VolunteerFest Spurs on Hike Leaders
Iva Gillet and Tim Muzzio, PATC Hiking Committee Co-Chairs
Did you know that, as of November 12 this year, PATC hike leaders have led 155 hikes? They provided 1,925 volunteer hours to PATC, taking 1,600 hikers on those outings. The accompanying pictures are from some of the hikes.
The PATC Hiking Committee (Josh Silverman, David Manning, Jayne Mayne, Jeff Monroe, Jean Stephens, Michael Martin, Bob Malkowski, Iva Gillet, and Tim Muzzio) is busy trying to improve the hike leading experience by recruiting, retaining and supporting PATC hike leaders. A session at VounteerFest revealed much insight and the PATC Hiking Committee has begun tackling the revealed issues. Among the most interesting issues: providing hike leader feedback and recognition; the need for training and continuing education on matters such as Meetup, Alltrails and other navigation systems; how to be a more effective hike leader; clarification on first aid requirements; and requirements for maintaining active hike leader status. We thank all who provided valuable input.
In the few months since, the committee has been chipping away at these issues. Recently, for example, it began providing active hike leaders with PATC hats that distinguish them as hike leaders. The committee is examining hike reports to find meaningful ways to provide feedback to each hike leader. The Hike Leader manual was updated this Fall. First aid is a complicated issue spanning all facets of the club, and the committee is examining options that meet the specific needs of hike leaders that are consistent with other PATC chapters and committees. The committee intends to begin continuing education on various topics in 2026 and is exploring ways for hike leaders to share information on favorite hikes, hike leading tips, and encouraging competent hikers to consider being a leader.
Finally, it is trying to get our newly trained hike leaders off to a good start by reinvigorating our hike leader mentoring efforts. Stay tuned!
To make this work, we need more hike leaders! Consider joining our dedicated hike leaders and share the joy of hiking among the trees, rocks and trails we all enjoy. We will have Hike Leader classes beginning early in 2026. For more information, please visit: https://www.patc.net/hike.
Also, we need the support and engagement of all PATC hike leaders in the following ways:
• Submit hike reports for every hike you lead, including uploading the sign-in sheets. These are essential not only for accurate statistics but also for liability coverage.
• Consider becoming a Hike Leader Mentor to share your experience and skills with new trainees.
• Suggest topics you would like to see covered in training and continuing education sessions.
• Share your ideas on how we can further improve recruitment, retention, and support for our hike leaders.
Provide your thoughts to us at: hikes@PATC.net