Our HS group leader is probably going to be stepping out of the leader shoes in a year or three, and a couple of parents in the group have already started talking about a replacement (a good sign of a healthy group, I think!). One person asked if I would consider taking up the reins and I responded with a resounding NO! But I'm with CFK: I'm not extroverted nor diplomatic enough to think that I could lead such a group without killing it.
Besides, I'm INTJ, so I don't want to take the lead unless no one else appears to be capable.
However, I think YOU would make an excellent choice! You seem much more politic and personable than I am!
As for your lawsuit potential...I used to work in risk management, so I know a little bit about how to protect yourself. (Though I'm not an expert and you should remember that my advice is worth exactly what you paid me for it...)
If your position is a voluntary one and everyone signs a standard *hold-harmless agreement* that says they won't hold you or the group responsible for injuries occuring during group functions--and that's standard practice--you'll be pretty safe.
A hold-harmless agreement offers reasonably broad protection from lawsuits, especially for someone who is unpaid, uses common sense, and is just trying to give kids more opportunities for learning. Just remember that there's no risky activities like mountain climbing or skydiving allowed (or perhaps even horseback riding), you must ensure that kids have suitable adult guidance, and if sued you'd still have all the hassle and cost of defending yourself. There's no way to protect yourself from nuisance suits, I'm afraid.
Here's what a hold-harmless looks like--some are more filled with legalese than others. They don't have to be so foreign sounding! I think the first one is probably the most like what you'd want...
http://groups.northwestern.edu/outing/documents/trip_waiver.dochttps://esign.wwu.edu/admcs/process/forms/Campus%20Rec/risk_waiv.aspx?valid=truehttps://www.legaldocs.com/htsgif.d/xholdhar.htmLet us know if we ought to start calling you Madam President!
