MAXIMIZING YOUR CREW POSITION: CREW LEADER

When on a Swamp Base trek, within your crew, there are several roles that need to be filled. We call these crew positions. There are six different crew positions (Trek Advisor, Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, Swamp Steward, e-Scribe, and Trek Participant)  and making sure the right person is chosen to fill the role is important. Maximizing the effort and attention you give to your crew responsibilities can in turn, maximize the benefits and rewards you gain from your experience. 

This short blog series will feature the different crew positions and outline how you can make the most of your role in the crew. Next on our list of roles to explore is the Crew Leader.

The Crew Leader is the youth leader who oversees the crew. They are responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, making decisions, and recognizing the capabilities of each crew member. They lead by example and practice servant leadership to allow the crew to have an enjoyable and successful trek. Decisions during the trek will often be made by the “Key Three”, which include the Trek Advisor, Crew Leader, and the Trek Guide. The position of Crew Leader is similar to that of a Senior Patrol Leader, Venture Crew President, or Sea Scout Boatswain. 

There are many traits good Crew Leaders possess, but here are a few Preaux Tips that we think can help you maximize your role:

1. Be a servant leader: A good Crew Leader places the needs of their crew first. They ensure that everyone has a successful trek; whether that means staying up late to help wash dishes at a program area, carrying an extra bag of gear or a canoe during a portage, or ensuring that tasks have been delegated fairly to other members of the crew. Practicing servant leadership should be a skill we all strive for everyday.

2. Have a positive attitude: Your trek crew will look to you as an example. How you face the challenges set before you plays an important role in your crew’s journey. You should have a solution driven, rather than problem focused attitude. Every trek faces challenges. Your mental fortitude will determine whether or not you conquer those challenges well. 

3. Be attentive to your crew: Pay attention to your crew mates. What are their strengths? Where are areas they may struggle? Who would or wouldn’t make good canoe buddy pairs? Does someone get stuck doing campsite chores while others may have too much free time? Knowing the answers to these questions and being able to step up and step in can help your crew dynamic along the way. 

4. Practice conflict resolution: Learning to resolve conflicts among crewmates can be tough. Practicing conflict resolution skills like; active listening, finding common ground, communication, and discovering compromising solutions are key to resolving and preventing conflicts amongst your crew. 

5. Be an active member of the “Key Three”: Working closely with your Trek Advisor and Trek Guide is vital to making the most of your Swamp Base Trek. High Adventure Treks should be youth led. Making your crew’s goals known to your Trek Guide and Advisor helps personalize your experience, and communicating well within the “Key Three” helps ensure a smooth running excursion.  

Those who have filled the role of a Swamp Base Crew Leader, what other advice would you give to those considering the role?

All participants are assigned a position within their crew. The Crew Leader is given the orange bracelet.