An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
APPLICATION TO LEAD AN AMC MAJOR EXCURSION
(Use the F1 key to summon help for most fields)
(Forms and General Information: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ )
1. SUMMARY INFORMATION
A) Trip Title:
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
B)
C)
D)
E)
Erika Bloom
none
Jan 4-19, 2006
Hiking/Trekking and Safari
Leader:
Co-Leader(s):
Dates:
Type of Trip:
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 8
Total # of days:
16
Maximum: 14
G) Advertised Cost: $3,900-$4,650 plus airfare estimated at approximately $1,650
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
We will fly into Kilimanjaro Airport and stay in Arusha for 2 nights to prepare and begin
acclimatizing for our Kilimanjaro trek. We will have 8 days/7 nights on the mountain, using the
guides and porters provided by our outfitter, African Environments. We will then fly or drive to
the Serengeti for 4 days/3 nights of camping safari, again through African Environments. We will
return to Arusha and fly back to the United States. This trip is a repeat of a trip to be run by
Stacia Zukroff December 26, 2004. This outfitter is the same used for Stacia's trip, the 2004
AMC President's Society trip, and the proposed 2005 President's Society trip. Although details
could not be finalized before this proposal was due, we are negotiating the possibility of adjusting
our arrival and/or departure days 1 or two days in either direction, and possibly adding another
day to the trip. If we add another day, we would most likely (though African Environments)
shorten our time in the Serengeti but add 1-2 days in the Ngorongoro Crater/Highlands area. This
is being negotiated but would likely add approximately $100-$300 to the trip cost. Please see the
attached information with full itinerary from African Environments, however note that to save
money on this trip, the first two nights will be spent in an inexpensive hotel in Arusha rather than
in the tented private camp.
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
We will stay in an inexpensive hotel in Arusha for the first two nights. On the Kilimanjaro
trek, we will stay in camps along the designated route. On the Safari, we will stay in a safari
camp set up by African Environments. If we are able to add on a day or two in the Ngorongoro
area, African Environments will arrange a camp or inexpensive hotel.
C) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
No
Yes, this trip will require permits in the Kilimanjaro National Park and the Serengeti. The
outfitter, African Environments, will obtain these permits and include them in the price of the
trek.
D) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
NO. Outfitter will be carrying Gamow hyperbaric bags, oxygen and water filter.
No
E) Conservation/Education/Recreation:: Given that the AMC Mission Statement is as follows
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and recreation
organization. We promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails
of the Appalachian region. We believe that the mountains and rivers have an intrinsic worth and also
provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the
region. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world because we believe that
successful conservation depends on this experience. We fulfill our mission through the three
interconnecting pillars of the AMC: conservation, education, and recreation
How will this major excursion meet this mission of conservation, education, and recreation?
For examples, please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/mission/>
In addition to the clear flora and fauna aspects of the climb and safari, this trip will be a
wonderful opportunity for participants to interact with the local culture. Our porters and guides
will be indigenous, and during the safari the group may have the opportunity to interact with the
Maassai people. The group will also have the chance to learn about the many environmental
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
impacts climbers make on Mt. Kilimanjaro and how these are dealt with by climbing groups and
the local park administration.
F) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
Yes
Name: Yes, this trip will require an outfitter, African Environments, and their website is
www.africanenvironments.co.tz. Heidi Reilly has been able to negotiate special discounted
prices for our group since they may be able to make use of the same campsites and itineraries
as the President’s Society group. .
Safety record: At the time of this trip, African Environments will have been the outfitter on 3
previous AMC trips.
Liability insurance: . They have liability insurance, and Heidi Reilly will negotiate all of the
necessary insurance details.
Emergency response: They carry Gamow hyperbaric bags and oxygen for emergencies. They
are prepared to evacuate in case of emergencies.
3. LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
Erika Bloom
9 Holiday Drive
Fairhaven MA 02719
(home) 508-996-3290
(work) Cell 508-951-1001
(e-mail) ebloom1@comcast.net
Co-Leader:
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<Street Address>
<City, State, Zip>
(home) <home telephone>
(e-mail) <e-mail address>
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(work) <work telephone>
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
B) First Aid Training
To lead a Major Excursion, you must have current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or
its equivalent at the time of your trip.
