I’ve been loving the idea of a career as an environmental interpreter recently and I know exactly the role I’d want… Expedition Guide for Rucu Pichincha, an enormous stratovolcano in Ecuador. I did this hike, all the way to the top, at 11 YEARS OLD. Absolutely amazing, unforgettable experience but now that I am learning about environmental interpretation, I feel like I missed a lot of the hike because I was busy complaining about how hard it is, catching my breath, and debating quitting. If I were to go again, which I hope I get the chance to, I think a guide, an environmental interpreter, would allow me to maximize this experience. For example, if I were the interpreter and I noticed my group struggling, I would point out the plants that are able to grow at such harsh conditions that we are currently struggling in such as the varying temperatures, wind, high altitude. I would hand out cards that have various plants we will see on them and spotting the plant on the card you’ve been given becomes a game that encourages observation and interpretation of the natural world around them. When a person finds the plant, they can choose for their fellow climbers to call them that for the remainder of the climb. This activity is for those with interpersonal intelligence as it promotes an opportunity to interact with those around them (Beck et al., 2018). They could also have an interactive map to follow based on checkpoints such as symbols, landscape views, animals, along the climb. This will help greatly in terms of spatial intelligence because it will allow them to conceptualize this long, seemingly never-ending climb onto a smaller scale (Beck et al., 2018).
“Interpreters lead, enable, and encourage. Interpreters educate. Interpreters entertain. Interpreters inform. But most of all, interpreters enrich recreational experiences with substance and a sense of personal fulfillment” (Beck et al., 2018). On a challenging climb up Rucu Pichincha, an interpreter must have well-developed skills in communication, leadership, and patience. A sense of humour is valuable as it serves as a distraction from the physical challenges. My family and I love travelling and every interpreter we’ve had has had a sense of humour which I tie to the overall experience.
Being a motivational force and building connections with the climbers contributes towards a positive environment. It is up to the interpreter to lead the group however understanding that each climber progresses at a different pace is essential.c If someone is lagging behind due to the difficulty of the climb, the interpreter should join them and offer a distraction.
These skills are fundamental to creating a more enjoyable environment for the climbers and ensuring they look around them and take in the unique beauty of Rucu Pichincha.
BRB... going to check Indeed for this exact job posting.
Here are some pictures from my climb up Rucu Pichincha in 2015...
Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (1st ed.). Sagamore Publishing.