tahoe rim trail association · the trta believes so strongly in the power of ybcc to inspire kids...

Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry Camp Instructor Manual

“It had nothing to do with gear or footwear or the

backpacking fads or philosophies of any particular era or

even with getting from point A to point B. It had to do with

how it felt to be in the wild. With what it was like to walk for

miles with no reason other than to witness the accumulation

of trees and meadows, mountains and deserts, streams and

rocks, rivers and grasses, sunrises and sunsets. The

experience was powerful and fundamental.” Cheryl Strayed

Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry Camp Instructor Manual

Welcome to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) Youth

Backcountry Camp (YBCC) program! This program has been taking

excited youth into the Tahoe backcountry since 2007. Each year we

do our best to learn from our successes and our challenges. This

version of the YBCC Instructor Manual is the latest and greatest from

those lessons. While many of the guidelines within continue to

change and be updated over time, we hope that this manual can aid

both experienced and novice YBCC instructors to create successful

and meaningful trips and experiences for the participants they lead.

This Instructor Manual is meant to be used in conjunction with each

(PSO) manual that contains

details about each individual trip, as well as several important TRTA

forms, protocols and procedures. Additionally, we want YOU to

continue to give us feedback on what we can change and improve,

to keep making YBCC trips better and better for years to come!

Please take notes and make suggestions as we coordinate each

individual YBCC trip with you, during YBCC Instructor Training, and

during the YBCC trip itself, to better inform us on how we can

continue improving the program. We love to implement your ideas,

BCC program the best year yet!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRTA Philosophy and Goals .......................................................... 1

YBCC Mission and Goals ........................................................... 3

YBCC Learning Objectives ....................................................... 5

YBCC Instructor Guidelines .......................................................... 6

YBCC Protocols ............................................................................. 6

Instructor Roles and Responsibilities .................................10

Instructor Behavior Expectations ......................................... 11

YBCC Gear ......................................................................................... 13

Trip Documentation ....................................................................... 14

Course Guidelines ........................................................................... 17

Participant Expectations .......................................................... 17

Supervision on Course .............................................................. 19

Behavioral Issues .......................................................................... 21

YBCC Orientations ..................................................................... 26

Immediate Orientation ...................................................... 26

Gear Orientation .................................................................. 30

Trailhead Orientation .......................................................... 31

Reflections ............................................................................... 33

Trip Ending and Evaluation ............................................34

Risk Management .......................................................................... 37

Activity Considerations and Briefings .............................. 38

First Aid .......................................................................................... 48

Participant Medications .......................................................... 50

Administering Medical Care ................................................... 51

Common Medical Problems During YBCC ..................... 52

Communicating with the TRTA Office ............................. 54

Staff Contact List ........................................................................ 58

TRTA Emergency Action Plan (EAP) ............................... 59

TRTA Trailhead Communications Plans (TCP) ............ 62

Instructor Training Notes and Guide ..................................... 65

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TRTA Philosophy and Goals

Organization Overview

The mission of the TRTA is to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim

Trail (TRT) system, practice and inspire stewardship and preserve

access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region. With over 400

annual TRTA volunteers who annually perform over 17,000 hours of

volunteer service, the TRTA works to enhance and maintain nearly

200 miles of trail and educate the community through guided

-class

system that allows users the opportunity to experience the

uniqueness and beauty of the Tahoe region despite the many

changes occurring in the Tahoe Basin; including the recent explosive

increase in use of the TRT. Recent data estimates over 400,000

people recreate along the TRT each year. Additionally, the USFS

s 2015 Environmental

Assessment reported over 5.7 million people visit the Tahoe Basin

annually. 47% percent of these visitors report hiking or walking as a

recreational activity they engage in, demonstrating the importance

of trails to the visitors and the local economy. With the growing local

ecotourism industry, the TRTA sees this as an opportunity to

educate and inspire future environmental stewards.

In order to do this, the TRTA offers many opportunities for residents

and visitors to learn and recreate with us. These opportunities

include medical trainings, youth programming, backcountry skills

courses, seminars, volunteer trail workdays, and guided outings to

inspire both the current and next generation of trail stewards. In

2017, the TRTA engaged over 400 community members in on-trail

guided programming, inspired 2,500 individuals at free events, and

offered a health and wellness program, the Tahoe Rim Trail

Challenge, free of charge to anyone. The TRTA seeks to expand

opportunities for visitors and residents to experience nature and

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learn how to recreate sustainably, reduce environmental impacts,

Purpose

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association exists to protect and preserve the

trail and the user experience.

Vision

The Tahoe Rim Trail connects diverse users to nature on a trail like

no other.

Mission

To maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and

inspire stewardship and preserve access to the natural beauty of the

Lake Tahoe region.

Goals

1. To nurture and educate a diverse group of trail stewards to

inspire stewardship both now and in the future

2. To support the protection and restoration of Tahoe ecosystems

3. To connect residents and visitors to trails to encourage and

provide opportunities for all people to pursue active lifestyles

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YBCC Mission and Goals

The Youth Backcountry Camp program is the cornerstone of TRTA

Youth Programs, and strives to bring the mission and purpose of the

TRTA alive in youth. The TRTA recognizes the many varied and

proven benefits to kids spending time outdoors, from improved

eyesight and health, to increased communication and interpersonal

skills, to a stronger ability to overcome personal challenges and a

deeper concern and investment in natural places. Spending time in

nature helps all of us to develop a sense of who we are, who we can

be, and of the potential in the world and within ourselves.

Each YBCC trip aims to help kids build confidence, knowledge and

skills that will stay with them long after their trip is over. Though the

time spent on YBCC with these youth is limited, the impact these

trips can have is profound. By teaching outdoor and life skills and

encouraging independence, we allow these kids not only to learn

and grow into themselves, but to support each other through both

mundane and challenging moments. As we facilitate friendship, they

develop a sense of responsibility and increase their capacity to care

for themselves and others. Through positive encouragement, youth

are able to discover not only the wonders of the wilderness but also

to better find themselves and their confidence to turn their dreams

into goals and their goals into reality.

The TRTA believes so strongly in the power of YBCC to inspire kids

that one of the guiding principles of this program is to allow any child

pay. Each year the TRTA raises tens of thousands of dollars and

cultivates positive relationships with other youth-oriented

organizations to be able to offer these trips to as many youth as

organizational capacity allows. YBCC trips give these teens

opportunities to share fun, exciting, and meaningful journeys

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together, to travel beyond their daily experiences, reach beyond

self-imposed limitations, and gain greater insight into the vibrant

nature of our world.

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YBCC Learning Objectives

Each YBCC trip is a unique experience, full of different flora and

fauna, and variable conditions that participants may experience.

Because of this, no two trips will be exactly alike. However, the TRTA

strives to adhere to the following basic learning objectives:

To teach basic backcountry skills including, but not limited

to backpacking, hiking, camping, cooking, navigation,

planning, Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, and risk

management.

To facilitate meaningful friendships and positive

experiences through constructive encouragement and

reflection.

To foster partici

responsibility by providing opportunities for acceptable

failure, to interact with structured risk and support one

another through reasonable challenges.

To inspire stewardship and nurture a sense of connection,

caring, engagement and activism in support of our natural

world.

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YBCC Instructor Guidelines

YBCC Protocols

Much of the success of the YBCC program depends on the flexibility

and decision-making skills of you and the other YBCC instructors in

the field. Additional details to guide these decisions and the course

of each YBCC trip are included in this document. However, certain

details are non-negotiable, must always be followed on every YBCC

trip, and are summarized in the following list of protocols:

YBCC trips will maintain a minimum instructor to participant

ratio of 1:6 at all times.

Prior to each YBCC trip, the TRTA field instructor will leave a

copy of the planned itinerary, expected route, and

participant and instructor medical and emergency contact

information with the TRTA office staff.

