Example of a session we have done with Leave No Trace:
Introduction:
Vision: To take the lead role in addressing and mitigating recreational impacts on Canada’s wilderness and natural area recreation resources.
Leave No Trace is Research Based
Many of us have taken a pine cone or rock, veered off the trail to dodge mud puddles, gotten too close to wildlife or tossed an apple core into the woods. While these actions may seem harmless at the time, until we learn to reduce our impact, the quality of our outdoor experiences and the recreational resources we enjoy are at critical risk.
Also at risk is our continued access to wildlands as land management agencies sometimes take restrictive action to protect the resources they manage. Unless, of course, education catches up with behavior, and we all learn to leave the outdoors as unchanged as possible by our presence.
We had people walk a small loop highlighted with cones. At the gathering spot, we had a tarp on the ground showing items that should be in a day pack, did a head coun t activity, showed a paper map of the loop explaining we are following the orange cone trail (The OCT) and told the neighboring station we are off on our hike. We had them repeat that Principle 1 is to Plan ahead and prepare. 5 meters further we walk away from the cones. We waited very obviously for people to state that we are off the trail, asked why , because we shred the plan and we should stick to it..
3M
In walking we highlighted that it is important to stick to trails, (Travel and camp on Durable Surfaces) Explained to not widen trails or create social trails between camp sites and to camp on a surface that will not damage the camp ground or park. [We had them repeat back what #1]
4M
Finding our selves at a trowel on the trail. We quickly asked what should we use this for? Chatting about human waste and contributing also to garbage on the trail. We need to Dispose of Waste properly -> Pack it in, pack it out. [We had them repeat back what #1 & 2]
6MIN
On the trail we found a bunch of cards with words written on it.. We asked them if they knew what this is. It was obvious once they sorted the cards, it was the Scout promise. We explained that in some cases, parks and camps, we may find arrow heads or items, that have significance, historical value and that they should be left alone. We can take these cards and form the promise because we know what it represents, but we need archeologists to study the other items we find on our trails. Take a picture with your phone, it will geotag it. Show it to a park ranger for further studying. We should apply this with plants and rocks also, they should be enjoyed by all. That’s why number 4 is Leave what you find.
[We had them repeat back what #1, 2 & 3]
9min
Further down the OCT, we discover a designated firepit (If one there). Better to have fires on designated areas, ask, Stove vs Fires ? Being mindful to not scorch the ground if at all possible. Always look at what guidance the Park is giving about fires. Minimize Campfire impacts [We had them repeat back what #1, 2, 3 & 4]
10min
We used a stuffy of a polar bear, and dared the scouters to take phone photos of the mighty fluffy beast. Or if we have time, we play Tourist activity (Difficult in Covid) . Find a pile of ropes and a tarp (to build a shelter) OR a puzzle, ask the group to start the activity. You as a facilitator (or other participants) go up to them and disrupts their efforts in speaking in a weird language, try to feed them a granola bar, take up close photos, put their hood up, remove items.. etc.. As if you are a tourist. Ask them if what you are doing made sense? What was I doing? Now imagine you are a squirrel, collecting food or a bird building a nest, do they need us to be in their face, trying to feed them, sabotage their efforts to survive the wild?? Respect Wildlife!
[We had them repeat back what #1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
14Min
We arrive back to the end of the trail.. Start yelling at neighboring session facilitator that you are back! Screaming and being extremely annoying, disrupting their session. Neighbour facilitator yells back> We are enjoying ourselves here, please Be Considerate of others.
