**THE ROLE OF YOUR GROUP LEADER**
Welcome to your amaWalkers adventure! Let's chat about our wonderful Group Leaders and what you can expect from them during your journey. Our Group Leaders are passionate volunteers who love sharing these experiences with you. While we cover their costs, they're not paid employees – they're here because they truly enjoy what they do and want to share their love of the pilgrimage trails with you!
Welcome to your amaWalkers adventure! Let's chat about our wonderful Group Leaders and what you can expect from them during your journey. Our Group Leaders are passionate volunteers who love sharing these experiences with you. While we cover their costs, they're not paid employees – they're here because they truly enjoy what they do and want to share their love of the pilgrimage trails with you!
Your Group Leader's main job is to be your friendly companion on the walk, ensuring you have the best possible experience and get everything you signed up for. But don't worry, this isn't a strict guided tour! You're free to set your own pace and explore independently. Your Group Leader will often act as a "sweeper" for slower walkers, and everyone can meet up at day's end to share stories.
Here's what your Group Leader will do for you
* Host a welcoming get-together when you arrive
* Hand out Pilgrim Packs and give you the lowdown on what to expect
* Take care of accommodation, transportation between locations, and luggage transfers
* Organize group meals if desired (finding local eateries is part of the fun of your walk!)
* Be available via WhatsApp (when service allows) to answer questions and keep the group connected
While Group Leaders aren't official Tour Guides, they may work with local guides at specific sites. If you want in-depth tours of historical monuments, you can arrange those with on-site registered guides.
Your Part in the Adventure
To make the most of your experience, we ask that you:
* Print and carry the provided booklet with daily stage descriptions, itineraries, and accommodation details. You can tear out the pages as you complete each stage or keep the booklet as a memento of your walk)
* Take some responsibility for navigating (your phone's GPS can be a big help!)
* Check WhatsApp in the evenings for group updates
* 'Clock-in' with the group around 5 pm each day
* Join evening gatherings to discuss the day and prepare for tomorrow
* Have your luggage ready in the foyer by 7:30 am for transfers
A Few Friendly Reminders
* Your Group Leader isn't responsible for personal belongings or searching for lost items
* Any property you damage during the walk is your responsibility to address
* If you have concerns about others in the group, please discuss them privately with your Group Leader
We want everyone to have an amazing time! In rare cases, if a walker's participation becomes disruptive to the group or unsafe for themselves, the Group Leader may ask them to leave the walk.
Remember, this is YOUR adventure! Your Group Leader is here to support you, but the real joy comes from your own discoveries along the way. Happy walking!
What is the difference between a Tour Guide and a Group Leader?
A qualified 'Tour Guide' is usually a local who works within an area they have studied (often at University level) and who is certified and registered to conduct tours in that area of expertise. They are usually paid by a local agency and typically work on a daily basis. They are licensed, qualified experts who supply specific information on history, art, architecture or culture of the city/ village/ museum in which he/she is guiding the tour. The guide might meet the group at a specified location and leaves the group at the end of the tour. Some qualified country Guides lead groups for Tour Companies. Tour Guides are restricted to conducting tours in their city, municipal area, region, province or Country.
A qualified 'Tour Guide' is usually a local who works within an area they have studied (often at University level) and who is certified and registered to conduct tours in that area of expertise. They are usually paid by a local agency and typically work on a daily basis. They are licensed, qualified experts who supply specific information on history, art, architecture or culture of the city/ village/ museum in which he/she is guiding the tour. The guide might meet the group at a specified location and leaves the group at the end of the tour. Some qualified country Guides lead groups for Tour Companies. Tour Guides are restricted to conducting tours in their city, municipal area, region, province or Country.