Any behavioral, mental, psychological, physical or other

conditions listed on any YBCC paperwork may be followed

up with the parent/guardian and/or participant to

determine if the YBCC program is an appropriate fit for the

child. These communications must be documented for

future reference.

All YBCC participant prescription and non-prescription

medication must be logged in the Medication Log in the

Program Specific Operations Manual (PSOM) and kept and

dispensed appropriately by YBCC instructors, with the

exception of anaphylaxis kits and inhalers, which shall be

kept by the participant in a nearby location known to YBCC

instructors. Any participant who has experienced an

anaphylactic reaction or been recommended by a medical

professional to carry an anaphylaxis kit must bring at

minimum TWO epinephrine auto-injectors on YBCC.

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A group First Aid kit must be kept in a dry bag under the care

of the TRTA field instructor, be identifiable by the

participants and kept within a reasonable distance of the

group at all times. Its contents are discussed in the YBCC

Preparation & Planning section.

All YBCC instructors must carry and appropriately use a

TRTA-provided radio while hiking, during emergency

situations, and any other time deemed necessary by TRTA

field staff. A GPS messaging unit (such as the Garmin

InReach SE+) and a back-up portable electronics charger will

also accompany each YBCC trip. This GPS unit must be kept

powered on for the duration of the YBCC trip and YBCC

instructors will check in with the TRTA office at regular

intervals according to the Communications policy outlined

in the Activities on YBCC section of this document.

YBCC instructors will enforce all non-negotiables and rules

for YBCC participants, as discussed in the YBCC Participant

Screening & Expectations section of this document. If any

YBCC participant does not abide by these rules, TRTA office

staff must be notified, and it may result in the removal of the

participant from the program.

Upon removal of a participant, the lead YBCC Instructor will

determine an appropriate plan of action

protocols. A participant may be removed from the Program

by one YBCC instructor or other TRTA staff.

Briefings will be provided to participants prior to engaging

in any new activity, as discussed in the Activity Briefings

portion of this document and in the YBCC Instructor Manual.

No YBCC participant may enter water deeper than 10 inches

without express permission and appropriate supervision by

a YBCC instructor who is a certified lifeguard. If more than 10

YBCC participants are in the water at one time, an additional

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YBCC instructor must also be present and observing the

swimming participants.

Any participant using a stove must have been adequately

briefed (see Activity Briefings section of this document) and

have an instructor monitoring them at all times during use.

YBCC instructors are to keep control of lighters

participants may use them under supervision, but must

immediately return lighters to YBCC instructors.

Closed toed shoes must be worn at all times by participants,

staff, and chaperones during the YBCC program except when

swimming and at established camping sites (excluding the

camp kitchen where closed toed shoes are required).

All staff or contract instructors must maintain current

Wilderness First Aid or higher certification.

All YBCC participants must have health insurance coverage.

Participants may not leave the camping area without

express permission from a YBCC instructor. When leaving

the area to use the bathroom, YBCC participants must have

their whistle with them and alert someone else in the group

who is not accompanying him/her to the bathroom

(preferably an instructor), telling that person where they are

going.

Water must always be appropriately filtered or treated prior

to consumption. Each trip will take a minimum of three

water filtration systems.

Girls are not allowed in boys tents or vice versa while on a

YBCC trip.

YBCC instructors will never be alone in a secluded area with

a participant (such as a tent or other area not visible to

anyone else). Remember that a secluded area may be

determined by the participant or outside observers. Try to

remain within view of at least two participants or one

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additional instructor at all times when interacting with a

participant.

Any observed or suspected sexual or physical abuse of any

participant both during and outside of the program must be

reported to the TRTA, who will then report it to the

appropriate entities.

Only TRTA staff members are allowed to drive TRTA vehicles

to transport YBCC participants and must adhere to the TRTA

Driving Policy.

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Instructor Roles and Responsibilities

YBCC instructors are all involved in YBCC under different

circumstances some of you are paid and some volunteer and

represent different organizations, but while leading a YBCC trip or

interacting with YBCC participants or instructors, you are an official

All YBCC instructors should be competent in the following areas:

1. Initiative and Leadership: Operate within specific

parameters, given general and/or specific guidelines, and

demonstrate problem-solving and leadership skills.

2. Communication Skills and Teamwork: Exhibit solid

communication skills and be effective in most situations.

Should be considered by others to be a good listener and

rarely need guidance. Work effectively with others while

striving to meet the objectives of the group.

3. Decision-Making: Make appropriate decisions under

challenging and changing situations. Rely on experience

and training to develop good judgement. Allocate time and

resources effectively.

4. Participation and Exploration: Willing to operate outside

normal boundaries and accept new challenges. Contributes

constructively to improvements of the YBCC program.

5. Risk Management: Follow all TRTA guidelines and protocols

while on any YBCC trip. Be competent in all technical skills

needed for the trip.

6. Ambassador: Represent the TRTA in a positive light at all

times to all YBCC participants, instructors and trail users.

Respond constructively to outside feedback or criticism

about the TRTA. Introduce YBCC participants to the many

wonders of the Lake Tahoe region.

Instructor Behavior Expectations

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As an employee or volunteer for one of the many organizations the

TRTA partners with for the YBCC program, you are expected to follow

behavioral standards when working with minors, including having

successfully passed an FBI Criminal Background Check. We also

expect you to be a good role model and mentor for YBCC

participants. Your professionalism is very important in creating a

positive group atmosphere and a successful group experience.

Please review and adhere to the following:

Always discuss with and defer to the best judgment of TRTA

staff members on any and all matters involving YBCC trips,

including but not limited to participants, activities,

emergencies, marketing materials, paperwork, etc.

Follow suggestions contained in the YBCC Program Specific

Operations Manual, YBCC Instructor Manual, this document,

and all other TRTA documents used during YBCC.

Accurately complete and return all required YBCC

paperwork for instructors and participants in a timely

manner to the TRTA.

Lead, role model, and care for all YBCC participants 24 hours

a day for the duration of the YBCC trip and adequately

facilitate group dynamics.

Effectively manage risk for all YBCC participants and

instructors and help participants aid in risk management.

Exhibit high quality judgment and decision-making. This

also includes monitoring for and reporting to the TRTA any

observed or suspected sexual or physical abuse; the TRTA

will then report it to the appropriate entities.

Enforce all YBCC non-negotiables and rules (as discussed in

the YBCC Participant Screening & Expectations section of

this document).

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Dress appropriately and safely and ensure that YBCC

participants do the same.

Never engage in any behavior that is or may be construed as

any form of harassment sexual, racial, ethnic, regarding

sexual orientation, etc. Be aware of what physical contact is

appropriate and that it may be determined by the individual

or observers be professional!

Never partake in smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, using

illegal drugs, or misusing prescription drugs while on a YBCC

trip.

Teach topics covered during training and relevant to the

YBCC guiding principles and goals and make sure trip goals

are met.

Reflect daily on the progress and happenings of the trip and

accurately portray those reflections as needed to YBCC

participants and co-instructors. Provide constructive

feedback as needed to YBCC participants and instructors as

well as TRTA staff.

Set up and debrief the trip(s) with TRTA staff and contribute

improvements to the YBCC program.

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YBCC Gear

The YBCC program is a very equipment intensive program. Every

year, the TRTA spends a vast amount of time, resources, and money

to outfit our programs with essential program gear. If you have gear

suggestions, we welcome you to share them with us.

