Leading land-based outdoor and adventurous activity sessions

Planning Land-based Outdoor and Adventurous Activity Sessions

Identify objectives: The planning process should begin by identifying clear objectives for the session. This could include developing specific outdoor skills, building team spirit, or enhancing respect for the natural environment.
Select appropriate activities: The leader must select activities that are suitable for the group’s abilities, interests and the trip’s objectives. Activities could range from hill walking and orienteering to rock climbing.
Route planning: Leaders must plan routes carefully while considering factors such as distance, terrain, elevation, and emergency escape routes.
Equipment checklist: A list of necessary equipment should be made, including personal gear, group equipment and safety items.
Risk assessment: Before the session, the leader must conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement strategies to manage them.

Starting the session: Begin the session by reassuring all participants and setting clear expectations.
Demonstrating skills: As a leader, you need to clearly demonstrate and explain how to perform various outdoor activities - be it pitching a tent, using a compass, or harnessing a climbing rope.
Supervising activities: Observe participants closely while they partake in the activities. Ensure safety instructions are followed and offer assistance when necessary.
Motivating participants: Encourage participants constantly. Acknowledge their efforts irrespective of their performance levels. This builds self-esteem and encourages further participation.
Adapting to changes: A leader must be adaptable. Changes in weather conditions, participants feeling unwell, or equipment failure being examples which would demand quick thinking and appropriate action.

Feedback collection: After each session, collect feedback from participants. This is a valuable source of information pertaining to strengths and areas for improvement.
Self-reflection: Evaluate your own performance as a leader. Reflect on your delivery of instructions, decisions made during the session, and handling of unexpected situations.
Action for improvement: Develop strategies for improvement based on feedback and self-reflection. This could include further training, changes to the planning process, or adjustments to communication tactics.
Next steps: Once reflectively processing feedback, decide on the next steps. This could mean altering upcoming sessions, devising better risk management plans, or working on specific leadership skills. This is essential for continuous improvement and professional growth.