QUEST COURSE COORDINATOR LEVEL
The final step after Instructor is to become a Course Coordinator. This involves assuming total responsibility for the course with regards to the office, paperwork, any emergency situation or incident and logistics of the course. Once you are on the course, you are in charge and make all final decisions on the course. Below are the soft skills we strive for:

Servant Mentality

• You are there to serve the needs of others: participants, observers, and fellow staff.
• Your top priorities should be creating a welcoming, challenging, rewarding, safe, and fun trip for people. Your own desires come after all these have been met (ex: doing a climb, playboating, surfing, hanging out with staff and talking).

Being able to Teach Hard Skills

• Ability to explain and demonstrate the hard skills necessary and appropriate for a course area.
• Exudes confidence and knowledge in skills, yet humble enough to admit own limits.
• Have amassed a considerable amount of personal experience in the course area you are leading.

Facilitating

• Capable of giving and receiving feedback to both participants and staff in an appropriate manner.
• Capable of debriefing a group during a course or after an incident.
• Ability and willingness to mentor others.

Be Organized

• Do necessary pre-course work, plan where you’re going, know who your staff are, what levels they are at and what they are working on.
• Reconnaissance if necessary, scouting out an area (climbing site, river levels, etc.).
• Complete necessary documentation within a reasonable time period.
• Communicate with course staff at least a week before a course.

Ability to Delegate

• Able to delegate jobs to staff of instructors and assistant instructors; able to step back and trust your staff to do their jobs.
• Be able to trust people and give them more responsibility and experience, but at the same time not sacrifice safety.

Be Accessible

• Create an atmosphere of openness, availability.
• Make sure participants and staff know you are there, to help and serve them.
• Invest in your participants by talking and getting to know them. It can be intimidating or scary trying something completely new with people you don’t know (and who may appear to know everything).
• Be accessible to your staff if they have questions, concerns, or needs.

Be Responsible

• You are responsible for every aspect of your course (it all ultimately falls on your shoulders).
• Planning, meeting with staff, and knowing their skill level and experience.
• Course plan, communicating the plan to staff and participants.
• Circle up at the beginning ‘Framing the Day’ and debriefing at the end.
• Having a contingency plan if things fall through: Emergency procedures, First aid.
• Responsible for safety and overall experience of participants.
• Aware that you are representing the Quest program during a course and also in your daily life.

Sound Judgment and Decision Making

• Capable of making smart decisions, taking into account many different factors, such as risk involved, participant ability level and countenance, staff ability and limitations.
• Able to take calculated risks
• Knows when to stop people; able to step up and take charge, say something is wrong or unsafe. Able to say no.

Sound Judgment and Decision Making

• Capable of making smart decisions, taking into account many different factors, such as risk involved, participant ability level and countenance, staff ability and limitations.
• Able to take calculated risks
• Knows when to stop people; able to step up and take charge, say something is wrong or unsafe. Able to say no.

Big Picture Mentality

• As C.C., you should be free to roam and see the ‘Big Picture’ on your course, and not be tied up in a job that takes you away from seeing all aspects of the course. This includes: safety, weather issues, participants needs, staff, evacuation concerns, etc. Constantly reevaluate for safety.

QUEST INSTRUCTOR ESSENTIALS

We’ve all heard of the 10 essentials, the items you should have with you personally in the backcountry (regional/seasonal dependent). As staff, these are important to have with you on a course as needed:

Map/Compass Fire source Flashlight/Headlamp

Knife Extra food/Water Signal Device/Whistle

Rain Gear Shelter Water Purification

We also have what we consider the Quest Instructor Essentials in addition to the items above:

Extra Warm Layers Duct Tape Cell Phone (As needed)

Parachute Cord Insect Repellent /Sunscreen Lunch (Pre-packed)

Sunglasses Money/ID

Weekend Courses







High Ropes Rescue Bag - This backpack is carried into the trees and left and Grand Central for all High Ropes Course. The rope is flaked into the bag with the end running to a figure 8 device and then knotted at the end with a Figure 8 follow through. There should be a carabiner on the Figure 8 device and on the Follow through so that it is ready to use immediately.

