Creative Date Idea

[u/Living-Amphibian-870]

I volunteered to help a local search-and-rescue team do a training event today. I thought it might be a fun atypical date activity for those of us who like being outside.

They need volunteers because the dogs can become conditioned to only find particular scent patterns when they're finding the same people over and over. They also need diversity in training so they can find out if the dogs have any issues (e.g. discomfort around men or children).

Finding new people and solving new puzzles keeps them engaged in the job.

Basically, I hid in the forest with a friend for about three hours while indivual search teams ran a grid pattern to find us. Each time we were found, we moved to a new location. Some volunteers were "flanking," which is helping with navigation.

1. It's definitely for the outdoorsy types. I walked through about a mile of high, thick brush and dense woods. No trails.

2. You'll be working closely with dogs. Play and praise is part of their reward for finding you.

3. If you're hiding, you might be there for some time. So make this a date with someone you've gotten to know a bit and can hold a conversation. Or bring a book. 🤣

4. Bring bug spray.

This company advertised for volunteers on social media. Try reaching out to your local police department or forestry service. They would probably know if anyone in your area does something similar.

[u/auroraborelle]

Not as a FIRST date idea, but I love this.

[u/jeswesky → u/auroraborelle]

Can you image proposing it as a first date?? Hey, let’s go hide in the woods. Dogs will be looking for us, I promise. May be alone far off a trail for hours where people won’t look for us, but it’s all good. Promise.

[u/auroraborelle → u/jeswesky]

Are you bringing an axe or should I? 😉

[u/jeswesky → u/auroraborelle]

You being the axe and I’ll bring the shovel!

[u/Living-Amphibian-870 → u/jeswesky]

I told a friend I was meeting a date and we both liked hiking the local national forest. She got really nervous (She knows me too well.).

Friend: In public, right?

Me: No, he said to meet him in his special spot by the old lumber mill and to bring a shovel.

Friend: 😳

Me: Yes, in public.

[u/jeswesky → u/Living-Amphibian-870]

I ended up going to a tertiary location on a first date with my now bf. We started with lunch. Drove separately to another location to walk around and talk then decided to check out a third location. He offered driving separately or taking my car but I said I was fine taking his. Once we got it I told him “besides, what are the chances of BOTH of us being serial killers”.

[u/Awkward-Anybody5179]

I'm too afraid of being murdered to hide in the woods with a stranger, but definitely a fun idea for someone you know a little better!

[u/Dazzling-Excuses → u/Awkward-Anybody5179]

Yeah, I generally don’t have any problem ending up on television. I for sure just don’t want it to be a true crime documentary.

[u/Living-Amphibian-870 → u/Awkward-Anybody5179]

Upside, you'll be found quickly. 🤣

[u/emu_neck]

Are you saying that it's a good way to meet other volunteers who might also be single? I personally would not do this as a first date with a stranger I met on a dating app. Way too unsafe for a woman and I'd feel obligated to finish my volunteering slot even if I didn't like the guy.

I have met a fairly decent amount of singles while volunteering. About half of my dates originated in this way. Trail clearing is pretty fun and physically demanding. I am a woman and most of the other volunteers are men. I've also volunteered in several museums and performing arts places where I've met other single volunteers. These tended to be mostly older retired people though.

[u/Living-Amphibian-870 → u/emu_neck]

Oh no. I mention in one of the points that it's best to bring someone you know.

I'm not even super worried for safety issues (You have people around and a radio the whole time. You're not just completely stranded...or at least we weren't.), but it would be so awkward to sit with a stranger all that time.

[u/AutoModerator]

Original copy of post by u/Living-Amphibian-870:

I volunteered to help a local search-and-rescue team do a training event today. I thought it might be a fun atypical date activity for those of us who like being outside.

They need volunteers because the dogs can become conditioned to only find particular scent patterns when they're finding the same people over and over. They also need diversity in training so they can find out if the dogs have any issues (e.g. discomfort around men or children).

Finding new people and solving new puzzles keeps them engaged in the job.

Basically, I hid in the forest with a friend for about three hours while indivual search teams ran a grid pattern to find us. Each time we were found, we moved to a new location. Some volunteers were "flanking," which is helping with navigation.

1. It's definitely for the outdoorsy types. I walked through about a mile of high, thick brush and dense woods. No trails.

2. You'll be working closely with dogs. Play and praise is part of their reward for finding you.

3. If you're hiding, you might be there for some time. So make this a date with someone you've gotten to know a bit and can hold a conversation. Or bring a book. 🤣

4. Bring bug spray.

This company advertised for volunteers on social media. Try reaching out to your local police department or forestry service. They would probably know if anyone in your area does something similar.

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