1. Leadership Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries cont’d

2. Conducting the Walk
Much of what you have learned as a day walk leader applies to leaders of pack carry walks too.
Remember the topics from the previous day walk course. These topics apply to overnight and extended walks also.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

3. Conducting the Walk The Week prior to the Walk:
On the First Day of the Walk:
At the Start of the Walk:
During the Walk:
At the End of the Walk:
The information following is from the day walk course you may have read or done before, and from the book Bushwalking and Ski Touring Leadership.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

4. Conducting the Walk The week prior to the Walk:
Check that your walk area has not been closed, eg. Fires, landslides, road closures, snow.
Assemble & check extra equipment that you as leader need for your walk.
Ensure you include a blank copy of your club’s Acknowledgement of Risks Form for Temporary Members if you have a visitor on your walk.
Check with BoM for the extended forecast, to consider any possible total fire bans or impending snow falls or flooding rain in your designated walk area.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

5. Conducting the Walk The week prior to the Walk: Resources:
Parks Victoria:
Department of the Environment, Land, Water & Planning:
Bureau of Meteorology:
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

6. Conducting the Walk On the First Day of the Walk:
Review the risk assessment to determine if planned walk needs to be modified due to conditions, eg heat, rain and slippery tracks. Be prepared to change/shorten walk if necessary.
Be early to the meeting point to greet everyone and mark off walk participants on Booking/Registration Form as they arrive.
Have temporary members complete your club’s Acknowledgement of Risks Form for Temporary Members, and collect the fee.
Check all participants have the required equipment and supplies. It is not too late to refuse to take any participant on the walk if they are not adequately equipped. As leader you have absolute discretion on who to take. If you refuse to take someone you should give adequate reasons for the refusal.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

7. Conducting the Walk
Consider taking in your car a range of spare items which you could lend to any walker who has forgotten something.
Arrange car-pooling if not already done. (Try to have even numbers across cars, keeping the number of cars to a minimum).
Give instructions/maps to drivers on how to reach re-assembly point (or walk start point if going direct). Include your mobile phone number.
At walk start, check that all cars are parked safely in an orderly manner. (Remind drivers to lock).
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

8. Conducting the Walk At the Start of the Walk:
Gather party members together before starting on the activity and introduce people. One method of doing this is to have everyone stand in a circle and one after the other state their name.
If it is a club trip, you may want to mention any forthcoming club events and introduce other leaders and committee members. This allows new and potential club members to put a face to a name.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

9. Conducting the Walk Outline the trip
Using a map, outline the intended route for the day and the whole trip. Include things such as:
planned highlights and objectives
likely lunch spots
sources of water during the day
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

10. Conducting the Walk
alternative routes or places where choices can be made
expected finish time for the day
a brief outline of the route for the subsequent days
camping place
any known sections that may cause concern, e.g. steep ascents or descents, river crossings, ledge walking.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

11. Conducting the Walk Group rules
Trips will run more smoothly if group rules for the trip are established. These typically cover:
those ahead of the leader must wait at track junctions and all other places of any uncertainty until all are present
if a party member loses sight of the person in front, particularly if off-track, they should call out for the group ahead to slow down
rest stops
if any problems occur during the trip then let the leader know immediately (e.g. prevention of sore spots by treating before blisters develop)
the role of the ʻwhipʼ or ʻtail-end charlieʼ.
The most common rule is that nobody leaves the track or the group without the leader or the whipʼs knowledge.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

12. Conducting the Walk During the Walk: Rest stops
In both walking and skiing it is important to allow the group to establish a rhythm. Frequent stops will interrupt this process and accelerate the onset of fatigue. A good leader should be proactive in controlling when and where the stops occur.
It is important to define stages and designate rest stops so that members of the group can focus on a set objective.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

13. Conducting the Walk Rhythm and pace
Skilled travellers can establish a rhythm at a variety of speeds. The underlying consideration for the leader is to ensure that the pace is comfortable for the slowest member of the group. Putting slower individuals at the front is a useful ploy used to regulate the pace of the group so that it remains in the comfort zone for everybody. Giving slower individuals leadership or navigational roles which place them at the front of the group is a positive way to control the pace.
Slow the faster members down by involving them in conversation or placing them at the rear as a ʻwhipʼ. In all but a few situations it is preferable to keep the group together.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

14. Conducting the Walk Party management and communication: On the move
Many leaders tend to lead from the front. During the various stages of the activity, good leaders generally change their position within the group, providing a good opportunity to make contact with different members of the group and observe how they are going. Newcomers need special attention in this context.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

15. Conducting the Walk
It is a good idea to develop techniques which will enable trouble to be anticipated, so that possible disruption or later cancellation of the activity can be prevented. This is particularly important if you are going into remote or difficult country. Look for gear that is about to fail, limping participants, and any signs of fatigue.
During the activity aim to maintain a steady pace appropriate to the circumstances. Do not stop unnecessarily, because this breaks up rhythm and creates frustration. On steep climbs slow right down rather than stop. It is undesirable to stop in cold, wet and windy conditions because of the windchill factor.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

16. Conducting the Walk
Look around regularly to count heads and note how the individuals are coping. Use this time to check on general progress, and keep in touch with navigational reference points and features. You do not need to stop to do these things, because there are usually opportunities such as a bend in the track or a wildlife distraction which allow time to glance around. Practice referring to your map and taking compass bearings on the move.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

