Idoit's Guide to Guiding - SOP

Works in progress......

Besides having a formula for guiding, there are a few SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) which we can follow.

Here are some of them in order accordingly.

Before the walk:

1. Familiarize yourself with the environment.
Besides knowing which path to lead your participants to, you will also need to know a few facts of the plant/s found at the individual stations or along the way.
Tip: Prepared notes will come in handy.

2. Introduce yourself to your group.
a) The first thing when you meet your group's participants is always to say hello and introduce yourself.
Tip: Think of a line on how you can introduce yourself.
For example: Hello everyone! My name is July, the month after June.
b) Chat with your group to know where they come from and what other nature places have they gone to, for example, like Chek Jawa, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Ubin etc.

3. Inform your group of what to expect and the guidelines for the walk.
Inform your group things like how long will the walk be, where would be the path they will be taking, etc.
Guidelines for the walk include:
a) Take lots of photographs but nothing else.
b) Leave only footprints but not litter.
c) Inform your guide if you are not feeling well.

During the walk:

4. The REST formula.

After the walk:

5. Closing talk to summarize the event.
a) Give an overview of what your participants have experienced.
b) Leave them with a message like the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) or others.
c) Ask them to explore other nature places around Singapore. To find out more, they can always check www.wildsingapore.com.
d) Invite them to join in conservation. From doing small things like tuning up the temperate of the air-con etc, or joining Earthlink/NIE Green Club or other nature volunteer groups.
e) Thank everyone and bid your goodbyes.

Wet Weather Plan:
a) If it starts to rain, gauge the rain, if it's a very light drizzle, you can check with your group if they are willing to continue.
b) But if there is thunder or lightning, head for the nearest shelter immediately.
c) If your group is in one of the shelters in Yunnan Garden, you may wish to talk about the things around you, history/stories about Yunan Garden or NTU, or just chat away.
d) If your group is in the Chinese Heritage Center , you may wish to proceed with the tour of the center first.