Leader:
CPR: I will update CPR prior to the trip
WFA: 11/05 -I will update prior to the trip
Other: I have a medical background - I am a physician assistant (PA).
Co-Leader:
CPR: <Expiration Date>
WFA: <Expiration Date>
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
Will update CPR, WFA before trip.
C) Leader Experience and Training
New Leaders: If you are a new leader or co-leader, you must have submitted the form
“Application to Become a Major Excursions Leader”.
Experienced Major Excursions Leaders: Please list below the last three trips you have led for
the AMC including destination, type of trip (backpacking, skiing, etc.), dates, and number of
participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate
experience related to the trip you are proposing.
1. Leader, AMC Major Excursion - Glacier National Park Hiking and Field Seminars, July
2004 (7 participants).
2. Co-Leader, AMC Major Excursion - Backcountry Banff, hiking and backpacking trip,
2002 (8 participants).
3. Leader, Boston YM trip - October 8-11, 2004, hut and backpacking trip (8 participants)
Others:
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
Yes
I have travelled in Africa with my family but as a child. I will be in close contact with Stacia
Zukroff, who is leading this trip December 2005.
E) Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required?
<If "Yes" please describe>
No
F) Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
<If "Yes" please detail plans if one party cannot go>
No
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
4. RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks/hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it
may affect your trip with specific potential hazards. Then, devise a plan to attempt to prevent
each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary.
A) Climate/Terrain
Potential Hazards: Kilimanjaro presents issues for terrain, altitude and weather. In the
Serengeti there are issues with wild animals
Response:
African Environment guides have years of wilderness experience, including
extensive training in emergency measures and high altitude medicine. The itinerary and pace
strictly adhere to the latest guidelines on maximum daily altitude gain. The staff does have
medical training and in extreme cases, helicopters can be used to fly people to the nearest
hospital. During the safari the participants will be in vehicles. We will only be allowed to walk
outside the vehicles if the guides think it is safe, and if we are allowed out, there will be an armed
guide.All participants will be urged to purchase additional evacuation insurance for the trip.
B) Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards: Tanzania is a relatively stable country.
Response:
The State Department travel advisories will be monitored closely. Also,
African Environments will monitor any unrest and safety considerations. Travel insurance will be
highly encouraged for all participants.As for theft, petty crime does occur. Participants will be
advised not to bring valuables and to carry important documents, expensive camera equipment
and money on them at all times. Tanzania’s official language is English
C) Transportation
Potential Hazards: Transportation to and from the airport, start of the hike and safari.
Response:
African Environments will be providing all transportation and drivers.
Participants and leaders will not have to do any driving during the trip. They do have insurance.
D) Participants
Potential Hazards: Participants may get altitude sickness and may not be prepared physically
for the extreme altitudes.
Response:
Participants must be in excellent physical shape with significant hiking
experience. Backpacking experience is not necessary since porters will be carrying most food and
equipment. Previous hiking experience at altitude is preferred.
E) Other
Potential Hazards: Tanzania is a developing country with many health concerns, such as
unsafe drinking water and disease.
Response:
Participants will be advised about required and recommended vaccinations,
safe drinking water practices, and African Environments will prepare its food to the highest
standards and hygiene practices it can.Participants will be encouraged to get all recommended and
potentially required immunizations.
5. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail as
possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
A) Emergency Communication
See information from African Environments website.
B) Evacuation
See information from African Environments website.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
C) Medical Care
See information from African Environments website:
SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION FROM THE AFRICAN ENVIRONMENTS
WEBSITE
Food and Water
Too many people spend thousands of dollars on their "dream" trip only to have it ruined by
invisible parasites and bacteria, common in third world countries, that can reek havoc on your
health. Tanzania being relatively sparsely populated with humans, is a fairly "clean" country by
most third world standards. Nevertheless, poor sanitation and cooking practices are probably the
most common cause of failure on Kilimanjaro and misery on safari.
