CORE Outdoor Program Planning and Leadership 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a risk management plan in an outdoor recreation program?
- To eliminate all potentially challenging outdoor activities
- To identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards to protect participants (Correct answer)
- To satisfy insurance and liability requirements only
- To reduce overall program operating costs
Correct answer: To identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards to protect participants
A risk management plan systematically identifies potential hazards, evaluates their likelihood and severity, and implements controls to keep participants safe during outdoor programs.
Question 2: Which leadership style is most appropriate when working with novice outdoor participants who are learning new skills?
- Delegating style with minimal supervision
- Transformational style without structured guidance
- Directive and instructional style with close supervision (Correct answer)
- Fully democratic style with equal decision-making authority
Correct answer: Directive and instructional style with close supervision
Novice participants benefit most from directive leadership that provides clear instructions, close supervision, and structured guidance as they develop skills and confidence.
Question 3: The Leave No Trace principle 'Plan Ahead and Prepare' primarily addresses which concern?
- Packing gourmet meals to improve morale
- Anticipating challenges and making decisions in advance to reduce environmental impacts (Correct answer)
- Purchasing the latest and most expensive outdoor gear
- Memorizing trail maps and topographic features
Correct answer: Anticipating challenges and making decisions in advance to reduce environmental impacts
Planning ahead and preparing means researching regulations, understanding terrain, anticipating hazards, and making decisions before arriving so that on-the-ground improvisation—which often causes unintended impacts—is minimized.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a participant medical screening form in outdoor program planning?
- To collect emergency contact information only
- To identify health conditions, medications, and physical limitations that may affect participant safety (Correct answer)
- To register participants for achievement awards and certifications
- To track daily attendance and participation rates
Correct answer: To identify health conditions, medications, and physical limitations that may affect participant safety
Medical screening forms help program leaders identify health conditions, allergies, medications, and physical limitations so they can make informed decisions about participant safety and necessary accommodations.
Question 5: What staff-to-participant ratio is generally recommended for water-based outdoor activities with beginner participants?
- 1 staff to 20 participants
- 1 staff to 15 participants
- 1 staff to 10 or fewer participants (Correct answer)
- 1 staff to 25 participants
Correct answer: 1 staff to 10 or fewer participants
Water-based activities with beginners typically require lower staff-to-participant ratios of 1:10 or less due to elevated risk and the need for close, attentive supervision.
Question 6: Why should a detailed trip itinerary be left with a responsible contact before an outdoor outing?
- To share photos and promote the destination on social media
- To enable search and rescue if the group does not return or check in as planned (Correct answer)
- To satisfy a routine insurance documentation requirement only
- To advertise the outdoor program to potential participants
Correct answer: To enable search and rescue if the group does not return or check in as planned
Leaving a detailed itinerary with a responsible contact ensures someone can initiate a timely search and rescue response if the group fails to return or check in as scheduled.
CORE Outdoor Program Planning and Leadership 1
What is the primary purpose of a risk management plan in an outdoor recreation program?