Need to Know

Everyone participating in this event "needs to know" - needs to know and understand all the rules and regulations involved in this experience.  Younger people need the approval and guidance of parent and guardian chaperons - older youth and adults need to know that as with any activity - there are potential risks that may be involved by participating. Everyone needs to know these risks - how to avoid them - what to do if they happen - how to react - who to turn to in time of need - not only for their own safety - but also for others in the group. It is not a matter of watching out for only themselves - but for everyone else in the group. Each of us has to take a leadership role in avoiding risk and managing risk.

Because of the possibility of unforeseen risk - everyone who participates in this event will have to sign a participation form - releasing - everyone - any institution - any volunteers - organizers - planners - assistants - from any and all liability.  In a country where people are too quick to blame others and run to lawyers - in this instance - no one will have that right - everyone will need to accept that they alone are responsible for themselves and those whom they bring with them - especially young children. In the same light - anyone not complying with established rules and regulations will be asked to leave the group - rather than to put anyone else at risk because of their failure to comply with the rules and regulations.

This trek is meant to be meaningful - spiritual - fun - while seeing to one's own safety and that of  those with them.  Because of the possibility of young children participating in this event - adults 18 years and older are expected to comply with the Catholic Church's rules on Protecting God's Children - in that no inappropriate behaviour will be demonstrated during this event.  Again - those in charge - will have complete authority to remove anyone who cannot comply one-hundred percent with these rules. If you are considering trekking with us and feel that these rules are too restrictive - then we ask that you find another group to be involved with and not join us - there are no exceptions to this.

If anyone has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America or other similar groups - then you have already been exposed to these rules - ours are no more or less restrictive than theirs in regards to the safety and well being of youth.

The following guidelines are very similar to those from the Boy Scouts of America, so they should be familiar to Scouts - 

Trekking Safety

This is designed to help individuals and groups to be ready for any kind of trek whether in the urban areas or in the country. It is important to note that situations may arise when the group will have to make adjustments in the days schedule - route - over all plans - because of weather conditions or in the case of an injured or sick participant. We will provide assistants in vehicles who can help if needed. On our trek we will not be so remote that we will ever be far from emergency assistance and all leaders will be equipped with cellular phones for immediate needs. Being prepared and planning for possible scenarios will be done by the team in advance. 

Lightning/Rain Risk Reduction

In the case of bad weather - i.e. rain and or lightning - we will not walk. There is no urgency in walking this Camino and it can be rescheduled if needed - rather than to put anyone at risk of slipping on a wet surface or the possibility of lightning - we will not walk. If an unexpected storm threatens - we will evacuate everyone as quickly as possible to a safe location.

Sun/Heat Sunstroke/Heat Stroke

We are trekking in July in the Midwest - need I say more?  Yes it will be hot - how hot - I cannot predict at this time.  Yes it will be sunny - at least we hope for sun and not cloudy or rainy (see above).  We pray that God blesses us with a pleasant summer day to walk both legs - comfortably.  To be comfortable we need a few important items - #1 - water  -  #2 - sun protection  -  #3  common sense.   Everyone joining us should have read the previous blog entry "Training" in which we listed the most common equipment needed for a trek of this nature.  Everyone will be expected to bring some type of back pack - in which you will carry water and food and other items necessary for this experience. If you do not bring a supply of water with you - you will not be allowed to walk. Each person must have their own supply - no sharing - begging - borrowing from others.  Everyone will be expected to wear appropriate clothing - not only for the time of year - but also appropriate for entering church and attending Holy Mass.  Hats or other head gear to protect from the sun is highly recommended.  Common sense - should help round out the other items each one will need. 

First Aid - Emergency Equipment

Anyone who has ever gone camping or hiking knows enough to "be prepared" and bring along appropriate first aid supplies and emergency equipment.  These are items that may and should be shared with others.  Band-aids for blisters - sunscreen - and other common first aid supplies should be carried by most adults.  As we organize and create our group we will make sure that adequate supplies are on hand. 

Not A Conplete List 

The above is not a complete list of rules and regulations.  In the near future forms will be added to this blog that each participant will be able to print which will contain a more complete list of rules and regulations.  This is for the safety of all who participate - including the leaders.  Please check back for forms and addition updates and hints.

Buen Camino
Deacon Dale