Participants may use their own gear if they have it, pending

inspection and approval by a YBCC instructor. Backpacks must be at

least 50L capacity. The TRTA will provide the following gear to each

participant for them to use and return in approximately the same

condition they received it:

Backpack 50L+ size Sleeping bag rated for, at minimum, 30 degrees

Sleeping pad Two or three person tent (to share) Mess kit (bowl/spoon/fork/cup) Camp stoves, pans and cutlery (to share)

Water filtration systems (to share)

Extra water bottles (if needed) Sunscreen (to share) Headlamp

Lightweight pack towel

Long sleeved YBCC wicking shirt (to wear and keep, not to return)

All gear taken on a YBCC trip must be inventoried on the Gear Check

In/Out Sheet (in the PSOM) then returned to the TRTA office, cleaned

if necessary, and reentered into inventory. Please treat all TRTA gear

as your own and ensure YBCC participants to do the same. Please

make note of any gear that is damaged and how the damage

occurred, to TRTA staff.

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Trip Documentation

You will receive copies of all necessary forms prior to or at the start

of your YBCC trip in the PSOM. It is imperative that these forms are

completed properly and returned during the trip debrief. General

program suggestions and updates should be documented and

reviewed during the trip debrief. When filling out program

paperwork, keep in mind that all trip documentation is discoverable

in potential legal proceedings. As such, hyperbole, speculation,

exaggerations or unprofessional language are not appropriate.

Gear Check In/Out Sheet

This check in/out sheet must be filled out before each YBCC trip

leaves the TRTA gear location, and completed at the conclusion of

each trip as gear is checked back into TRTA possession.

Daily Debrief Sheets

YBCC instructors are required to contribute constructively to the

Daily Debrief and log of their trip, though the responsibility

ultimately lies on the TRTA field instructor. The following

information should be included: activities, group mood, minor

injuries or medical updates, discipline or group problems, and

pertinent conversations with participants. It is critical that these

Daily Debrief sheets are complete and accurate.

Medication Log

The Medication Log must be filled out with every prescription and

non-prescription medication administrations while on a YBCC trip.

This log needs to be as complete and detailed as possible.

Behavioral Report Form

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This form is an aid for handling difficult participant behavior and can

to help handle the situation, this form must be completed.

SOAP Notes

This form should be completed as needed in medical situations. If a

participant needs to be evacuated from the trip, this form should be

sent with the participant and a photo of the form to be kept for TRTA

records.

Incident Report

This form should be completed after any sort of incident that could

potentially be called into question later by participants,

parents/guardians, partner staff, bystanders, TRTA staff, lawyers,

etc. Fill it out with as much detail as possible, and also ensure

Witness Statements are also completed for the incident.

Witness Statement

These should be filled out by (ideally) two or more people who

witnessed the incident. Be sure they are completed as accurately

and with as much detail as possible.

Missing Person Report

This form must be completed if a YBCC participant or instructor is

missing for more than one hour, as part of the incident

documentation and TRTA Emergency Action Plan being carried out.

YBCC Partner Survey

A survey will be emailed to each YBCC instructor after your trip is

completed. This online form is the best place to document your

overall feelings and impressions of the trip and program, as well as

give any additional feedback to improve the program for next year.

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Please take your time filling this survey out we do value your

feedback and take your suggestions into consideration as we

continually work to improve this program.

Emergency Forms

Also included in field documents are reference sheets and protocols,

including the TRTA Emergency Action Plan, location-specific

Trailhead Communications Plan, and the trip-specific Group Medical

and Emergency Contact Info sheet.

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Course Guidelines

Participant Expectations

While nothing is absolute, there are some general operating

guidelines and procedures that have been thought out, tested, and

serve as guidance for YBCC instructors to monitor and correct as

needed, YBCC participant behavior. There may be some rare

exceptions, but typically these guidelines should be observed. They

cover a range of topics and are consistent with what parents and

participants have agreed to upon signing up for YBCC.

During the trip orientation, you will remind the participants that

they have agreed to abide by a specific set of rules. These have been

agreed to by both the participant and their parent/guardian, and can

be useful to bring up if you experience behavioral issues with any

YBCC participant. While a more readable version of these rules are

included in the Orientations section of this manual, the following are

non-negotiable rules that it is your job to ensure participants are

following at all times:

Participants are expected to be motivated, respectful to

peers and instructors, positive, willing to shoulder

responsibilities, and participate in activities. Participants will not act in a way that could be potentially

harmful to themselves or others.

Participants will respect the personal space, property, and

opinions of others.

Participant will not bring any of the following on the trip:

o Weapons (including pocket knives and slingshots) o Medication of any kind (unless it has been

documented on registration forms, turned over to

YBCC instructors, and logged in the Medication Log) o Alcohol, tobacco, electronic nicotine or illegal drugs

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o Electronics of any kind (with the exception of a camera no cell phones)

o Incendiaries (matches, candles, lighters, etc.) o Perfume

Participant may not leave the Program area without permission from the Program Instructors.

. Participants must ALWAYS carry their whistle on them. No participant may go anywhere alone. The exception is to

in which case they must tell an instructor where they are going (direction), and take their

whistle.

Once the sun has begun to set, participants must carry a headlamp or other adequate source of light at all times.

Participants may never go to any body of water alone, or be

in water without direct supervision of and permission from a YBCC instructor.

Participants may not enter any body of water without express permission from a YBCC instructor. Additionally, participants may not enter water more than 10 inches deep

without express permission and adequate supervision from

the lifeguard on the YBCC trip. Participants may not be within 5 feet of an in-use stove

without wearing close-toed shoes.

Participants may not engage in any kind of sexual activity while on a YBCC trip.

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Supervision on Course

The level of supervision of YBCC participants on the trip is going to

vary with a number of different factors (age of participants, location,

activity, time of day, etc.). It

instructors will be supervising participants directly when they are

participating in any structured YBCC activities including hiking,

cooking, swimming, etc. Even during unstructured time or down

time, instructors are still expected to supervise participants. This

includes keeping the group together (within reasonable shouting

distance) and maintaining a 1:6 instructor to participant ratio.

One of the goals of the YBCC program is to promote and encourage

independence. However, we always strive to do so within the

boundaries of adequately managing risk. In that spirit, please

administer appropriate activity and location briefings (covered in

the Activity Considerations and Briefings section of this manual, and

adhere to the following guidelines:

Prior to any activity or prolonged stay in an area, meet with

the group and establish both physical and behavioral

parameters.

Discuss possible hazards (wildlife, getting lost,

environmental concerns, hazard trees, water, etc.) and areas

to avoid.

Re-enforce the trip and behavior expectations and remind

them that they have agreed to help manage their personal

and group risk.

No participant should go anywhere alone, with the

Additionally,

participants must take their whistle with them at all times

and alert someone else (preferably an instructor) to where

they will be.

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Set up a visible central location in which an instructor is

always available to the participants.

Boys are not allowed in the tents of girls and vice versa,

under any circumstances.

Instructors should be vigilant during participant down time.

They still need your supervision here!

Instructors may never be alone with a participant in a tent or

other area secluded from the group. They need to always be

in sight of at minimum two YBCC participants and preferably

another YBCC instructor as well.

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Behavioral Issues

The issues below range in severity and each circumstance you

encounter may be unique. In each case, document your findings,

discussions, and all other pertinent information on the Behavioral

Report Form. Please consult with TRTA staff before informing a

participant of their particular consequences, which may or may not

include being removed from the trip. Behavioral issues are a slippery

slope. Ignoring early signs can lead to bigger problems later.

However, it is important to address these issues in a manner that is

consistent with the level of infraction.

Exclusive Relationships

through our orientations and participant agreement. We recognize

that this may be a challenge, as many kids come on YBCC trips with

their friends, but we strongly encourage them to make new friends

and avoid exclusivity. Consequences for violation of this policy are

largely dependent on the impact the violation has on the members

of the group (including instructors). Usually a discussion with the

members participating in the exclusive behavior will resolve the

issue.

