Group dynamics zz from |Wanderung​| Newsletter

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Group dynamics
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A recent news article quoted a spokesperson for North Shore Rescue casting some
doubt on the viability of online-based hiking groups:

http://www.news1130.com/2013/08/ ... nline-based-groups/

In this case, a group divided when one member suffered a minor injury and some
members of the party left them behind. The article implied that this was not the
first such incident associated with online groups. Fortunately, this trip was
not a Wanderung trip, but there's always a chance it could have been. Wanderung
has been running for over a decade and the number of such incidents has been,
thankfully, low.

But with nearly 2000 people on the list, and that more of you may be discovering
it through Facebook, it got us thinking about how *do* you ensure that a group
of people (who may have not met one another before) sticks together on a trip,
and deals with any incidents as a group? Here are a few ideas that we came up
with.

Signups:
- Read the callout for information about the hike and decide if it's for you.
(Organizers: if you get lots of questions about a hike it probably means you
haven't included enough info.)
- You too should do your own research about a hike so you know what you're
getting into.
- Be honest about your own fitness level, especially early in the season.
- Know your bug, mud, bushwhacking and weather tolerance. This comes with
experience.
- Turn up with the correct gear to deal with whatever conditions you may
encounter.

Organizers:
- Keep groups small. Eight seems to have become the de facto standard for
Wanderung, but organizers should not feel obliged to have groups of 8. Four or
six can work just as well. Groups smaller than four are not ideal for hiking in
bear country or for remote backcountry travel.
- Do your research about a hike so you understand what's involved and what
obstacles you might face. This includes vehicle access - it helps if drivers
know beforehand if there will be significant time spent on gravel roads.
- In the callout, be explicit about the likely speed. That way fast/slow hikers
can decide whether or not to go. It may be useful to give your own hiking time
for a well-known hike and ask signups to match it.
- Do not feel obliged to accept signups in the order in which they replied.
Sound out people about suitability for your trip. Also stick to your guns when
it comes to experience and equipment.

Fundamentally it comes down to the expectations of the group members, so be
prepared, be flexible and keep a positive outlook. It is your responsibility to
work towards what is best for the whole group, and not just your own personal
goals. Wanderung is here to help you get out with other like-minded people and
take part in backcountry activities and that means being part of a group. On the
whole, we think that's been quite successful and we hope it continues to be that
way.