Understanding wind, tents and terrain can make the difference between an enjoyable hike or a terrible one so, with a little help from tent manufacturers, we’ve written this in-depth, three-part article to help you get the most out of your tent in strong winds and storms.
Tina Jameson's insight:
Very technical, but thorough explanation on tent design, pitch and performance in challenging conditions.
Wilderness pros are trained to deal with physical injuries, but what about the psychological trauma that can result while on an expedition, from fear and stress, or from watching someone die in a fall, an avalanche, or whitewater? Australian psychologist and mountaineer Kate Baecher created a training program to equip guides and athletes with a tool kit to handle the worst mental distress we encounter when we're far from help.
Tina Jameson's insight:
Kate Baecher has developed a training program in conjunction with Survive First Aid - this extensive article looks at the importance for a 'first responder' approach to mental health issues / trauma that may occur 'in the field' - includes some examples.
While treating physical wounds seems like the most important way a first responder can help, we have tools to care for a patient’s mental health, too.
Tina Jameson's insight:
While we may be able to dress wounds and deal with a physical crisis, how many of us feel confident in handling the psychological aspects of an accident, post traumatic stress etc. Some useful advice here.
Beginner or expert, we all can use a little more time outdoors!
Tina Jameson's insight:
A useful article about the importance of developing some basic climbing technique to aid scrambling safely during hiking, and to give confidence to extend your adventures.
Here are 5 team building games to try out with your students that also develop critical thinking skills. Collaboration and team spirit await you!
Tina Jameson's insight:
These games are certainly not restricted to 'outdoor education' - but fit well with the aim of getting students to be interdependent.
As well as a number of suggested activities on the site, there are links to other sources of activities, as well as an excellent downloadable workbook to promote critical thinking (more suited to classroom use).
In this video I show you the most common knots that I use when stringing up a tarp or shelter and when out in the woods camping or practicing bushcraft
Whether it's a one-nighter or a multi-week epic, a lighter pack makes for a happier walker. New featherweight kit helps, but going light is also about your mindset, explains backpackin
Tina Jameson's insight:
More of 'personal interest' than for school / group use - this article looks in detail at how you can get your base weight down without compromising safety. Even if you don't want to aim for 'Ultra-light' the tips may still help you shed a few kilos.
Whether you’re going for a walk in the woods or embarking on a major expedition, the first thing to throw in your kit bag is a compass.
Tina Jameson's insight:
An interesting look at the origins and importance of the humble compass - why you should carry one even if you have a high tech GPS, and how to use it.
Weezie Yancey-Siegel reveals what adventures in outdoor education have in store for your learners in this article featured on InformEd.
Tina Jameson's insight:
With so much emphasis in schools on digital learning - this article looks at how Outdoor Education redresses the balance, and looks a key gains that Outdoor Education provides our students.
Very comprehensive resource providing highly relevant information designed to support anyone working in the Outdoor Education industry - with specific focus on bush walking / hiking and bush skills.
People die in stream crossings. They underestimate the risk. It’s better to turn around than risk a dangerous crossing. Remember, most hikers delay their trips until after peak runoff. That’s the safest option. How to assess a creek crossing for a safer place to cross. Look downstream—and consider what happens if you get swept away. Are […]
Tina Jameson's insight:
Very thorough explanation of both the dangers of crossings (what to look for and avoid) and the importance of careful risk assessment and planning - with recommended techniques given.
Recently, magnetic compasses at Greenwich pointed directly at true north for the first time in 360 years. This is currently happening in Western Australia too. But what does it mean?
Tina Jameson's insight:
Good explanation of declination as well as an interesting article.
Our addiction to our devices, to social media, to the every shudder, vibration and ping of our phones is real and it’s an epidemic. Yet our world, as challenging as it is beautiful, has more colour than pixels could ever show, more connection than any social media and offers more adrenaline than any
Tina Jameson's insight:
Some great material to share with older students / parents / staff about the need to 'disconnect' with social media and connect with your real world experiences.
Packing food for an outdoor excursion can be a daunting task. Often times meal planning becomes a last minute thought, and people simply “grab something” and hit the road. Don’t feel overwhelmed the next time you’re meal planning; follow these tips to quickly narrow down your options.
Tina Jameson's insight:
Some great tips and helpful chart on meal planning here.
Long-term UK study with 60 schools tracks positive outdoor education benefits to students post course and over time - concrete evidence that attests to the benefits of outdoor educational programs
Tina Jameson's insight:
Summary of results of long-term study on value of outdoor education, with link to full report.
If you’re reasonably fit and enjoy camping and hiking, take it to the next level with a backpacking trip. Here’s a primer on getting started backpacking.
Tina Jameson's insight:
Very comprehensive guide to backpacking - everything from packing, gear, outback bathroom tips, planning etc
Phoning for help in the mountains - we all hope we'll never need to, but if the worst happened would you know what to do? Mountain first aid expert Helen Howe talks us through the process.
Tina Jameson's insight:
While the article centres around 'mountain rescue' the advice on what to report and how to record details in an emergency situation was valuable and clearly expressed. Be aware that the emergency number in Australia is 000 rather than 999 (UK).
Rogaining is a team sport combining bushwalking and navigation. Participants choose where and how far they walk - and get to see fantastic areas of ou
Tina Jameson's insight:
The South Australian Rogaining Association have created several YouTube videos that aim to explain about this sport, and to provide guidance on necessary skills.
Wild camping is one of the simple pleasures of the great outdoors. This article is to outline some of the things to consider when choosing your pitch to make the most of it.
Tina Jameson's insight:
Some solid advice on considerations for tent site selection.
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