Q: Do I need to be an AMC member to register for a backpack trip?
A: Not at first. You can register as a guest of the AMC. However, after participating in 2 events, we encourage people to become members in order to help support all of the conservation, recreation and educational programs that AMC offers and the volunteers that lead them. You can join online using the online AMC Membership Application. The application form describes the different membership options, which includes a 20% discount off the first year of new membership.
Q: I just filled out the online pre-registration form. Does this mean I am automatically registered for the backpack trip?
A: No. The leader may have questions about your experience or need additional information from you in order to confirm that your ability level is suitable for the difficulty level of the trip. You must receive a CONFIRMATION from the leader that you have been accepted on the backpack trip. If you do not hear from the leader after one week of submitting the pre-registration form, call them or send them an email. It is possible that they did not receive your pre-registration form. Please don't wait until the last minute before the trip is supposed to start.
Q: Can I just show up for a backpack trip?
A: No. You must pre-register in advance, either by filling out the online pre-registration form found in the backpack trip description or calling the leader at least a few days before the trip. The leader needs to confirm that your experience and ability is suitable for the difficulty level of the trip. In addition, there may be a limit to the number of participants due to trail regulations or group management preferences.
Q: Most AMC events are free. Why is there a $5 non-refundable fee for backpacking trips?
A: The $5 fee pays for our volunteer backpack leaders to take Wilderness First Aid training, which is required to be a NY-NoJ backpack leader. Your registration fee also helps to pay for other leader training, such as Leave No Trace and Outdoor Leadership Training courses, which will help them enhance their leadership skills and pass on that knowledge to you while leading their backpack trips.
Q: To whom do I write my registration check?
A: Make the check out to the current Backpacking Committee Treasurer. Ask your leader to provide the name and where to send the check.
Q: Can I just bring cash to the trailhead to pay the registration fee?
A: Writing a check and mailing it in advance is preferred. This helps to avoid having the leader carry extra cash while backpacking or leaving it in their car, risking theft. It also helps to guarantee your participation on the trip.
Q: If I have to cancel out of the backpack trip, can I just send an email to the leader on the morning of the hike?
A: No. The leader may already be at the trailhead and not able to check email messages. If you must cancel, please CALL the leader as far in advance as possible, in case the leader can contact someone from the waiting list and have them join the trip.
Q: Are there ever backpack trips scheduled that are not listed in the Schedule book?
A: Yes. Check the Online Backpack Schedule for late additions and sign up for last-minute AMC backpacking notices at groups.yahoo.com/group/AMC-NY-Backpacking/
Q: If I hike at a faster speed than other participants in the group, is it okay for me to hike at my own pace and move ahead of the group?
A: No. The group needs to stay fairly close together in case someone becomes injured or lost, so that the leader can manage the situation. The pace of the group is set by the slowest person. If you get frustrated moving at a slower pace, try to find more challenging backpack trips on the schedule that are more suitable to your ability level.
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