I'm so screwed...and not in the good way !

“Many of you are parents, so maybe you can give me some perspective.

Okay, so we're leaving on Friday, and today our other adult sponsor backed out. I'm not worried about being on the trail, but last month when I wanted another adult for a different trip, one of my bosses thought it was unnecessary, until I explained to the others why (only being 24, and not old enough to rent a vehicle should ours break down).

So now, I'm going backpacking for 4 days and whitewater rafting for two in Colorado with 4 ages 15-18 kids. We have another adult meeting us in CO, so being the lone adult on the trail is not an issue. The other trip is 4 kids ages 13 & 14 in downtown Denver for 4 days.

Two of the kids going have backpacking experience, two do not, but have loads of common sense. The the other adult meeting us there has worked at a mountain camp before, and I have much book knowledge and the wisdom I've gleaned from this site, as well as physical knowledge of the area in which we will be traveling (Rocky Mountain National PArk).

Argh!!! I hate it when reality gets in the way of our plans.

Sorry this is a jumbled mess, but I'm kinda stresed.”

“Well maybe you just need to go get, er, never mind.”

“Is the raft trip with an experienced outfitter? I would not allow my teenagers on white water without some very experienced guides, and even then probably not.”

“Ldhiker--
Yes, we are going with an established outfitter, with many years of experience. Their guides are trained above and beyond what is required by the state of Colorado, and have many years experience.
We will be doing nothing higher than a class IV.”

“Just do it man! Stop worrying, things work out when you just do them! The more you plan the more you destroy the fun.”

“Are you individuals or part of an organization? Do you have permission slips from parents of the minors? Can any of the 18 y/o drive in case of an emergency? How far do you need to drive? What (exactly) are you worried about most, your car breaking down? Perhaps one of the kid's folks will lend you a more road worthy vehicle (you are, after all taking their kid on an adventure.)
Tarp Rat makes alot of sense. (Don't tell him I said that)”

“It's a church youth group, I am the youth director. We're in Nebraska, and we're going to Colorado, about a 7 hour drive.

We have a 96 van, usually very dependable, but last year in Estes, the fuel pump went out. Guess I'm just paranoid, seeing as I'll be responsible for other people's kids for a week. Just part of the job I guess. Yes, I will have paper work from all the parents.

I'm just trying to cover all the bases risk managment wise.”

“I always need an extra adult to carry the spare set of car keys. I have a reputation now.”

“Ummm, as a girl scout leader.”

“I'm a Pastor, so I know the angst of Mountain Mama. Took a large group canoeing in Boundary Waters & smaller groups to the Rockies. I'm with Tarp Rat, do it. One of your church members must have a cell phone they can loan for a week or so. Take that along for road trip. (You could always call home and get someone else to rent the car should you need to.
You could also take along a letter, with supporting phone contacts (24-7), from the Church that they support you, financially, should something happen.

Lastly, and I suppose this should be FIRST, have a mechanic go over the vehicle before you leave. (Alternatively, rent a van/car.)”

“An industry standard for church groups is one adult per five youth. If you have four you ought to be okay. If it is co-ed, you need two leaders (one male and one female).”

“Please let us know how things turned out. Happy trails.”

“Thanks for all the input and support!

We are going! The van was checked out last week, and looks good.

We are split even for male/female, so will be short the male sponsor for approximately 15 hours of the trip. (Van time). We have a friend of the congregation meeting us once we get to Estes.

I'll post a full report in a week and a half or so. Thanks again!”

“Too bad you are going this weekend or I would offer to go with you...out of completely selfless motives of course...but I and my "assistant" are taking our Sunday School kids (third and fourth graders) car camping this Friday. I probably wouldn't be much help with your group anyway since I'm a female. My boyfriend will be in Colorado the same time as you, leaving Thursday afternoon and returning next Friday. He and his friends are climbing Gray's and Torrey's peaks, I have been helping him pack all this week. Hope you and your group have a great time!

BTW, our church youth group has taken two trips to Colorado over the last couple of years, both times their van has broken down on the way back. One time the second van which was going to rescue the first van broke down too. Hopefully you will not suffer the same fate.”