Trailhead Talk is a term we use interchangeably for an introductory or welcoming talk at the start of a hike or other outdoor activity, also known as a Safety Briefing. This is where leaders set the stage for the trip and sign people in to the trip (or check them off if they pre-registered online) and manage any medical forms if applicable. They will check to make sure participants have adequate footwear, the 10 Essentials (depending on activity), and water. The leader explains expectations, special or unique challenges for the trip and reviews key rules of conduct. The leader points out any permit restrictions, if applicable. This gathering is a chance to express values and aspects of the Sierra Club mission including a *Land Acknowledgement, along with the theme for the outing. Above all, the leader establishes a welcoming, inclusive and safe atmosphere for the trip and confirms outings are conducted in accordance with a safe space agreement.
The talk basics consist of:
❏ Introductions; where we are going, expectations, Rules of Conduct, pace, time, turnarounds and estimated return time. Introductions may include "preferred pronouns" when you introduce yourself. Sometimes, "Community Agreements" are useful for a trip, as long as they do not negatively impact safety. Example: Let's all agree on keeping this group together and providing the best and safest experience for each and everyone of us.
❏ Importance if staying between the leader and sweep, keeping the group together, state the lost persons policy.
❏ Personal / bathroom breaks - place pack on trail if leaving group, and/or have a buddy system so that someone knows not to leave you behind.
❏ Breaks; lunch. How long? where? Camping spot?
❏ Participants can inform leader privately of their specialized medical training or medical considerations.
❏ Leave No Trace (LNT), conservation, history, natural science and/or land acknowledgement components.
❏ For a multiday trip, descriptions of each day will be in the Trip Letter and emails you'll send out before the trip.
❏ COVID-19 and contyagious illnesses: you will have advised participants that if they have symptoms, not to attend. There is more to explore on this subject on the Leadership Training Committee (LTC) website and your Outings Chair can point you to the most current information.
Safety Aspects for your Briefing
• Describe the planned trip and schedule (as noted above in Basics)
• Review the terrain, environment or special conditions (as noted above in basics)
• Identify potential risks (weather, wildlife, uneven ground, water hazards)
• How to minimize and respond to risks (to reassure participants that you have a pln)
• Emergency procedures including location of first aid kits and Safety Management Plan (which is for your leaders and outings chair), instructions on what to do if someone becomes lost, separated or injured (already noted in the basics above).
• For multiday outings, the leader should conduct a daily briefing.
The Safety aspects serve to reassure participants that you have a plan and that emergencies can be managed.
For more on speaking to conservation on outings, see Chapter 2B of the August 2022 Leader's Reference Book, and this page: Environmental Awareness. See also National as well as Angeles Chapter pages. Here is link for Exploring Issues (National). And link for Angeles Chapter Conservation Pages.
Here is a reminder page, plus emergency response reminders PDF: Trailhead Talk - Emergency Response
*Land acknowledgements - work-in-progress (by Shawnté Salabert)