Although many people research the menu's that they will have while traveling, very few
research the sanitation practices of the company preparing the menus. At African Environments,
we consider this an important "behind the scenes" service we provide. Our cooks are well
trained and experience and they have all had classes in the importance of proper hygiene. They
are careful to disinfect all dishes and cooking utensils and all fresh vegetables that are served.
This requires sending ample disinfectant on your trip and having plenty of assistant cooks
available to help disinfect everything.
Even more important than food is your water source while traveling. Plenty of pure water
keeps you healthy and moving toward the summit or enjoying the plains. As in America, all the
surface water in Tanzania is likely to harbor parasites such as giardia or amoebas. We stock all of
our trips, both mountain and safari, with expedition quality World Health Organization approved
Katadyn water filters. These filters can produce up to 10 liters of crystal clear pure water in a
minute. The cost of these filters is prohibitive for most safari and mountain operators so they
resort to boiling water which is often not boiled to completion and uses a massive amount of fuel.
There are a wide variety of "local" filtering systems available in Tanzania but none of these
filters can take out all the parasites found in the water.
Vehicle Safety
Roads in Tanzania are generally unsafe as they are full of potholes, poorly lit and rarely
marked with signs. We take safety of our clients and vehicles very seriously:
· All of our vehicles are fitted with seat-belts for every passenger.
· Vehicles are maintained after every safari and tires are changed regularly.
· Safari vehicles are equipped with VHF radios and all camps have HF radios for
communication with the Arusha base station.
· Our drivers all have more than 15 years experience driving, most of them have more than
10 years experience with us.
· All drivers have taken first aid courses and carry first aid kits. Most drivers were
mechanics before they were drivers.
Mountain Safety
At 19,300 feet Kilimanjaro poses some serious potential health risks. Your climbing
adventure should only be undertaken with the guidance and support of a company experienced
and serious about high altitude climbing.
· All our trip leaders are Wilderness First Responder certified - this is an 80 hour intensive
American 1st aid course offered by the Wilderness Medical institute focusing on high altitude and
wilderness medicine.
· All trip leaders have the experience of more than 50 Kilimanjaro climbs under their belt,
many have climbed internationally as well.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
· We provide all trip with trip leaders and enough assistant trip leaders to ensure ration of at
least 1 guide per 3 client. In the event that a client is hiking slow or needs to be evacuated there is
plenty of back up to meet their needs.
· All trips are equipped with solar and battery powered HF radios and communicate twice
daily with our Arusha base.
· We carry supplemental oxygen and high altitude hyperbaric "Gamow" bags on all
mountain climbs. These are for use in the event of acute altitude sickness.
· We have recently worked with the National Outdoor Leadership School of the USA to
perform an external review of our safety procedures and produce a crisis management protocol.
· We provide equipment imported from America that is the most durable available for harsh
high altitude conditions. Although our tents are not tall or spacious, they will keep you dry, warm
and safe in a severe storm.
Kilimanjaro Shira Plateau Route - 7 night/8 days
Serengeti – 4 days/3 nights
This complete Kilimanjaro itinerary is the most successful trek on the mountain with 98% of
the climbers reaching the summit. One of the best features of the route is the longer, slower
ascent which gives the body time to acclimatize to the altitude gradually– this greatly increases
the success rate. The route has the added benefit of traveling across the Shira Plateau: a World
Heritage Site and one of the Kilimanjaro wilderness areas.
Day 1: PRIVATE TENTED CAMP Arrive in Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to a
special private luxury camp. Our camp is in the old traditional canvas style, comfortable and well
staffed (see "camping"). Our campsites provide you with the opportunity to spend your first two
nights in the still unchanged bush of Eastern Africa. We have two different campsites.
