ad
Copyright 2009 Don Alexander

BUILDING ON THE LESSONS OF BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES
As the world becomes more hectic and overcrowded, corporate personnel, with help
of modern electronics and on-the-job demands, become more isolated. Ironically, the
shrinking world, its light speed pace and multi-tasking builds barriers to individual
focus, co-operation and unity within the corporate community. Productivity
diminishes, stress rises, goals are misplaced and profits drop. Challenges become
laborious, attitudes darken, co-operation vanishes.
In the backcountry, stunning beauty, a calm atmosphere and slow pace mask the
many challenges awaiting the backcountry adventurer. The backcountry experience
offers true adventure, an adventure which builds passion. Nature provides no reset
button. The challenges, and the lessons, of the backcountry experience equate
ideally to the corporate environment. Setting goals, achieving success,
communication, commitment, overcoming obstacles, co-operation and asset
management are necessary, even crucial, in both environments. In the backcountry
experience, the challenges are in your face, tapping in to mind, body and spirit at
many levels, leaving little room for error. Personal responsibility, teamwork and
communication are important in the corporate environment but become crucial in the
backcountry for success, even survival. Nature can be a harsh master. Success
means getting back to civilization. And that requires commitment, honesty, self-
awareness, planning and superior management of assets. Reality rules. Wishful
thinking does not overcome obstacles. Clear thinking, honest communication and
teamwork get the job accomplished.
The BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURER Corporate Team Building & Leadership Experience
provides participants a series of intense challenges over a two day, 12 hours per day
program. Utilizing fully expedition prepared Land Rovers 4x4s, participants plan,
navigate and experience the backcountry, facing a series of challenges present on
the forest roads surrounding Big Bear Lake, California. Steep climbs and descents,
side slope and boulders create difficult but new and exciting challenges for the
participants. Each element of the program necessitates, planning, effective use of
assets, teamwork, commitment and confidence. Our team of highly experienced
facilitators provides guidance and coaching and assures safety for participants while
they navigate some of North America’s most challenging, and beautiful, 4x4 trails.
The learning experience is enhanced for participants with exciting and fun
challenges, teaching important lessons in a highly condensed, intense program.
Experiential elements include:
•        Commitment
•        Confidence Building
•        Overcoming Obstacles
•        Field Leadership Scenarios
•        Integrity
•        Situational Evaluation on the Fly
•        Asset Assessment
•        Leadership Responsibility
•        Asset Management
•        Verbal & Visual Communication Skills
•        Problem Solving
•        Navigational Skills
•        Risk Management
•        Team Integration
•        Environmental Responsibility
Participants are given a list of assets which can be used to assist them in any number
of real world backcountry situations. These tools include navigation aids, recovery
tools (should any of the 4x4 rigs become stuck), emergency supplies and first aid.
After a briefing covering some basic rules, the group must determine the best
methods of communication one the trail. Facilitators will explain the need for both
verbal and visual communications, since the driver is often “flying blind” when
negotiating obstacles.  The first group task is route planning to a specified location.
Additional destinations will also be planned along the route. Each section will
present challenges, requiring team members to “spot” or guide the vehicle driver
through obstacles from outside the vehicle. These obstacles are a natural part of the
terrain and often require that the team members work together to plan the most
effective path across the obstacles. This requires the development of trust and
respect among the team. Clear communication, balanced techniques and commitment
all work together allowing the team to successfully negotiate difficult obstacles lest
one of the vehicles gets stuck, and one will, sooner or later. If a rig gets stuck, the
team must evaluate the situation, pinpoint the problem and develop a plan to get
unstuck. Which of the assets (recovery tools) will allow the quickest, easiest and
safest vehicle recovery? Which team members take charge? Who jumps in to tackle
any necessary task? Who will adopt the attitude that “failure is not an option”? While
each team member will learn from their experiences, all will learn from each other
and from the guidance of the facilitators. The successful completion of a backcountry
adventure means returning to the lodge for a short debriefing followed by a relaxing
dinner. Sleep will come easily! Day two is a repeat of the first day with the challenges
becoming more difficult, and the personal satisfaction increasing even more. The
evening meal back in Big Bear is a celebration of success and survival of the
intense, exciting backcountry adventure. At the conclusion of the program,
participants leave with more confidence and a new perspective on the skills they
have put into play in the backcountry. The sense of accomplishment is most
satisfying!
To offset the harsh environment and grueling trail drives, accommodations are
luxurious and meals gourmet (including trailside lunches). The two day program
includes three night of lodging and all meals. Fully equipped, expedition ready Land
Rovers are provide, and all fuel, insurance and facilitators are included in the cost.
Custom programs are available. Program are conducted in Big Bear Lake, California
on some of the most scenic and challenging 4x4 trail in North America. Many
additional activities are available in Big Bear. Winter and summer programs are
available.
CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING &
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
CORPORATE TEAM
BUILDING & LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENCE programs
are led by Don Alexander,
on of the nation's most
experienced facilitators and
4x4 experts.
CLICK HERE to read Don's
Bio!
For more information,
e-mail Don:
don@backcountry4x4.com
ad
ad