Quick Concept for Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Grabbing Your Group's Attention (20 minutes)
Tell the group that while traveling along a trail, they will likely pass
other hikers and/or campers near the trail. Ask what things they can do to
respect these other campers. Also ask what else they might do to show respect
for others if they were to pass individuals on horseback or mountain bikes.
The Activity
Divide the participants into four small groups. Have group one sit down on
the trail and group two move off the trail where an adjoining campsite is
located. Have both groups be somewhat loud and rowdy. Have group three sit
quietly just off the trail on a hardened area (rock outcrop or area devoid of
vegetation) and be very quiet. (This group may also want to try to "blend
in," avoiding detection.) Have group four pass along the trail where groups
one and two are located. Once group four has walked by those on or near the
trail and observed the actions of those at the campsite, have the entire group
meet at the campsite.
The Discussion
Have the participants who passed by those sitting in the middle of the trail
and at the camp express how they felt when they encountered these groups.
Discuss how this event affected their outdoors experience. Ask what they feel
would improve their experience on the trail and at the campsite. Ask if the loud
and rowdy behavior would have had any additional impact on mountain bikers or
those on horseback.