The Leader Handbook Potomac Valley Audubon Society

8/9/2019 The Leader Handbook Potomac Valley Audubon Society

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The Hike

LeaderHandbook

2008-2009 Edition

DRAFT

Harpers Ferry National Historica

Park - Education Branch


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Tiger on the Trail

Welcome to Tiger on the Trail. We believe thatplay is the process. Reattaching children to nature and all

of its mental and physical benefits is the product.

Tiger on the Trail has evolved from our local community, Harpers Ferry Middle School, and Harpers FerryNational Park into a powerful collaborative that understands we must do more to impact the reconnection of

children with nature. We acknowledge this is a complex problem on many levels, with no easy solutions.As one of the pioneers of activity for the masses, Dr. George Sheehan approached the very same issues 30

years ago. When speaking of holistic approaches to mental and physical health through natural play he

summarized: It has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.

Our collaborative led to the implementation of an innovative school-based health intervention using nature

as the classroom. Students, teachers and parents learned about a variety of health, nature, history, andscience topics while hiking to and through Harpers Ferry National Park. In the 2007-8 school year over 700

students, teachers and family members participated in the project and hiked over 3000 miles. This approach

is a radical departure from traditional school-based physical education. We aim to make this projectinclusive for all in our community and reproducible in its structure for other communities at a regional and

national level.

West Virginia has recently been ranked 2nd in Obesity rates by the CDC and sadly, the 50th Green State byForbes Magazine. Such statistics are incomprehensible in the setting of such rich natural resources.

Clearly, intervention must be a high priority. Childhood obesity programs shows mixed results at best, even

with extraordinary multi-disciplinary approaches. Real impact and outcomes can be achieved and measuredin this state.

Our goals are not just about fitness and obesity though. Philosopher John Fischer expresses it well: The

essence of our effort to see that every child has a chance must be to assure each an equal opportunity, not tobecome equal, but to become different- to realize whatever unique potential of body, mind and spirit he or

she possesses.

We are extremely grateful to the efforts, energy, and open minds of the rangers at Harpers Ferry National

Park and Assunta Wight and Principal Joe Spurgas at Harpers Ferry Middle School. These dedicated

professionals are the keys to sustain a time intense program.

Thank you for coming to play with us!

Mark Cucuzzella MDAssociate Professor of Family Medicine West Virginia University

Medical Director Harpers Ferry Family Medicine


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The Hike Leader HandbookWhat is the Tiger on the Trail hike program?

The Tiger on the Trail hike program is a partnership between Jefferson County MiddleSchools, Harpers Ferry Family Medicine, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and othercommunity leaders and organizations. This program offers an outdoor hiking experience to JeffersonCounty Middle School students and their teachers.

Mission/ purpose/ goalsThe ultimate goal of the Tiger on the Trail program is to reconnect students with nature in

hopes of creating a lifestyle of environmental stewardship and physical activity to fight obesity inchildren. Volunteers help us to achieve this goal by effectively promoting and encourage physicalfitness, natural and cultural investigation, and environmental life skills to the local student population.

We will achieve our goals by:-Developing a corps of volunteer hike leaders;-Conducting two and four hour hikes for all four Jefferson County Middle Schools;-Creating a safe environment for students and teachers to experience, exercise, and

learn in the outdoors.

Need for ProgramsIn 2007, the initial school hiking program was spear-headed as a response to the statistics

which ranked West Virginia as second for childhood obesity (from the fourth annual F as in Fat: HowObesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007 report from the Trust for Americas Health (TFAH)).

PartnersOur partners play a critical role in developing the hike program and providing resources and

volunteers to make it possible. Our growing list of partners includes:Appalachian Trail ConservancyHarpers Ferry Family MedicineHarpers Ferry Historical Association

Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkJefferson County SchoolsVolunteers-in-Parks

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.-Ralph Waldo Emerson


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Position Description

Hike Leader

This volunteer position falls under the Education Branch at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP). Hike

Leaders will work specifically with the Tiger on the Trail Program. This is a new park- based and community-

based program which seeks to reconnect students with nature in hopes of creating a lifestyle of environmental

stewardship and physical activity to help fight obesity in youth today.

Created as a community partnership between Harpers Ferry Middle School, Harpers Ferry Family Medicine

and Harpers Ferry NHP, this field tested program has become quite successful and has received national

attention and student enthusiasm. Because of that success, Harpers Ferry NHP is teaming up with local

community leaders to extend the program to all four Jefferson County Middle Schools. Todays youth are

tomorrows preservationists. By instilling a sense of activism and responsibility in youth now, Americas natura

and historical treasures will be preserved for future generations.

