VII. On-Trip Leading

Apr 2

Leadership & Coordination

Conduct Comprehensive Orientations: Typically during the welcome dinner on the first day, provide a thorough introduction to the trip’s itinerary and expectations. Address any informational or logistical gaps to ensure a well-informed journey.
Facilitate Group Introductions: Use icebreakers followed by an overview of the daily schedule, cultural key points, and other pertinent trip logistics.
Encourage Skill Sharing: Motivate participants to share their skills or talents daily to enrich the group experience.
Support Personal Quirks and Goals: Discuss individual quirks/needs and desires/goals for the trip and how the group can help achieve them.

Provide Support: Exhibit a compassionate bedside manner, offering care and support to participants, especially if they fall ill, ensuring their comfort and safety.

Ensure Safety: Constantly monitor group safety.
Celebrate Significant Events: Include celebrations for birthdays or other events within the budget. In these cases, a celebratory cake can be part of the menu!
Facilitate Reflections: Lead reflective discussions during meals, road trips, and/or on the trail.

Engage in Deep Conversations: Use reflective questions to provoke thoughtful discussions over meals or during travel. Some prompts include:
- Personal Growth: "What have you learned about yourself?"
- Cultural Insights: "What aspects of the local culture have surprised you?"
- Community Connection: "How have your interactions enriched your experience?"
- Environmental Awareness: "What conservation practices could you adopt?"
- Service Impact: "What impact do you think our work has had?"
- Mindfulness: "What moments of peace have stood out to you?"
- Future Commitments: "What actions from this trip will you continue back home?"
- Empathy Development: "How has this trip enhanced your understanding of others?"

Project and Expense Updates: Provide regular updates on project statuses and manage group expenses as per your Trip Itinerary & Budget Plan.
Social Media Engagement: Make daily posts or stories on social media, tagging @trekrelief to keep followers updated.

During the trip, capture video testimonials of trip participants with the following guidelines:
- Be Authentic: Encourage participants to speak naturally about their experience, focusing on impactful moments or favorite parts.
- Ask Simple Questions: Prompt with questions like, “What made this trip special?” or “Why would you recommend it?”
- Capture the Scenery: Film testimonials in scenic areas, using natural lighting for a beautiful backdrop.
- Keep it Short: Aim for 30–60 seconds of enthusiastic, focused responses that highlight their excitement.
- Ensure Consent: Always get participants’ permission to use their testimonials for promotion on the website and social media.
- Example prompts:
  - How did this trip make a positive impact on you and the community we served?
  - What was your favorite part of the trip, and why would you recommend it to others?
  - How did this trip differ from other travel experiences you’ve had?
Use a mobile phone with a model of at least an iPhone 13 Pro (or equivalent) or higher, if available.