Reports

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Framework for an Educational Program (accepted 4/01 by NBD)

National Level Education Program

Vision Statement

Establish direction and coordinate the educational program from the National level. Recognize that many states have excellent, ongoing programs and materials. Utilize the expertise of those states in furthering (broad) educational objectives.

1. Clearing House
   
   Act as a clearinghouse, collecting information and programs from states with active ongoing educational programs.
   
   Provide this information on request to other state organizations through the office of BCHA Executive Secretary. Examples: Introduction to Pack and Saddle Stock Camping, Leave No Trace or Gentle Use Training, New Officer Training programs, New Member information packets/guides, slide shows, video and other publications.
   
   
2. Program Development
   
   Develop a program (education program guidelines) coordinated with all state Back Country Horsemen chapters/units.
   
   These guidelines will provide a framework for BCH education at the National, State and Chapter levels.
   
   
3. Material Development and Internet Component
   
   Develop and print materials of national significance such as the BCHA Guidebook, BCHA Brochure, Video, and a traveling exhibit that advises of BCHA goals and objectives. Create and maintain the BCHA website to assist expansion efforts and to disperse information.
   
   A strong media/public relations program will enhance the image of BCHA and create mutual respect and understanding by sharing BCHA objectives, programs, and goals.
   
   
4. Financial Component
   
   Work at the national level to implement cooperative cost sharing for projects with member states, local units, and agencies. Seek and research the availability of grants from educational institutions, agencies, and outdoor industry providers as part of the Education Foundation.
   
   

State Level Education Program

1. Appoint an Education Chairman who will develop a training strategy to educate all BackCountry Horsemen in their state organization.
   
   
2. If possible, the Chairman should be trained in Gentle Use Techniques or attend a Leave No Trace Masters course in backcountry horse use put on by the National Outdoor Leadership School or by other accredited LNT Masters.
   
   
3. Train the Education Directors in each Chapter so they can in turn train the members in their chapters. This information should include the purposes of BCHA, safety, basic pack and saddle stock handling techniques and Leave No Trace skills.
   
   
4. Officers Training is a desirable program which helps chapter and state officers learn responsibilities for their respective positions. This helps officers become effective more quickly and creates a stronger organization. This training gathers officers from different chapters together holding the same office and helps them discuss guidelines and ideas for effective operation.
   
   
5. Develop a "Wilderness Rider" program where horsemen trained in LNT skills and public contact skills help agencies with backcountry horse patrols, spreading the LNT message.
   
   
6. Help add educational programs and information to the national education resource database.
   
   
7. Write articles in the State Newsletter that pertain to Leave No Trace, Wilderness ethics or other educational topics.
   
   

Chapter Level Education Program

1. Appoint an education director and an assistant; team teaching works great.
   
   
2. The Education Director should attend a "Train the Trainer" Leave No Trace session put on by LNT Masters or a Gentle Use pack trip session.
   
   
3. Teach the Purposes and Philosophy of BCHA and the importance of remaining focused on those guidelines. Tie the Chapter year-end report into each purpose; what activities pertained to each purpose.
   
   
4. Teach chapter members basic pack and saddle stock handling techniques including camping with stock, emphasizing safety, and using low impact skills. Raise their skill level and outdoor ethic. Work on opportunities to present information at meetings, clinics, work parties or pack trips. The best way to learn something is to do it and evaluate how you did
   
   
5. Put on trails maintenance skills sessions. Use outside people as instructors if you need to or use Forest Service training videos. Improve member's maintenance skills to increase participation in volunteer trail work.
   
   
6. Use speakers at meetings to improve knowledge such as veterinarians, farriers, and equine chiropractors.
   
   
7. Educate members in wilderness ethics, history and philosophy so they can aid land management planning efforts to protect backcountry horse use. Tie your education program in with the State Public Lands Chairman and Wilderness Planning Resources.
   
   
8. Those skilled in backcountry horse use could participate in a Wilderness Rider program, helping agency managers with backcountry horse patrols.
   
   
9. Attend Officers Training, pack clinics, and a Rendezvous/Symposium to become more knowledgeable and effective.
   
   
10. Develop a Junior Back Country Horsemen Chapter teaching our youth good ethics, horsemanship skills and good judgment.
    
    
11. Make use of the education resource database for information and training programs already in place.
    
    

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