Unqualified individuals on trips

[pastywhite]

Practice hikes or not - if you exclude someone from a church sponsored trip it will come back on you. You must include everyone who wants to participate AND do everything in your control to make it enjoyable. Telling a church member they cannot go because they are too out of shape is a quick way to become un-church-sponsored. The church is there to help folks with spiritual growth and you need to keep that in mind. The end goal is not "we hiked 50 miles" but "I learned X about God/myself/etc".

[catspa]

I grew up in church (although you wouldn't know it now), and some of my fondest church memories were of youth group hikes and overnighters. One in particular, probly 6 or 8 miles - I was a doughy little kid and couldn't keep up with the group, but a leader named Wes stuck with me and we hiked slow while everybody else went on ahead. We got to camp about 45 minutes late IIRC, and he helped me get my camp gear straightened out and ready for supper. My imminent failure was a big deal to me, and he made it into a success.

Wherever you are Wes, thanks. I owe ya, big time.

Parker

[ppine]

Catspa,

Hiking and especially river trips are team sports. You are as strong as your weakest member. It is gratifying to hear how you still remember the kindness of that man when you needed it.

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by ppine

Catspa,

Hiking and especially river trips are team sports. You are as strong as your weakest member. It is gratifying to hear how you still remember the kindness of that man when you needed it.

Hi...


You've described life...as it should be. Glad it was...!!

[ppine]

Pathfinder1,

You have hit on a really important topic. I love the "Random Acts of Kindness Movement." It is fun to use up your pocket change by putting it in parking meters. I like to hear when someone in line at a drive thru pays for the person behind them.

Life is short. Spend it with people that add something to it. Go out in the world and spread enthusiasm and gratitude. I spent some time in a wheel chair in 2007 and 2008. It really is great to be alive. Do something nice for someone you care about. Then volunteer to do something nice for someone you don't know. The rewards greatly outweigh the effort it takes.

One final thought. I was raised to be polite and offer to help. In WY I worked with a farm kid from North Dakota. He was raised to just get up and start helping. The difference in how it has affected my life is remarkable.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


Thanks for what you said.

[RoyalAmbassador]

Why don't you try hiking in stages giving ones that cannot do the whole hike a chance to save face and have a turn around point. The more experienced hikers can go on ahead at the pace they want. I am sure you can find groups that will push the first or second day and join together hiking back to base camp or out if possible. This is a good way to keep everyone happy. Just remember you were a novice yourself and everyone has their own level. I am sure those that are challenging themselves will Thank you for the trip and I know God will remember your compasion for those you gave the chance.

[briansnat]

First, don't assume by looking at someone that they can't cut it. I've been with some overweight hikers who are in excellent shape and can out hike many thinner people. Heck, I'm no twiggy myself at 240 lbs.

That said a "practice hike" is a very good idea. It will give the novices an idea as to what to expect. Many have no clue what real hiking is like. They think hiking is the same thing as walking and if they can walk a mile or two around town they think they can hike. A 7 or 8 mile practice hike over challenging terrain may self weed out the pretenders. Just make sure there are some escape outlets in case someone needs to bail out.

Having an unqualified person along can jeopardize everyone else's enjoyment of the trip. It's no fun worrying about someone who is having a difficult time, or worse yet, listening to them to whine the whole time. And depending on the location of the trip, an unqualified person can jeopardize the safety of others.

I disagree with those who insist you need to dumb down the trip so everyone who wants to can join. I'm sure there are plenty of church sponsored activities the everyone can join.

Perhaps an option might be to have two groups and give the attendees a choice. Have one for the 50 milers and design an easier one for the novices so they can experience the outdoors at a leisurely pace. Some of the meetup.com hiking groups around here do that. They start at the same place but the leisurely hike is far shorter.

[Hikenhunter]

Don't do just a practice hike. Do a practice camp out. 8 to 10 miles in, set up camp then next day 8 to 10 miles out. This will let them see how each day for 5 or 6 days is going to be. The ones who don't like it will drop out on their own after a two day trip.

[TDale]

A practice camp is a good idea. One of the best ideas I've ever heard: identify the slowest hiker in the group and put them in the lead.