Trip Leader

All Adaptive Adventure trips are led by highly trained CRIS Trip Leaders. Trip Leaders begin as program volunteers and have strong leadership qualities, a high level of outdoor recreation experience, and are ambassadors for accessibility. Our Trip Leaders are vital to delivering CRIS trips to the community. 

If you would like to become a CRIS trip leader, we encourage you to let us know and to apply as a program volunteer first. More information can be found here.

To become a trip leader, you must first go through trip leader training and evaluations. 

Program volunteer must meet the following prerequisites before attending Trip Leader (300TL) session:

    1. CRIS 110 (general CRIS training)
    2. 200 (general program training)
    3. Required 200-level activity-specific training and proficiency in the given activity (hiking, cycling, paddling, Nordic skiing, etc.) 
    4. Recommended by two different TLs with whom you have volunteered on CRIS trips
    5. Proof of valid first aid certification
    6. Driver’s abstract

Given the amount of time Trip Leader Training takes, we usually ask for a commitment of at least 2 years as a Trip Leader from potential volunteers.  

 

Responsibilities

  • Lead groups of clients, guests, and volunteers on CRIS outdoor trips in activities such as hiking, cycling, paddling (canoe, kayak, paddle boarding), snowshoeing, or Nordic skiing
  • Take responsibility for group safety by implementing trip plan, delegating, adhering to safety protocols, managing risk
  • Facilitate memorable engaging experiences that empower clients in outdoor activities
  • Complete post-trip reporting 
  • May assist with volunteer training and trip leader development and training
  • Mentor and inspire volunteers

Personal Qualities

  • Effective leadership with confidence, inspiration, empathy and focus
  • Manage groups of diverse people interests and with varying objectives
  • Able to make changes and decisions based on changing factors (e.g. clients, careaids, personnel, risk, environment, equipment, medical)
  • Identifying and managing risk
  • Maintain situational awareness, sound execution and good judgment during emergencies
  • Motivational and adaptive mindset
  • Strong communication skills
  • Physically and mentally fit for activity

Benefits

  • Develop interpersonal and leadership skills in a supportive setting 
  • Refine your outdoor leadership skills 
  • Build understanding of risk management, group management and dynamics, decision making, leadership styles 
  • Join a community that is passionate about accessibility and outdoor recreation
  • Access professional development and continued training opportunities 
  • Play a vital role in delivering CRIS programs to the community
  • Be an ambassador for accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation
  • Create impactful and lasting memories for volunteers, clients, family members
  • Make lasting connections and friendships with fellow volunteers and trip leaders
  • Potential to access to amazing pro-deals in the outdoor sector
  • Trip leader honorariums are often provided