A leader is someone who "influences the behavior of others and helps them reach their common goals and objectives. The leader may direct or guide people into action with a resulting change or improvement in knowledge, skill, or attitude" (Ford & Blanchard, 1993). Outdoor leadership means, "the setting and program focus are directly related to the natural or cultural environment? (Drury and Bonney, 1992).
The leader is the person everyone looks to as an example. If the leader has a minimalist philosophy, it won't take long for the others to begin living according to the same philosophy. So, what do you expect of a wilderness leader? Well, perhaps you think of someone friendly, easy to get along with, interested and excited about the outdoors and sharing it with others. He must also never stop learning--he must be humble enough to learn from his students. The person should be educated in the terrain, weather, and potential hazards. He must have a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the activity involved in. The leader should be concerned about environmental issues and model "Leave No Trace" practices. Above all, the leader should be interested in teaching and guiding others in mastering the skills he possesses.
The following is a list of Leadership Traits necessary to be a good leader:
--achieves objectives
--understands participants' needs
--gets along with participants
--is resourceful
--gains confidence of participants
--has the ability to analyze problems
--is adaptable to situations
--has the ability to arouse and develop interest
--leads without dominating
--has the ability to handle disciplinary problems
--has the ability to inspire others
--has the ability to lead informally
--encourages participant leadership
--has the ability to plan and organize
--observes rules and regulations
--takes proper care of equipment and property
--uses time effectively
--is safety conscious, but permits freedom of adventure
--has the ability to serve as a role model
Basic Leadership Considerations
As a leader of a wilderness trip, there are many things to figure out and plan before the trip begins. It involves far more than simply deciding when and where you will be going.
Let's look briefly at each consideration:
Group Size And Ability
You need to choose a route that is "fitting" for your group. Or, choose a group that is "fitting" for your route. Whatever you decide, make sure everything "fits".
Here are some questions to ask yourself when planning a group trip:
How big is the group?
What is the age range of group members?
What is the experience level?
What is the physical condition?
What is the medical condition?
What are the goals of each member?
Location
How familiar are you with the area you will be traveling?
How long is the trip?
How remote is the trip?
How will you get there?
What are the trail conditions?
Are there special places you would like to see?
Do you need any special permits?
What are the limits to group size?
Where is camping allowed and not allowed?
Are fires allowed?
What is the water availability?
Are there any natural hazards?
How many hours of daylight will you have?
How will weather affect the gear needed?
Flexibility
Can the trip be modified once the trip begins?
Is there any free time planned?
What are the emergency procedures?
Estimating Travel Times
Average hiking speed on level ground is about 2 miles per hour
Add one hour for every 1,000 feet of ascent
Plan about 5 minutes of rest every hour
Calculating miles per hour. Divide the number of miles to be hiked by 2. Calculate the total feet of ascent, divide it by 1,000, and multiply that number by 1 hour.
Example: A group hikes 8 miles. The day includes a total ascent of 2,000 feet. The estimated time to hike this route would be:
8 miles divided by 2 = 4 hours
2,000 feet ascent divided by 1,000 = 2 x 1hour = 2 hours
Total hiking time = 6 hours, then add rest time of 5 minutes per hour, therefore add
6 hours x 5 minutes = 30 minutes.
So, the total time to hike the 8 miles with the 2,000-foot elevation gain and the 6 rest times would be 6 hours 30 minutes.
Planning your day
How long will it take to break camp?
Are there any out of the way places you want to explore?
How long will it take you to hike to your next camp spot?
What are the hindrances ahead of you such as river crossing, bushwhacking, etc.?
How much time will you need for "on the trail" meals?
How long will it take to set up camp in the evening?
Add these times up to determine actual time spent working during the day.
Challenge Initiative Tests
The following tests are designed for groups of 5-10 students. Most of them illustrate the need for group planning and cooperation in order to complete them most efficiently.
1. Situation: log or stick tied 5 feet above the ground between two trees.
Object: get the entire group over the log without touching it.
2. Situation: tent with the necessary poles and stakes, all but one of the group is blindfolded
Object: pitch the tent with the group member who is not blindfolded giving the directions. He cannot touch the tent or another group member. Variation: blindfolded members cannot talk.
3. Situation: river crossing with on plank long enough to reach a small rock showing above the water in the river, but which is not long enough to reach the other side.
Object: get the whole group and the plank to the other side of the river and back without touching the water.
4. Situation: 20 foot swamp filled with alligators. The group is given two poles each about 15 feet long, and one piece of lashing cord, and one piece of rope about 30 feet long.
Object: to get the group and the poles across the swamp without touching the surface.