Exclusive relationships, by themselves, are not normally grounds for

dismissal. However, continued offenses, lying to instructors and the

group, and other disruptive behaviors sometimes associated with

exclusive relationships may necessitate removing a participant (or

participants) from a trip. Please use the Behavioral Report Form to

document how this unfolds and what conversations you have had

both amongst YBCC instructors and with the offending

participant(s). TRTA staff are the best resource to help you decide

how to handle these situations.

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Sexual Activity

All participants are prohibited from engaging in any kind of sexual

activity while on any YBCC trip. If an instructor suspects sexual

activity they must document in writing the evidence grounding their

suspicion and discuss with TRTA staff how to handle the incident. If

a participant is caught actively engaging in any sexual activity, this

may be grounds for dismissal. Please discuss with TRTA staff how to

handle this situation.

Abuse

It is possible that you may suspect that one of your participants is a

victim of sexual or physical abuse either on the trip or at home, or a

participant may confide in you. In this situation, please discuss with

TRTA staff immediately. If the abuse took place while on YBCC, you

need to take the necessary steps to protect the participant from

further harm. TRTA staff will discuss how to proceed with this

delicate situation. We also ask trip instructors to document how you

found out or why you suspect abuse.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are unfortunately common in teen populations.

Eating disorders can include anorexia (under eating) or Bulimia

(binging and purging). If you believe a participant is not eating

enough to sustain their activity level, you need to speak with them

about it gently and privately. If you suspect a participant is

exhibiting symptoms of an eating disorder, discuss with TRTA staff

how to best handle this delicate situation.

Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Depression*

There are many underlying causes for anxiety that may manifest on

trip. Common solutions involve creating a safe and comfortable

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environment to work through the trigger without escalating the

situation by making rash decisions. Remember to listen carefully;

remain calm and keep your questions simple, honest, direct and

respectful. TRTA staff can provide you with additional tools and

resources to manage the situation.

Suicidal Thoughts

If suicidal thoughts are confirmed or suspected, seek advice from

TRTA staff. If you have any reason to believe the thoughts are serious

or imminent, do not leave the participant alone.

Tobacco, Alcohol or Drug Use

No YBCC participants are allowed to possess or use tobacco, e-

cigarettes/vaporizers, other tobacco products, alcohol or illegal or

recreational drugs. This policy was made clear to and agreed to by

participants and parents prior to the trip and must be reiterated

during the trip orientation. If a participant violates this policy,

instructors need to consult with TRTA staff for guidance, and the

offending participant will most likely be sent home. Additionally,

possession of drug paraphernalia (pipes, etc.) is not permitted on

YBCC trips. At the discretion of TRTA staff, even participants who do

not partake in these substances but who are present while these

substances are being used could be sent home as well. Instructors

need to document all relevant evidence and discussions related to

this issue. TRTA staff will discuss how to notify the parents of the

situation.

Prescription Psychotropic Drugs (Controlled Substances)

Participants must turn in ALL their prescription AND nonprescription

medications to YBCC instructors on the first day of the trip.

Exceptions to this rule include Epi-Pens and asthma inhalers which

must always be kept with the participant in a place well-known and

easily accessible to trip instructors and tent mates of the participant

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in possession of them. Birth control pills may also remain with the

participant.

Accommodating Participants with ADD or ADHD

Participants with ADD often present a different set of challenges for

us as leaders and teachers. In addition, many individuals who

regularly take medication to help control their ADD or ADHD during

the school year go off this medication in the summer

for us to have a clear understanding of the needs of our participants

with ADD and ADHD and include tools specific to teaching to these

participants.

Sending a Participant Home

Though infrequent and unlikely on such a short trip, there are certain instances that merit sending a participant home from a YBCC trip. Most behavioral issues should be able to be handled in the field, with the help of the Behavioral Report Form (located in the PSO) and

support of TRTA staff. Cases that may merit sending a participant home include, but are not limited to, drug or alcohol use, repeated

unsafe behavior, engaging in sexual activity, or lack of participation.

There are cases where a participant, while not violating the

aforementioned rules, may be detrimental to the group. If a

participant is posing an ongoing problem with the healthy atmosphere of a trip or is disruptive to the group experience, then

removal from the trip should be considered. However, in these cases

the TRTA cannot endorse sending such a participant home until the

YBCC instructors have talked to the participant about this problem behavior on multiple occasions and documented using the

Behavioral Report Form. Ideally, these communications take place

over the course of a couple or few days. The initial conversations with the offending participant regarding a discipline problem should include:

Explanation of the problem; ask for advice and guidance

from TRTA staff.

25 | P a g e

Give the participant several specific examples of inappropriate behavior.

Explain that if certain goals are not met regarding improvements in behavior then it is likely the participant will be sent home. Explain that the entire pattern of behavior must improve not just individual instances.

Checklist for the Office Staff (if sending participants home) If a situation were to arise in which YBCC instructors feel it is appropriate to send a participant home, they must have discussed

and agreed to it with TRTA office staff, and the following steps must be taken by TRTA office staff:

clear on the completed Behavioral Report Form. Document when the parents and/or alternative emergency

contact were contacted regarding the problematic behavior and the intent to remove him/her from the trip. Adequately describe those calls in documentation.

Once the decision to remove a participant from a YBCC trip

has been made, immediately arrange pick up plans with the parent or alternative emergency contact.

Ensure that TRTA staff member and/or applicable partner staff member is present when the child is picked up. If TRTA

staff cannot be present, confirm with partner staff that the

participant was retrieved by a parent/guardian or their alternative emergency contact.

26 | P a g e

YBCC Orientations

Properly orienting your group is critical to setting them up for a

successful trip. The first morning in particular is crucial to setting the

tone, heightening safety awareness and frontloading/managing

It is also important to set a

professional and knowledgeable tone for parents as they drop their

kids off to be in our care for several days. This includes, but is not

limited to, wearing your provided YBCC tech t-shirt during parent

drop-off and initial participant orientation. Orientations are a time

to set both individual and group goals. The timing of each discussion

and even the order of the components of the discussion and

orientation may change for each YBCC trip. What follows is a basic

discussion of some of the necessary components of every YBCC

orientation. Instructors should plan their orientations in advance of

participant arrival.

Immediate Orientation

Ask kids arrive, greet each one along with their parents. Be certain

they have appropriate, broken in shoes. Ask if they or parents have

any questions. Remind all parents when pick-up is. Say good-bye to

parents, and head to a nice outdoor space in which to play games

and go over some basic orientation before packing up and hitting

the trail.

Community Building

Introductions and a short name game (Squash, You Me Left

Right, Object on Your Back, see Games & Activities Book for

other ideas)

Game trust, teambuilding, or goal setting (Chocolate River,

Reach For Your Goals, Helium Poles, see Games & Activities

Book for other ideas)

27 | P a g e

Group Introduction: get the group excited about meeting

new people and having new adventures.

Review itinerary

o Overview and highlights.

o Remind them that flexibility is key (weather, food,

each other) every great adventure involves

flexibility.

Community Introduction:

o Great group of people embarking on this trip

together, as a group.

o Small group; we will operate like a family.

o Get ready for the best trip of your life!!

o Excited about the group (work together to achieve

our goals).

o You all know there are rules in life, in school, in your

family at home, etc.

o The TRTA also has some basic very clear rules that

we have told all parents and participants. You signed

this form, agreeing to abide by these rules.

Read this slowly and make eye contact with your

participants as you do so:

The group atmosphere is very important to

every YBCC trip. Participants are expected to be

motivated, respectful to peers and instructors,

positive, willing to shoulder responsibilities,

participate in activities, and not act in a way that

could be potentially harmful to themselves or

others. Participants agree to not act in a way that

could be potentially harmful to themselves or

others. Participants agree to respect the personal

space, property, and opinions of others. Participants

28 | P a g e

also agree not to bring any of the following items on

a YBCC trip:

Weapons (including pocket knives and

slingshots)

Medication of any kind (unless it has been

documented on registration forms and

turned over YBCC instructors)

Alcohol, tobacco, electronic nicotine

(vaping) or illegal drugs

Electronics of any kind (with the exception

of a camera no cell phones)

Incendiaries (matches, candles, lighters,

etc.)