Responsibilities of hike leaders include: being familiar with Harpers Ferry NHP and the National Park Service;

park and local area nature trails; park policy, safety regulations and procedures. Hike audiences will consist of

students, teachers and chaperones. Leaders can choose the topic of their program (health and fitness, historyenvironment, safety, etc.) provided the program is appropriate for the age of the students. Hike leaders are

requested to lead a minimum of two hikes a semester.

Possible hike equipment to include the following can be checked out of the Education Office:

- park radios - GPS units - topographical maps

- trail books - field guides - First Aid kits

- compasses

All hike leaders are required to provide current contact information (address, telephone number, emergency

contact, etc) and two character references. Leaders must also sign a volunteer services agreement.

References:

____________________________________ _______________________________

Name Name

____________________________________ _______________________________

Relationship to Volunteer Relationship to Volunteer

____________________________________ _______________________________

Occupation Occupation

____________________________________ _______________________________

Email or Telephone Email or Telephone


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Useful Numbers & Contact InformationFor QuestionsEducation SpecialistAmber Kraft

[email protected]

To Schedule a HikeEducation & Media TechnicianAutumn [email protected]

In case of an EmergencyDispatch/Protection866-677-6677

Other numbersEducation Program ManagerCatherine [email protected]

Education Park RangerStan [email protected]

HAFE Volunteer CoordinatorJess [email protected]


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Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for a Tiger on theTrail Hike(Harpers Ferry Middle School)

Decide where you want to hike, theme of the hike, what day you would like to hike, and what timeof day (morning or afternoon).

Contact Autumn Cook to schedule your hike. Make sure you give her all of the above informationas well as any materials you want to checkout from the education office and tell her if you willneed a bus.

Scout your hike to make sure you know where you are going and to check current trail conditions.This should be done one week to one day before your hike.

Arrange to get pack with materials you requested, including a first aid kit and radio, from theeducation office by calling Autumn Cook or Amber Kraft.

Arrive at Harpers Ferry Middle School 15 min. prior to your scheduled hike time.

Sign in at the front office and let them know who you are and that you are there as the Tiger onthe Trail Hike Leader.

Teacher and students will assemble in the hall by the office or right outside the front doors.

Please introduce yourself to the teacher and any additional chaperones that will be withyou.

Make sure students are aware that restrooms are not available on the hike.

Check to make sure that hikers are dressed appropriately and that there are not any safetyissues.

Once all are assembled, introduce yourself and the hike you will be taking. Be sure to include asafety message.

Start your hike. If you need a bus, it will meet you at the top of Bolivar Heights.

While on your hike, remember: more hiking and less talking, keep the kids active.

During the hike, be sure to keep safety in mind and make sure to keep all students with anadult.

Return to the school on schedule.

Do a quick evaluation: what did the students like/dislike, anything to make the hike better, etc.

Thank the students, teachers, and chaperones for joining you on the hike.

Contact Autumn Cook to report how many students and adults were on your hike.

Return any materials borrowed from the education office.


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SOP for a Panthers on the Prowl, Mustangs on the March, orCardinals in the Woods Hike(Charles Town Middle School, Shepherdstown Middle School, and Wild Wood Middle School)

Decide where you want to hike, theme of the hike, what day you would like to hike, and what time

of day (morning or afternoon).

Contact Autumn Cook to schedule your hike. Make sure you give her all of the above informationas well as any materials you want to checkout from the education office.

Scout your hike to make sure you know where you are going and to check current trail conditions.This should be done one week to one day before your hike.

Arrange to get pack with materials you requested, including a first aid kit and radio, from theeducation office by calling Autumn Cook or Amber Kraft.

Arrive at Harpers Ferry National Historical Parks visitor center 15 min. prior to your scheduledhike time.

Meet the yellow school bus in the first bay in front of the visitor center.

Get on the bus.

Introduce yourself to the bus driver and lead teacher.

Instruct the bus driver where to drop off and pick up the students for the hike.o The bus can park in the last bay of the visitor center parking lot after dropping off

students.

If the hike starts from the visitor center, have the students disembark from the bus.

Make sure students are aware that restrooms are not available on the hike.

Check to make sure hikers are dressed appropriately and there are not any safety issues.

