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.

Teaching Leave No Trace