Perfume

Participants agree to not leave the Program area

without permission from the Program instructors.

Additionally, actions detrimental to the group or a

healthy atmosphere as described above (including

being in the company of those violating our rules)

may result in dismissal from the trip.

Perhaps most importantly, participants are

expected to take an active part in managing and

mitigating their own level of risk. Instructors will

provide briefings before each new activity to

facilitate this, but it is up to YOU to stay safe!

Summarize:

o Basically, if it is dangerous to yourself or others or

it could get you sent home.

This includes leaving the group area without

permission.

o What questions do you have about these rules?

29 | P a g e

o Get verbal agreement from everyone (a yes, a noise,

cheer, or sign something).

o Remember to establish eye contact and your

a participants squeak by!).

-of-

o Ask open-ended questions:

What kind of environment do we want to

create on this trip?

How to you want this trip to run?

What do we need to have a great trip?

o Have them come up with th

looking for:

Safety

Respect

Community

Trust

Friendship

Fun

We already mentioned some of the big no-no items and

actions

going over those things again, because everyone

understands that those things have no place on our trip. But

there are a few more things that we think will also make this

trip more successful for everyone. We all have different

backgrounds and sometimes these things can fill an

awesome group with controversy.

o Language

It can help to make a problem you may have

personal

o

o Exclusive Relationships

Ask participants if they have experienced

being left out.

30 | P a g e

Romantic relationships, best friends,

cliques, singling out another person.

We understand you may (or may not) have

friendship, or any you may form on this trip,

take away from the open community

atmosphere.

o Technology

We all spend enough time using technology

this trip will be entirely gadget-free!

Exceptions: instructors will carry cell

phones, GPS, and radios for emergency use

only.

ple and nature a chance!

o Take advantage of every opportunity.

o Meet new friends, have new conversations, and try

new things.

About your leaders: safety training, medical training (poop

talk)

o Each instructor will introduce his/herself

o You can come to us about anything! (group issues,

o !!

Gear Orientation

Head down to the cage to go over personal and group gear, teach

how to pack a backpack, and make lunch before heading out on the

trail.

Personal Gear

Have them choose their one or two tent buddies (depends

on size of group and ratio of girls to boys).

31 | P a g e

In their tent groups, hand out the packing list cards and have

them all empty their personal belongings, go through

everything with each other, and see where they can cut

share many items (hairbrush, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)

to avoid having to carry it all.

A great example for them is to go through your personal gear

on display to the group to show them how little they really

need.

Group Gear

helping to carry this is part of working together.

Most gear and most food should already be divvied up into

piles based on tent groups. Remind them to split up that pile

evenly among tent mates based on WEIGHT, NOT SIZE.

Empty your own pack of EVERYTHING and show them the

basics of packing a backpack; focus on weight, balance, and

accessibility.

Divvy up any remaining food and gear to the group as a

whole. Instructors are expected to carry more weight than

participants!

Make lunch, fill up waters, use the restroom one last time, then load

up and head to your trailhead!

Trailhead Orientation

Let them use the restroom one last time (if they need to, and if one

is available all

backpacks out of the way, and go over trail safety before suiting up.

Safety

32 | P a g e

This group functions like a team and a family; safety is

looking out for themselves AND the rest of the group.

Ask them how they can take care of themselves, not just

while hiking but on YBCC in general

for:

o Hydration

o Nutrition

o Sunscreen

o Personal hygiene

o Pace yourself and communicate with the group

o Stay mindful of blisters

Communicate with instructors on all things big and small

Look out for each other and let instructors know if anything

is bothering you or could be improved.

Buddy System: leaving the trail or parameters of camp, must

tell and/or take a buddy, and AN INSTRUCTOR MUST KNOW

also important to point out direction travelled!

Lost Procedure (more information on page 38):

o Firstly, make sure you ALWAYS have your whistle on

you not your backpack!

o If YOU are lost: Keep a positive attitude and think

about the acronym STOP:

o Stop moving; admit you are lost

o Think

o Observe

o Plan

Emergency whistle system: 3 blasts is an emergency; no

fakes! What, aside from being lost, constitutes an

emergency? Discuss.

o Emphasize again that they (and all instructors!)

must ALWAYS have their whistle on them.

Basic LNT

33 | P a g e

o We will cover this in greater detail throughout the

trip. Do any of you know what Leave No Trace is all

about?

o Really stress not leaving organics (bread crusts,

apple cores, nut shells, etc.).

Trail Etiquette: the yield triangle

o Bikers typically yield to everyone, but with a group

this large, we will yield to bikers.

o Hikers yield to equestrians get on the downhill side

of the trail, well away from horses, stay quiet, follow

any orders or requests from the rider.

34 | P a g e

o Say hello to everyone! Smile, be friendly we are all

out here to recreate together =]

Get a group photo both to remember the experience, and

in case anyone does happen to get lost later, you know what

they were wearing.

Reflections

Reflections help participants to feel closer to each other even on a

short trip like YBCC. at shows

reflecting on experiences is very powerful and has long-lasting

impacts, which is what YBCC is all about! Feel free to add more

opportunities to reflect or adapt strategies to aid in the reflection

process.

Glums & Glows

After dinner, before the group starts to scatter, have each participant

share his or her low point (Glum) and high point (Glow) for the day.

It is best to set a pattern of Glum then Glow so that each person gets

to end on a positive note. Let them know that for every Glum they

have they need to have at least one Glow. Glums and Glows provide

a time to both give and receive feedback on how the day went and

to quickly assess the emotional status of the individuals and the

group. This ritual can also assist using the emotional bank account

to share disappointments with the group about behavior as well as

positive feedback for individuals.

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Reflection/Journaling

Reflection is an essential component of YBCC trips. Often our days

are exciting enough that some of the details and moments that

made the day so special can get lost in the momentum. It is

important to provide structure for participants to reflect throughout

the trip. While Glums & Glows promote reflection, not all

participants get the same thing out of these experiences. We

encourage you to build additional opportunities for reflection into

your YBCC trip, through evening journal time, solo journaling,

drawing, silent solo sits, round table discussions, etc.

Trip Ending and Evaluation

After sharing so much on a YBCC trip, a closing session is important

to both participants and to the TRTA. Our hope is for participants to

come away feeling good about themselves and their YBCC

adventure. We also feel that providing a positive closure to the trip

will help participants transfer their experience home and will have

made their time at YBCC more meaningful. The following are some

ideas to help facilitate this trip reflection.

Trip Glows

This is an easy way to get participants to share favorite stories and

moments from the trip. There are a number of ways to facilitate this

conversation, different from the daily Glums and Glows ritual. You

can popcorn style it and have everyone just shout out memories or

stories, structure it around in a circle, write favorite moments on

little slips of paper during one of the last meals and then after the

meal sit around and read them out loud. You can also combine

sharing funny stories and favorite moments with a more serious

discussion about what they learned on the trip or something that

has changed their perception.

36 | P a g e

Head Heart and Feet

This is a reflective closing that we always do, no matter what. It is

usually done after reaching the exit trailhead. You can do it before

loading into the vehicles to head back to the office while the dirt and

fun of the trail are still fresh, or during/after lunch whenever makes

the most sense to your group. Try to record this session (video or

audio) if possible for future reference.

Give participants time to think about their responses before getting

together as a group to share. They should consider their head, their

heart and their feet. Try to set this up as a reflection of the overall

trip experience, and how it impacted them personally:

even after you go home?

Heart: How did the experiences you had on YBCC make you

feel?

with from YBCC?

