Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
John Crist/Error! Reference source not
found.
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form
Last Revision July 2008
The following pages contain the application to lead an AMC Major Excursion. Please complete the form with as
much detail as possible, and attach additional sheets if necessary. Also include a detailed budget/costing sheet
that clearly shows all costs associated with your planned excursion. The trip proposal form and budget are due
two weeks prior to the MEC meeting in which it will be reviewed. Deadlines will be posted on the MEC leader
website (http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/) and sent to you on the MEC leader listserv well in advance of the
meeting. The MEC will not accept late proposals unless the chair is notified in advance with a compelling reason.
Incomplete applications will be returned to you and not reviewed until complete, so please make sure to fill in all
applicable sections.
The application was created in a Microsoft Word protected document. To fill in each section click on the check
box and/or on the grey text box and start typing. The boxes will automatically get larger as you fill in text. If you
find that you need a lot of space to explain a section, please say “see additional attachment” and attach a separate
page.
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 the AMC Outdoors and www.outdoors.org. Please see the current rules http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings/ and schedule for submitting notices for the AMC Outdoors.
Trip prospectus – without the application forms attached – in Microsoft Word or PDF format
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street, the following documents:



A completed confidential medical form for the leader and co-leader (after approval is given)
Copies of first aid and CPR certifications for leader and co-leader (before or after approval is given)
A completed application to be a co-leader if the co-leader is new (before proposal is submitted)
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save and forward your
electronic document with the following naming convention:


Leader’s last name, trip destination, year of trip and what type of document it is (application, budget,
Outdoors listing or prospectus)
For example, Smith-New Zealand-2007-Application.doc or Smith-New Zealand-2007-Budget.xls
Applications should be sent electronically to the MEC Chair, Stacia Zukroff, at mecchair@amcboston.org and to
cyout@outdoors.org. They can be mailed to: Travel Programs Coordinator, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108. If
you have any questions, please contact Stacia at: 781-648-5503 or mecchair@amcboston.org.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 6
Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
John Crist/Error! Reference source not
found.
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
Leader John Crist
Co-leader Colleen Yout
Moab, Utah
8/14 to 8/22/2009
Total # of days 9
Hiking
Downhill skiing
Kayaking
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Backpacking
Cultural
Road biking
Nordic ski
Mountain biking
Snorkeling
Other – please describe
White Water Rafting, Day Hiking in Canyonlands & Arches
Max 18
Number of participants
(excluding leaders)
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
Do you wish to have your trip
listed online before it is
published in The Outdoors?
Smaller trips and leader
subsidization
Min 15
$ 1880(-$80 for
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
youths 12 - 17)
$ $300 - $500
Yes
No If yes, please list the approximate month (max is one year in
advance of trip)
2/2009
Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2
leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes
No
If yes, why is a small group proposed?
If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain
why? n/a
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip experience
Co-leader name
John Crist
321 Greens Loop Cheshire, CT 06410
jjc4523@yahoo.com
Home 2038156505
Work 8606363797
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 042010
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 042010
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, 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.
Pack & Paddle Patagonia - Dec. 2008 to Jan. 2009
Mountain Leadership School - June 2008
Ski Cabin to Cabin to Cabin in Maine - March 2008
Colleen Yout