December to March our Amboseli Basin bush camp, below Kili's western slopes, provides
excellent African bush walking and cultural exchange opportunities with the Maasai. Our second
campsite is inside Arusha National Park at the base of Mt. Meru is good year around. This camp
is at 6,000 ft, helping you acclimatize in preparation for climbing Kili. The walking from the
camp is in Montane Forest on the slopes of Mt. Meru. A half day acclimatization hike can take
you to over 8,000ft, excellent for acclimatization.
Day 2: PRIVATE TENTED CAMP This day is designed to give you plenty of time to relax,
pack and recoup from the long journey. Your trip leader will give you a climb briefing and
answer any questions you have about the climb. He will also do an equipment check with each
person to be sure that you are fully prepared. We have designed this day to allow for walking,
game viewing or cultural exchange with indigenous people. Activities will depend on which
campsite you have chosen. Accommodation is full board.
Day 3: MONTANE FOREST (9,000') (day 1 on the mountain) Drive approximately one hour
to the Kilimanjaro National Park forest edge. From there we walk about 3 hours through the
undisturbed forest to our camp for the night. With luck you will be able to see Colobus monkeys
and signs of elephant and other forest wildlife on your walk to camp.
Day 4: SHIRA PLATEAU WEST SIDE (11,300') (day 2 on the mountain) Taking our time
walking through the forest will help us spot some of the plentiful game and bird life. The day's
hike will take us up through the Montane Forest and the Hagenia forest zone. You will see the
unique environmental differences that characterize these equatorial zones.
Day 5: SHIRA PLATEAU EAST SIDE - FISCHER'S CAMP (12,950')(day 3 on mountain)
Our hike today will be about 4 hours across the Shira Plateau, a World Heritage Site, and one
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
hour up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Camp will be in the upper heath zone in full view
of the Western Breach.
Day 6: LAVA TOWER (14,300') (day 4 on mountain) Today we will hike approximately 6
hours to camp just under Lava Tower, a 300 foot high volcanic lava plug that juts out of the side
of the mountain. This will be our first introduction to the alpine zone, with the only plant life
being the hardiest of grasses and lichens. We will have a spectacular view of our final ascent
route up the Western Breach.
Day 7: ARROW GLACIER (16,000') (day 5 on mountain) With the Western Breach ascent
route in full view we will spend 2 hours climbing to the base of the route where we will camp
near Arrow Glacier. An afternoon hike further up the route before relaxing in camp will help our
acclimatization and improve our performance the following day.
Day 8: SUMMIT CRATER CAMP (18,500') (day 6 on mountain) We will wind our way up
the Western Breach non-technical climbing route for about six hours to the crater rim of the main
Kilimanjaro summit massif. Those who still have the energy on top can explore the inner crater
and the ash pit before moving to our highest camp on the crater floor. This spectacular high camp
is next to the Furtwrangler Glacier with stunning views westward toward Mount Meru and the
setting African sun.
Day 9: SUMMIT DAY and MWEKA CAMP (10,500') (day 7 on mountain) We will start our
ascent to the summit (19,340') early enough in the morning to be on the summit by 10:00am.
This final ascent is only 800 feet and can be undertaken after sunrise and a leisurely breakfast.
This is quite a contrast to the 3,000 foot slog required to summit via all the other ascent routes on
Kilimanjaro. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak we will begin the long descent to Barafu
Hut and down to our final camp near Mweka Hut.
Day 10: ARUSHA (day 8 on mountain & hike out) It takes about 3 to 5 hours to make the
4,500 foot descent to the Park Gate and pick-up. We will have our lunch at the gate and say
goodbye to our mountain staff before heading to the hotel near Arusha. Farewell dinner,
overnight and transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport are all provided
Day 11: SERENGETI Fly to Serengeti where you will be met by your driver guides and
safari vehicles. Buffet picnic lunch while on a game drive. Arrive in camp late after a great day
of game driving. Accommodation will be in our walking safari camp. This camp is very
comfortable but light enough to be moved easily. This is a huge advantage in the Serengeti as we
can move the camp to be where the very best game viewing is at the time you will be there.