37 | P a g e

Risk Management

Recreational activities, from hiking to swimming involve inherent

risks that can provide challenge and excitement, as well as

opportunities for learning and personal growth. Unfortunately,

these same activities can sometimes lead to incidents or injuries in

the field. As a result, responsible risk management practices are an

integral part of TRTA and YBCC operations. YBCC instructors are key

players in the risk management equation as they are on the ground

instructing participants, making judgments, using and storing

equipment, and potentially activating emergency plans.

Before any activity, YBCC instructors are expected to assess all

potential risks associated with that activity, take actions to mitigate

those risks, and provide an adequate briefing to all participants. This

briefing will describe the activity, alert the group to potential

hazards and safety concerns, and remind participants that they are

active managers of their own risk.

The TRTA has provided this manual to give you directions and

guidance in responsible risk management practices. It is critical to

note that your professional judgment is an important element of any

YBCC activity or trip. However, if your professional judgment

deviates from this manual, or other TRTA guidelines, please discuss

it with TRTA staff before taking action.

38 | P a g e

Activity Considerations and Briefings

Before participating in a new activity, provide a briefing to the group.

This briefing describes the activity and alerts the group to potential

hazards and safety concerns. The following is a guideline of

considerations and some points to discuss during certain activity

briefings:

Backpacking/Hiking

Guidelines:

Adequate instruction on how to pack, adjust, and carry a

backpack as well as a briefing on TRTA backpacking/hiking

guidelines must be provided by YBCC instructors prior to

beginning backpacking.

A YBCC instructor must be at the front, and another at the

back of the line while backpacking/hiking. No participant is

allowed to backpack/hike in front of the lead instructor or

behind the sweep (at the back) instructor.

All YBCC instructors must carry a TRTA-provided radio and

have it on, all on the same channel, and loud enough they

can hear someone talking through it at all times while

backpacking/hiking.

The pace of the group should be appropriate for all group

members to reasonably prevent injury or illness.

Considerations include, but are not limited to:

Weather

Time of day

Water available

Distance traveling

Elevation gain and loss

Physical condition of participants and instructors

Nutrition on hand

Safety

39 | P a g e

Experience of participants and instructors

Briefing includes, but is not limited to:

YBCC Instructor at front and back (no being outside these

boundaries)

What to expect from and how to handle the terrain

Weather conditions

Safety (including hydration, nutrition, sunscreen, pace,

blisters, Lost Procedure, emergency communication, etc.)

Communication with other participants and instructors

Basic Leave No Trace ethics

Following trail etiquette (yield downhill to equestrians, yield

to uphill hikers)

Participants should only touch animals belonging to other

trail users with

Participants should only touch wild animals with permission

of a YBCC instructor who has adequately considered the

safety and Leave No Trace implications of such an

interaction.

Lost Procedure


Keep a positive attitude and STOP.

Stop moving; admit you are lost and use your whistle to

blow the emergency 3-blast call, to notify anyone within

hearing range of your situation and location.

Think: situation, weather, terrain, time, resources, the last

time you knew where you were.

Observe

familiar sights, sounds, potential exits.

Plan: next steps, survival techniques, setting up shelter,

using resources.

40 | P a g e

If a YBCC participant or instructor is lost in the backcountry for more

than one hour, initiate the TRTA Emergency Action Plan and contact

the TRTA office.

Searching for a lost individual:

Establish the point last seen and direction of travel.

Set up containment or attraction techniques (such as the

emergency 3-blast whistle call).

Use all available resources.

Assign someone to supervise the rest of the group.

Night Hikes

Guidelines:

Appropriate instructor to student ratio (1:6) must be

maintained during a night hike even if some participants opt

to remain at camp instead.

If not all participants want to go on a night hike, the night

hike may not venture farther than reasonable shouting

distance from the group campsite.

All participants and instructors partaking in a night hike

must carry an adequate source of light.


Weather and star/moon conditions

Physical condition of participants (tiredness, ability,

coordination, etc.)

Terrain

Weight/items being carried by participants

Other campers/users in the area


An adequate source of light must be carried by each YBCC

participant and instructor.

Extra layers to keep warm are required (worn or carried)

Avoid complicated terrain

Considerations of other visitors

41 | P a g e

Water Crossings


Depth of water

Submerged hazards

Rate of flow

Scout up and down stream for better crossing spots and

downstream hazards

Weight/items being carried by participants

Not all water crossings may be deemed safe; it is important

that YBCC instructors consider alternative options that do

not involve crossing water, both before and during any YBCC

trip.


Where to cross

When to cross

How to cross

Safety considerations and equipment

Swimming/Wading

Guidelines:

No YBCC participant may enter a moving body of water or a

body of water deeper than 10 inches without express

permission from a YBCC instructor.

swimmer on his/her registration forms, s/he will not be

allowed in water deeper than 10 inches.

If swimming or wading, a YBCC instructor certified as a

lifeguard must give an adequate safety briefing to

participants and express permission to enter the water, and

have TRTA-provided lifeguarding rescue equipment

(inflated rescue tube and emergency whistle) on hand.

42 | P a g e

If more than 10 participants are in the water at one time,

additional YBCC instructors must also be present to observe.


Depth

Submerged hazards

Rate of flow

Swimming ability of participants and instructors

Safety equipment on hand (inflated rescue tube and whistle)


Where to swim/wade

When to swim/wade

When to get out

No jumping off objects into the water

Potential hazards

Emergency actions

If a YBCC instructor blows his/her whistle during

swimming/wading time, all participants who are able must

exit the water, as the certified lifeguard on the trip performs

the required rescue.

Camping/Setting up Camp

Guidelines:

Campsites must follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

Adequate briefing on safety considerations around hazard

trees must be provided by a YBCC instructor to participants.

YBCC instructors must camp within 100 feet of participants.

Girls are not allowed in boys tents or vice versa.

Participants must respect the personal boundaries and

space of other participants, by not entering a tent that is not

their own without permission from all occupants of that

tent.

43 | P a g e

A YBCC instructor should not be secluded in an enclosed

space (such as inside a tent) with a participant where they

cannot be seen by others.

Participants may not leave the campsite area without

express permission from a YBCC instructor.

Participants should always alert someone in the group

(preferably an instructor), whether in camp or otherwise,

they are going and ensuring they have their whistle with

them.

Once the sun starts going down, all participants must carry

an adequate source of light with them when outside their

tent.

Absolutely no climbing of rock faces or trees is allowed,

though rock scrambling deemed safe by YBCC instructors

may be permissible with adequate supervision.

Considerations for setting up a campsite include, but are not limited

to:

Weather

Time of day

Terrain

Proximity to other campers, the trail, water sources, obvious

hazards, etc.

Safety (hazard trees, water, unstable terrain, cliffs, etc.)

Must conform to Leave No Trace wilderness ethics

Follows all applicable regulations to the area

Briefing for setting up camp includes, but is not limited to:

44 | P a g e

Hazard check and

discussion

Appropriate

distances

between areas of

camp

How to set up an

LNT-conforming

campsite

Using a Camping Stove

Guidelines:

Prior to using any camp stove, participants must be

adequately briefed on safety considerations and proper use

of the camp stove and related equipment.

Stoves must have a participant and an instructor (or just an

instructor) watching them at all times during use.

When a camping stove is in use, the user and anyone within

a 5 foot radius of the stove must be wearing close-toed

shoes.

YBCC Instructors are to keep control of the lighters

participants may use them under supervision, but they must

immediately return the lighter to a YBCC instructor.


Removable of flammable items within a 5 foot radius of the

stove (hair, debris, garbage, clothing, food or camping

items, other people, etc.)

Familiarity of user with equipment

Weather conditions

Local regulations


Proper use of the camp stove(s)

45 | P a g e

Camp stove safety (tie hair back, minimum of 5 foot radius

clearance, close-toed shoes required by stove users)

Participant and instructor (or just instructor) must be

watching a stove in use at all times.

