TRIP LEADERS

Purdue Outing Club trip leaders holding a POC flag.

Trip leaders are members of the club who are permitted to plan and leader their own trips, and help officers run trips that they did not plan themselves. This role does not require committment or trip quotas, and does not have mandatory attendance.

For a more detailed overview, read the trip leader overview.

TRIP LEADER APPLICATION SAFETY CONCERN REPORT

Benefits of Becoming a Trip Leader

Access to heavily discounted first aid classes.

Authorization to plan and lead your own trips.

Ability to check out gear reserved for leadership on trips you lead.

Ability to apply for sports officer or head sports officer positions.

Invitations to leadership meetings to help plan and run events and trips.

FAQ

Why become a trip leader?

Trip leaders are able to get more involved in the club by leading their own trips. It is also necessary to become a trip leader before becoming a sports officer. Members who are interested in becoming an officer should apply to be a trip leader as soon as they are ready. Trip leaders also have access to special gear reserved for leaders, and have more flexibility to plan their own trips without the same responsibilites as officers.

What are the responsibilities of trip leaders?

Trip leaders are not part of club leadership, but they are occasionally invited to attend (optionally) attend leadership meetings. Trip leaders are responsible for positively representing the club, welcoming new members, and helping members to learn. Trip leaders are also responsible for following all club guidelines and maintaining safety on trips that they lead. Additionally, trip leaders will be responsible for some amount of paperwork on trips that they lead.

What is the difference between a trip leader, sports officer, and head sports officer?

Unlike sports officers and head sports officers, trip leaders are not part of club leadership, and do not have the roles and responsibilites of a sports officer. It is a more flexible role that trip leaders can adjust to fit their schedule. Officers have more responsibility, and more ability to shape the club. Head sports officers have the final say on all decisions made by their officers and trip leaders. Becoming a trip leader is a great way to get involved in the club before moving on to higher positions.

How do I become a trip leader?

The first step to becoming a trip leader is to express interest in a sport within the club by going on a trip with a sports officer. After that, members may apply to become trip leaders. If approved, members need to complete first aid training and trip leader training. More detailed steps can be found on the trip leader overview.

I was not selected as a trip leader after applying. What should I do?

If you are not selected after applying to become a trip leader, you may apply again next semester. It is advisable to talk with your head sport officer to find out how to increase your experience and demonstrate that you are capable of leading trips. If you are not selected, it is likely because you need to build more experience so that club leadership is confident that you will be able to run trips safely and smoothly.

Do I have to reapply to be a trip leader?

No. Unlike club leadership positions, a trip leader's tenure only ends if they quit, graduate, move to a higher position, or are removed by the admin board.