Trekking and Outdoor Recreation: Tips for Safe Enjoyment
Trekking: Tips for Safe Enjoyment
Trekking or hiking is an activity suitable for anyone of any age. Essentially, it is to walk across the fields. It can be developed as a sport or just for recreation. All seasons and all terrains are suitable for trekking.
Basics
A pair of shoes, clothes appropriate for the site, a backpack to carry the basic tools, and a desire to enjoy the walk.
Before Trekking
Consider variables such as:
- Physical condition of participants
- Type of terrain
- Length of the walk
- Water
- Food
- Climatic conditions
For a Pleasant Walk
- Bring enough food and water for the journey (2 liters of water daily per person).
- Wear clothing suitable for the location and season.
- Rest for 5 minutes every hour.
- Maintain a steady and relaxed walking pace.
- Be aware of weather conditions in the area.
To Avoid Getting Lost
- Know the routes.
- Estimate distances and times.
- Stay with the group.
- Pay attention to signals and terrain features.
Destinations
The sites most suitable for this activity are the protected areas that are located throughout the country.
Recommendations: Green
- Take care of nature; do not litter.
- Make fires only in places designated for it.
- Do not collect specimens of flora and fauna.
- Walk, as far as possible, in the places designated for it.
- Do not scratch, paint, or mark stones and trees.
- When attending to your biological needs, dig a hole at least 25 cm deep and then cover it completely.
Safety
Consider three potential problems: accidents, climate change, and disorientation. Therefore:
- Bring a first aid kit.
- Go in groups (at least three people).
- Prolonged sun exposure may be a risk factor. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Report to the park authorities and family your itinerary.
- If you get lost, the first thing to do is stay calm. Then assess the situation.
Equipment
The tools for trekking are minimal:
- Shoes and clothing appropriate to the terrain
- Hat or cap with a visor
- Map and compass
- Water and food
- Matches
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Knife
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
Outdoor Education
Key Processes in Exploring the Natural World
The fundamental process is achieved through the adventure of exploring the natural world and its subsequent investigation. The main secondary processes (or tools) are:
Observation
The fundamental link through which humans perceive nature, the external and internal environment.
Communication
Development of clear, efficient, and creative communication, helping to avoid stereotypes in search of a language more in line with its immense diversity.
Space-Time Perception
Direct impact on the safety of group travel in the field. Estimating and measuring time and space helps the child develop a comprehensive concept of our place in nature.
Play with Nature
Joseph Cornell, in his book Sharing Nature with Children, gives some types of games:
- Activities to come into harmony with our natural environment physically and emotionally.
- Activities of observation and contemplation.
- Games to learn how nature works.
- Games to perceive certain special qualities of nature, such as its peace and beauty, power and grandeur, mystery and wonder, through a fine job with the senses (touch, smell, taste, see, hear).
- Games to perceive nature as a source of entertainment and joy.
Definitions
Recreation
An activity or experience that is freely and voluntarily chosen by the individual, which is done in free time, so it has nothing to do with work.
Free Time
The time available, that is, not used to work, sleep, or eat.
Leisure
Leisure is an activity carried out for a break from work. Every activity must have meaning and identity, because if there is no point, it becomes boring.
Technical Recreational Activities
Animation Techniques
Used at the beginning of, or after intense moments or activities, to recuperate and continue with the planning, or when the level of enthusiasm has diminished. Can be used to achieve encouragement:
- Games: You can use different types of games to integrate, enhance participation, and increase the desire to act. Recommended are highly cooperative games.
- Dynamics: Simple activities that seek to raise the level of participation by creating a pleasant environment (Knowledge and Presentation, and Integration to raise enthusiasm).
- Songs: A universal form of expression, always sincere and spontaneous. Through them, a contagion of joy, warmth, and desire for participation and integration is achieved.
- Talks: Basics of expressive relationships. Motivate through narrative, comments, stories, jokes, etc. It requires a great personality from the animator.
Considerations for the Use of Animation Techniques
- Choose activities in which everyone can participate.
- Use activities that encourage teamwork.
- Their use should not take too long.
Encouragement to Remember
- Always be kind.
- Invite, do not send or order.
- Respect the personality of all; each is a different being.
- Constantly encourage your target.
- Keep gestures of sympathy and affection for each one of them.
- Always speak in the first person plural.
- Responsibility and enthusiasm will depend on the happiness of all and are the basis for successful activity.