Guiding and Interpretive Services PDF

Guiding and Interpretive Services Aim of a guide provide information and knowledge meaningfully interpret the environment. Keep guests safe Methods used to make environment accessible and to provide interpretation of the environment for example – game drives –...

Guiding and Interpretive Services Aim of a guide provide information and knowledge meaningfully interpret the environment. Keep guests safe Methods used to make environment accessible and to provide interpretation of the environment for example – game drives – nature walks – Activities – Other What are the characteristics of an ideal guide?  The Ideal Guide Enjoys peoples Has a sense of humour Is patient and tolerant Informative and interesting (entertaining) Always willing to learn Pleasant voice, clearly heard Well prepared and confident Prepared for the unexpected Uses initiatives when confronted with problems Punctual Assertive, not aggressive Enthusiastic Takes pride in their work Admits to not knowing everything Is both and entertainer and teacher  The guide represent the organisation and the impression you make on visitors will impact their view of the organisation  Communication is a vital skill in guiding and interpretive services. Communication is more than just the verbal words you use it is also about the body language you speak as well as knowing your audience. Guiding principles Project your voice Speak clearly Audibility Tone  Have a welcoming and interesting commentary Commentary should be flexible (repeat guests) Commentary should be orientated around surroundings Should be factual, accurate, balanced and objective  Use simple words and correct terminology Avoid ums and aah’s and discussions about politics, religion and other sensitive subjects  You don’t have to talk all the time Allow guests to hear the sounds and smells  If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell them you will find out and get back to them, never lie  Make eye contact with your audience Relaxed posture Find out as much as you can about your audience Point out more than just the big five  Example of a typical Indemnity Form Indemnity form in respect of night drives / day excursions / day walks commencing from …………….. ………………………………. Date of commencement from …………../……./………. To: ……../………/…… Name of participant ………………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………………………… Tel (home) ………………………… (business) …………………………………... Age ………………………. Sex ………………………. Nationality ………………. Occupation ……………… Are you suffering, or have you recently suffered from any illness that should be brought to the attention of the field guide?………………………………………………………………………… ………………Any other information which you feel is relevant? ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………... Special interests (e.g. Botany, birds, insect) ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………… I the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that the night drive / day excursion / walk / bushbraai applied for will be conducted in the area/s under the jurisdiction of the …………………… and that participants will set out in an open vehicle or on foot and will be subjected to the natural elements. I acknowledge there are risk involved and I hereby release the ……………….. members, employees, agents and representatives on account of my person in a night drive /day excursion / day walk / bushbraai. I waive any right to claim against the ………. Irrevocably. I acknowledge that children under the age of 12 years will not be permitted to participate on the day walks. Children under the age of 6 years will not be permitted to participate on the night drives and day excursions. Signature of participant …………………………………………………………… Signature of parent / guardian (if a minor) ………………………………………  Game Drive Procedure Vehicle check Check fuel, oil, water, break fluid, battery water. Check tyre treads, wheel nuts, steering and any external fittings Check brakes Check for any leaks Check all lights are working Check spare tyre is inflated Check jack, wheel spanner are available and functional Check radio is operational Fill in log book Check medical kit Collect weapon is required]  Procedure before the start of a night drive Vehicle check (water, oil, spares, cleanliness) Depending on camp emergency procedure, you might need to log your route. Check equipment (spotlights) Fill in logbook and checklists  Meeting visitors and documentation Always be early Collect list of person expected on the drive and ensure all have paid. Ensure indemnity forms are fully and correctly filled out Take note of any special medical needs or allergies and ensure they have any medicines they might need. Establish language preferences and special interests Briefing Properly introduce yourself to the group Explain the do’s and don’t’s No smoking (smoke breaks at safe places eg. bridge) Liquor consumption is permitted within reasonable limits Keep arms and legs inside the vehicle Sundown stops can be made and are dependant on safety aspects No bathroom facilities once left Explain the use of spotlights Mention emergency procedures Remain seated at all times No littering Stargazing breaks  During the drive Do a head count before departing Do not drive faster than 20 – 25km and this speed must be reduced once dark and the guests are using the spotlights Emphasise that the drive is not only about the animals and help them enjoy the sounds (switch off engine) and the landscape (sundowner) too. When viewing game position vehicle in optimal position for all to view  Termination of the drive Evaluation forms Thanks and farewell Lock away truck, blankets and spotlights  Fire Arms Make safety a habit Make sure the weapon is in good order, oiled and clean Inspect the ammo to make sure it is in dry and clean and the correct size.  Handle all rifles as loaded and ready to shoot Think before you pull a trigger Keep finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire Be barrel conscious (what is it pointing at?) Check for obstructions in the barrel  The handler is responsible for rifle safety Always lock rifle away if not in your possession for use The procedure will differ from camp to camp Alcohol and firearms do not mix Never allow anyone else to fiddle with or handle your rifle  Emergency procedure Specific to each camp – know the procedure for your camp Assess the situation and decide on the best course of action If necessary radio or call the relevant section ranger or camp manager Know channels to be used on the radio and report your exact position Field Guide Evaluation Form Camp …………..…………….. Name of guide..……………… Where your expectations met on the game drive? Yes No How were the interpretation skills of your guide? Poor Good Excellent Was the guide informative enough? Yes No Was your guide professional? Yes No Will you accompany the same guide again on a drive? Yes No How were the driving skills of your guide? Poor Good Excellent Will you recommend anyone to go on a drive with this guide? Yes No Any other comments from your side?  