Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 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:
Discover Nicaragua
B) Leader:
C) Co-Leader(s):
D) Dates:
16
E) Type of Trip:
Kathy Didier
Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 2006
Total # of days:
<Cultural, day-hikes, lots of walking, natural history
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 14
Maximum: 16
G) Advertised Cost: $2270
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 1 of 9
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 2006
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
Natural and Human History of Nicaragua. Visit to an NGO project. Hikes, walks, sightseeing,
sea kayaking. Visit cities, cloud forests, coffee plantations, markets.
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
Three star hotels. Read descriptions in prospectus. Double occupancy. Private baths.
C) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
No
No
D) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
No
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/>
Recreation: Hikes on days 3, 5, 9, and 11. Sea Kayaking one afternoon. Optional bike ride
one afternoon. Walking - every day
Human and Natural History: Every day
Visit a site operated by an NGO - El Porvenir (www.elporvenir.org) Contribution of $30 pp is
included in the cost of trip.
We will also bring school supplies, tooth paste, tooth brushes, etc.
F) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
No
Name: Tours Nicaragua (www.toursnicaragua.com)
Safety record: What is the safety record of your company?
WE HAVE NEVER HAD A MAJOR INJURY ON A TOUR, THIS IS A COMBINATION
OF VERY EXTREME CARE TAKEN IN OUR TOURS, RELATIVELY LOW VOLUME
AND SOME LUCK. KEEP IN MIND THAT WE CLIMB ACTIVE VOLCANOES AND
SURF AND FOR 8 YEARS NOTHING MORE THAN SOME CUTS AND SCRATCHES.
Liability insurance: Do you have liability insurance? What can you tell me about it?
WE HAVE SPECIFIC LIABILITY INSURANCE THAT RELATES TO
TRANSPORTATION LAND, AIR AND WATER, HOWEVER NO UMBRELLA
LIABILITY INSURANCE EXISTS TO DATE IN NICARAGUA, NOR THE LAWSUITS
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 2006
THAT MAKE THEM NECESSARY HERE. THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY IS A
LONG-TIME INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL AND HE IS UP TO DATE ON THIS.
Emergency response: IMMEDIATE TRANSFER TO NEAREST MEDICAL CENTER.
FOR A MORE SERIES PROBLEM TRANSFER TO MANAGUA.
Does the guide that accompanies the group have first aid training? YES CPR AND FIRST
AID Does he or she carry a complete first aid kit? YES
3. LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
Kathy Didier
PO BOx C, Woodstock, NH
03293
(home) 603-726-3553
(work) <work telephone>
(e-mail) kdidier@coopresources.net
Co-Leader:
Joyce Minosh
9 Stone Ridge Rd.
Westford, MA 01886
(home) 978-692-2323
(work) <work telephone>
(e-mail) westfordconect@aol.com
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: April 2006
WFA: April 2006
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
Co-Leader:
CPR: November 2005
WFA: November 2005
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
We both plan to re-certify in April, 2006.
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”.
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Pg. 3 of 9
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 2006
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. Cote d'Azur - September 2004 (both Kathy and Joyce), hiking and sightseeing
2. The Cotswolds, June 2004 - Kathy - Hiking
3. Mexico - Language Study - March 2003 - Cultural
Others: Joyce and Kathy will be leading a Major Excursion to Cinque Terre area of Italy in
April, 2005. Cinque Terre will be Joyce's second Major Excursion. Kathy has lost count.
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
No
E) Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required?
No
F) Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
No
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 4 of 9
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 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: <Erruption of Volcanoes
Response:
<Pray. Change itinerary if the volcanoes become active.
B) Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards: <Government is stable at this time in history. Less fear of terrorism than in
the US.>
Response:
<Will keep up to date on what is happening in the country.>
C) Transportation
Potential Hazards: <Muddy roads, landslides>
Response:
<First of all, we will have an experienced driver who knows the local roads
and conditions. We are using a reliable tour company.>
D) Participants
Potential Hazards: We will keep the hikes at the pace of the weakest hiker. If someone does
not seem like a hiker, we will ask that person not to join us that day or part of day. Worst person
to have on a trip is a non-stop talker. I have declared "meditation time" to keep it quiet on our
rides back to town. Have had talks with the person about their talking. If all else fails, there is
duct tape.
Someone could sprain an ankle, become ill. We will not be far from a local clinic or hospital.
Response:
<Prevention or response to identified risks>
E) Other
Potential Hazards: Sickness due to drinking water or eatting bad food.
Response:
We will give advance warning about eatting and drinking certain
foods..water. Advise people to carry medication, just in case they become ill.
5. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail as
possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
A) Emergency Communication
Are there any times or places where we would be out of telephone contact to get help? ONLY
ON DAY 11 WHEN WE ARE UP ON THE VOLCANO.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 2006
B) Evacuation
How are evacuations out of the back country handled? ON THE VOLCANOES WE WOULD
HAVE TO USE A HAMMOCK THE REST OF THE TIME WE HAVE AMBULANCE
(RED CROSS LAND CRUISERS) Out of the country? THERE IS NO HELI-VACS IN
NICARAGUA.
C) Medical Care
What medical care is available? ALL KIND OF MEDICAL CARE, FROM ASPRIN TO
OPEN HEART SURGERY.
How far will we be from hospitals or clinics. NEVER MORE THAN ONE HOUR BY
LAND.
What is the quality of medical care? GOOD. MANAGUA HAS THE BEST MEDICAL
CARE FACILITIES. DOCTORS ARE GOOD, BUT WITH VERY LITTLE EQUIPMENT AND
MEDICINE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
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.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 6 of 9
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 2006
6. COST INFORMATION
A) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
H) Deposits are not necessary, if you send us names for a rooming list we can hold the rooms
until we receive the complete payment in one lump sum, that we both save on wire transfer
fees.
I) FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED RECEIVED IN NICARAGUA 10 DAYS BEFORE
START OF PROGRAM. A 50% REFUND IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 48 HOURS BEFORE
START OF TOUR, NO REFUND AFTERWARDS.
B) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
10 days prior to trip
C) What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 900
D) What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
J) Cancellation must be in writing - $250 non-refundable fee
Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from increasing - causing an increase for
other trip members. Therefore, you should have purchased travel insurance to safe guard your investment.
E) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
Yes
Leaders will pay whatever is necessary . All other trips have filled, so we expect this one will
also.
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?
Yes
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 !
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 7 of 9
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
Revised 04/09/03
October 28 - November 12, 2006
Pg. 8 of 9
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Discover Nicaragua
Kathy Didier/Joyce Minosh
October 28 - November 12, 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.
Revised 04/09/03
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16