How do we manage rain, hail, thunder & lightning and seek shelter while in the field?
Weather and assessing the elements will always be part of life for the outdoor adventurer. Here are the ways that we manage the elements with groups at Avid4 Adventure.
Preparedness is key, and our detailed packing lists available via the Help Center will help you ensure that your camper has what they need to be ready for the elements. Items include warm non-cotton layers and rain gear - instructors check with campers at the start of the day to ensure campers are prepared for forecasted weather.
At Avid4 Adventure we bring campers into the assessment process whenever possible and appropriate to determine if it’s appropriate to continue recreating in adverse weather conditions. Here are a few of our standard protocols:
Light to Moderate Rain:
We continue the activity at hand. This regularly applies to hiking/backpacking, paddling and biking. When rock climbing, our ability to climb depends on the rock’s composition and the degree of difficulty to the climbs. While we will stay out of doors during mild to moderate rain, we modify activities to care for campers first and foremost.
In the event of a downpour, we prioritize finding shelter in locations such as large trees, covered structures, permanent restrooms, or camp vehicles. For those participating in camping or backpacking, this might involve setting up tarps or tents. We also shift our focus to playing games and modifying the curriculum to suit the indoor or sheltered environment. For campers at our Overnight Camp, they will relocate to the safety of cabins or other indoor facilities.
Intense Hail & Nearby Lightning:
When these conditions occur, we prioritize finding cover. Our staff uses established thresholds to monitor lightning proximity and decide when to seek safety. Suitable shelters include visitor centers, permanent restroom buildings, covered recreation areas, or camp vehicles if no other options are nearby. During these times, we keep campers engaged with outdoor education, riddles, and games until conditions allow for a safe return to activities.
Specific protocols at Overnight Camp require campers to stay inside for 30 minutes following the final lightning strike. For groups in backcountry settings, instructors lead campers to lower-risk areas—such as uniform stands of trees while avoiding open spaces, water, and high ground—where they assume the lightning position.
As with all adventures, our goal is to teach campers how to safely recreate in a variety of conditions and demonstrate when to make the call to adjust plans. Related Articles
How do we manage rain, hail, thunder & lightning and seek shelter while in the field?
Weather and assessing the elements will always be part of life for the outdoor adventurer. Here are the ways that we manage the elements with groups at Avid4 Adventure. Preparedness is key, and our detailed packing lists available via the Help Center ...How do we manage rain, hail, thunder & lightning and seek shelter while in the field?
Weather and assessing the elements will always be part of life for the outdoor adventurer. Here are the ways that we manage the elements with groups at Avid4 Adventure. Preparedness is key, and our detailed packing lists available via the Help Center ...How do we manage rain, hail, thunder & lightning and seek shelter while in the field?
Weather and assessing the elements will always be part of life for the outdoor adventurer. Here are the ways that we manage the elements with groups at Avid4 Adventure. Preparedness is key, and our detailed packing lists available via the Help Center ...What are your severe weather policies?
Running programs fully outdoors means planning for severe weather and environmental policies. Read below for detailed plans about poor air quality, extreme heat, and poor water quality. Air Quality There may be times during programming where ...What's the weather like?
In the mountains of Colorado, we get a little bit of everything as far as weather goes. Check the weather before you come and follow the packing list and your camper should be just fine! We usually have beautiful weather throughout the summer ...