Campers dig latrines for toilets, and they sleep either in shelters or in tents that Cherith provides. This is a wilderness area with emergency assistance at times several hours away. Inclement weather cannot always be avoided. The trip leader spends at least 10 hours with campers prior to taking them to the mountains. She teaches backpacking and campcraft skills, reviews maps of the trip itinerary, and teaches campers how to keep themselves and their equipment and the environment clean, safe, and healthy.
Campers also receive instruction in emergency procedures and safe hiking practices.
The Camp Cherith trip leader spends her summer leading safe trips that are fun, exciting, and a learning experience for every participant. She is also a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard with First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. The trip leader is always accompanied by at least one other staff member. The trip ratio is one staff member for every four campers. All campers who register for the Extreme Expedition must demonstrate willingness to cooperate fully with the trip leader and to follow all safety regulations.