Certifying the pupils as summer trip leaders in DNT

DNT Sør has trained trip leaders through the friluftsliv programme subject for several years. They have an established partnership primarily with an upper-secondary school, Kristiansand Katedralskole Gimle (KKG vgs). What follows describes their “recipe” for how DNT trip-leader training can be integrated as part of the subject.

Table of contents

Ambassador course – early autumn

In the autumn the class is offered a digital ambassador course for both teachers and pupils. This is followed up later in the autumn with an in-person ambassador course.

Introduction to trip leadership

Basic skills in friluftsliv are checked off against the learning objectives in DNT’s trip-leader training (the summer trip-leader course). These topics are covered in shared teaching across a few short sessions near the school, but mainly on the tur. Examples of basic skills are map and compass, clothing, packing the rucksack, and the campfire.

The veileder / DNT course teacher takes part in two trips:

First, an introductory autumn trip in the high mountains. Here pupils and teachers are introduced to the use of a no-service (unstaffed) DNT cabin. Beyond that it is arranged as a course weekend in basic skills. The DNT course teacher gives a short theory session with information about trip leadership in DNT. The pupils get to try their hand as trip leaders on the final day. They each lead one leg of a mountain hike, with built-in cases.

Summer trip-leader training

After the trip, the pupils’ subject teachers hold a conversation with those pupils who wish to continue voluntarily on the trip-leader training. This is therefore optional, and normally four to eight pupils from a whole class come forward. These pupils are given their own programme in cooperation with DNT’s course teacher. There is a requirement of two to three DNT activities that the pupils must gain practical experience from. They then get a mix of assignments that are mostly about facilitation and simple instruction. For example, canoeing on a Kom Deg Ut-dag, or trip leadership on Barnas Turlag outings.

The pupils who have chosen trip leadership become responsible trip leaders on a five-day winter trip in the high mountains. This trip also takes place with the participation of DNT’s course teacher, who is present on all days. The pupils are tested primarily in tasks connected to moving and organising the group outdoors. They carry it out and are continuously evaluated by DNT’s course teacher. Some cases are built in where necessary, but the winter mountains usually provide enough challenges without too much staging.

After the winter trip, the pupils are assessed as pass/fail as summer trip leaders.

Pupils who pass are often used afterwards for various children’s and youth camps in DNT Sør.

Next steps

Teaching guide — the hub
Curriculum for friluftsliv — framework from UDIR
The significance of friluftsliv — values and health
Traditional friluftsliv — cultural framing

Learn more

UDIR — friluftsliv programme subject — curricula and competence aims
NDLA — friluftsliv — digital learning resource
Norsk Friluftsliv — professional organisation
DNT — school — courses and trips for school classes

Text

Per Thomas Skaanes, head of friluftsliv DNT Sør (2022)