Leader's Checklist

Here is a complete list of To-do's extracted from our Leader's Guide to High Adventure Canoe Trips.

• As early as possible (Ideal: Preceding Fall ... but we are still taking last minute reservations in July)
  • Troop Committee Reviews NCCO Booklet
  • Determine Trip Length and Package Preference
  • Establish Initial Trip Budget
  • Determine Starting Dates: 1st Choice and one or two Alternates
  • Trip Chairman Makes Initial Booking Contact With NCCO
  • First Parents Meeting
• After Completing Above (Ideal: Preceding November / Early December)
  • Collect First Payment Moneys from Participants (Ideal: $125/person)
  • Contact NCCO with Reservation Information (one $10 fee covers entire group),
  • Wilderness Entry Permit Fees (US or Canada must be on credit card)
  • Non-Refundable Deposit ($100/person) If check is to be used, we must receive it within 7 days
  • April 1 Cut-off Date for Reserving "SPECIAL" NCCO Packages
• Three to Five Months in Advance of Trip
  • Confirm Sales Tax Status of Unit / Apply for exemption if applicable
  • Start Organizing Transportation
  • Start First Aid Review and Training
  • Start Water Safety Review and Canoe Training (Pool Party ?)
  • Collect Second Payment Moneys from Participants (Ideal 1/2 balance)
  • Organize into Travel Groups of 6-9 People (Even numbers where possible)
  • Travel Groups Select Menus
  • Send Travel Groups Rosters and Menus to NCCO
• 90 Days In Advance of Trip
  If going to Canada, apply for Remote Area Border Crossing Permits (Customs clearance)
  • Refine Trip Budget
  • Second Parents Meeting (with Participants, too)
  • Review Wilderness Risks / Consent Forms signed
  • Discuss Travel Plans and On The Road Expenses
  • Discuss "What To Bring List"
  • Apply for National Tour Permit with Council Office
• 45 Days In Advance of Trip
• Participants Meeting
• Review Second Parents Meeting
• Establish Ground Rules For Behavior
• Match-up Initial Canoeing Partners (2s or 3s) Paddle groups in even numbers
• Initial Discussion of Travel Times F
• inalize All Travel Arrangements
• Finalize Trip Budget
• (Shake down overnight camping trip?)
• 30 Days In Advance of Trip
  • Final Date to Cancel Trip and have Deposit Credited
• 15 to 30 Days In Advance of Trip
• Third Parents Meeting (with Participants) (Bar-B-Que Picnic?)
• Collect Final Payment Moneys from Participants
• Lock-in Travel Times
• Review "What To Bring List"
• 7 Days In Advance of Trip
• Final Date to notify NCCO of changes with no Repacking Penalty
• Secure Cashier's or Traveler's Checks, or Cash for Estimated NCCO Payment
• Secure Traveler's Checks or Cash for NCCO Balance and On The Road Expenses
• Secure Cash for Incidental Expenses or emergency repairs
• 1 Day In Advance Of Trip
• Notify NCCO of any Last Minute Problems
• Load Vehicles with Everything except the Participants:
• Personal Canoe Trip Stuffbags or Pillowcases,
• On-The-Road Items
• National Tour Permit,
• Parental Releases,
• Medical Forms
• Funds for On The Trip,
• Sales Tax Exemption (if applicable and not already mailed to NCCO)