Instructors are to keep lighters at all times (participants may

use under supervision but must immediately return lighters

to instructors).

If not in use, stoves and fuel must be put away.

Lightning Safety: TRTA staff will present the local weather forecast

for the area the YBCC trip will take place in. At minimum, each

morning YBCC instructors need to tune in to channel 16 on the TRTA-

provided radios to listen to the latest backcountry weather forecast

for that day. If thunderstorms threaten, trip reroute, cancellation,

and/or evacuation should be considered. Upon first hearing

thunder, YBCC instructors will suspend all regular activity and follow

guidelines modified from the National Lightning Safety Institute.

This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

46 | P a g e

Have all YBCC participants and instructors adopt the

National Lightning Safety Institute Lightning Position.

Avoid touching water and all metal objects.

Get off high elevations, like ridgetops and rises.

Avoid solitary or particularly tall trees.

cell phones, radios, cameras, etc.

Seek ground lower than the surrounding area, and

preferably in a stand of small to medium sized trees, or at

least away from any solitary trees.

47 | P a g e

Solo Reflection and/or Journaling: When undertaking solo

journaling or reflecting, all YBCC participants must stay within

eyesight of at least one YBCC instructor.

Games and Team-Building/Initiative Activities

Guidelines

All games, team-building or initiative activities, problem-

solving exercises or similar activities must prioritize the

safety of all YBCC participants and instructors.

Adequate instruction, direction, supervision and instructor

to participant ratio for these activities must be provided by

YBCC instructors.


Weather/conditions

Terrain

Other campers/users in the area

Adherence to Leave No Trace wilderness ethics

Physical ability and conditions of participants

Appropriate gain or goal of the activity for participants


Safety considerations (terrain, activities being performed,

weather, etc.)

Staying within the bounds of Leave No Trace

Goals and directions adequately described to participants

As applicable, a debrief of the activity may be provided at its

conclusion to help facilitate participants absorbing the goal

or message illustrated by the game or activity.

48 | P a g e

First Aid

A first aid kit is taken out on each YBCC trip. You should be familiar

with the contents of this kit. While this kit is fairly extensive, it is

possible that you may know of some additional item that a certain

participant or special circumstance warrants including in the first

aid kit. Please let the TRTA office know ahead of time if you have any

special requests to include in the first aid kit, and they will do their

best to accommodate your request.

Document any first aid given, and never provide first aid outside the

scope of your current certification.

Over the Counter Medications in First Aid Kit

There are a number of over the counter medications included in the

first aid kit. Additionally, there may be certain over the counter

medications that participants brought with them on the trip that will

be added to the first aid kit. Appropriately manage, record, label,

and return these medications at the end of the trip. When possible,

obtain informed consent from participants for all medication

administration, even non-prescription medication. Inform the

recipient of the indications, contraindications and possible side

effects of the medication and obtain consent to administer.

Although each participant has turned in their required YBCC health

history form, you should still ask the patient about previous history

with this medication, any known allergies, and if they are currently

on any medications. Document any time you give a participant

medication of any kind.

Prescription Medications in First Aid Kit

There are no prescription medications in the YBCC first aid kit this

includes epinephrine. For this reason, we require all YBCC

participants who have ever been recommended by a doctor to carry

49 | P a g e

an anaphylaxis kit (like Epi-Pen) to bring with them a minimum of

two doses on the trip. While participants with an Epi-Pen or an

asthma inhaler are allowed to keep those prescription medications

with them during the trip, their tent-mate(s) and all YBCC instructors

need to know on is kept at all

times. That participant needs to always have their medication on or

very near them, in case of an emergency.

50 | P a g e

Participant Medications

You will receive information on the medications your participants

will be taking during the trip and potentially relevant medical

conditions they have told us about. Parents have been encouraged

not to send non-essential over the counter medications with their

child.

Any participant who has experienced an anaphylactic reaction or

been recommended by a medical professional to carry an

anaphylaxis kit must bring at minimum TWO epinephrine auto-

injectors on YBCC.

Participants are required to give over all their prescription and non-

prescription drugs to YBCC instructors at the beginning of the trip.

These medications need to be logged in the Medication Log (in the

PSO), labeled , and dispensed according

Anaphylaxis kits and

inhalers are exceptions; they must be logged in the Medication Log

but remain with the participant in an easily accessible and known

during the trip.

Remind participants to take their medications when prescribed,

administer the correct dosage at the appropriate time, and observe

that they actually take the medication as prescribed. Every time you

administer participants taking

or over the counter, you must record it in the Medication Log in the

PSO. At the end of the trip, medications should be returned to

participants appropriately.

Reminder: Misuse or abuse of prescription or non-prescription drugs

is a violation of YBCC policy and is cause for dismissing a participant

from the trip.

51 | P a g e

Administering Medical Care

If a participant requires medical attention, the instructor with the

highest level of current training should assume the leadership role.

Use the field guide (within your scope of current medical

certification) included in the YBCC first aid kit. Each situation in the

field is unique, with many factors influencing treatment and

evacuation decisions. Use your medical training to help you decide

the best course of action, and never be afraid to consult with TRTA

office staff. Below are some ideas, reminders, and considerations to

keep in mind when making treatment and evacuation decisions.

For all Medical Situations

Document all actions taken.

Whenever possible, obtain informed consent from

your patient before treating them (this is not

required from minors, but a courtesy to them; the

TRTA has obtained legal consent to medical

treatment from their legal guardian).

Always act within the scope of your training and

current certification.

During an incident, consult and follow the TRTA

general and location-specific protocols and

emergency action plans.

Discuss the incident with TRTA staff and consider

calling with your cell phone or messaging with the

GPS device (if cell coverage does not exist) TRTA

office staff for consultation.

If necessary, use cell phones (first), or TRTA-provided

radios (back-up) to contact emergency services

FIRST, then notify the TRTA office.

52 | P a g e

Common Medical Problems During YBCC

Dehydration

Dehydration is a relatively common and potentially dangerous

drinking enough water, and altitude increases the likelihood of

becoming dehydrated. Remind the participants that they need to

replace lost water constantly and make drinking water readily

available to participants. Common early signs of dehydration are

often referr

(grouchiness), stumbling (fatigue), and mumbling. Additionally,

headaches, vomiting and diarrhea are also possible signs of

dehydration. Remember that simply drinking water is not always

enough. Eat salty snacks while drinking water or if need be, add

Gatorade powder, hydration salts or a pinch of salt and sugar to

water to increase fluid absorption.

Blisters

The best way to combat blisters is to take preventative measures by

wearing socks that fit, broken-in shoes and asking often during hikes

if anyone is experiencing hot spots. Emphasize the importance of

Those that have blisters should be treated immediately and

monitored frequently. Poor blister management is one of the top

Parents have been

YBCC trip, but it does happen. Check with kids that they have

appropriate shoes BEFORE saying good-bye to parents.

Sunburn

Apply sunscreen liberally throughout the day. Remember that even

with sunscreen you can still get burned and applying it once a day is

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not enough, particularly at the high elevations experience on YBCC!

If you notice a participant getting even slightly red have them

reapply sunscreen, cover the affected area, and keep out of direct

sunlight. By keeping sunscreen handy and in a visible/accessible

location, participants will be more likely to use it.

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Communicating with the TRTA Office

Using the GPS (Garmin InReach SE)

Every YBCC trip will be supplied with a GPS messaging unit

(such as the Garmin InReach SE+) and a back-up portable

electronics charger. The GPS unit must be kept powered on

for the duration of the trip and checked at regular intervals.

Each day before sunset, YBCC instructors will use the TRTA-

provided GPS unit to check in with TRTA office staff. There

are three preset messages instructors may use, two of which

require additional information to be given. The preset

messages are as follows:

Green: All is well with the group and trip, or at least

manageable in the field. We are where our itinerary

says we should be and require no further assistance

or action from outside sources. (No follow-up

needed.)