· Climbing Rope · EMT Shears · 2 Carabiners

· Etrier - Webbing Ladder · Figure 8

QUEST LEADERSHIP PROCESS
Welcome to the Quest system of leadership development. Now that you have participated in a trip and have an interest in becoming a leader, you can participate at our first Instructor level, Observer. More information about the levels can be found in each section of this book.

It is primarily your responsibility to begin the process of advancement. You should inform the Staffing Coordinator when you want to work a particular course. You should take this book into the field and begin filling out all technical aspects of the course. There is a possibility that you may not complete the requirements outlined here on a single course and they may require 2 or more courses to complete this process. Things may also be checked off if you do them while not on a course. Your current level of certification in each course area, and date of training is noted on the staffing board. If an update is needed, talk to the Staffing Coordinator or the Associate Director (AD).

For a Quest staff member to progress through the instructor levels they must demonstrate competency in the requirements outlined below and have these skills checked off by a Course Coordinator (CC) and/or the AD. Each instructor must also demonstrate the maturity and judgment necessary to be an effective member of the leadership team. It is important to note that there are additional, interpersonal skills that an Instructor must possess in order to work for Quest. These are defined as soft skills and appear in the CC section. These skills are difficult to assess in this outline format and will be evaluated by the AD and the CC’s. The CC’s and AD will work cooperatively with you to assess your specific technical skill competencies and provide immediate feedback on those areas needing growth.

Once you have had pages of your book checked off, place a photocopy (zoom it larger) of that page into your staffing folder in the Quest office. This ensures that if you were to lose this book there is a record of it. Maintenance of this book is mandatory of all instructors.

QUEST OBSERVER CHECKOUT
Prior to becoming an observer, you must participate in at least one course in the major course areas; Rocks (High Ropes, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Caving), Water (Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting), and Land (Backpacking, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing). The Observer role is the first step in becoming an Instructor for Quest. During this phase you will attend day trips for half the participant price and have an important job during the day, to learn.

After the course the Observer and Course Coordinator should discuss what the observer learned. Some examples of what to discuss are:
1. Describe the leadership style the instructors modeled during this course, with examples. What do you think are the pros and cons of the style and what would you do differently if you were the leader?

2. How would the instructor’s style change if the group were the opposite of the one today, such as a high energy group of young boy scouts, or an all women’s course?

3. Based on observations of leadership styles and technical skills used during the course, what will be your strong points? What areas do you need to increase your skills in and how do you plan on doing this?

4. Using examples, what safety concerns were addressed by the instructors and CC during the course? Is there any more you would add? Explain.

QUEST ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR CHECKOUT
To become an AI you must meet these requirements along with attending a range of courses and trainings. As an AI your role is learning the intricacies of leading people in outdoor environments and the technical skills involved. Once you have meet the necessary hard and soft skills, you can test out as an Instructor. As an Instructor your role revolves around teaching others, including participants and new staff.

All Course Areas (CC – Sign and date when completed and meet Quest Standards).

Has read the Quest manuals and will follow all Quest policies: o Risk Management Manual oMedical Protocols
Understands the Quest leadership process.
Participated in a teambuilding workshop.
Understands rescue plans for various emergency situations.
Has reviewed and understands the instructor essentials list.
Re-stocked First Aid Kit one time post-course.
Inventoried First Aid Kit one time pre-course.
Understands appropriate clothing system used while participating on courses.
Has learned basics of maps and compasses.
Has learned the 7 Leave No Trace Principles
Has been to one of the three local course areas listed below: oRicketts Glen (Summer) oRoaring Creek Tract oMainville Hiking Trails
Able to tie all listed knots and understands the function/issues of each. The knots you will need to demonstrate include (Can show at different times): oFigure Eight on a Bight oFigure Eight Follow Through oFisherman’s Knot oWater Knot oGirth Hitch oClove Hitch oBowline oBowline on a coil oBowline on a bight oMule Knot oSliding X Knot oMunter Hitch oKleimheist oPrussik oButterfly oTensionless Hitch
Discuss with the course coordinator what being an Assistant Instructor for Quest means to you. Consider safety, leadership, mentoring and professionalism when discussing this.