Upon getting off the bus, assemble the group, introduce yourself and the hike you will be taking,and let the group know of any safety concerns.

Start your hike.

While on your hike, remember: more hiking and less talking, keep the kids active.

During the hike, be sure to keep safety in mind and make sure to keep all students with anadult.

Return to meet the bus on schedule.

Do a quick evaluation, what did they like/dislike, anything to make the hike better, etc.

Thank the students, teachers and chaperones for joining you on the hike.

Contact Autumn Cook to report how many students and adults were on your hike.

Return any materials borrowed from the education office.


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Resources & Equipment Available for CheckoutThe following resources and equipment are available to checkout from the education office. ContactAmber Kraft for more information and to request these resources.

A Walkers Guide To Harpers Ferry West Virginiaby David T. Gilbert (Book)

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorderby Richard Louv (Book)

Barska binoculars

Garmin eTrex Venture Cx personal navigator (GPS)

Lensatic Compass

Civil War Campaigns Across the Potomac Topographical Maps of Harpers Ferry area

American Red Cross First Aid Kits

Park Radios


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Frequently Asked QuestionsWho do I contact to sign up to lead a hike?

You contact Autumn Cook at [email protected], or 304-535-2908 to sign up to lead ahike. You need to let her know what day, time (morning or afternoon), where you want to hike,if you will need a bus, and what your topic will be.

What days and times can I schedule a hike?You can schedule a hike for any day, Monday-Friday. For Harpers Ferry Middle School thetimes are usually 8:00-10:30, 8:00-12:00, or 12:45-2:30. For Charles Town Middle School thehike time is 9:30-11:30. Hike times for other schools are yet to be determined.

What equipment and resources are available to check out from the education branch?We have supplies and equipment that you can check out in advance to take on your hike.These include park radios and first aid kits which all hike leaders should carry in case of an

emergency. Books to help you prepare for your hike include Last Child in the WoodsbyRichard Louv and A Walkers Guide to Harpers Ferry West Virginiaby David Gilbert. Barskabinoculars, Garmin eTrex Venture Cx personal navigator (GPS units), Lensatic Compasses,and Civil War Campaigns Across the Potomac Topographical Maps of Harpers Ferry area arealso available for you to take on your hike and let students use.

How do I check equipment or resources out?If you would like to check out any of the resources listed above, contact Amber Kraft [email protected] (304-535-6293) or Autumn Cook at [email protected] (304-535-2908). Let them know what you want to borrow and they will put it together for your hike. You

will have to sign a checkout sheet acknowledging that you received and are responsible for theproperty until it is returned.

Who do I contact with questions about the program?If you have any questions about the volunteer hiking program please contact Amber Kraft [email protected] or 304-535-6293.

What do I do if I am sick and not able to lead my scheduled hike at the last minute?If you get sick before you are scheduled to lead a hike or if you find that for any reason you are

not able to lead a hike, please let Autumn or Amber know as soon as possible. If it is afterbusiness hours the day before your hike or if it is the morning of your hike, please call Autumn,Amber, or Catherine on our cell phone so that we can find someone else to cover your hike(our numbers are below). It is important to be able to offer all of the hikes that have classesassigned to them because the teachers have a lot of logistics to work through on their end tobe able to take the students out of school.

Cell NumbersAutumn Cook: 336-414-0457Amber Kraft: 267-323-5106Catherine Bragaw: 304-839-2950


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What safety information is important to know?Please make sure you give teachers and students a brief safety message before starting outon your hike including where you will be going, the difficulty level of the hike, and what theyshould be wearing. Before leaving the school, if there are students who are unprepared and itwould be unsafe for them to go because of a physical condition, because of their attire, oranything else, please talk with the teacher and student before leaving the school. Safety is thenumber one priority. If students are not dressed appropriately, ask if they have jackets, shoesor whatever article of clothing they need in their locker and send them to quickly get it before

hiking. All hike leaders should carry a first aid kit and a park radio or cell phone with them.

How are discipline issues to be addressed?Discipline is not typically an issue on hikes. You will want to let the teachers and chaperonesknow that this is their responsibility. Please make sure to let students know your expectationsbefore leaving the school. You may want to include that students should not use iPods on thehike or that they should stay behind the hike leader. If discipline issues do come up please letthe teacher know. If it is a safety issue, hike leaders should take immediate action.

Where are bathrooms available in the park?As the students are gathering, please let the students know they should use the restroombefore leaving the school. If you do need a restroom while in the park they are located at theVisitor Center and in Lower Town next to the bookstore.

