Be honest with the trip leader and yourself about your fitness level. In the quarterly bulletin is a schedule of upcoming hikes. Each are graded with an explanation of the grades at the top of the page. If you are unsure of your ability to do certain hikes, then try one at a less strenuous level. Note: that elevation is just as important as how far you have to travel.
Be sure to bring the 10 essentials:
https://www.northshorerescue.com/education/what-to-bring/
or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials
Arrive at the meeting place on time and ready to go. See the guidelines on carpooling and the policy on pets.
https://www.valleyoutdoor.org/index.php/guidelines/car-pooling
https://www.valleyoutdoor.org/index.php/about-us/policies
On the trail:
- Stay behind the trip leader unless they allow you to go ahead. If so, wait at all trail forks. Do this on both the outbound and return legs of the hike.
- Stay ahead of the sweep and let them know if you need to step off the trail for any reason. Leave your pack so that people will know where you left the trail.
- Not all people hike at the same pace. The hike leader will ensure that the group travels at the rate of the slowest people by setting a slower pace and/or having period stops for people to catch up.
- Leave no trace (pack in pack out).
- It is recommened that hikes should have a minimum of of four people: if someone is injured, one person will stay with the injured party and two will go for help.