Imagine you are a base camp leader, wondering whether the event you have organised was a success. You have done all the leg work, surveyed the location, scheduled activities, and thought of alternative options for inclement weather.
You’ve taken into account not only the temperature but also the wind direction and rain forecast, as well as the fitness level and equipment of multiple participants. You have not only thought of Plan A and Plan B -- no, you have even created fall-back options Plan C and Plan D (the latter being a visit to the nearest Op Shop…). You have written 10 pages of notes. In other words, you have thought of everything! And yes, your name (in this case) is Roz….
But how do you know your work has been appreciated? You are perhaps left wondering whether everyone is just too polite to say anything negative. Of course, everyone says “Thank you” when your base camp comes to its end. But how can you be sure it was worth your effort?
Well, here are a few observations that may assist. Our Eagle Point Kayaking Weekend serves as an example from which others not called Roz can extrapolate to their own events. Regardless of paddling, hiking or cycling being the main activity, some observations provide clues...
1) The weather was not ideal to say the very least but that did not dissuade the 15-or-so full and part-time participants from cycling, walking, swimming, meditating and kayaking. Saturday was downright awful at times but thirteen intrepid paddlers nevertheless wrestled the rainfall for the full length of the Mitchell River silt jetties and out to the submarine-shaped erosion-control breakwater. One of us valiantly battled along in a plastic poncho as she had found herself without her kayak raingear. Six very experienced paddlers even chose to return to the caravan park via the open (and choppy) water of Eagle Point Bay. Suffice to say that everyone appreciated a nice hot shower once we got back to the caravan park. But did we then stay in our respective tents / caravans / motorhomes / cabins? No, everyone soon got together for ‘Happy Hour’, meeting old or new friends, and after-dinner chatting. That’s certainly a clue about the success of any event!
2) Sunday was better in terms of rain but the gale wind forecast was a worry for our leader who, unperplexed, chose to swap around venues and activities to suit the situation. An eagle’s nest and its feathered residents featured high on the list of attractions as did the mussels along the shallow banks of Duck Bay, easily harvested by simply grabbing them with our hands either side of our kayaks. Getting five kilograms of super-fresh molluscs has never been easier, quicker and cheaper! But the notable observation here is that the harvesting effort included participants that do not eat seafood at all – their sole objective was collecting shellfish for the enjoyment of others. A good indicator, if you ask me, that they were happy with the day!
3) Monday provided us with a mix of dramatic clouds and sudden bursts of sunshine. Getting the kayaks on the water had already become a well-rehearsed routine for the remaining eight paddlers in seven boats. Unfortunately, the other base camp participants had to leave early due to a variety of other commitments. As on the other days, our fast sea-kayak paddlers patiently waited for that slow coach couple insisting to paddle what looks like an inflatable oil-tanker. They also took care (thanks, Shane and Janine) of the forgetfulness of that bloke who left his car-key in the door and only remembered it when everyone was already on the water…. A leisurely paddle up the Mitchell River towards Bairnsdale, a lazy morning tea session while letting our kayaks drift with the flow, gazing up to the flocks of pelicans and other big birds high in the sky above us, a group photo session in front of the steep cliffs that form Eagle Point Lookout…. We had a great time!
4) But does the non-participation of some in this Monday paddle suggest that the base camp was less than a complete success? No, it doesn’t and there are very good clues to that: After three days of primarily poor weather, everyone was standing around chatting on Monday morning. Vehicles had already been packed and were ready to roll – indeed we were at danger of missing the caravan park’s 10am check-out time. It’s not as if people hadn’t been chatting throughout the weekend – no, they just wanted to chat some more and found it hard to stop!
5) Participants were also open to try new or unfamiliar things – something no one would do if unhappy. This included meeting new participants and patiently learning unfamiliar names -- even those that are culturally different and multi-syllabic. And one of us even tried (for the very first time in her life!) the mussels freshly harvested in Duck Bay and cooked in white wine, garlic from the campground garden, onions and parsley.
So, what is the common theme of all these clues to a successful event? Well, the common theme simply is that participants of successful events treat each other well, look out for each other, and thus indirectly show their gratitude to their leader. In many small but observable ways.
So, go ahead! Organise that event you have been thinking about! Put it on the SGWAAC website! Become an event leader! And enjoy the rewards that come from observing the multiple clues…
. Frithjof Arp
