210 likes | 231 Views
This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps for trip leaders in the Crescent Ski Council training stages. Learn about selection, promotion, pre-trip administration, ski week, and post-trip activities. Includes tips on organizing the trip, promoting it to members, and handling pre-trip logistics effectively.
E N D
BEING A GREAT TRIP LEADER CRESCENT SKI COUNCIL TRAINING
TRIP STAGES • Selection • Promotion • Pre-trip Administration • Ski Week • Post-trip Activities
SELECTION • Ask for input • Where do members want to go? WHY? • Where do members NOT want to go? WHY NOT? • What is important to members (lodging, slope access, night life, air accessibility, restaurant variety, price, etc.)? • Use member input when selecting choices from CSC long list of eligible destinations
SELECTION • Review Ski Week finalists with members • Make sure you understand the various components of each trip offering; ask for clarifications from CSC Trips Chair • Provide as much information as possible, preferably as handouts or in Powerpoint • Show any presentations provided by CSC Trips Chair • Cast club vote at CSC Fall Conference
PROMOTION • Work with TO to get club-specific trip fliers, posters, registration forms, and presentations • Show presentation to members; convert it to PDF and email it to membership • Distribute fliers at meetings, parties, and other events • Answer all questions! If you don’t know the answer, get it from TO or CSC Trips Chair ASAP!
PROMOTION BONUS #1 • Attract new members** • Place posters around town • Put trip details on club’s Facebook page and web site • Have articles in local newspapers, bulletins, etc. **Seek help from members to accomplish these activities. The trip leader should not be expected to do all of this alone.
PROMOTION BONUS #2 • Earn a prorated reimbursement of land package costs, less CSC’s upcharge, for TL’s club • Based upon number of participants from TL’s club • Potential reimbursements, based upon funds availability, are: • 8 – 16 participants: 1/3rd • 17 – 24 participants: 2/3rd • 25 or more participants: 100%
PROMOTION BONUS #2 • Club determines how to use reimbursement • Spend on club participants during trip (group dinner, other social events, etc.) • Give portion or all to club TL • Fund other club activities • TL must work during Ski Week events to meet IRS requirements pertaining to TL reimbursements
PRE-TRIP ADMINISTRATION • Obtain, through TO, any available group air • Determine registration method(s) • Paper registration forms • Entry in TO database by individual members or TL • Review routinely even if entry is by members • No database? Process registrations through TL who needs to keep EXCEL spreadsheet with all pertinent information. (A demonstration of a TO database and registration process is available as a Youtube tutorial video at www.sportsamerica.com/online/demo.)
PRE-TRIP ADMINISTRATION • Determine price and payment processing • Any upcharge by club • Payment made to club or TO • Let everyone know which club members have registered and who needs a roommate. Assist in arranging roommates / condomates. • Provide periodic updates of lodging and group air availability and total CSC participation
PRE-TRIP ADMINISTRATION • Track payment status • Send reminders when payments are due • Follow up on what appears to be late payments (not paid, lost in the mail, slow processing by TO?) • Encourage all to complete the Emergency Medical Information form; collect forms in advance or at airport
PRE-TRIP ADMINISTRATION • Review registration details with each participant • Lodging selection • Roommates / condomates • Number of days skiing • Ski rentals • Clothing size • Travel arrangements (dates & times, transfers, etc.) • Other group activities (tours, skiing elsewhere, etc.) • Total cost; payments made
PRE-TRIP ADMINISTRATION • Have each participant initial and date registration details sheet • If participant is not available locally, send data via email and ask for confirmation of accuracy • Advise TO of any errors in registration details • Advise local airline personnel if using group air from a small airport
PRE-TRIP ADMINISTRATION • Give everyone your cell phone number and ask for theirs • Give everyone your travel schedule • If you are not flying with the group, find a volunteer to oversee flight / transfer activities
SKI WEEK • Arrive at the airport first and greet / assist others as they arrive • Account for everyone; locate stragglers; get all onboard (This is repeated if the group’s itinerary includes plane changes.) • Advise TO of flight delays; transfers may be impacted • Speak with transfer contact upon landing and advise members where, and when, to go
SKI WEEK • Assist members with lost luggage claims • Account for everyone included in the group transfer; locate stragglers; get all onboard • Ensure members know what to do upon arrival at lodging check-in • Account for those members who were not part of the group transfer; if any are delayed, make sure TO knows
SKI WEEK • Attend Crescent Trip Leader meeting • Take notes as CSC TL reviews week’s activities • Receive door duty and other assignments • Give Emergency Medical forms to TO or CSC TL • Relay important data from CSC TL meeting to ALL members in a timely manner • Greet everyone the first morning • Are they settled in? • Any problems or special needs?
SKI WEEK • Minglewith all membersduringweek • Ask how things are going • Offer to help withanyproblems • Provide information to TO & CSC TL relating to injuries and workwith TO tofacilitateanymedical transportation needs • Account for all memberswho are part of the group departuretransfer to airport • Assistmembers in gettingcheckedin atairport
POST-TRIP ACTIVITY • Return sealed Emergency Medical forms • Confirm any refunds due to trip adjustments with TO; advise members of amounts to be received • Send email to participants asking for feedback: price (value of trip), tour operator, travel experience, accommodations, social events, skiing (terrain, conditions), etc. Forward all responses ANONYMOUSLY to CSC Trips Chair.
MOST IMPORTANT TASKCOMMUNICATIONS! • Always keep your members informed • Use the forum that works best to stay in touch • Electronically (email, social media, web site, phone, newsletters, etc.) • Face-to-face (meetings, parties, other events) • When you learn something (from TO, news reports, articles, etc.), SHARE IT! • Offer assistance at every step of the process: registration, travel, arrival, events, departure
Words of Wisdom(from experienced trip leaders) Listening is just as important as speaking! Smile! Be Patient! Be Positive! All problems can be solved!! Have fun! After all, it is a vacation!