Conducting the Walk
Before, During and After
This module will help you to
- Identify necessary tasks to carry out in the days prior to the walk, before setting out to your destination, and immediately before you start walking
- Select the right person to be your 'whip' or rear support person
- Pace the walk to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone
- Deal with challenging walker behaviour
- Conclude the day and send everyone home safely
Resources
For group sessions
PowerPoint presentation
Slides: Conducting the walk (PPT, 586KB)
Presenters' notes
Presenting the topic: Conducting the walk (PDF, 118KB)
Note: you may customise the material to reflect your particular club circumstances, with permission from and acknowledgement of Bushwalking Victoria.
For participants and individual leader
Printed information
Handbook: Conducting the Walk (PDF, 119KB)
Bushwalking Manual online reference
Useful external links
Parks Victoria to check for track closures and latest warnings
Bureau of Meteorology to check local weather
Your state emergency website to check for fire or flood
Learning Activities
Learning Activities can help develop your skills and understanding. In a face-to-face situation, you can do these in groups using screens if available, or using physical resources provided by the presenter. If you are working on your own, these online activities provide a way to become engaged in the learning process. They work better on a laptop or tablet but they can run on a phone.
Task timing
You have chosen your walk, planned the route and advertised it. This activity encourages you to think about all the extra tasks required in the days prior to and then on the day of the walk. There are 33 cards each listing a task for the leader, and five time periods. Drag the task into the appropriate bin. If your choice is correct the card will lock in place.
Challenging people
One of the most difficult aspects of leadership is dealing with challenging behaviour of walkers in the group. This scenario offers a variety of decisions and outcomes. Follow the different paths of action to explore what could possibly go wrong, and think about how you might react in that situation.
Key Points
- Try to remember your administrative tasks, but do not stress too much. This is often the hardest part for a new leader.
- Be aware of everyone in the group. Do not become so immersed in chatting with a friend that you forget to be the leader.
- Appoint a good whip and rely on their assistance.
- If there is a temporary setback then stop, take a deep breath and think clearly. Do not rush into further trouble.
- Above all, you want everyone to enjoy the day!