Managing the trek

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The trek (Part 2: Take Flight) is where your challenge moves from preparation into active experience. This walking phase represents the forced journeys that refugees undertake, often across difficult terrain while carrying everything they own. Your role as trek leader is both practical and deeply meaningful.

Pre-trek leadership

Final preparations at departure Before setting out, ensure everything is ready:

  • Weather assessment: Final check and any necessary adjustments to plans
  • Group equipment check: Everyone has water, appropriate clothing, and packed rucksacks
  • Route confirmation: Verify the planned path is still safe and accessible
  • Safety briefing: Remind everyone of basic safety protocols and group procedures

Setting the spiritual tone Frame the trek appropriately:

  • Collective dua: Pray for safety, meaningful experience, and connection to refugee struggles
  • Purpose reminder: This walk represents forced journeys made by displaced people
  • Intention setting: Walking not just for physical challenge but for empathy and understanding
  • Group commitment: Emphasizing that you’ll complete this journey together

Leading with confidence Even if you’re using GPS or maps, project certainty:

  • Know your route thoroughly: Study maps in advance and have backup plans
  • Use navigation aids appropriately: Phone apps or printed maps, but don’t appear dependent
  • Identify landmarks: Point out features that help with navigation and engagement
  • Plan rest stops: Predetermined points for breaks, prayer, and group gathering

Maintaining group cohesion Keep everyone together safely:

  • Set appropriate pace: Fast enough to stay on schedule, slow enough for everyone
  • Regular head counts: Ensure no one has fallen behind or wandered off
  • Clear communication: Loud enough for the whole group to hear instructions
  • Buddy system activation: Ensure stronger participants are supporting others

Pace management

Reading your group Constantly assess how participants are coping:

  • Watch for signs of fatigue: Heavy breathing, falling behind, requests for breaks
  • Monitor fasting effects: Dehydration, weakness, or dizziness from not eating/drinking
  • Check clothing and equipment: Blisters forming, chafing, or equipment problems
  • Assess morale: General energy levels and group motivation

Making pace adjustments Be prepared to modify your speed:

  • Slow down for safety: Better to arrive late than to lose participants
  • Speed up if needed: If the group is strong and time is becoming tight
  • Take strategic breaks: Rest stops that serve multiple purposes (prayer, regrouping, reflection)
  • Individual attention: Help struggling participants without holding up the entire group

Using the trek for reflection

Creating learning opportunities Transform walking time into meaningful education:

  • Share refugee stories: Tell participants about real journeys refugees have made
  • Connect terrain to experience: “Imagine carrying everything you own across this landscape”
  • Encourage empathy: “How would you feel if you didn’t know where this path led?”
  • Discuss hardships: Compare your temporary discomfort to permanent displacement

Facilitating spiritual reflection Use walking time for Islamic contemplation:

  • Silent dhikr periods: Encourage remembrance of Allah during walking
  • Gratitude reflection: What blessings do participants have that refugees lack?
  • Patience practice: Learning to endure difficulty with spiritual perspective
  • Community contemplation: How the group supports each other, as communities must

Handling challenges during the trek

Weather problems Be prepared for British weather:

  • Rain adjustments: Modify route or pace for safety in wet conditions
  • Wind management: Help participants with hijabs and loose clothing
  • Temperature changes: Monitor for overheating or getting too cold
  • Visibility issues: Fog or heavy rain may require route modifications

Individual difficulties When participants struggle:

  • Assess severity: Distinguish between discomfort and genuine problems
  • Provide immediate support: First aid, rest, equipment adjustments
  • Modify participation: Ways to continue that are safe for struggling individuals
  • Group support: Engaging others to help without creating delays

Equipment failures When gear causes problems:

  • Footwear issues: Blisters, uncomfortable shoes, or equipment breakdown
  • Rucksack problems: Uncomfortable straps, overpacking, or waterproofing failures
  • Clothing difficulties: Hijabs shifting, clothing chafing, or inappropriate choices
  • Navigation issues: If phones die or maps become unclear

Using apps effectively Modern navigation tools can be very helpful:

