Skills required to facilitate NFE in and through hiking
To effectively facilitate NFE in the context of hiking, facilitators need a blend of technical, interpersonal, and educational skills. These include:
4. Creativity and adaptability
Hiking programs often involve unpredictable conditions. Facilitators must be adaptable and creative, capable of modifying activities on the spot to maintain engagement and align with environmental circumstances.
5. Digital literacy
Digital tools like GPS devices or social media platforms are sometimes integrated into NFE activities. Facilitators benefit from digital literacy, as it enables them to guide participants in using technology effectively (e.g., GPS navigation or raising awareness via Instagram).
6. Inclusive facilitation techniques
NFE activities thrive when facilitators adopt inclusive practices that engage diverse groups of participants. These include intergenerational collaboration and addressing individual learning styles and abilities. Before starting with the H4U activity, get familiar with the participants with whom you will be working and adjust/tailor your educational approaches to each one of them.
Hiking programs structured around NFE principles are precious because they combine physical activity, learning, and personalgrowth. Theypromote environmentalstewardship, teamwork, and resilience by offering participants meaningful outdoor experiences beyond traditional education settings. Thus, to utilize the power of NFE in and through hiking, think about whether you have all of the above-mentioned capacities or need to develop further or even partner with someone who can support you in implementing the H4U methodology.