How to Organize Group Hikes

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Backpack
Two water bottles
Flashlight and/or headlamp
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
First-Aid kit
A bag of carrots, raisins, almonds or another healthy "fast food" pack.
Sunglasses and/or a shade hat
Hiking shoes or boots
Trail map
Patience
People skills

Step 1

This Nalgene bottle doubles as a first-aid kit.

BE PREPARED. Stock up on easy-to-forget supplies (e.g. sunscreen, bug spray and water). Check the weather report and pack accordingly. If the forecast calls for rain, pack a few compressible ponchos and garbage bag; if mercury is rapidly rising on your thermometer, opt for a shadier trail and bring extra water. Look for trail guides and reviews online. Select your route(s) ((always have at least one backup) and print out trail maps.
Step 2

Leaves of 3; don't touch me!

TAKE PRECAUTION. Research and print out list of local fauna and flora varieties, particularly those which may be poisonous. Visit your hike site and alternate routes well in advance. Pay attention to distance of the trail and how long it takes you to trek it at a strolling pace. Note any steep hills, and hazards such as erosion, exposed rebar or roots, fallen trees and branches, slippery rocks and stream crossings, etc.
Step 3

And your point is?

GET ORGANIZED. If you've ever sat through an unprepared speech or lecture, you are well aware of the importance of a theme. Your audience will expect -- or at least appreciate -- some structure. Can you summarize the main point of the program in one sentence? If not, get out that pen and paper. For example, if your objective is to help your group identify tree types and their structural importance, figure out a central theme to guide you in your program outline. Try, "Speak for the Trees." Then, add a few sentences, such as the following: "Trees give us food." "Trees provide shelter." "Trees adapt to their environment."
Step 4

Keep outdoors programs flexible

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. Once you've established a theme and supporting sentences, consider the ideal program participant. Is it an adult? Is it a senior or a preoccupied parent? Is it a teenager or a 4 year old? Realize that unless you pick a target audience, you'll need to format a more general and flexible program. The senior may probe you with photosynthesis-related questions, as his grandson pulls branches off of trees for some impromptu sword-fighting.
Step 5

Ready, set...hike!

ARRIVE EARLY. Give yourself time to recruit additional participants and greet expected guests. Knowing your audience is even more critical at this juncture: Are they dressed for hiking? Does everyone appear fit enough for the type of hike? You may need to mix things up just a bit; that's OK, you've set aside alternate paths and can always add and subtract pieces of your outline.
Step 6

Park legend has it...

LAY IT ALL OUT. Introduce yourself by giving your name, the park and/or organization name and inviting each participant introduce him or herself. Break the ice by suggesting they throw in a fun fact related to your theme. Stand facing the sun, so that your group doesn't have to squint during this intro period. Let your group know how long they will be hiking, the trail grade, the round-trip distance of the hike, and -- most important -- the location of bathrooms at the trailhead and between. This is also a great chance to remind them to refill their water bottles.
Step 7

Remember: You're the hike leader.

SET THE PACE. Show your participants the front pouch of your backpack. That's what they should see at all times when looking ahead; in other words, YOU are the leader. If your group numbers greater than five, recruit a "caboose." This person should alert you to anything you cannot see when your back is turned; they may also let you know if the pace is too brisk or if you need to raise the volume on your commentary.
Step 8

Stop and smell the wildflowers.

STOP EARLY AND OFTEN. Pausing about 10 minutes into your hike allows late arrivals to catch up. Depending on your program type, you may wish to stop frequently to set the tone and touch upon key points from your program outline. More likely, you'll want to stop to make sure everyone is present and accounted for.
Step 9

Happy hiking trails!

WRAP IT UP LIKE A TIDY PACKAGE. Wow, already 90 minutes in? If you've promised 2 hours max, it's time to head back. This time, no tip-toeing through the daisy patch. Talk while walking and make sure everyone realizes the end is near. Summarize and field questions. Let your audience shower you with compliments for an organized and fun-filled program.