Stealth Colors
The color choices we make in our clothing and gear makes a difference in our perceived presence in the wild
Goal
Participants will recognize that natural colors create a minimal visual impact.
Time
15 minutes - 5 to prepare and 10 for the activity
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- distinguish between colors with a high and low impacts
Materials
- A trail or path outside.
- 15 approximately 4x4inch squares of construction paper of each color: red, orange, yellow, white, black, brown, dark green, grey
Motivator
Blaze-orange is used in hunting season so hunters can be seen from far away. When people are out in the wild, they would prefer to feel that they are the only ones out there.
Presentation
- Before the activity, distribute all the red, orange, yellow, and white squares along one side of the path. Distribute the black, brown, dark green, and grey squares along the other side of the path.
- Tell the group that we are going to go on a short walk to experience the colors of the land around us. Please just observe, but don't pick up any litter or take any leaves off the trail.
- Lead the group down the path.
- When you get to the end, ask for a few volunteered observations. Did anyone notice the colored paper along the trail? Did you notice which side of the trail had more squares - left or right?
- Ask the group to head back to the gathering area and ask them to pick up the squares as they find them. Bring up the rear as a last scan for squares.
Reflection
Count the squares of each color. How many are there?
Which colors were found on the left side of the trail and the right side?
Even though the same number of squares were on each side, it seemed like one side had more. Why?
If our group was sitting around out in the woods and another group walked past, would we look like bigger than we are or smaller? What could we do to make a smaller visual impact?
Besides our clothes, what other gear color should we be conscious of? (backpacks, backpack covers, tents)
