep the activity easier to conduct or promote safety. Don't be afraid to limit the number of people attending. The numbers are solely up to you based on your comfort level.

Handling signups:

Phyllis or Ellis will set up a roster document for you in Google Documents that only you, Phyllis or Ellis can edit. As people contact you, add their names, saving their contact information so you can reach them later if needed.  Phyllis or Ellis will try to assist if you run into difficulties.

Weather and other issues:

As the date of your activity approaches, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If thunderstorms are likely, or other issues prevent you from conducting your event safely, please make the decision by 5:00 PM Sunday evening. If you decide that it might be too dangerous or unpleasant to conduct your event, please contact those who have signed up along with Phyllis or Ellis to update the website. If you like, we will reschedule.

Conducting the event:

Be sure to print out the TATC Activity Sign up form . General instructions on use of the Activity Sign-Up Form ( https://tatc.wildapricot.org/resources/documents/TATC%20Activity%20Sign%20Up%20Rev.pdf ).  If any minors are attending, you need to obtain the TATC Activity Sign up form for Minors signed by a parent or guardian. Before the activity, have everyone sign the appropriate sign up sheet. Walk-ins or other off-the-books attendees are never allowed.  Conduct a safety talk about what can be expected, answer any questions and appoint a person to sweep. A sweep is important to make sure everyone returns safely. If a problem arises the sweep should contact the activity leader so that the situation can be addressed. For medical or other emergencies 911 should be called immediately. Minor cuts etc. should be addressed as needed. Helmets are required to be worn for all bike rides. PFDs are required on all water-related activities. No exceptions are allowed.

Reporting:

After your activity, it is recommended you submit an After Action Report to Phyllis/Ellis to post on the TG website. This is not required, however, many people enjoy reading about our exploits. It can be serious or lighthearted.  The sign up sheets should be turned in to the TATC Vice President. Alternately, turn them into Phyllis or Ellis to turn in for you.

TATC awards program:

Be sure to keep track of your time spent planning and executing your activity. They have some pretty cool stuff you can qualify for. The reporting link

(https://forms.gle/Cne5cqCpVKDRuH7k7) is also on the TG and TATC websites.