All Climbing Courses – Wall, Rock, Ice, High Ropes, Caving

Can properly fit and use: oSinging Rock Harness oClimbing Helmet oChest Harness oFull Body Harness

Has read the following manuals: oRock Anchor oRock Rescue

Has climbed at 3 of the 7 areas listed below: oTilbury oMain Wall oParadise oSquirrel Rocks oLibrary oDanville Rock Climbing oRicketts Glen (Winter)

Able to properly tie a climbing rope into a harness.

Able to demonstrate solid belay techniques applicable to year round courses and commands.

Able to set-up top rope system with supervision using Quest standards and adequately explain safety considerations involved.

Can demonstrate two ways to anchor self at top of cliff while setting up anchor: o o

Can demonstrate rope skills including: oCoiling oFlaking out/Inspection oCare and Maintenance

Can demonstrate how to safely spot a climber.

Can explain about the “hardware” rock climbers use including: oBelay/Rappel devices oCarabiner oArtificial Protection oSlings/Cord oBolts oNatural Protection

Can explain when and how to set up hand/lowering line for participants.

Has received training in Rock Rescue: Note date on course list in back.

Has received training in Rock Anchors: Note date on course list in back.

Climbing Wall (AI is the entry level and Instructor is the senior level at the wall. The CC is the Wall Manager.)

Able to set-up belay system at wall and explain the safety considerations involved.

Can demo belaying from log anchor.

Attended Climbing Wall Staff Training: Note date on course list in back.

Ice Climbing

Can demonstrate proper use of: oCrampons o Ice Axe o Ice Screws

Can fit self with: oIce axes oCrampons

Can explain factors for assessing ice quality and ability to be climbed safely.

Caving

Can demonstrate how to use this caving “hardware”: oCaving Helmet oCarbide Lamp oLamp Repair kit oCaving Pigs/Contents oExtra Items necessary to carry

Can demo the care, repair and safe use of carbide lamps.

Can explain cave formations.

Can explain caving ecology. (Plants, animals, zonation, etc.)

Can explain caving ethics. (Respect of personal cave property, etiquette and responsible disposal of waste)

List caves you have been to: (List cave, date and sign) (Minimum 1) o o

High Ropes (High Adventure)

Has seen the set up of all aspects of the High Ropes course: oDynamic belay at Inclined Log oBig Zip (including bungee system) oMini-zip oRescue Bag oLadder

Has worked at least 2 of the 5 positions on the course: (Check, date and sign) oBelayer at Inclined Log oGrand Central oMini-zip oBeam oBottom of Big zip/Ladder

Has received training in working the High Ropes Course. Note date in back.

Has been trained in use of rescue bag on course.

Understands “hardware” used during High Ropes Courses including: oHarness oLobster Claws oPulleys oRapid Links oBelay Cables oBackup Cables oSwages oStaples oHelmets

Assisted with ground school, understands safety systems and current commands being used.

Has gone through as a participant every element on the high ropes course.

All Water Courses

Can explain safety considerations for all water courses.

Has paddled on 3 of the 8 water course areas below: oLake Jean oFishing Creek oLehigh River Upper oLehigh River Lower oSusquehanna River oNescopeck Creek Upper oNescopeck Creek Lower oLake Chillisquaque

Understands the principles of moving water including: oInternational scale of difficulty oStream volume and gradient oHydrologic features oIdentifying potential hazards oHand Signals (Eddy out, stop, go left, go right, follow me here)

Understands hazards posed to swimmers in white water and their avoidance.

Able to demonstrate the proper use of a throw bag and explain its limitations and dangers.

Can explain principles of freeing a stuck raft or inflatable kayak.

Can explain principles of freeing a pinned hard shell boat.

Watched Water Videos in the office: oWhitewater Self Defense oKayak Roll oLet’s get Wet – Rafting Video

Understands the contents of the rescue kit.

Has received Swift Water Rescue. Note date in back.

Can explain clothing and equipment necessary for various water conditions.

