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Guidelines and Expectations

Trips are organized to be as safe as possible. Participants must come suitably clothed, with proper boots and equipment, and be self-sufficient with adequate food and drink. Participants must choose trips that suit, but do not exceed their capabilities. The trip leader can refuse or turn back any person who, in their opinion, is not well-equipped and fit. The Ramblers welcome  non-members to participate in one or two club hikes to try it out, but are then required to purchase a membership on their third hike.

Outdoor recreation activities entails some risk and therefore the potential for injury. Persons who participate in Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club activities do so at their own risk. All participants are required to sign a Waiver (yearly) to protect the Club and its membership.

For each trip there is a Sign-in Sheet that all participants must sign and provide their home phone number along with emergency contact details. The Sign-in Sheets are kept on file by the Club. Conditions on each trip are recorded and any incidents documented. Trip reports may be written by the trip leader and kept on file as well.

Each member is responsible for his/her own health and safety. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, that your equipment is in good working order and that you know how to use it. Even though the trip leader will bring along a first aid kit, it is recommended that each participant have his/her own emergency kit as well. Persons who need search and rescue services may have to pay for the cost of that themselves.

Make sure you are fit and experienced enough for the trip. If you are not sure, contact the trip leader to learn more about the hike. Be honest about your abilities. If you over-estimate your abilities, or underestimate the difficulty of the trip, you put your safety and the safety of the group at risk.

Participants with a medical condition are expected to disclose the details to the trip leader in private so they are aware of any potential complications. If you do have any type of medical condition, you assume all risks with going out on any outing.

Trip leaders are given a first aid kit, a GPS tracking device capable of calling emergency services and a pair of walkie talkies. Always respect and listen to what the trip leader says - their decisions are final.

Arrive at the designated meeting place at least 10 minutes before the stated departure time to give yourself enough time to sign in, arrange carpooling and meet the other members of the group.

If you carpool with someone, remember to reimburse them for the carpooling costs at the end the day. The carpooling fee is listed for the hike on the hiking schedule. Please be courteous and put muddy (or wet) hiking boots in a clean plastic bag and change into dry shoes after the hike. The same goes for wet clothing. Please take a turn as a driver during the season.

Drivers should drive defensively, have a valid driver’s license, and be fully insured.

Club trips are group trips. The trip leader will do his or her best to make the trip an enjoyable experience, but as a participant you have a responsibility to:

  • Be properly equipped,
  • Be considerate of others and their abilities, and
  • Keep the general pace of the group.

If the pace is too fast or if you are having difficulty, tell the leader or the end-person so that the group stays together. The trip leader may allow people who know the terrain to go ahead of the group, but people so doing are on their own regarding navigation, safety and recovery.

Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club operates with the principles of courtesy and respect and expects its members to do the same for all Club-related activities.