Volunteer Role – Hike Leader

Overview
The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) is one of Ontario’s largest land trusts and the steward of Canada’s largest footpath. We actively preserve and care for land within the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment Biosphere to protect its ecosystems for the benefit of all.

Hike Leader – Volunteer Role and Responsibilities
The Blue Mountains Club requires volunteers to join our Hike Team to lead hikes for members and non-members. We are looking for leaders with good people skills who can present a positive, welcoming attitude when leading a group by making introductions, discussing expectations for the hike, and ensuring all hikers are prepared with proper equipment (First aid kit, Cell phone and trail map, sufficient water, appropriate boots). Leaders should be familiar with basic first-aid skills. Hike leaders will set the pace based on hike descriptions, be flexible, and adjust based on group abilities, such as the slowest hiker within the group. Hike Leaders need to be attentive to anticipating risks and dealing with various situations (including emergencies, difficult or unsafe hikers) to promote safety and enjoyment for all. As a Hike Leader, if you are concerned about a hiker’s safety, stamina, or health, you have ABSOLUTE authority to terminate their hike and have them accompanied (by two hikers) back to the trailhead. At the end of the hike, Hike Leaders remain until every hiker is accounted for and are the last out of the parking lot.

Essentials
• Read the Volunteer Orientation Booklet and sign the Volunteer Pledge
• Complete the Hike Leader Training course – BMBTC reimburses course cost with a commitment by the hike leader to lead two hikes each quarter (8 hikes a year)
• Set routes and pace for hikes
• List upcoming hikes in the Hike Calendar, noting hike descriptions. (i.e. terrain, length, etc)
• Pre-hike route
• Ensure all members of the hike sign the Hike Waiver form
• Point out areas of interest to hike members
• Promote membership and volunteer opportunities on all hikes
• It is good to be knowledgeable about the environment, plants, animals and routes.

For more information, please contact our Hike Director –