Whitewater Rafting

Has tried guiding a paddle raft with inexperienced participants on white water through class III.

Can explain rafting equipment and its safe usage and proper care.

Has heard and read a rafting safety talk at the beginning of the course.

Knows paddle captain commands.

Kayaking

Can safely Kayak on Moving Water.

Has attended a Kayak Rolling Session.

Can explain the equipment, its safe use, and proper care of kayaks in: oRecreational water oWhite water

Can demonstrate fundamental skills of kayaking, including: oPaddle strokes oBracing oSelf rescue oWet exits oRolling

Has observed and read a proficient kayaking safety talk at the beginning of the course.

Canoeing

Can safely paddle in both solo and tandem canoeing on flat water and white water through class II. oSolo canoe oTandem canoe oWhitewater solo canoe oWhitewater tandem canoe

Can explain the equipment, safe use, and proper care.

Can demonstrate the fundamental skills of canoeing, including: oPaddle strokes oBracing oSelf rescue oRighting a swamped canoe

Has observed and read proficient canoeing safety talk at the beginning of the course.

Winter Courses

Has read and observed a safety talk specific to winter course areas.

Can explain/demo the fundamentals of cross country skiing: oForward motion oStopping oTurning oUphill techniques oDownhill techniques oSelf rescue from a fall

Can explain the equipment used for CC skiing.

Can explain the equipment used for snowshoeing.

Can fit self with the winter equipment including: oSnowshoes and poles oCross country skis and poles

Has read the extra equipment necessary from the Instructor Essentials.

Can explain how to safely dress to protect from hypothermia and frostbite.

Teambuilding

Has read Quest teambuilding Manual.

Can set-up, explain safety and co-facilitate no fewer than 2 Activities. (Name of activity, date and sign) o o

Can explain the importance of engaging a group during teambuilding.

Can explain the importance of debriefing.

Understands the role of facilitator vs. leader.

Backpacking

Has Hiked 2 of the following course areas o Loyalsock Trail o Ricketts Glen o PA Grand Canyon o Pinchot Trail o PA Section of AT

Has been on a weekend backpacking trip Date:

Can Fit an Internal Frame Backpack

Has used both a MSR Whisperlite and Vargo Alcohol Stove, and can explain safety considerations while cooking and making fires.

Has hung a bear bag and has heard a bear safety talk during a course

Has set up o Tent o Tarp Shelter

Can tie a Taunt Line Hitch and Truckers Hitch and understands the uses for each

Care and Maintenance of Tents, Stoves, Sleeping Bags

Water Treatment Methods

Dish washing System for Backpacking and Camping

QUEST INSTRUCTOR CHECKOUT SHEET

All Course Areas (CC – Sign and date when completed and meet Quest Standards)

Thorough knowledge of Quest policies as read in: oMain Quest Manual oRisk Management Manual oLead Climbing Manual oRock Rescue Manual oManual Appendixes oMedical Protocols oRock Anchor Manual oTeambuilding Manual
Has assisted as a staff trainer.
Worked at least one TB course as an AI. Note date in back.
Played major role in office, on a large project, or an extended expedition. oList Project/Expedition:
Thorough knowledge of the course folder and completing course reports.
Able to formulate a rescue plan for various emergency situations.
Thorough knowledge of the contents of the first aid kits and the hypo kits.
Have a pre-course safety briefing evaluated by Course Coordinator: o
Competently tie specific knots and explains function/issues of each in the designated time. This is an all or nothing test: oTest Passed: (Date and Sign) · Figure Eight Follow Through · Figure Eight on a Bight · Girth Hitch · Clove Hitch · Bowline · Bowline on a coil · Sliding X Knot · Kleimheist · Prussik · Munter Hitch · Mule Knot · Tensionless Hitch · Water Knot · Butterfly · Fisherman’s/ Barrel Knot · Bowline on a bight
Can teach basics of maps and compasses.
Can list the 7 principles of LNT and explain how they relate to specific course areas
Has been to two common local areas relevant to the course areas worked: oRicketts Glen oRoaring Creek oMainville Hiking Trails
Has received training in Van + Trailer driving. oGeneral Vehicle Procedures oCGA Vehicles oState 15 Passenger Vans oTrailer Use
Completed Soft Skills Evaluation plan with AD or CC.
Discuss with the Course Coordinator what being an Instructor for Quest means to you. Please carefully consider safety, leadership, mentoring and professionalism when discussing this.

