Merri Fox/Sue Lach
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:
Belize Wonders: mayan ruins, Carribean Sea and jungle trails.
B)
C)
D)
E)
Merri Fox
Susan Lach
Nov. 2-12, 2006
Mayan ruins, hiking, snorkeling
Leader:
Co-Leader(s):
Dates:
Type of Trip:
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 12
Advertised Cost: $2900
Total # of days:
10
Maximum: 14
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
We will spend 5 nights each in San Ignacio on the Guatemala border and either Dangriga, or
another nearby town on the Carribbean. By exploring Mayan ruins and the surrounding
countryside with local guides we hope to gain at least a small appreciation of how these people
lived and how their descendants live today. We will also be in or near Dangriga just prior to
Garifuna day, which celebrates the arrival of this mixed ethnic group from the island of Roatan,
and we expect to see a number of musical and dance troupes practicing. Attached supporting
detail contains specific activities which will be included. Local guides licensed by the Belize
Tourism Association will conduct all tours. When we travel to Tikal a Guatemalan guide to the
ruins will also be used.
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s). Hotels (2 to a room).
These hotels include all meals, local transportation, and specified activities which leaders will
select in advance based on educational content, safety factors and variety.
C) Meals: Please describe your plans for meals.
See above re accommodations. Meals will offer regional foods that can also be somewhat
geared to American tastes if so desired. Example: suggested breakfast meal might be a bean
burrito, but if you really want scrambled eggs or cereal you can get it. Vegetarian meals are good
as well.
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
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Merri Fox/Sue Lach
D) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
No Visas are required for Belize at this time.
No
E) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
Yes
Snorkeling equipment is provided for those wishing to snorkel. Instruction will be provided
for those who need it. Life jackets are mandatory and snorkeling guides also tow a flotation
device for those who need a rest. Anyone not wishing to snorkel can participate in an alternate
activity, such as a river wildlife cruise.
F) Pre-trip activities: Do you plan to get your group together before the major excursion for
an activity or social event?
Yes
Lunch and intro at one of the leaders’ houses in September or October.
G) 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/>
Please see commentary above and on supporting documentation regarding the educational
components of this trip. We are basically fitting a cultural exploration of the ancient and present
Mayan cultures and the diverse ecological features of this small country into an active framework.
By taking standard “tours” that are dedicated to our group alone we can go at our own pace and
include non-standard features.
H) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
Name: Windy Hill Resort & Tour Company
Yes
P O Box 85
San Ignacio, Cayo District
BELIZE
Phone: 011-501-824-2017/2598
Fax: 011-501-824-3080
e-mail: windyhill@direcway.com
www.windyhillresort.com
www.windyhilltours.com
“Merri, yes, we do carry liability insurance. We have never had a serious accident or injury,other than
someone slipping and spraining their ankle or getting scratched by thorns in the jungle etc. Our guides
carry cell phones, local doctors are on call 24 hours a day and we have a nurse on staff (one of the
owners). All of our guides are well trained and have good common sense which makes them capable
of making decisions on the spot. BOBBY”
Safety record: <Provide information about their safety record>
Liability insurance: <Provide information about the oufitter's liability insurance>
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Emergency response: As part of the guide certification program, they all receive very basic
first aid training. All carry first aid kits and extra water. However, other than for minor
injuries which can be cleaned and dressed and then monitored, or simple sprains, the plan
would be to have the participant see a local doctor as soon as possible.
Name: Jaguar Reef Lodge
>
>
>
>
Hopkins, Belize
Phone: 011-501-520-7040
Fax: 011-501-520-7091
Email: jaguarreef@starband.net )
“Dear Merri,
Thank you for your interest in our adventure travel facility! Please
note that we do carry liability insurance, have an excellent safety record
and are well versed and prepared for any emergencies, although they are
fortunately extremely rare.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns,
Sincerely,
Bruce Foerster
Jaguar Reef Lodge”
From: Jaguar Reef Lodge [mailto:jaguarreef@starband.net]
> Sent: Friday, March 11, 2005 9:08 AM
> To: Fox, Merri
> Subject: Re: Email page inquiry
>
>
> Hi Merri.
>
>
The only certification the guides most have is their Tour guides
license
> which all of our guides to have and also we have first aid kits in case of
> emergency.
>
>
Let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Shanda
> Reservations Manager
>
>
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Merri Fox/Sue Lach
3. LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
Merri Fox
115 North Road
Harwinton, CT 06791
(home) 860-485-1697
(work) 860-731-5892
(e-mail) merri.fox@pw.utc.com
Co-Leader:
Susan Lach
73 Amherst Drive
Manchester, CT 06040
860-533-0219
suelach@cox.net
(NOTE: above email will change in October 2005)
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: 4/2007
WFA: 4/2007
Other:
Co-Leader:
CPR: 4/2007
WFA: 6/2007
Other: AWFA 6/2007
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
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.
Merri:
1. Tetons 2005 and Paris 2005
2. Utah 2004
3. Hawaii 2003
4. Tucson 2001
Sue:
1. Co-leading backpacking in Chile January 2006
2. Co-leading Alaska hiking and backpacking summer 2006
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..
