Expedition behavior

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Expedition Behavior (EB)

What is EB? It is the way that we interact with each other in the backcountry that helps the group care for each individual and the group as a whole. What is good EB? Use lots of specific examples and ask the group to come up with them as well. Waking up early and making breakfast for everyone Doing extra camp chores for no particular reason Putting more weight in your pack without telling anyone about it Finding something positive to say about your tentmates during a stressful situation Letting people know when you are sad, frustrated, angry, or happy Practicing good self-leadership

Teaching Considerations

Be sure to plan adequate time for this talk (60-90 min.). Remember that this is more about listening and guiding the group to mutually agreeable goals and expectations than it is about a stern lecture from the instructor. You may want to prime the pump with a conversation starter or two—paired shares on hopes and fears; go arounds on “why I am here” or a personal story. Remember to DOCUMENT. Have one person write down the key points in the group journal, or make sure everyone copies it into their journal. Or, start a tradition and have the “contract” on one sacred piece of paper that is carried by a different person each day. That person is in charge of holding the group accountable to their goals and expectations.

If you use words like Challenge by Choice make sure you know (and your students know) what that means. Is it really completely challenge by choice? Or is there a better way to phrase what you are trying to communicate—that everyone is responsible for understanding their challenges and limitations and for communicating where they are at to the group and instructors. Maybe “own your challenge?”

This talk should be paired later with a conversation about Expedition Behavior (EB). The EB talk should happen only after the group has had a few days living with each other to ground it in real life experience. The EB talk is a great way to get students focused on the little things that makes a group function effectively in the backcountry. It can also make a great conversation about the fact that it also works in the frontcountry too.

Find opportunities to label good EB and encourage your group to do the same. Skits and scenarios can be a fun and relaxed way of demonstrating good and “bad” EB.

Resources

National Outdoor Leadership School Wilderness Guide. Harvey.