Wondering how you can translate your enthusiasm for participating in a BCM trip into effective preparation and interaction on trail? Find many of your answers in the training sessions you can access below. These 15-40 minute sessions should ensure that you are a constructive adult role model for the teens joining you on our trip. All of these sessions accessible via the internet from a computer with a soundcard and a free copy of RealPlayer.
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BCM TRAINING & ORIENTATION TOPICS
BCM Organizational Overview
Mark Godley- BCM Executive Director
A general explanation of the history, mission and structure of the Big City Mountaineers program. 24 minutes
General BCM Trip Overview
Erin Sovick- BCM Volunteer Manager
A day-by-day description of what to expect on a typical BCM trip, including a look at the BCM T.E.A.M.
Curriculum. 20 minutes
First Time Volunteers - What's it Like?
Stephanie Hoepner - BCM Volunteer
One of our newer adult leaders gives an account of her first BCM experience. Find out what expectations were met on the trip and what valuable lessons she learned for future trips. 12 minutes
First Time Team Leaders
Mary Kay Stoehr- Former BCM President & Team Leader
One of our most experienced volunteers gives advice to Team Leaders who are new to the position, or want to brush up on their skills. 38 minutes
Youth Group Leaders
Joe Sprague- BCM Youth Leader - Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch
What to expect in this unique position and how to prepare yourself and your youth organization for eight days in the backcountry. Useful ideas for selecting the youth who will attend and how to make the most of your time leading up to the trip. 45 minutes
Roles, Tools & Rituals
Mark Godley- BCM Executive Director
A look at some of the ways a BCM trip is unique. Includes an explanation of all the materials BCM gives you and how to use them. 27 minutes
Youth Background
Bernie Rupe - BCM Volunteer
A look at the possible obstacles in the life of a BCM teen. Explore social and psychological issues and how these may affect teens' thinking. 21 minutes
Interacting with Adolescents
Bernie Rupe - BCM Volunteer
Effective techniques for communicating with teenagers. Learn when you should talk, when to listen, and how to show that you care. 17 minutes.
The Power of Mentoring
Tom Masloski - 10-year Mentor to Teens
What to expect from and how to contribute to a mentoring relationship. Find out how this powerful relationship may change you and change the youth. 33 minutes.
Conflict Management
Dawn Goers - Foster Care Parent and BCM Board Member
How to resolve the possible conflicts that may arise while on the trail, who should be the one to step in, and how to prevent some conflicts from happening in the first place. 26 Minutes.
Group Behavior
Alex Kosseff - Author, AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership
What to expect in terms of group dynamics on the trail. How leadership, trust, communication, and tolerance can appear out in a team setting. 27 minutes
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
Alex Kosseff - Author, AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership
Different styles of outdoor leadership and the components that make up a successful leader. Understand how to balance skills like directing, delegating, and participating in a group setting. 35 minutes
Leave No Trace
Chris Lennert - BCM Board Member & Leave No Trace Course Graduate
With ten people hiking and camping through the wilderness, it's important to understand the essential techniques for preserving the environment. Learn how to leave the least amount of human impact in the backcountry. 12 minutes
Backcountry Safety
Greta Oberschmidt - BCM Logistics Manager There is always a possibility of unforeseen problems in the backcountry. Here are some ways to avoid that possibility and deal with the unexpected. 26 minutes