What do I do if a student is hurt on the hike?If a student is hurt on a hike, please let the teacher know immediately. Make sure that all otherstudents are out of harms way. If it is a minor injury and just needs a Band-Aid, use the firstaid kit. If it is a more serious injury, use the park radio or your cell phone to call for park lawenforcement (LE) rangers to assist (see Useful Numbers & Contact Information page for

dispatch number). LE rangers are trained EMTs. DO NOT give first aid treatment higher thanwhat you are certified to give.

Can you suggest some activities for a hike?Hike activities can be as simple as observing nature as you hike and writing or drawing aboutwhat you see or as complex as learning artillery drill, identifying insects, or calculating howmany calories are burned. Activities can relate to history, science, English, art, health, ormany other subjects. The most important thing to remember is to have fun, and share whatyou enjoy with the students.

What schools participate in this hike program?As of December 2008, Harpers Ferry Middle School and Charles Town Middle Schoolparticipate in hike programs. We hope to bring Wildwood Middle School and ShepherdstownMiddle School into the program during the Spring of 2009.

As a hike leader, how many hikes to I need to do a semester?We request that hike leaders commit to leading two hikes a semester or four hikes for theschool year. You are welcome to co-lead a hike if you choose.


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Do I need to scout out my hike before I take the students if I have been on the trail before?Yes. It is important to know the trail conditions and exactly where you will be taking thestudents and the length of your hike before hitting the trails with a class of students. Pleasecheck trail conditions about a week or two prior to your hike. If there has been bad weather(rain, wind, ice) you may need to check conditions closer to your hike day.

How can I learn about other trails in the park that are good to use for the hike program?

There are many ways to learn about trails to go on hikes with students including reviewing thelater pages of this hike leader handbook, looking through The Walkers Guide to Harpers Ferryby David Gilbert, shadowing hikes led by other hike leaders, and exploring park trails on yourown.

Am I allowed to shadow other leaders hikes to get more ideas?You are always welcome to shadow hikes led by other hike leaders. Please just let Autumn orAmber know that you will be coming so that we can let the hike leader know to expect you andlet you know if the hike is cancelled for any reason.


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Tiger on the Trail HikesThe main educational objective of the hike program is to get the kids out in nature and enjoy thebenefits of playful physical activity in the outdoors. We collaborate on topics of interest for a 10-15minute discussion. Longer activities should be coordinated with the teacher prior to the hike. This

can occur at the midway point of the hike or at the end. The topic is up to the leader and teacher.Many leaders have a specific area or skill about which they wish to teach. For example, the NPSrangers have interpretive skills on natural and cultural topics, medical leaders discuss issues relatedto health and healthy living, while others may have an art or poetry exercise. Hike leaders shouldstay in contact with Autumn to coordinate topics and dates. This is open forum; the main objective isfor students to move and discover their local green space. Teachers may request longer lessons oractivities.

Times for walks: 8-10:30, 8:00-12:00, or 12:45-2:30 Monday-Friday. This can be altered to theschools needs.

Contact Autumn Cook for availability and scheduling. Call Amber Kraft to volunteer as a hike leader.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Trail System


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Hike Suggestions:

1. Bolivar Heights-

A moderate hike of about 3 miles round trip if you do the full loop through the woods to thesection off Bakerton Road.

Interest- Nice views from top. Kids love rolling down the hills on the back side. Battlefieldsite.

Logistics- HFMS: can walk from school. Turn right out of school onto Washington Street

and stay to the side and then go up Whitman Avenue to Bolivar Heights. You will find thestart of the trail system at the parking lot. All other schools will arrive at the Harpers FerryNHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS ranger or hike leader.

2. Nash Farm NOTE: THIS AREA IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Hilly hike of about 3.5 miles round trip if you go to the end of the farm by way of Bolivar

Heights. Interest- Great views of Potomac from the Nash Farm. 1920s farm site. Kids love playing

in the fields.

Logistics- HFMS: turn right out of school onto Washington Street and stay to the side andthen go up Whitman Avenue to Bolivar Heights. Go right at the top of the hill and followroad to Nash Farm. All other schools will meet their NPS ranger or hike leader at theHarpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center.


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3. Murphy Farm

Mostly flat hike about 4 miles round trip from the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center.

Interest- One of the best views of Shenandoah River in the area. Battlefield and CivilRights site.

