A participant's guide to activities

A unique feature of the SOLAR club is that our activities and classes are led by volunteers who want to share their knowledge and experience of the outdoors with others. This gives our members access to trips that are far more affordable than those run by outfitters, and helps members develop and practice skills by taking an active role in trip duties rather than relying on paid staff. At the same time, SOLAR trip leaders are not professionals, and represent a variety of experience levels, styles, and objectives.

Most people choose a trip based on the destination and the time frame involved. It is just as important to make sure the trip itself, and its leader, are suited to your own objectives, style, and level of experience. Some trips are relatively easy and laid back while others are challenging and difficult. Choosing a trip that is too difficult, or does not suit one's style or skill level, can result in frustration and regret, or in extreme cases, can lead to injury or put the entire group at risk. Choosing an appropriate trip can lead to a rewarding experience and fond memories, and benefits everyone else going on that trip.

So how do you choose an appropriate trip? The most important thing you can do is ask questions and do research.

A trip leader should provide the following information when announcing a trip. If some of this information is not provided, then ask the trip leader. If the trip leader doesn't give satisfactory answers, ask another club member or the Activities Chair. Some of questions that should be answered to your satisfaction include the following:

  • What is the background of the trip leader? In particular, what trips has he/she led, what relevant classes (e.g., Wilderness First Aid, Intermediate Backpacking, Land Navigation) has he/she taken? Has he/she gone on trips similar to the one being led?
  • If the trip leader has led other trips, then check with people who went on those trips to learn about their experiences. The trip leader should be willing to provide you with names; if not, you can ask the Activities Chair for names.
  • What skills or level of training is required? A trip of 40 miles through mountains or canyons requires far more training than 40 miles over flat terrain. High elevations present another challenge; some people get altitude sickness at 8000 feet, and almost anyone has increased difficulty hiking at altitudes above 10,000 feet. Anything that requires carrying extra weight will also make the trip more difficult. For example, hiking through a desert with little or no water requires carrying extra water, which weighs 2.2 pounds per liter. Hiking through bear country may involve carrying a 3 pound bear canister. Weather is also a factor. Hikers in mountain ranges such as the Rockies, Cascades, or Sierra Nevadas may encounter sub-freezing temperatures and snow, even in summer, so winter camping experience such as the Enjoying Michigan Winters class would be needed for such trips.
  • What is the trip leader's style? Some leaders operate by consensus, encouraging everyone to participate in trip planning, while others prefer to lay out exactly what is expected. Find out as much as you can about the leader's style, this will also give you some idea of how he/she will handle an unexpected situation or an emergency. There is no "right" or "wrong" style in leading a trip; what's important is that it suits your own expectations.

Here are two other suggestions for successful participation:

  • NEVER allow yourself to be talked into anything you are not comfortable with. If the trip involves hiking along a 3000 foot ledge and you are afraid of heights, then the trip may not be suitable for you. There is no shame in admitting you are not up to something; every human being has strengths and weaknesses.
  • ALWAYS communicate any problems that come up either before or during the trip. Blisters, dehydration, pulled muscles, or exhaustion can be dealt with more easily with early warning. Allowing problems to fester just makes them worse and puts the entire team at risk.