CORP - HIKE LEADER Virtual Workshop - Outdoors Experience

Great Outdoors Hike Leader Virtual Workshop

Location: Zoom (link will be provided upon RSVP)

Who Should Attend:
All are welcome! Whether you're a seasoned hike leader looking for a refresher or someone interested in becoming a hike leader for the first time, this session is designed for you. Anyone who loves hiking and wants to build skills for leading safe, enjoyable group hikes will benefit.

Hike Leader Review/Refresher (2 Hours)

Goal: To refresh experienced hike leaders on essential safety protocols, best practices, and updated procedures for leading successful and safe group hikes.

I. Welcome, Introductions, and Objectives (10 minutes)

• Brief welcome and icebreaker (if applicable, depending on group familiarity).
• Review course objectives:
• • Reinforce key safety procedures.
  • Discuss any updated organizational policies or guidelines.
  • Share best practices and lessons learned specific to the region.
  • Provide a platform for Q&A and discussion.
  • Quick round-robin introductions (if needed), highlighting local experience.

II. Essential Safety Review: (45 minutes)

• Pre-Hike Preparation (15 minutes):
• • Reviewing and communicating hike details (difficulty, distance, elevation gain, terrain, heat exposure risk, water requirements).
  • Participant screening and ensuring appropriate gear/preparedness (sun protection, hydration packs, electrolyte considerations).
  • Emergency planning: identifying potential hazards (heatstroke, dehydration, flash floods, wildlife), establishing emergency contacts and procedures.
  • Importance of pre-hike briefings. Importance of signed GO Liability Terms & Conditions from all participants.
• On-Trail Safety Protocols (20 minutes):
• • Pace management and group cohesion (staying together, sweepers, monitoring for heat stress).
  • Navigation skills refresher (map, compass/GPS basics, trail markings,).
  • Identifying and mitigating common hazards (slips, trips, falls on rocky terrain, encounters with rattlesnakes/scorpions, sudden weather changes in the desert).
  • Basic first aid review: recognizing common injuries and administering basic care, with focus on heat-related illnesses.
  • Communication on the trail (hand signals, verbal cues, consideration of limited cell service).
• Emergency Procedures (10 minutes):
• • Reviewing established emergency protocols (lost hiker, serious injury, severe weather including flash floods).
  • Using communication devices (radios, phones - limitations and best practices in remote areas).
  • Decision-making in emergency situations, with emphasis on the need for rapid response in heat emergencies.

III. Best Practices and Updates: (35 minutes)

• Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles in the Desert (10 minutes):
• • Reinforcing the seven LNT principles and their practical application during group hikes.
  • Addressing specific LNT challenges specific areas. (e.g., fragile desert soils, water conservation, packing out everything).
• Group Dynamics and Leadership (15 minutes):
• • Effective communication and engagement with participants in challenging conditions. Important role of the sweep.
  • Managing different skill levels and expectations within a group. Adjusting your hike pace as needed.
  • Dealing with challenging participant behavior (if applicable).
  • Promoting a positive and inclusive hiking experience while prioritizing safety.
• Organizational Updates and Policy Review (10 minutes):
• • Introducing any new or revised organizational policies, procedures, or guidelines related to hike leading.
  • Discussion of any recent incidents or lessons learned from past hikes

• Open forum for hike leaders to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss challenges.
• Facilitator addresses questions and encourages peer-to-peer learning.

V. Wrap-up and Resources (10 minutes)

• Summary of key takeaways.
• Distribution of any updated materials or resources (e.g., checklists, emergency contact sheets, policy documents, local resources).
• Feedback opportunity (brief survey or verbal).
• Closing remarks and encouragement.

• Contact : Scott Connelly, Chair Outdoor Experience: email click here