All Climbing Courses – Wall, Rock, Ice, High Ropes, Caving

Thorough knowledge of Quest policies as read in: oRock Rescue Manual oLead Climbing Manual

Able to instruct beginners in fitting and using: oSinging Rock Harness oChest Harness oFull Body Harness oClimbing Helmet

Has climbed at 5 of 7 areas listed below: oTilbury oMain Wall oParadise oSquirrel Rocks oLibrary oDanville Rock Climbing oRicketts Glen (Winter)

Able to teach how to tie into the rope.

Can teach different belay techniques applicable to year round courses and monitor student belayers.

Can demonstrate the construction of 2 solid anchors and explain issues/limitations with them: o o

Able to instruct beginners the commands used while belaying and climbing.

Can teach how to properly anchor at top of climb while building an anchor.

Can teach rope skills including: oCoiling oFlaking out/Inspecting oCare and Maintenance

Can teach how to safely spot a climber.

Can teach the proper use of “hardware” rock climbers use: oBelay/Rappel devices oCarabiner oArtificial Protection oSlings/Cord oBolts oNatural Protection

Can demonstrate a belay escape. ( Should review each semester)

Can demonstrate a 3:1 pulley system.

Can competently ascend/descend a rope properly using friction knots only. (See AD or CC for current standards)

Can build a hand/lowering line for participants in technical environments.

Can safely setup a participant rappel with a backup system.

Has adequate personal climbing experience in a range of areas.

Climbing Wall (Instructor is the senior level at the wall. The CC is the Wall Manager.)

Assistant Instructor on a minimum of two rock climbing courses.

Able to teach others the belay system at wall and explain the safety considerations involved with setting up the wall.

Able to inspect the safety systems on the wall.

Can set up and safely run a team belay at the wall.

Can teach set up of belay anchors and ropes.

Mastery of all wall paperwork and procedures.

Rock and Ice Climbing

Can teach the proper use of: oCrampons o Ice Axe o Ice Screws

Can fit others with: oIce axes oCrampons

Can teach assessing ice quality and ability to be climbed safely.

Has received training in Rock Lead Climbing. Note date in back.

Caving

Can teach the “hardware” used in caving: oCaving Helmets oCarbide Lamp oLamp Repair kit oCaving Pigs/Contents oExtra Items necessary to carry

Can teach the care, maintenance, repair and safe usage of the carbide lamps.

Able to instruct participants about cave formations.

Able to instruct caving ecology. (Plants, animals, zonation, etc.)

Able to instruct caving ethics. (Respect of personal cave property, etiquette and responsible disposal of waste)

Adequate experience to qualify as instructor: List caves you have been to in back.

Has attended one grotto meeting

Has been to 3 of 5 caves and knows access procedures to each oDeerbone o Carnegie oHennigh o MccAlisterville oRupert

Has knowledge about access/closed cave list

Has knowledge about different types of caves (wet/dry, horizontal/vertical)

High Ropes (High Adventure)

Able to competently set up all aspects of the high ropes course: oDynamic belay at Inclined Log oBig Zip (including bungee system) oMini-zip oRescue Bag oLadder

Can competently execute a participant lower.

Has worked at least 4 of the 5 positions on the course: (Check, date and sign) oBelayer at Inclined Log oGrand Central oMini-zip oBeam oBottom of Big zip/Ladder

Can teach the “hardware” used during High Ropes Courses including: oHarness oLobster claws oPulleys oRapid Links oBelay Cables oBackup Cables oSwages oStaples oHelmets

Can run ground school and understands the inherent safety systems and current commands being used.

Has done one complete course inspection.

All Water Courses

Able to teach safety considerations and the proper use of equipment.