Yellow: We are having some small issues that are

manageable in the field and require no further

assistance or action from outside sources, but

something is different from our planned trip or

itinerary; details to follow. (Follow-up is needed by

YBCC field staff to state what the issue is and how it

is being managed in the field. Issues may include

mild behavioral or medical issues, deviating slightly

from the planned route, gear malfunction, etc.)

Red: We are having an issue that requires outside

assistance and may have already contacted EMS;

details to follow. (Immediate follow-up is needed by

YBCC field staff to state what the issue is and what

assistance is required. If this message is sent, the

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TRTA Emergency Action Plan must be/is being

initiated.)

If you are experiencing an urgent medical emergency in a

location with no cell service within a reasonable distance,

activate the TRTA Emergency Action Plan and use the GPS

unit SOS feature to contact EMS, and the GPS messaging

feature to alert the TRTA office. You can then use a TRTA

radio, if need be, to speak with the nearest Basin repeater, as

per the Trailhead Communications Plan and TRTA

Emergency Action Plan.

If any message other than Green is sent, you should get

ahold of the TRTA office as soon as possible afterwards using

your cell phone (see below) or the GPS messaging feature (if

no cell service is available within reasonable distance of your

location).

If no message is received by TRTA office staff (or other form

of check-in) within 30 minutes of sunset each night the YBCC

trip is in session, TRTA office staff will send a message to the

YBCC GPS unit to check in with the group. If no

communication from the YBCC group in the field is received

by TRTA office staff within one hour of this attempt to

contact, the TRTA Emergency Action Plan will be initiated to

locate the YBCC group.

Using a Cell Phone

For much of YBCC trips, the group is out of cell service. There are

points along the trail particularly high points that get limited cell

service, depending on your carrier. AT&T and Verizon tend to get the

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any service Texts can

sometimes make it out when phone calls fail.

If you are experiencing an urgent medical emergency, contact 911

first. Try to call out with your cell phone first so Emergency Medical

Services (EMS) can get a GPS location from your device. Immediately

give them your cell phone number in case the call is disconnected.

Provide information in small increments and tell them as specifically

as you can where you are located and what type of emergency you

have. Follow their instructions. After contacting and making a plan

with EMS and contact the TRTA office in the following order:

1. TRTA office at (775) 298-4485 (main line).

2. If no one answers, or it is outside of office hours (Monday

Friday 9-5), contact staff cell numbers:

Julia Kaseta (Youth Programs Manager) cell at (860)

204-2846.

Morgan Steel (Executive Director) cell at (530) 318-

3410.

If you need to speak with the TRTA office for a non-urgent issue, call

the TRTA office line first, then Julia cell phone. If neither answer

but

Using a Radio

If you are having an urgent medical emergency, need to contact

distance of your location during an emergency, first use the GPS unit

SOS feature to send your location to EMS. Then

one of the TRTA radios

help. Each YBCC instructor will carry his/her own TRTA radio at all

times during the YBCC trip. To use the radio, stand in a clear location

and hold the radio upright. Check with the Trailhead

Communications Plan for your specific location (included in the

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PSO) to ensure that you are on the correct channel to reach the

repeater nearest you. Wait for 2 seconds after keying the mic to

speak. Try at least 3 times, at least 10 seconds apart. If needed, move

your location a few feet. Give them your name, location, and type of

emergency in small increments, allowing them to digest the

information and respond accordingly.

name. Instead use descriptors like gender and age. Your cell phone,

even without service, can tell you your exact GPS coordinates (for an

iPhone, turn on Location Services and open the Compass

application). Be sure to provide these details to the repeater

operator, along with any other pertinent details on how to find you

and what support you need.

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TRTA Staff Contact List

Morgan Steel

Executive Director

cell (530) 318-3410

work (775) 298-4489

Lindsey Schultz

Outdoor Programs Director

cell (775) 219-6336

work (775) 298-4491

Justine Lentz

Operations and Marketing

Manager

cell (530) 227-7889

work (775) 298-4492

Veronica Palmer

Development Manager

cell (281) 381-1958

work (775) 298-4490

Chris Binder

Director of Trail Operations

cell (203) 731-0718

work (775) 298-4494

Laurie Buffington

Office Administrator

cell (530) 412-0849

work (775) 298-4487

Julia Kaseta

Youth Programs Manager

cell (860) 204-2846

work (775) 298-4493

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TRTA Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

The following plan is the protocol for how to deal with emergencies.

Specific situations and circumstances may require slightly different

actions.

Discuss your specific plan for emergencies prior to trip

departure. Assign different instructors to each role necessary for the

emergency prior to the start of the trip so each person can prepare

for their potential responsibilities. Make sure each person has access

to the Trailhead Communications Plan and this Emergency Action

Plan (also located in the PSO).

Incident Commander: Responsible for management of

the overall situation and delegates responsibilities to

both participants and guides.

First Aid Lead: Most medically qualified person on the

trip. Responsible for medical assessment and care.

Communications Lead: Responsible for all emergency

communications.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1) Before taking any action, stop whatever activity the group

was engaged in and evaluate the situation. Assess and

mitigate any immediate dangers for the group, bystanders,

and/or patients. If you are not able to mitigate risk factors to

ensure the safety of the group, make a plan to leave the

situation as quickly as possible.

2) After determining the scene is safe, direct First Aid Lead to

initiate care for the patient(s). First Aid Lead will evaluate

patient(s) and will record medical or SOAP notes. If

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additional personnel are available, provide a Scribe for First

Aid Lead.

3) Communications Lead uses Trailhead Communications Plan

(TCP) and calls 911 or Dispatcher via radio if cellphone

service is not available. Relay pertinent medical or SOAP

notes written by the First Aid Lead or Scribe.

4) As soon as time allows, call TRTA office or after hour cell

phones on radio card to report the incident and receive

assistance. Staff will make necessary calls to emergency

contacts, alert any event partners, and deal with all media.

5) The Incident Commander gives instructions to the

remaining group members to remove them from the scene

of the incident to a nearby location and keep them calm.

6) Fill out Incident Report Form and as many Witness

Statements as possible.

7) The TRTA will work with EMS to assess and create any

necessary evacuation plans. Send any pertinent medical or

SOAP notes with patient (take a photo first for TRTA records,

as we will not get these documents back from EMS).

8) DOCUMENTATION! Complete and submit all paperwork to

the TRTA within 24 hours of the end of the trip.

Handling Media after an Incident

B

the line during and after a critical incident. Assume that the

moment outside help is requested, the story is public. The TRTA

office and partner organization offices will coordinate about how to

handle the media, and all questions must be directed to the TRTA.

If any member of the media attempts to talk to you about the

incident, you need to direct them to contact the TRTA office, and

MAKE NO OTHER COMMENTS.

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Take the time to instruct the participants to refer all media inquiries

to the TRTA, and not to answer any questions. Point out that among

outsiders for the time being. Talk through the event with the group

and give them the opportunity to ask questions and understand

what happened. They will eventually end up telling this story to

outsiders later, so try to make certain the incident is shown in as

positive a light as possible.

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TRTA Trailhead Communications Plans (TCP)

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Instructor Training Notes & Guide

YBCC Orientation, Expectations & Protocols

Trailhead Talk

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Hazard Trees

Campsite Safety

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Risk Management

Activity Briefings

Camp Stove:

Night Hike:

Water Crossing:

Swimming:

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Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Communications on Trip

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Group Dynamics

Group Communication

Participant Expectations

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Navigation

Plant ID & Natural History

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First Aid and Medical Scenarios

(Mis)Behavioral Situations

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Facilitating and Managing Difficult Behavior

Leave No Trace

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Awesome Games/Debrief

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Additional Notes/Questions

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