When Megan Sety sent an email asking for a Chief Guide volunteer it really got me in the gut, as the Club has had a huge impact on my life – so I said I would do it, if no one else did. Therefore you guys are stuck with me for at least a year.
I would like to say thanks to Mike and Debbie for being so super fantastic, and a scary act to follow. But even as the President said “it is what you make it.” So what do I want to see in the next year? More volunteering – we get so much out of the land, facilities, flora and fauna protection, advice, expertise that DOC provide – we can give something back. I am really proud the club has taken the trapping project in the Ruahines – not only do we get to kill things, but club members will get a taste of the challenge of a predator free NZ, learn more about whio, share experiences with other groups protecting whio, and give a little bit back. Other potential volunteer opportunities are endless – I personally would like to trial my DIY skills on a hut before I rip into my house!
Trip planning – Kev (who becomes the non-official Deputy Chief-Guide by default) would like to see a more streamlined trip planning process– so I might leave this up to him. However, if you have any trip ideas, process improvements, general suggestions at any time please let me know. A couple of things I am keen on: are more resources being available for trip planning evenings (e.g. the internet); adding to Mikes trip description notes, encouraging new leaders and new trip planners. Training – both Amanda and Mike have been super at facilitating training – I am keen to continue this, both formally and informally, encouraging that next step for people – even if like me, they are a bit scared. Removing barriers to leading trips – please let me know what these barriers might be, and what might help to resolve them.
On this schedule we have first-aid, leadership and alpine leadership in June, snowcraft and alpine instruction in July. If you wish to propose other types of training please let me know. Novelty trips – sadly this is an interest of mine. Whether this be “first crossings” – crazy old timer gear, boy scout (AKA bush craft epics from example seem on youtube), craft, flora & fauna, camp (dutch) oven masterchef, billy boiling competitions. I am willing to put these on the schedule – if they fail miserably so be it. Not to mention the continuation of mountaineering, rock, kayak, cycle touring, mountain biking, family trips that have been such a feature of previous schedules.
Thanks again to Mike and Debbie for putting together such an awesome winter schedule, and all the trip leaders that will make this happen. Please contact me with any suggestions, problems, solutions, and ideas.
Illona