To lead a major excursion you must have current CPR and WFA at the time of your trip (or AWFA for all backcountry
trips). If you do not have the required level of certification at the time you submit your proposal or it will expire before
the date of your trip, you will need to make arrangements to recertify in a timely manner.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 6
Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
John Crist/Error! Reference source not
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training*
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
found.
50 Blueberry Hill Lane
Sudbury, MA 01776
cyout@outdoors.org
Home 617.921.1425
Work 617.523.0655, ext. 356
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: Will be taking WFA/CPR in spring
CPR
BLS
Expiration:
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be a major excursions
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application.
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this
area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local
language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips
Do either of you lead trips that
are private - not sponsored by
the AMC?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
My teen step daughter and I went on this same trip in Aug. 2008
Executive summary
Please provide a brief
description of the trip and the
activities planned.
The trip begins with a visit to the geologic wonder Arches National Park for a full day of
hiking upon arrival in Utah. That night we'll camp in western style cabins and have a
barbeque. The following 6 day rafting trip will be highlighted by days spent on the
Colorado River through Cataract Canyon with both easy floating and wild, Class III
whitewater. Varing lengh day hikes will take us among dramatic buttes and pinnacles
and multi-million-year-old rock formations. The breathtaking scenery includes a vast,
rugged terrain of red and tan rock cliffs, sculpted spires and deep canyons.
Friday and Saturday (8/14 & 15) Cabin camp in Moab, 4 people to a cabin. 5 nights on
the river, tent camping. Final night in Hotel in Grand Junction (Friday 8/21)
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private trips
together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any marketing
materials you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Accommodations
Please describe your plan for
accommodation(s)
Meals
Please describe your plan for
providing meals
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Special experience
Revised 7/15/2016
Dinner Saturday 8/15 will be a BBQ at the campground. 2 continental breakfasts
provided will be included in trip while at campgrounds. All meals are provided on the
rafting trip from Lunch on Sunday 8/16 to Lunch on 8/21. Hotel includes continental
breakfast for 8/22. Participants will provide their own dinner Friday 8/14 and Friday 8/21
unless contingency money is still available to use for 8/21 dinner.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them:
OARS will provide the necessary permits for Canyonlands NP. We will pay a day use
fee to enter Arches.
If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not
required:
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
Sleeping pad, synthetic sleeping bag, day pack, duffel bag, water bottles, headlamp,
plastic bags (dry sack), sunglasses, towel, appropriate clothing, hat, gloves, river shoes
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 6
Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
John Crist/Error! Reference source not
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Do you plan to get your group
together before the trip for an
activity or social event?
Conservation, education and
recreation
How will this major excursion
meet the mission of the AMC?
www.outdoors.org/about/
mission.cfm
found.
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
Participants must be comfortable in the outdoors
Yes
no
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
We will visit 2 national parks, practice leave no trace camping on the river and learn
about the geology and prehistoric life that once occupied the area. The area brims with
Native American and Old West history. Prehistoric Puebloan ruins, petroglyphs and
pictographs are common along the Colorado’s shores and in canyons, inspiring visions of
a wilder North America. Ancient history is likewise on display in the many fossilized
remains embedded in former seabeds. Many species of wild animals are found along the
river’s edge, drawn to the only major source of water in the area. Finding shelter in
riverside tamarisks, willows and cottonwoods, bighorn sheep, deer and great blue heron
can be seen, as well as ring-tailed cat, fox, beaver, and bobcat.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
Will this trip require a tour
operator or guide service
during part, or the entire
trip?
Name of tour operator/guide
service
Tour operator website
Safety record
Please provide information
about their safety record.
Insurance
Do they have liability
insurance?
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
response plan in the case of an
emergency.
Yes
No
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
I do not have the equipment or experience necessary to safely lead a large group 100
miles down the Colorado River.
Outdoor Adventure River Specialists
www.oars.com
OARS has an excellent saftey record. Over 30 years they've built operations based upon
delivering superior personal service, hiring only the best guides, and using the highest
quality, impeccably maintained equipment to cover more rivers of the West than any
other river company.
Liability? Yes
No
Maximum amt: $ 1,000,000
Are they willing to list AMC as an
Yes
No
additional insured?
OARS will work with park headquarters and OARS headquarters. They carry two-way
radios and first aid gear. They also have gas motors on board that could be used to speed
an evacuation.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
Weather patterns are generally warm and dry this time of year but we will need to be
prepared for rain and cool nights. Thes sun is very strong and rafting adds risk in
addition to the above, such as possible exposure to rough water conditions.
Response
Leader is experienced in leading trips under variable weather conditions, year round. In
addition, gear and planning is critical to deal with such situations. The gear list will be
prepared accordingly, appropriate clothing , sunblock, etc. for hiking and rafting. The
trails are well marked so there shouldn't be any navigational issues. The water bound
portion of the trip is being guided by a tour operator with an excellent saftey record.
Prevention of exposure will be stressed. PFDs will be provided by outfitter.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 6
Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
John Crist/Error! Reference source not
Potential hazards
Response
Transportation
Potential hazards
Response
Participants
Potential hazards
Response
Other
Potential hazards
Response
found.
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Flying, public transportation or other drivers.
Emergency evacuation and any medical situations will be part of required insurance in
trip budget. Participants will also be advised to buy their own insurance coverage for
lost baggage or flight delays. The group will be hiring private shuttles to transport the
group from the Airport to the lodging and Arches. Shuttle service will be available from
Grand Junction to Moab fopr a fee if participants plan to fly in earlier or unexpectedly
arrive after the group shuttle departs on 8/14.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
Skill level, health, group dynamics
There are varying levels of day hiking offered on this trip but participants will have the
option to stay with the rafts if they are not up to a particular hike. In Arches we will
have a full day hiking around mostly level terrain. It is expected that all the participants
will have a sufficient fitness & comfort level to spend 6 days in the outdoors with limited
toilet facilities.
Conditions unique to this type of trip
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Use as much detail as possible, and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS SECTION
BLANK
OARS guides are primary medical on rafting trip. In Arches and in Moab cell phone will
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
work. Contact number for police is (435) 259-8938; Hospital is (435) 259-7191
documentation, distance from
emergency services
Satellite Phone, First Aid Kits, two-way radios
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
aid or communication
equipment (satellite phone,
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
Helicopters are available in the area for emergency evacuation. Motors for the rafts are
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
also available to speed evacuation.
evacuation from the
backcountry location if
applicable?
There is a hospital in Moab (Allen Memorial). Minor injuries can be treated, more
Medical care
Please describe the medical
severe injuries would need to be transported or airlifted to the hospital. Everyone on the
care available in the area(s)
trip will be required to have medical insurance and evacuation insurance
where you will be traveling
and list names and telephone
numbers for these facilities.
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
Foreign currencies
For int’l trips list each foreign
currency, the current $US
dollar exchange rate and what
contingencies you have if that
rate changes. If a tour
Revised 7/15/2016
n/a
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 6
Rafting & Day Hiking Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands, Ages 12 and up
John Crist/Error! Reference source not
operator or agent is being
used, what currency is the
agent to be paid in?
Deposits
What deposits will be required
by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund?
Participant deposit
What are the initial deposit
and your schedule of
payments?
Cancellation policy
What will your cancellation
policy be for the participants?
Minimum numbers
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum
number?
Reference web links:
MEC Home Page:
Forms:
Deadlines:
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
MEC Chair:
Revised 7/15/2016
found.
The outfitter, OARS, requires 50% deposit on booking and full payment 60 days.
Cabins, shuttle and Motel require 14 days.
The camp ground, Inn and other services through third party operators (OARS and
shuttle) will require a 60 day notice of any cancellations in order to receive a 50%
refund.
$900 with application, final payment of $900 by June 1st.
If a replacement participant is found after a participant cancels, the cancelling partcipant
will be refunded their full amount paid minus $50. If no replacement is found, the
participant will be expected to pay all costs/ fees that would be required to not raise the
cost of the trip for the other participants. Any cancellations prior to early June should be
able to refunded most of their monies paid.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings
cyout@outdoors.org
mecchair@amcboston.org
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 6