Has paddled on 5 of the 8 water course areas below (can get others approved by Assistant Director): oLake Jean oFishing Creek oLehigh River Upper oLehigh River Lower oSusquehanna River oNescopeck Creek Upper oNescopeck Creek Lower o Lake Chillisquaque

Can teach the principles of moving water including: oInternational scale of difficulty oStream volume and gradient oHydrologic features oIdentifying potential hazards oHand Signals (Eddy out, stop, go left, go right, follow me here)

Can teach the dangers posed to swimmers in white water and their avoidance.

Able to teach proper use of throw bag and explain its limitations and potential dangers.

Can set up an internal z-drag on a raft or inflatable kayak.

Can demonstrate a z-drag rescue system to free a pinned boat.

Watch Water Videos in the office: oWhitewater Self Defense oKayak Roll oLet’s get Wet – Rafting Video

Whitewater Rafting

Can teach guiding a raft to inexperienced participants on white water through class III.

Can teach rafting equipment, its safe usage and proper care.

Has demonstrated a proficient rafting safety talk on a course. List date:

Adequate Personal Experience.

Kayaking

Demonstrate proficiency in white water up to class III.

Solid and reliable roll in swift moving water.

Can teach about equipment, its safe use, and proper care of kayaks.

Able to instruct course participants in fundamental skills of kayaking, including: oPaddle strokes oBracing oSelf rescue oWet exits oRolling

Has demonstrated a proficient kayaking safety talk at the beginning of the course: o

Adequate Personal Experience:

Canoeing

Demonstrated proficiency paddling in both solo and tandem canoeing on flat water and white water through class II: oFlat water solo canoe oFlat water tandem canoe oWhitewater solo canoe oWhitewater tandem canoe

Can teach about the equipment used, its safe use, and proper care.

Able to instruct course participants in fundamental skills of canoeing, including: oPaddle strokes oBracing oSelf rescue oRighting a swamped canoe

Has demonstrated a proficient canoeing safety talk on a course.

Adequate Personal Experience:

Winter Courses

Has demonstrated a safety talk specific to winter course areas and their unique concerns. List date:

Can teach the fundamentals of cross country skiing: oForward motion oStopping oTurning oUphill techniques oDownhill techniques oSelf rescue from a fall

Can teach about equipment used for CC skiing.

Can teach about equipment used for snowshoeing.

Can fit others with winter equipment including: oSnowshoes and poles oCross country skis and poles

Teambuilding

Can set-up, explain safety and facilitate no fewer than 6 Activites. (Name of activity, date and sign) o o o o o o

Is able to engage a group during the teambuilding experience.

Can demonstrate effective debriefing.

Has done one full group introduction / activity with support of CC.

Has done one full group wrap up with support of CC.

Backpacking

Has Hiked 3 of the following course areas o Loyalsock Trail o Ricketts Glen o PA Grand Canyon o Pinchot Trail o PA Section of AT

Has adequate experience hiking for an extended period of time Date:

Can Teach how to fit an Internal Frame Backpack

Can teach the use of both the MSR Whisperlite and Vargo Alcohol Stove, and can explain safety considerations while cooking and making fires.

Can teach how to hang a bear bag and has lead a bear safety talk on a course

Has set up o Tent o Tarp Shelter

Can tie a Taunt Line Hitch and Truckers Hitch and understands the uses for each

Care and Maintenance of Tents, Stoves, Sleeping Bags

Water Treatment Methods

Dish washing System for Backpacking and Camping

QUEST INSTRUCTOR CHECKOUT SHEET
SUMMARY OF COURSES WORKED
List on this form all courses and trainings you have attended or worked, fill in all items. As an Assistant instructor you must attend the trainings at least once. As an instructor you need to attend as a trainer or participant at least once per year.

Document all significant personal experience¸ which will enable you to be considered with confidence for advancement to Instructor and Course Coordinator level.

CERTIFICATIONS (Must be current and on staff board)

Medical Training: (Level/Issue Date/Company)
CPR: (Issue Date/ Certification)
Epinephrine Training: (Date of Training)

Date Level Course Type/Location
Date Level Course Type/Location



Date Level Course Type/Location



Date Level Course Type/Location