Nature walks Research and know your area Be friendly, firm, confident, enthusiastic and genuine  Before the walk Make eye contact with each guest Ask what their expectations are Find out about any medical issue or fears Check that they have appropriate clothing and shoes (muted tones) and water Brief the guest about the walk (length, difficulty breaks, toilet facilities)  On the walk Make time for the three ‘T” (talking, touching, thinking) Involve the persons head, heart and hands Take the lets find out together approach rather than acting like an expert. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know Bring marvel and mystery into the interpretation Provide solitary activity Focus on particular objects or actions and discuss its ecological role Encourage questioning and engagement  Working with children Use resources (identification guides, magnifying glass, clear jars, paper and crayons)  Choose a theme related to the goals and objectives of the walk The theme is determined by: – the nature of the group, – goals of the walk, – the season or the habitat in which you find yourself in – prominent objects in the veld.  Working with difficult children Introduce yourself Engage them by asking their names and where are they from and what interests they have (also gives you clues to their background and knowledge) Lay down rules from the beginning Appeal to parents and teachers to assist Be polite and friendly and control your temper Be firm Enlist dominant children to control others If necessary send the back with parent or teacher Find an opportunity to tell them they are special Reward good behaviour Vary activity Be prepared and have a flexible programme Working with the disabled  How do we make the environment accessible to public?  Trails / nature walks / hikes Camps Environmental education centres Do we need to make these facilities accessible to the disabled? Why?  They have just as much right They still make a difference in the world (Stephen Hawking) Can enhance their therapy They still engage a teach and learn with and from others They make up 15 % of the worlds population (World Bank)  Who know of people with disabilities? What types of disabilities are you aware of?  Functional disabilities Mobility Hearing impaired Visually impaired Mentally impaired Situational disabilities Glass to read small writing Elderly Degrees of impairment  Functional Disability: Disability caused due to some sort of physical, mental and sensory disability - further sub-categorized into visual, hearing, mobility/motor and learning disabilities. Situational Disability: Inability to perform a task, in a given situation, or under certain circumstances E.g. a person who forgot the glasses at home will find it difficult to work on the computer. Elderly Disability: With age, each one of us acquires some sort of disabilities including memory loss, hard- of-hearing, deteriorating vision, difficulty in climbing stairs, etc.  Disability in SA – Stats SA The 2011 census reveals the national disability prevalence rate is 7.5%. More females compared with males (8.3% and 6.5%, respectively). 53.2% of people aged 85+ having reported a disability. How do we work with disabled people? What are some of the principles?  Concentrate on other working senses Allow more time for all activities Keep distances shorter Keep groups smaller, or get assistance Know the area, walked through the area with them in mind Flexible programme (expect unexpected changes) How would we design a trail for the blind?  Trails for the blind Start of a trail must be easy to find. Start near a hut or shop Ensure adequate parking for vehicles bringing them to the start. Circular routes are best (Start and end at same spot) Path must be cleared of rocks and other obstacles such as roots and overhanging branches. Avoid steps. Guide rail eg. rope, rod or perimeter fence can self guide the blind.Soft textured ropes (at least 10mm in diameter, 25mm is best). Indicate info boards / displays/ exhibits by a knot in the rope, loose gravel on the path, bubble blocks or knob on rail. A curb/ridge of wood or cement can be used on edge of path to guide them when using a walking stick. Small groups can be guided and could hold hands on trails. They could also walk in a line, only resting a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them. Info boards / displays must be on same side of the path. And must not be more than 1m off the path (walking stick is on average 1.2m long). All written information must be in Braille.  Use brass (very expensive), aluminium (best), stainless steel (hard and expensive) or synthetic material (not plastic). Place in shade (NB: for all metal) Keep Braille boards low down (90cm), but “upside down” (top of text towards ground, tail end up in air) face up. This way the blind read from the top (at bottom) back towards them. Large plastic Perspex letters could also be used if in a rush. Discovery areas Focus attention on other senses: Touch - Encourage exploration of skulls, horns, bird’s nests, stuffed animals, specimens, tree bark, thorn, etc. Smell - Smell flowers of plants along trail. Hearing - Listen to birds calls, use pre - recorded tapes in walkmans. Taste - Taste fruit, feel size of fruit etc. How would we design a trail for the functionally handicapped?  Have enough space for 2 wheelchairs to pass, or trail must be wide enough for one way traffic. Have a sturdy rail along trail and at all difficult areas and at displays (for support and leaning on). Start the trail near the hut / chalet which has been modified to cater for all their needs. Have notes and display boards lower to enable people in wheelchairs to read (not higher than 1.5m). How do we cater for the deaf?  Have an interpreter on trails, in meetings and in any group. Clear signage Face them, speak slowly and clearly, to enable them to lip read. Do not chew gum while working with them. Avoid noise or sound in the background. This interferes with their hearing aids, and it drones out your voice. Utilize all other senses. Deaf people are otherwise normal (walks could be longer) How do we work with the the mentally handicapped?  KISS (Keep it short and simple), talks no more than 3 – 10 minutes. Use simple language and concepts, and keep sentences short. Use small groups Could make use of more mobile / active type activities. Some people may also be physically handicapped.  Expect chaos and the unexpected Use assistance to help control groups and keep them together. Avoid dangerous situations and activities. Often the mentally handicapped do not see or understand the consequences of their actions. Do not use “figures of speech”, (e.g. “I was so mad, that I could have kicked him”. They may just do just that!