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
<Merri has been here 3 times - last in 2002.>
Yes
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
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: (A) Jungle trails can be slick after rain, and this is the end of the rainy
season. (B) Also many of the ruins can be climbed, and steps are extremely narrow which makes
descending difficult…..anyone with fear of heights might have a problem. (C) sun exposure and
heat exhaustion
Response: (A) Try to avoid hiking after heavy rains (activity schedule is somewhat flexible),
take trails less likely to be slippery, require hiking boots and walking sticks. (B) warn participants
that if they have any fear of heights they should not climb ruins. Show participants how to walk
down steps using sideways traverse. (C) Require sunscreen, hats with brims and monitor fluid
intake
B) Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards: A) Lack of adequate and immediate medical facilities; (B) poor sanitation;
(C) potential for food-related illness; (D) political unrest and/or little police protection; (E)
malaria and potentially other disease hazards
Response: (A) stay in areas where doctors are readily available and there are at least minimal
hospital facilities. If in any doubt, take participant to main hospital in Belize City, a maximum
drive of 2.5 hours. (B) Stay in well known European or American managed hotels which have
been in business for 7+ years and provide treated water; provide information to participants in
how to minimize risk before trip (C) Have all meals provided by hotels; warn participants about
the risks associated with raw fruits and vegetables; street vendor food, etc. before trip and monitor
during trip; (D) Belize is a stable country but will still not allow participants to travel except as a
group; main concern would be going over border to Guatemala even for a day. On two prior trips
this has not been an issue but there have been incidents in that country of tourists being attacked
on the road to Tikal. Will determine safety before trip and can always substitute another ruin in
Belize if required. (E) Will require participants to get malaria tablets from their physician and also
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Merri Fox/Sue Lach
recommend Hepatitis vaccine. Check current medical recommendations 1 month before trip.
C) Transportation
Potential Hazards: Poor roads; guides act as drivers
Response:
We will only be traveling on major roads; per Belize Tourist Board no
tourist has ever been injured in an accident that was the fault of the driver/guide. On the other
hand, she did tell me that once a wooden bridge collapsed and a couple of people were hurt but
not “too bad” and that might have been a question of bad judgement on the part of the driver or
maybe just bad luck. In any case, where there is any doubt leaders will sue their judgment to
avoid any appearance of risk – this is not Indiana Jones and we don’t want participants being
frightened.
D) Participants
Potential Hazards: People who do not understand that this is an active trip; in some cases
walking around ruins can last several hours and we may cover 5 or more miles.
Response:
Screen carefully; clear requirements statement in prospectus
E) Other
Potential Hazards: poisonous snakes and insects
Response:
warn people of the presence of these dangers and best way to avoid them –
like stay on trails, watch where you put your hands or sit down etc.. Make sure local clinics have
anti-snake venom on hand (they do as of this proposal date). Guides also recognize the poisonous
snakes.
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
Will carry all participants' health and emergency contact information as well as Joy Street
information on every hike or activity; guides and leaders will also carry cell phones. On no
activity with the exception of Tikal will we be more than an hour and a half from the base of
the hotel.
B) Evacuation
Treat any injury or condition as necessary and try to walk person out; if necessary send
GUIDE in advance for help. At least one leader will stay with injured participant and group.
There is good ambulance service – both vehicular and air –between local hospitals and the
main hospital in Belize City.
C) Medical Care
Belize
Emergency services 911
U.S. Embassy (Belize City) +501 227 7161 (http://belize.usembassy.gov/wwwhhome.html)
Medical facilities:
Belize City:
Revised 02/13/05
Belize Medical Associates, 5791 St. Thomas Street, Kings Park, Ph 501-223-0302 /
0303 / 0304, Fax 501-223-3837, Website: www.belizemedical.com
Belize City Hospital, Eyre St., Belize City, Ph 501-2-77251
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Belmopan:
Calabash Caye:
Punta Gorda:
San Antonio:
San Ignacio:
Belmopan Hospital, Florina Dr., Ph 501-8-22263/64
Belize City Hospital (see above)
Punta Gorda Hospital, Ph 501-7-22026
Dangriga Hospital, Ph 501-5-22084
San Ignacio Hospital, Hospital St., Ph 501-9-22066
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.
6. COST INFORMATION
A) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
Hotels require 25% at time of booking. We do not plan to book until 10 people have signed
up.
B) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
60 days in advance.
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?
<Cancellation must be in writing (email acceptable) - Postmarked date below:
Prior to June 1 - $50 non-refundable fee charged; If your airline ticket has been purchased,
you own it subject to airline change fees). All other moneys returned.
After June 1 a) same as above; and
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from
increasing - causing an increase for other trip members.
After October 1 - NO REFUNDS for any reason, including accident, illness, or any other type
of emergency except what can be refunded from unused trip funds after the completion of the
trip.
Note: Sometimes moneys may be returned prior to a trip, if a cancellee’s spot can be filled
from the waiting list. This depends upon two factors:
1. That the trip is filled - 8 participants (in addition to the leader).
2. That there is a waiting list compiled by the leaders, through the application and screening
process only. No one may substitute another person for themselves.
E) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
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Yes
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Merri Fox/Sue Lach
<If we have a minimum of 10, yes. If less, will request consideration as a single-leader trip>
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 !
9. TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the application is
completed and received two weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. The ME Leader’s web site
has the Handbook and all required forms: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/ . As a
minimum we need:
 This application form
 A detailed trip budget/costing form
In addition the following are helpful during the review process, but need only be submitted after
your proposal is accepted:
 50 and 150 word notices for AMC Outdoors
 Trip prospectus – without application forms
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street (again, after proposal acceptance)
 A filled out Confidential Medical Form for leader and co-leader
 Copies of first aid certifications for leader and co-leader
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save and
forward your electronic documents with the following naming convention:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination, Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-03-Application.doc
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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
617-523-0655, x356 (voice) 617-367-8878 (FAX)
10. CONCLUSION
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.
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at mecchair@amcboston.org or 781-648-5503. She can put
you in touch with an experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.
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