PERMISSION SLIPS:

These trips cannot happen without the permission and participation of parents or other adults. There must be at least 10 members and one parent signed up for each hike or it will be cancelled. All students must submit completed parent permission slips prior to the event. All drivers must submit proof of age and auto insurance prior to the event.

PRE-TRIP MEETINGS: To prepare the hiker, a trail description is distributed with the parent permission slips and a pre-trip meeting is held by the advisor at lunchtime the Friday before each hike. Attendance to pre-trip meetings is mandatory for all participants. Hikers are reminded never to stray from the main group or attempt daredevil activities while hiking with GEO.

DIFFICULTIES: These hikes are not for everybody. Hikers should be in good physical condition. Most hikes are 5 -10 miles long. Trails are hot, steep, and require boulder hopping. Hiking shoes should provide good tread and ankle support. Some of the trails include knee-deep river crossings and waterfalls (shorts and quick drying shoes essential). Several of the hikes are in high altitude. It is always best to bring a warm change of clothes after a hike.

CANCELLATIONS: Students who have already submitted signed parent permission slips must cancel in person or contact a GEO officer by phone. Failure to do so will result in loss of future hiking privileges.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS: At 7am, we meet the advisor at the front of the school in the administration parking lot. Without volunteer drivers, there is no transportation. Drivers are not reimbursed for gas, so bring a little money to help pay for the gas. Drivers decide who will ride in their cars or else GEO officers decide for them. Many of our hikes require a 2-hour drive to the hike, and a 2-hour drive back to the school. Be prepared for possible fast food stops along the way.

HIKE PREPARATION: Do NOT come on a hike without doing the following things:

þ Eat breakfast before you come

þ Carry at least one quart of water

þ Bring a sack lunch to eat on the trail

þ Wear appropriate footwear.

þ Carry a daypack and include a hat, a

sweatshirt and some sunscreen.

GEO HIKING SHIRTS: Available for $15.00 GEO HIKE BUTTONS: Members must go on the hikes to receive the free collectible buttons.