  • OS Maps app: Detailed UK mapping with offline capability
  • What3Words: Precise location sharing for emergency services
  • Weather apps: Real-time conditions and forecasts
  • Compass apps: Backup navigation and qibla direction

Traditional navigation skills Don’t rely entirely on technology:

  • Map reading: Basic ability to read printed maps
  • Landmark recognition: Using visible features for navigation
  • Direction awareness: Understanding general direction of travel
  • Route planning: Having backup plans if technology fails

Communication during the trek

Keeping the group informed Regular communication is essential:

  • Progress updates: How far you’ve walked, how much remains
  • Time management: Whether you’re on schedule or need to adjust
  • Route information: What’s coming next, any challenges ahead
  • Safety reminders: Hydration (after fasting ends), staying together, terrain warnings

Managing external communication Stay in touch with support networks:

  • Family updates: Planned check-ins with worried family members
  • Venue confirmation: Ensuring assault course booking remains valid
  • Transport coordination: Confirming pickup arrangements
  • Emergency preparedness: Having contact information readily available

Prayer and spiritual observances

Timing prayers during the trek Coordinate religious obligations with physical demands:

  • Dhuhr timing: Plan route to allow for midday prayers
  • Qibla direction: Use compass apps or general geographic knowledge
  • Wudu arrangements: Limited water may require tayammum (dry ablution)
  • Congregation management: Keeping group together during prayer time

Integrating Islamic practice Make the trek spiritually meaningful:

  • Begin sections with bismillah: Start each major portion of the journey
  • Encourage dhikr: Remembrance during walking, especially during difficult sections
  • Gratitude expressions: Regular alhamdulillah for safety and ability
  • Collective dua: Group prayers at significant points along the route

Building momentum toward the assault course

Preparing mentally for challenges ahead Use the trek to build readiness:

  • Physical warm-up: The walking should prepare bodies for more intensive activity
  • Mental preparation: Discussing what’s coming and building confidence
  • Group bonding: Stronger relationships support everyone through difficulties
  • Purpose reinforcement: Connecting the walk to the challenges refugees face

Managing energy levels Balance exertion with conservation:

  • Don’t exhaust everyone: Save energy for the assault course
  • Build confidence: Success in the trek should boost morale for what’s next
  • Address concerns: Deal with nerves about upcoming challenges
  • Maintain focus: Keep attention on the meaningful purpose behind difficulties

Documentation during the trek

Capturing the experience Consider documenting the journey:

  • Photos at key points: Group shots showing progress and scenery
  • Individual moments: Participants overcoming difficulties or supporting others
  • Landscape shots: Beautiful or challenging terrain that illustrates the journey
  • Behind-the-scenes moments: Real reactions, conversations, and insights

Respecting privacy Always consider participant comfort:

  • Permission for photos: Check before documenting anyone
  • Hijab considerations: Be sensitive about when and how you photograph
  • Individual preferences: Some participants may prefer not to be documented
  • Focus on story: Capture the essence of the experience, not just faces

Arrival management

Approaching the assault course venue The trek’s conclusion is important:

  • Build anticipation: Help participants feel ready for the next challenge
  • Final group preparation: Last chance to adjust equipment, use facilities, etc.
  • Transition briefing: Explain what happens next and any changes in procedure
  • Celebration of achievement: Acknowledge successful completion of the trek

Handover to assault course leaders If different people are managing different phases:

  • Brief the next leaders: Share any concerns about individual participants
  • Group status update: Energy levels, morale, any equipment issues
  • Safety considerations: Injuries, fatigue, or other factors affecting participation
  • Continuity maintenance: Ensure consistent messaging and purpose throughout

Remember, the trek is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a crucial part of the transformative experience you’re facilitating. Every step should connect participants more deeply to the refugee experience while building the community bonds and spiritual awareness that will carry them through the challenges ahead.

Your leadership during this phase sets the stage for everything that follows. Walk with purpose, maintain awareness of your group’s needs, and help everyone understand that this journey—like the journeys of refugees—requires patience, perseverance, and mutual support.

Guidance last updated: