Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Erik Madsen/Carson Tang
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 16, 2009
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form
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 amcexcursions@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.
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
Title of trip
Leadership
Revised 7/15/2016
Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Leader Erik Madsen
Co-leader Carson Tang
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 6
Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Erik Madsen/Carson Tang
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 16, 2009
Katmai N.P., Lake Clark N.P., Kenai N.W.R., Kenai Fjords N.P., Seward, Homer, &
Anchorage
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August
Total # of days 16
16, 2009
Hiking
Downhill skiing
Kayaking
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Backpacking
Cultural
Road biking
Nordic ski
Mountain biking
Snorkeling
Other – please describe
Special emphasis will be on the viewing of Brown Bears in Katmai N.P. in a prime
wilderness location.
Max 10
Min 5
$ 4778 Approximate
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
$ 890 Approximate
Number of participants
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
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
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training*
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this
Erik Madsen
70 Oak Hill DR, Bristol, CT, 06010-2438
emadsen2004@yahoo.com
Home 860-314-0125
Work 860-418-6012
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 5/2011
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 5/2010
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.
Southern Utah, day hikes, 11 days May 06, 18 participants
Canadian Rockies, day hikes, 10 days, August 2007, 17 participants.
Bhutan, Trek, 9 Days, October 2007, 12 participants.
Have personal experience backpacking in Denali N.P. and the Chugach N.F.
Carson Tang
2nd Floor, 1653 11th AVE, Brooklyn, NY, 11215-6018
carsonoutdoors@earthlink.net
Home Mobile 917-880-5091
Work 347-689-9090
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 2007 Will renew as necessary
CPR
BLS
Expiration:
2007 Will renew as necessary
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.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:

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
Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Erik Madsen/Carson Tang
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?
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 16, 2009
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
Executive summary
Please provide a brief
description of the trip and the
activities planned.
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
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Revised 7/15/2016
This trip is intended to be the ultimate Alaskan trip experience. Participants will have the
opportunity to view Brown Bears gorging on Salmon in the remote Katmai N.P.
wilderness. Float planes will place participants in ideal locations in both Katmai and Lake
Clark N.P. for spectacular hiking and wildlife viewing. We will base camp at each
location so that only day hikes are necessary to explore the surrounding wilderness
environments. This is the ultimate wilderness experience for anyone who would prefer not
to experience the rigors of carrying a backpack. In order to acclimate participants for full
wilderness immersion the trip begins with hotel based day hiking on the Kenai
Penninsula. Spectacular hikes will include: Hope Point, Devil's Pass, Iditarod Trail, and
the Harding Icefield, along with a cruise through the Kenai Fjords. These hikes will
prepare participants for their six day wilderness experience to follow. After extraction
from the wilderness by float plane the group will have the opportunity to relax and
pamper themselves in Homer with the drive back to Anchorage to occur the next day.
Cultural sightseeing will be the mainstay of the final day in Anchorage prior to departure.
Our stay in the Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks will be in tents and sleeping bags
provided by the participants. The remainder of the trip will be in hotels. The final night of
the trip will likely be an over night flight home.
In flight meals are not included. Bear safari meals are provided by the outfitter. Leaders
will supply food for Lake Clark N.P. wilderness trip and for other day hike lunches.
Remaining meals will be in restaurants, on boats, or on the train.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
The base camping in Katmai & Lake Clark National Parks will utilize backpacking
equipment that will include white gas stoves, water filters, backpacking tents, lightweight
food, rain tarp, bear canisters, and comprehensive first aid kit. Any participant wishing to
summit the viewpoint at Harding Icefield may need instep crampons to walk on remaining
snow. Leaders will oversee the use of all equipment and instruct participants in its use as
necessary. Due to these technical responsibilities this trip will be considered a technical
trip and accordingly participants will be required to pay up to 20% of the leaders costs.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 6
Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Erik Madsen/Carson Tang
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
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 16, 2009
Wildlife viewing and environmental education are key themes of this trip. Our bear safari
will focus on learning about bears while respecting their wild nature and minimizing
human impact. Our cruise will be narrated by a certified wildlife interpreter. We will take
advantage of all available opportunites to hear Park Ranger talks. We will utilize any free
guide resource at the museums we visit. The leaders will research the areas visited and
will initiate conversations about environmental conservation, human development, and
tourism in Alaska.
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:
Any bush plane and cruise boat operator contracted will will be asked if they possess
a valid license. The specific names of all tour opporators will be known well in
advance of the trip date. While we have particular opporators in mind it is
premature to specify with certainty when our first choice could be fully booked at
the time we make a reservation.
Alaska West Air: alaskawestair.com, Kenai Fjords Cruise: Kenaifjords.com
see above
When it is time to make deposits and reservations with tour opporators we will inquire
about their licensure and safety record prior to making any booking.
Liability? Yes
Maximum amt: $ Will research and
provide at a later date.
Yes
No
No
Are they willing to list AMC as an
additional insured?
All outfitters will be asked for their "Emergency Response Plan" prior to making
reservations.
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
(1)Bears, (2)mosquitoes, (3)lightning, (4)hypothermia, (5)River crossings, (6)ticks,
(7)Heat exhaustion, (8)motion sickness, (9)Sunburn, (10)Scree, (11)Diarrhea, (12)Giardia
Response
(1)Train participants in and follow all bear precautions, (2)Use DEET and mosquitoe
netting, (3)Take shelter or follow solo proceedures for avoidance, (4)Adequate clothing
water and calories, (5)Use rope to cross stream if concerned or do not cross, (6)avoid
vegetation and inspect self for ticks, (7)Drink fluids with electrolytes, avoid sun,
(8)Participant has Dramamine, (9)Suntan lotion, (10)Walk slowly, use switch backs, keep
alert for rock slides, (11)Participant has Immodium, (12)Explosive diarrhea, see doctor,
treat water,keep hands away from eyes and mouth.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
Response
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Transportation
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 6
Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Erik Madsen/Carson Tang
Potential hazards
Response
Participants
Potential hazards
Response
Other
Potential hazards
Response
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 16, 2009
(1)Accidents, (2)Liability
(1)Will ask Tour Operator, and guide to explain proceedures in the event of an accident,
(2)Will expect Tour Operator contract to assure that all drivers and pilots are licensed and
have appropriate insurance.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
(1)Not physically fit for walks, (2)lying about ability, (3)Getting Lost.
(1)Screen participants carefully, (2)Be thorough in questioning, check references,
(3)Participants will have on their person directions for what to do when lost, and be
advised verbally how to aviod loosing the group.
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
All participants will carry their personal emergency contact information, including contact
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
info for the AMC and any travel insurance, Leaders will also carry all participant
documentation, distance from
emergency contact and medical information. Will ask that tour operator provide leaders
emergency services
with emergency services contact information for all points on the trip. Accessibility to
emergency responders will be dependant upon either the use of a satellite phone, sending
a messenger to the nearest coast or road, or waiting for the scheduled bush flight return.
Once contact is made to civilization emergency responders should be on sight within 24
hours.
Will carry comprehensive first aid kit in the back country. Will not possess any electronic
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
communication equipment unless granted use of the AMC's satellite phone. Can use
aid or communication
traditional means to signal distress, such as sos via writing on ground, signaling mirror,
equipment (satellite phone,
and smoke signals.
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
Depending upon nature of incident the group may be able to evacuate in an emergency. If
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
it is safe to evacuate, the group will hike to the nearest shoreline, road, or inhabited
evacuation from the
community to await rescue. If it is not safe to evacuate or if it is not possible to evacuate
backcountry location if
then some or all of the group will stay in place and await rescue. In this case two
applicable?
messengers may be sent for help. If a returning bush pilot does not see the group at a
designated pickup, notice is given to local emergency authorities to consider search and
rescue.
Medical care in the back country will be limited to the first aid skills of the leaders,
Medical care
Please describe the medical
guides, and participants, and also be limited by medical materials available. Towns are
care available in the area(s)
nearby that have good basic medical care for individuals evacuated. Serious medical
where you will be traveling
issuses could result in transfer to a larger city. 911 will reach emergency respose by
and list names and telephone
regular phone. If a satellite phone is used, leader will have direct numbers for emergency
numbers for these facilities.
response for Kodiak, Homer, Seward, and Anchorage.
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
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?
Revised 7/15/2016
Float plane operator will need 50% deposit at time of reservation which should be no
latter than 3/1/09. Plane, and cruise tickets should be paid in full three months prior to the
trip. Hotel and automobile reservations will not require deposits and should be reserved
no latter than 3/1/09.
12/31/08 for full refund minus a $60 administrative fee and any existing or future incurred
costs.
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 6
Alaska Wilderness Wildlife Safari
Erik Madsen/Carson Tang
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?
Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 16, 2009
Deposit due with application is $2,000. Remaining balance due by 12/31/08.
After 12/31/08 cancellations are subject to the conditions of Refunds above, in addition to
the following conditions. Land costs will be refunded if a replacement participant can be
found. Airfares purchased in the participants name are the property of the participant and
cannot be refunded.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
Leaders may elect to run the trip with fewer than 10 participants. This decision would be
based on the leaders ability at that time to bear increased personal costs, as well as the
Tour Operators ability to withstand a size reduction. In the event that participant
enrollment is less than 10 and one trip leader cannot afford to pay, the existing trip leader
with persue with the MEC the possibility of recuiting another leader or running the trip
with one leader.
Reference web links:
MEC Home Page:
Forms:
Deadlines:
Club House:
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings
amcexcursions@outdoors.org
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
MEC Chair:
amcexcursions@outdoors.org
mecchair@amcboston.org
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 6