Day 12: SERENGETI Full day of game driving. If the game viewing is great in the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area then we will put the camp in the Conservation Area so there will
be some options to do short walks and meet with groups of Maasai pastoralists. If the game
viewing is better in the Serengeti Park then we will put the camp there. This will mean you must
stay in your vehicles during game drives and there won’t be any Maasai to meet with but the
Serengeti is the most fabulous park in the world and when the massive herds are in the park it is
truly unbeatable.
Day 13: SERENGETI Full day of game driving and or walking or cultural activities
depending on the location of the camp.
Day 14: ARUSHA Return to Arusha for a dayroom, early dinner and transfer to the
Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
Before you leave for you trip, you will need to provide a list of participants and their
emergency contacts in case something happens to someone in the field as well as an itinerary
with phone numbers (where available) in case something happens at home.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
6. COST INFORMATION
A) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
An initial deposit will not be required by AE. Heidi Reilly will coordinate payments and
deadlines to AE.
B) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
June 2006
C) What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 800
D) What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
Before sending money, the participants will be provided with full cancellation information.
They will be given a date beyond which if they cancel, they may only receive a refund if their
spot can be filled by another participant (to be determined). Also, they will be informed that
(at the time air tickets are purchased) they own the ticket and any refundability depends on the
airline policy. We will attempt to use group rates to provide great flexibility in this regard, if
financially feasible.
E) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
Yes
I will consider running the trip if we get close to but not quite the minimum. I would then pay
any excess amount not allowed to be charged to the participants, myself.
7. PRIVATE TRIPS
Are you currently (up to and including the time frame of this proposed trip) leading trips that
are “private,” i.e. not sponsored by the AMC?
No
8. AMC OUTDOORS INFORMATION
Please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/info/Trip_Notice_Rules.html> for the current rules
and schedule for submitting notices for AMC Outdoors. E-mail both the long (150 words
maximum) and short form (50 word maximum) trip announcements to goeke@space.mit.edu ,
preferably in plain text format, at the same time you submit the trip application. Although the trip
notices travel a different route to the Committee, it helps to have the notices on the web site when
the trip is reviewed.
It your trip notice is somewhat preliminary at this time, that’s OK. You have plenty of
opportunity to change it before the publication deadline. If you don’t want to have the first (long)
notice appear at the normal time – see the above referenced rules – include your special request
in the body of the e-mail containing the trip notices.
After you trip is approved, please check your trip announcements as posted on the Major
Excursions web site: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ ; we cut-and-paste directly from this site
to AMC Outdoors !
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
An African Dream: Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb And Tanzania Safari
Erika Bloom/none
Jan 4-19, 2006
9. TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the forms are
completely filled out and received three weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. Please make
sure you have filled out all appropriate sections of this form completely. Note that the following
forms are also required to complete the application; see the Handbook section of the Major
Excursions web site for forms and instructions.

Leader Qualification information

Detailed cost information
 Medical History: Both leader and co-leader need to have a recent copy of the AMC
Confidential Medical Form on file at 5 Joy St. This form can be obtained on the Major
Excursions web site or call Heidi Reilly at 617-523-0655 x356 to receive a hard copy by mail.
 Copies of first aid certifications and medical forms should be submitted in hard copy only.
These can be faxed (marked attn: Heidi Reilly) to 617-367-8878 or mailed to the Major
Excursions, 5 Joy St. address below.
By turning in this proposal, you are agreeing to the following:
I have read the Major Excursions Leader Handbook and I agree to follow all policies and
procedures of the Major Excursions Committee and the Appalachian Mountain Club in
preparing for and conducting my major excursion.

Please save and forward your electronic document in the following format:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination-Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-26-03.doc
Email should be sent to both of the following two addresses:
Stacia Zukroff, Major Excursions Committee Chair at <mecchair@amcboston.org>
Heidi Reilly, AMC Travel Programs Coordinator at <hreilly@amcinfo.org>
Or, if you unable to send electronically, please mail a single hard copy to:
Heidi Reilly
Appalachian Mountain Club
Five Joy Street
Boston, MA 02108
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at <mecchair@amcboston.org> or 617-795-1651.
She can put you in touch with an experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16