4-H Environmental & Outdoor Education

Risk Management

Risk management is a process of steps. These include:

1. Identify potential risks
2. Evaluate those risks
3. Determine what you can do to reduce the risks to an acceptable level
4. Continue to monitor the activity and make changes as needed

Overview

This checklist is intended to support 4-H volunteers when groups are planning backpacking activities. It is crucial for 4-H volunteers to share with 4-H members and families the importance of following all safety guidelines and to identify and address potential risks ahead of time. Encourage youth to help you identify potential risks and work with you to make the environment as safe as possible for everyone engaging in the activity.

Hiking and backpacking can be fun and rewarding activities for 4-H youth when appropriately managed.
Please keep the following points in mind as you plan and prepare:

• Generally, 4-H backpacking experiences occur at three different levels:

1. Beginner

               Example: A day hike on a nearby, familiar trail.

2. Intermediate

               Example: Overnight backpacking trip. Camping in a modern campground.

3. Advanced

               Example: A 4-H Club focused on environmental and outdoor education going on a multiple day backpacking trip. Possibly staying at rustic campgrounds or dispersed camping in permitted areas.

• This checklist includes considerations that apply to all three levels of backpacking. Some are specific to overnight backpacking and will not apply for day trips.
• Volunteers should work closely with their Program Coordinator to discuss all the considerations on this tip sheet when planning a backpacking experience, who in turn should consult with the Outdoor Education and Risk Management Educators if there are any questions.

Checklist

Prior to the trip:

❑ Review and complete this General Risk Management Checklist.
❑ If your trip includes overnights, complete and submit a 4-H Trip Plan
❑ Consider the following and use this information to select an appropriate trail and experience:
          ▪ The skill level of both 4-H members and adult volunteers, including:
              o Previous backpacking/outdoor experience
              o Overall fitness/health
              o CPR/1st aid knowledge (having at least one CPR/1st aid certified adult volunteer is recommended in  all situations. First aid and anaphylaxis/epi-pen training are required in some situations- see the General Risk Management Checklist.

❑ Plan for communicating a cancellation to all participants and families.
▪ A change in weather conditions may necessitate cancelling and/or rescheduling your activity. Weather conditions should always be evaluated at the time of the activity and a decision made whether conditions are safe for hikers.

❑ Determine what equipment will be needed for each participant and who will be providing it. Inspect equipment prior to the trip to ensure it is in good working order. Equipment may include:
▪ Backpacking pack
▪ Appropriate, sturdy footwear
▪ Appropriate clothing, including rain gear
▪ Sleeping Bag
▪ Sleeping Pad
▪ Water bottles
▪ Tent(s)
▪ Tarp(s)
▪ Camp stove
▪ First aid kit in a waterproof container, including contact list for relevant authorities (area DNR officer, Sherriff, etc.) *Additional information on first aid kit contents can be found here).
▪ A map of the area you are hiking.

*Additional equipment will be needed depending on the length of your trip and other factors. 

❑ Provide relevant information to parents/guardians ahead of time, including:
               o A trip itinerary that includes information on how to contact the group during the trip. (The 4-H Trip Plan that is submitted to the 4-H Program Coordinator can also be provided to parents).
               o Equipment list
❑ Consider hosting a pre-trip orientation to provide details and answer questions.