17. Conducting the Walk Making it enjoyable for all:
Bushwalking and ski touring through a natural environment, full of stimulating features and away from the pressures of everyday tasks, should give enjoyment to all participants. It is a dynamic setting that provides adventure, challenge, inspiration, stimulation and motivation. It is a situation in which we can explore our individual capabilities, as well as those of the group.
However, it is not quite that simple. Enjoyment does not necessarily go hand-in-hand with a trip into the outdoors. While the environment and the experience of being 'out there' are major contributors, there are many other factors which determine the overall enjoyment of the experience. Many of these flow from good leadership.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

18. Conducting the Walk Topics covered: Planning Participation by everyone
Knowledge of the area
Pace
Setting a positive tone for the group
Flexibility
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

19. Conducting the Walk Planning
Good planning, sets the foundations for a successful trip and facilitates enjoyment.
Participation by everyone
The leader plays a key role in developing a climate in which everyone can feel comfortable.
Knowledge of the area
Knowing the area and the group assists the leader in planning for enjoyment. Spectacular views, points of interest and specific features all enhance the experience.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

20. Conducting the Walk Pace
The leader has a key role in ensuring that pace does not distress members of the group.
Setting a positive tone for the group
A skilled, people-oriented leader can establish a culture of cheerful enjoyment within a group. The most important part of this will be generating laughter which is not at the expense of any member (except perhaps the leader!).
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

21. Conducting the Walk Flexibility
Plans need to be flexible to suit the group and the prevailing conditions. The route may need adjustment or another campsite selected if travel has been faster or slower than expected.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

22. Conducting the Walk At the End of the Walk:
Remember what you learned from the day walk course? Most of that applies to pack carry walks as well.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

23. Conducting the Walk
It is suggested you re-form the circle and count off to ensure everyone has returned safely.
Check the condition of walkers especially new members and any temporary members.
Record detail of any incident/accident (and details of two witnesses).
Thank the “whip(s)” and any other people who have assisted in making the walk successful.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

24. Conducting the Walk Thank your walkers!
You may encourage walkers to stretch/warm-down etc.
Remind walkers to clean their boots to reduce chances of spreading Cinnamon Fungus.
Make sure all cars are mobile, including your own, & leave in convoy for home.
Once you are home, complete all your club’s paperwork requirements.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

25. Conducting the Walk
On longer trips, you may also want to think about a more formal process of considering how the trip went.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

26. Conducting the Walk Debriefing:
Debriefing, where all involved review expectations, issues and outcomes after the event, is very useful for guiding better leadership in the future. It is best to have it in conditions that are conducive to relaxed, comfortable conversation.
Debriefs may be done after any stage of an activity, but most commonly when it has been completed. On longer trips, debriefing after a logical section may lead to useful input which can be used to improve later stages.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

27. Conducting the Walk Debriefing
Debriefings may be formal or informal. Good leaders use them to find out how others viewed the activity, and use the findings as a basis for a review of their way of doing things.
Not all debriefs will be positive, some may produce surprising comments, and others will be critical of the leadership. However, all leaders can gain much valuable information to improve their skills.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

28. Campsite Selection Campsite selection activity.
Working with a partner or on your own, draw your perfect campsite! Paper and coloured pencils provided.
What features and important points will you include?
Annotate your diagram to point out everything that is important to consider as the leader when choosing & explaining the site and expectations to the group.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

29. What features have you shown?
Campsite Selection
How does your site look?
What features have you shown?
Does your site stack up against our collective wisdom?
Tick off features as we list them.
Tell us what we have left out -anything?
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

30. Campsite Selection
At the campsite, take the lead in showing participants where things are.
Ensure water is available for drinking/ washing. Advise where to collect drinking water (upstream) and washing areas.
Don’t site tents under trees that may drop branches.
Where is the morning sun?
Nominate a cooking area if lighting a fire. Ensure all trace is removed when leaving, always use an existing fire place before making a new one.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

31. Campsite Selection Hygiene
Do not use soap in water holes or streams as it will pollute the water for animals and other walkers. You should wash away from the stream using water from a water bag or water bottle.
Announce toilet areas, separate male and female. Explain the correct method to bury waste.
Before retiring announce the departure time for the next day. This is a good time to review the next leg of the journey.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

32. Emergencies
This should tie in with route planning, so that contingency plans have been considered before an issue arises.
Depending on the area, a satellite phone may be a good consideration in group equipment if travelling in remote and isolated country.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

33. Emergencies
A mobile phone should allow contact with the emergency services in most cases.
If sending for help ensure 2 people go together and can navigate. Ensure you send with them a written account of the situation, including a grid reference or GPS co-ordinates.
An injured person must not be left alone.
Understand the procedure if ringing 000.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

34. Emergencies Know the ill-effects of extreme heat and extreme cold.
Use your Club contact system.
Have a group first aid kit or ensure the collective personal items are adequate.
Carry the phone numbers of the closest police, ambulance and hospital locations which may be used should 000 be not contactable.
Have an evacuation plan which is realistic for the complexity of an evacuation.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

35. Emergencies
Check CFA if in the fire season and for details of any controlled burns.
Keep a constant eye on the weather conditions, particularly in alpine environments. If lightning and storm conditions are occurring move to lower ground (get off the ridges or mountain tops). Understand what to do if caught out. (Sit on your pack with feet off the ground). Noise from thunder travels 1km in about 3 seconds.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

36. Minimal Impact
A reminder to observe minimal impact principles at all times.
Note that we use the term minimal impact because you cannot achieve minimum impact except by not going out into the bush!
This helps you to remember that you are trying to minimise your impact!
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries

37. Minimal Impact
Consider the extra requirements needed on overnight and extended walks.
Water supplies kept uncontaminated.
Toileting expectations.
Rubbish – carry in, carry out.
Fires. Keep small and remember to remove all trace if you have used a new site.
BWV Walk Leader Training Extended Unit 2: Pack Carries