Bail-Out Points: A Plan B for Every Leg

Groups split a route into legs and mark on the map where they could leave it on each leg if something goes wrong. Then they work through simulated incidents, deciding whether to push on, turn back, or bail out.

How to play

1. What a bail-out point is: a place where you can leave the route by an easy path toward a road, a village, or a hut (4 min).
2. In groups of four, students split the map route into legs and mark at least one bail-out per leg, with the estimated time to reach it (10 min).
3. Simulation: the teacher places each group at a point on the route and hands them an incident card (storm forecast for 2 p.m., bad blisters, one hour behind schedule, fog). The group has 2 minutes to decide: continue, go back, or bail out. Three rounds (10 min).
4. Compare: two groups that got the same card compare decisions and reasons (4 min).
5. Each group adds its bail-out points to the trip plan (2 min).

Rules

• A bail-out only counts if the path is easier and shorter than continuing.
• Every decision must be backed by something on the map or schedule.
• The group decides together: nobody splits off during an incident.
• Stick to the decision time.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visually impaired: an enlarged map and the group describes paths out loud.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: written incident cards and decisions recorded in writing.
• Hesitant students: start as timekeeper and spokesperson for the decision already made.

Learning goals

• Identify bail-out points on a topo map.
• Make safety decisions with limited information and little time.
• Build alternative plans into a trip design.

Equipment for a class of 25

• topographic maps: 7
• markers: 14
• incident cards: 14

Teacher tip

Use a real route in the area where you'll actually go, so the work feeds the real trip. The usual mistake is marking a direct cross-country descent as a bail-out, which is often more dangerous than continuing.

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