Outdoor Expedition
Dauer
72
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Moderate
Outdoor Expedition
This activity involves three main phases: before, during, and after the expedition. Before the expedition, participants receive general outdoor education and experiential learning principles, attend technical workshops, and split into teams to prepare for the journey.
Kategorie
Environment, Outdoor Safety, Outdoor Education, Self Reliance, Spatial Awareness, Teambuilding
Umfeld
Outdoor
Dauer (Minuten)
72
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Moderate
Zahl der Teilnehmer
Up to 30
Benötigte Materialien
Tents- sleeping bags, mattresses;
Backpacks, raingear, hiking boots, outdoor clothing and personal items;
Cooking pots and utensils, food;Water - water source and containers
1st Aid Kit
Maps, communication devices
Ziele und Aufgaben
Develop outdoor skills- setting up tents, setting up fire
Develop decision making skills and leading a group- choosing a route, understanding different needs, leading the group through the track
Enhance team work and delegate tasks; work in teams for cooking, setting up camp and activities
Understand nature and natural environments
Reflect upon experiences
Understand other’s needs and take initiative
Understand success and failure
Anweisungen
The activities are divided in three main categories: before the expedition, during and after.
Before the expedition:
General information about outdoor education principles: Learning zone, Redefining Success, Challenge by choice
General information about experiential education: The Kolb cycle and importance or reflection/debrief.
Technical/hands on workshops: How to use maps, how to build a fire, how to make a backpack, 1st Aid, how to build a shelter, how to set up tents.
Split in groups and start preparing expedition: Food team- food menu for the participants, buying, distributing food to carry, distributing tasks, organizing kitchen tools
Materials team: organize all materials needed, distribute them and make sure everything needed is there.
Program team: analyze and decide the route, inform all participants about each day’s itinerary, what to expect, find water sources and best camping spots.
Organize meetings with all teams to ensure proper communication, oversee weather conditions and make sure that every participant is ready for the upcoming activities;
During the expedition:
Organize all logistics- transport to starting point, facilitate communication and offer support for all teams
Ensure that the program team is leading the group following the best routes
Ensure that the food team is delegating all tasks (cooking, having needed resources like fire, water, etc)
Ensure that the materials team is offering support to set up tents, organize all materials.
Facilitate reflection meetings and encourage discussions regarding what are the strong points of the group and what needs to be improved.
Nachbesprechung
After the expedition:
Facilitate a session to collect all information from the expedition days and analyze the outcome/provide space to reflect and express all feelings/observations
Create a plan for future expeditions or do’s and dont’s
Extract learning points/memorable moments and aha moments
Organize again all resources used and returned- tents, tools, etc
Risiken und Empfehlungen
While outdoor expeditions can be incredibly rewarding and educational, they also come with inherent risks. Some potential risks associated with this activity include:
1. Physical Injury: Participants may encounter rough terrain, extreme weather conditions, or encounters with wildlife, leading to physical injuries such as sprains, cuts, or bites.
2. Weather Hazards: Exposure to inclement weather conditions like thunderstorms, high winds, or extreme temperatures can pose risks of hypothermia, heatstroke, or other weather-related illnesses.
3. Navigation Errors: Incorrect navigation or failure to follow the planned route could lead to participants getting lost, causing distress and potential delays in rescue efforts.
4. Foodborne Illness: Improper food handling or cooking techniques during the expedition may lead to foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning, which can severely impact participants' health and well-being.
5. Equipment Failure: Failure or malfunction of essential equipment like tents, cooking stoves, or first aid kits could compromise participants' safety and comfort during the expedition.
6. Environmental Hazards: Exposure to environmental hazards such as poisonous plants, venomous animals, or hazardous terrain features (e.g., cliffs, unstable ground) could result in injuries or health complications.
7. Communication Issues: Inadequate communication systems or lack of access to emergency services in remote areas may hinder participants' ability to seek help in case of emergencies.
8. Group Dynamics: Conflicts or disagreements among participants, lack of teamwork, or leadership issues can disrupt the expedition's flow and compromise safety.
9. Fatigue and Dehydration: Long hours of physical activity and inadequate hydration may lead to fatigue, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses, affecting participants' ability to function effectively during the expedition.
10. Inadequate Preparation: Insufficient training, inadequate planning, or overlooking essential safety protocols may increase the likelihood of accidents or emergencies occurring during the expedition.
To mitigate these risks, thorough planning, proper training, adherence to safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and experienced leadership are essential components of organizing and conducting outdoor expeditions. Regular risk assessments, contingency planning, and clear communication with participants are crucial to ensuring a safe and successful experience.
Wissen und Kompetenz der Moderatoren
The facilitator of an outdoor expedition should have expertise in outdoor skills like navigation and first aid, strong leadership qualities for decision-making and problem-solving, and the ability to manage group dynamics effectively. They must also possess knowledge of risk management, emergency response procedures, and environmental considerations. Cultural sensitivity, logistical planning skills, and a commitment to continuous learning are also essential for ensuring the safety and success of the expedition.
Im Kopf behalten...
In addition to the mentioned competencies, the facilitator should also prioritize:
1. Participant Safety: Ensuring that participant safety is the top priority throughout the expedition, with constant vigilance towards potential hazards and risks.
2. Clear Communication: Maintaining clear and open communication with participants, providing instructions, updates, and guidance effectively, especially in emergency situations.
3. Flexibility: Being adaptable and flexible to adjust plans or activities as needed based on changing circumstances such as weather conditions or group dynamics.
4. Empowerment: Encouraging participant involvement and empowerment by fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and capable.
5. Environmental Stewardship: Promoting environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace principles by minimizing impact on natural areas and encouraging responsible outdoor practices.
6. Personal Well-being: Taking care of the facilitator's own well-being and physical health to ensure they can effectively lead and support participants throughout the expedition.
7. Feedback and Reflection: Encouraging feedback from participants and engaging in reflective practices to continuously improve facilitation skills and enhance the overall experience for future expeditions.
By keeping these factors in mind, the facilitator can contribute to creating a safe, enriching, and memorable outdoor experience for all participants.