Expedition Behaviour Resources

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) has identified ten principles of good behaviour traits for both leaders and participants while travelling in the wilderness.

They are as follows:

• Serve the mission and goals of the group.
• Be as concerned for others as you are for yourself.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Support leadership and growth in everyone.
• Respect the cultures you contact.
• Be kind and open hearted.
• Do your share and stay organized.
• Help others, but don’t routinely do their work.
• Model integrity by being honest and accountable.
• Admit and correct your mistakes.

Practically speaking, students can demonstrate good expedition behaviour by:

• Maintaining good relationships with all the participants on the trip.
• Setting the appropriate tone both prior to and during the trip.
• Demonstrating good communication skills.
• Modelling appropriate expedition behaviour.
• Being a good listener and communicating effectively.
• Resolving conflicts early and in an effective manner.