MNS Selangor Branch Pathfinders (PF) events are generally not a walk in the park; they require participants to possess a certain level of fitness and agility.
What may seem simple can actually be quite challenging. For instance, many individuals might sign up for a hike in the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) under the assumption that it is easy. However, if we were to organise a hike exceeding 20 km with a turnaround time of 5 hours, it would indeed be a demanding experience (see Tough Series section).
The difficulty of each activity does not depend solely on the location. Factors that should be considered include turnaround time, walking speed, terrain, route, associated risks, trip objectives, weather conditions, available amenities, and necessary equipment or provisions.
Consequently, we have classified our activities into the following categories/series:
- Lite Series
- Tough Series
- Hybrid Series (Lite & Tough)
- Recce Series
- Additionally, we may have a Mixed Series
Lite Series
We have previously stated that PF aims to be more inclusive by organising activities that allow less-fit members and children to enjoy hiking and outdoor experiences.
However, most of our Lite Series activities are still not suitable for beginners or individuals with lower fitness levels or health conditions. Unfortunately, engaging in forest activities necessitates a certain degree of physical capability.
If any activities are appropriate for beginners or children under 12 years old, we will explicitly indicate this. Otherwise, participants should assume that these activities are not suitable for beginners or children.
Tough Series
In the past, PF has been perceived as a special interest group catering only to extremely fit members. This includes hikes that involve scaling mountains or exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Another example of this was illustrated in the SACF scenario mentioned earlier.
Some Tough Series may require specific skills such as tent setup, climbing cliffs, swimming, clearing bushes, or dealing with numerous leeches.
Hybrid Series (Lite & Tough)
Certain events may incorporate elements from both Lite and Tough categories.
For example, during a particular event, we may divide participants into two teams: one focused on photography taking a shorter route and the other pursuing adventure on a longer loop. Both teams will start and finish together.
Recce Series
However, there may be locations we have yet to visit; in such cases, we allow selected members (only by invitation) to join us on recce trips.
Participants should anticipate inconveniences such as longer or more challenging routes, assisting with bushwhacking to create pathways, helping with navigation, and being prepared to turn back if routes prove impassable. This is an adventure in itself.
Additionally, there are trips where we hire external guides; since it is also the organisers' first time at these locations, we classify them as Recce Series due to the uncertainty of what to expect.
Mixed Series
Not all events can be neatly categorised into a single series. Sometimes an event may fit into multiple categories; this is a subjective judgment to be made by the organisers.
For instance, we might have a hike that is only 2 km on relatively flat terrain leading to a waterfall. While this would be classified as a Lite Series event, it also involves crossing a 6-meter-wide stream with knee-deep rushing water. Therefore, it will also carry a Tough Series label.
We should avoid labeling this trip as exclusively Tough or Lite since that would be misleading. The overall situation must be considered; some members may find it easy while others deem it tough. Ultimately, embracing all experiences in nature as part of the journey is what matters most.
We adopt Leave No Trace (LNT) in all our outdoor activities.
Have an enquiry? Message @pathfindersmns (Telegram - preferred mode of communication), post in our Facebook or email: pathfinders@mnsselangorbranch.org (note: 2 's')
Pathfinders
28 November 2024
