Although weather in Wyoming in early May makes counting birds a challenge, the participants, including those new to enjoying birds as well as skilled birders, enjoy group efforts at birding with a purpose. I have taken the same approach with elementary school children. For several springs, I have had kids in grades 1-4 conduct bird surveys following an indoor training session involving slides, study skins, and mounts. Having kids work in teams to conduct bird surveys keeps them occupied and learning. A measure of competitiveness helps, too.
Kids also enjoy banding demonstrations.
Working with kids means accepting a level of chaos. Taking a group on a walk through areas likely to harbor a variety and abundance of birds allows people to experience birds and can be almost like having a bird in the hand. In addition to identifying birds, leaders have the opportunity to talk about conservation concerns, especially the plight of migratory birds. For those new to enjoying birds, an organized bird walk might be intimidating and too fast-paced. For this reason, special programs for beginners often are developed.