Ramble Leader's Handbook
The Ramble Leader’s Handbook (A Work in Progress)
Introduction
To sustain the rambling activities in Qatar, we need a constant stream of ramble leaders. The purpose of the Ramble Leader's Handbook is to provide potential leaders with the information they need to understand what’s involved and to lead a successful ramble with a minimum of stress. In a word, it aims to “demystify” the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The thought of leading a ramble terrifies me. Can you help? Take a deep breath and try to put things in perspective. Rambles are easy. Rambles are fun. Do not stress out over them. Perhaps the story of one nameless QNHG member might help: “I was always afraid to volunteer for a ramble. I was paralyzed by questions like ‘What if I put on a ramble and nobody comes? What if people come but they hate it? What if we get lost out in the desert and we have to be flown out in an Emiri Guard helicopter?’ Then I got a grip and realized that that was really silly.”
I'm still worried about nobody showing up. Wouldn’th that be embarrassing? Don't worry about it. There have been some wonderful rambles in the past with only three or four ramblers. A ramble is not a rock concert (at least not in that sense).
What is the difference between a ramble and a field trip? Rambles are more lightweight. Traditionally, rambles are half-day events that require minimal preparation, while field trips are all-day events often with material to be read ahead. However, the distinction is not hard and fast. If you want to do an all-day ramble, go for it.
Who can go on rambles? Rambles are limited to QNHG members and their families. Carry some printed application forms to sign up non-members on the spot; take the 30 QR membership fee and tell the applicant to register on the web site. The important thing is to get the signature on the waiver.
Are dogs and small children allowed? Dogs are a pretty firm no-no. Children may be permitted depending on the ramble and the circumstances. The ramble leader should be consulted.
Do I have to do the ramble ahead of time myself? In most cases, it is preferred that the ramble leader check out the ramble ahead of time: Qatar is a very dynamic environment and just because that road was there last year doesn’t mean it’s there today. However, if you’re certain that the pre-visit is unnecessary, it could be omitted.
Should ramblers pre-register for my ramble? That‘s up to you. It depends on the destination: pre-registration and limiting the size of the group is obviously more important for delicate wildlife habitat than for the camel racetrack.
How do I end my ramble? Rambles tend to shatter into small groups at the end. The best thing is to anticipate this, and to plan for a spot where you can address the group as a whole and bring closure to the event. Although by no means a requirement, many rambles are continued in another location, a tea house or restaurant for example; that is a good way to get to know the ramblers better and to get feedback, suggestions for future rambles, etc.
How can I get feedback about my ramble? New for 2008 is the Ramble Feedback Form, which asks a few general questions about the ramble. Note that it deliberately does not ask about the ramble leader, to protect the innocent.
What can I do to ensure the sustainability of rambling? Perhaps the most important thing is to find someone to teach about your ramble. Not only will it lessen your burden, it will prepare the next generation of leaders.
The Rambling Process
Beginning of the season: In coordination with the Ramble Coordinator, agree on the date of the ramble and on a short description of the ramble. The Ramble Coordinator will put this information in the appropriate places on the QNHG web site. If possible, identify an apprentice that can work with you on the ramble and lead it independently in the future.
Three weeks before the ramble: Fill in the Ramble Description Form. Note that most entries are optional. Submit the form to the Rambles Coordinator for placement on the web site and for e-mailing to QNHG members. Make another attempt at locating an apprentice, if you still don't have one.
Two weeks before the ramble: Decide what material (if any) you want to distribute for ramblers to read to prepare for the ramble (e.g. a paper on the sinkholes of Qatar prior to the sinkhole trip). Submit this material to the Rambles Coordinator, who will place it on the web site.
One week before the ramble: Review your preparations. Make sure that the e-mail has gone out. Make sure that you have any needed equipment on hand.
Ramble Description Form
Leader: (Name and any other information you wish to provide.)
Date: (WWW standard form please, e.g. 2008-10-24).
Time: (24-h format please, e.g. 08:30).
Venue: (Description of where the ramble will take place.)
Ramble Time: (How long will we the ramblers be walking?)
What to expect: (Description of things the ramblers will see.)
Meeting Place: (Give directions that are as explicit and as simple as possible. GPS coordinates are strongly encouraged. Google maps are strongly encouraged.)
Vehicles: (Are four-wheeled drive required?)
Requirements: (What do people need to bring? E.g. food, water, hat, sun cream and general solar protection, gazebo, chairs.)
FAQ: (Any other information people might want.)
Ramble Assessment Form
A printable PDF version of the form will be available soon.
To what degree do you agree with the following statements? 0 = totally disagree, 5 = totally agree.
- This outing was boring
- This outing was too intense
- There was too much driving
- There was too much walking
- There was not enough walking