What does it mean to be a professional Adventure Educator?
Reflection by Sierra Prothers
After experiencing a professionally lead expedition, I now have a much better understanding of what goes into the planning and leading of an expedition. As a leader many elements must be considered to conduct a successful trip. A well planned and executed expedition should help clients work towards their goals. A professionally run trip should consider many things ranging from, safety, gear, food, route, pre-expedition, coast, transportation and much more.
Prior to, as well as during the expedition I learned more about the importance of the planning leading up to an expedition. Providing as much information to your clients as possible will help them to feel more comfortable or allow them to choose if it’s the right trip for them. It is also a time when leaders and clients can begin to build their relationship and trust with one another. It is important as a leader to know individual and group goals for the trip so that you can help facilitate a successful expedition.
During the expedition many of my observations focused on what a leader should be how they should act, communicate, and facilitate a group. A leader may play multiple roles, such as a friend, a teacher, a guide, and a motivator.  I feel as thought a leader must have a level of self-confidence that clients are able to trust. “The confidence you have in others has an effect on how well they perform†(Graham, 19). A leader should have the knowledge and experience to be able to anticipate challenges that may arise and be able to cope with them effectively. A good leader must be able to communicate well with co-leaders and clients. “…leadership is not just giving directions-it’s liberating people to do what’s needed in the best possible way. Good leaders don’t depend on their position to give them authority; they depend on earning trust†(Graham, 12). Being a leader is a challenge; it means not only caring and believing in yourself, but more importantly caring for all of your clients to the best of your ability.Â
I also noticed the importance of leader and co-leader communication and responsibility. Constant communication is vital for planning, teaching and trip organization. Often times a designated leader and co-leader is what makes a professional led trip different from a personal expedition. In times of emergency, it’s important that there is a designated leader and co-leader, so that decisions can be made quickly and without confusion. The communication between leaders and clients is also very important. Surveying was one method introduced as a way to check in with group members without group pressure. I feel as though giving a group choices is a great way to encourage individual responsibility, it also allows people to chose their level of risk that’s right for them.
Another observation I made while on expedition was how the mood of our group changed when more responsibility or challenges were given. I think giving the group more hands on experience really built up group and individual confidence and made what we were doing have more meaning and purpose. Although some challenges may have been frustrating, I felt as though it was good leadership practice to work through it. As a leader you should always exude confidence and assurance. Being in a difficult situation and working through it will ultimately make you a stronger leader in the end.
I found it helpful that the lessons taught were all presented with visual aids or hands on experience. All the tools that we learned could be used immediately which helps to enforce their importance. Out of context it would have been more difficult to learn and use later on. I found the lessons to be interesting and significant to our expedition. The lessons were fun and engaging and related to our goal of facilitating the next expedition.
This expedition really opened my eyes to how much planning, responsibility, and organization goes into leading a professional expedition. I have already begun to feel the pressure and importance of being a good leader. I look forward to strengthening my skills and confidence to plan and lead a successful expedition.
Work Cited
Graham, J., Outdoor Leadership. Seattle, WA: The Mountaineers, 1997.