Logistics- HFMS: walk students to Bolivar Heights. Please contact Autumn Cook toarrange for a NPS bus to take kids from Bolivar Heights to the Harpers Ferry NHP VisitorCenter. All other schools will meet their NPS ranger or hike leader at the Harpers FerryNHP Visitor Center.


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4. School House Ridge South

Approximately 2 to 4 mile loops. Gentle hills and a descent to stream.

Interest- Beautiful new undiscovered trails. Battlefield Site.

Logistics- All schools would need a yellow school bus to transport them to School HouseRidge South. HFMS will meet hike leader or NPS Ranger at the school. All other schoolswill meet their NPS ranger or hike leader at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center.


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5. School House Ridge North- NOTE: THIS AREA IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC YET.

1-2 mile loop trails planned. Gentle hills. Round trip from HFMS is 3-4 miles since you gothrough Bolivar Heights to get there.

Interest- soon to be new trails to Stonewall Jacksons main battle line. Battlefield site.

Logistics- HFMS: Hike to Bolivar Heights and take trail to Bakerton Road. Cross BakertonRoad and enter trail near the parking lot and restroom. All other schools will arrive at theHarpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS ranger or hike leader and travel todesignated site.


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6. Virginius Island

Approximately 2 to 3 mile hike to explore Virginius Island and trails around ruins and river.

Interest- Great history and river views. Industry, John Brown, and transportation sites.

Logistics- HFMS: walk students to Bolivar Heights. Please contact Autumn Cook toarrange for a NPS bus to take kids from Bolivar Heights to the Harpers Ferry NHP VisitorCenter or the lower town bus loop. All other schools will meet their NPS ranger or hikeleader at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center.


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7. Jefferson Rock

Approximately 4 mile round trip from HFMS. Hike may be shorter for other schools starting

at Lower Town bus loop. Interest- Fun hike through town, Storer College, cemetery, and to Jefferson Rock for river

view. General history site.

Logistics- HFMS: hike along Washington Street to AT Visitor Center, then hike alongStorer College, through Harper Cemetery, down to Jefferson Rock. All other schools willarrive at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS ranger or hike leader andtravel to designated site.


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8. Lower Town to C&O

Various distances to explore Lower Town, cross Railroad Bridge, and hike along the C&OCanal.

Interest- Great history and river views. Civil War and transportation site.

Logistics- HFMS: walk students to Bolivar Heights. Please contact Autumn Cook toarrange for an NPS bus to take kids from Bolivar Heights to the Harpers Ferry NHP VisitorCenter or lower town bus loop. All other schools will meet their NPS ranger or hike leaderat the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center.

See map of lower town on next page.

9. Town Loop to Hill Top House (This hike is not in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park)

Approximately 3 mile round trip from HFMS moderate hills.

Interest- Great views from old hotel for confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.Civil Rights site.

Logistics- HFMS: walk from school though town and turn left up Ridge Street. All otherschools will arrive at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS ranger orhike leader.

See map of lower town on next page.


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10. Maryland Heights

Difficult 5 mile (approximately) round trip from lower town to overlook.

Interest- Great views from the top and a good challenging hike to get there. John Brown

and Civil War site. Logistics- Need a half day with school approval. Great opportunity for kids to go on this

hike. HFMS: walk from school though town, across Potomac River Bridge to trail head. Allother schools will arrive at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS rangeror hike leader and travel to lower town and hike to trail head.

See map of Maryland Heights on the next page.


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11. Loudon Heights

Difficult 6 mile (approximately) round trip from HFMS, or shorter with NPS bus to VisitorCenter or lower town bus loop.

Interest- Good challenging hike on AT with excellent views along the way. Civil War site.

Logistics- Need a half day with school approval. HFMS: walk from school though townacross US 340 bridge on sidewalk to trail head. All other schools will arrive at the HarpersFerry NHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS ranger or hike leader and travel to lower townand hike to trail head.

12. Weverton Cliffs (This hike is not in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park)

Difficult 4 mile round trip.

Interest- Good challenging hike on the AT with a great view from top. Industry site.

Logistics- Need a half day with school approval. All schools would need a yellow school

bus to transport them to Weverton Cliffs. NPS ranger or hike leader will meet HFMSstudents at school and travel to trail head. All other schools will arrive at the Harpers FerryNHP Visitor Center to pick up the NPS ranger or hike leader.

Documents

The Leader Handbook Potomac Valley Audubon Society