YMCA of Greater Vancouver. YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide

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1 YMCA of Greater Vancouver YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide 2017

YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide CONTENTS Welcome to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver... 2 YMCA Outdoor Education at Camp Elphinstone... 2 Educational Programming.

2 YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide CONTENTS Welcome to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver... 2 YMCA Outdoor Education at Camp Elphinstone... 2 Educational Programming... 3 Group Provided Chaperones... 3 First Aid... 3 Program Instruction... 3 Sample Program Schedule... 4 Rotations... 5 Group Games, Free Time Activities, and Evening Programs... 6 Accommodation... 7 Meals... 7 Transportation... 7 BC Ferries... 7 Heat Room & Packing... 8 Phone, Internet & Fax... 8 Fees... 8 Financial Assistance... 9 Payment... 9 Cancellation Policy... 9 Booking Procedure... 9 Information Sessions... 9 YMCA Camp Elphinstone 1760 YMCA Road, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V6 Phone: Fax: elphinstone@gv.ymca.ca Website: Outdoor-Education YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 1

WELCOME TO THE YMCA OF GREATER VANCOUVER The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is committed to promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community.

3 WELCOME TO THE YMCA OF GREATER VANCOUVER The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is committed to promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. For more than 125 years, we have been helping people realize their potential and develop confidence, relationships and leadership skills. We have the passion, as well as the facilities, programs, and personnel to deliver quality programs and ensure that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive. We are dedicated to building better communities with healthy, confident, secure and connected children, youth and families. Our Mission: The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community. Our Impact: The YMCA is committed to strengthening the foundations of community by nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults; promoting healthy lifestyles; fostering social responsibility; and delivering lasting personal and social change. Our Vision: We are building a community in which a generation of children and families reach their full potential. Our Values: Do the Right Thing: We are caring, respectful, honest and responsible in all we do. Put People First: We believe in each other our strengths, perspectives and passion. Keep our Promises: We do what we say we will do. Lead by Example: We are courageous, speak with conviction, listen attentively and collaborate. YMCA OUTDOOR EDUCATION AT CAMP ELPHINSTONE Ahh! The great outdoors! With 144 acres of ocean-front property, lush rainforest and quiet creeks, YMCA Camp Elphinstone is an ideal location for learning in the great outdoors. Located on British Columbia s beautiful Sunshine Coast, YMCA Camp Elphinstone is just two kilometres north of the Langdale Ferry Terminal and a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. The YMCA of Greater Vancouver has been providing unique outdoor education experiences to children since Through meaningful outdoor experiential learning, kids develop strong and healthy minds and bodies while they learn and grow with their classmates. Students are challenged outside the traditional classroom and benefit from hands-on learning as they explore the serene forests and rocky shoreline of beautiful YMCA Camp Elphinstone. YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 2

The kids were challenged and tried many new things, what a wonderful experience! Keep up the amazing work! teacher at Bothwell Elementary Enthusiastic, organized, accommodating, and prepared!

4 The kids were challenged and tried many new things, what a wonderful experience! Keep up the amazing work! teacher at Bothwell Elementary Enthusiastic, organized, accommodating, and prepared! teacher at Davie Jones Elementary Everyone does an amazing job. Counselors were great and showed interest in the kids overall amazing. teacher at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Programming is carefully planned to provide quality learning opportunities and is designed to meet provincial learning outcomes. Our setting is ideal for experiential learning in subjects such as science, social studies, language arts, and physical education. Program schedules are customized for each group to meet their specific needs and requests. Programming is organized into four categories: Rotations: instructed by YMCA staff for groups up to 15 participants Group Games: games for the entire group, which typically occur outdoors Free Time: less-structured activities and flexibility of activity choice Evening Programs: programs to challenge, entertain and engage For a typical two night/three day visit, groups experience six rotations, two large group games, and a variety of free time activities and evening programs (sample schedule page 4). In addition to the programming options on pages 5 and 6 we welcome customized requests. GROUP PROVIDED CHAPERONES A quality and safe outdoor education experience relies on the support of group provided chaperones. One adult chaperone is required for every ten participants. Chaperones are responsible for the conduct of participants at all times and are expected to: 1) supervise, accompany and be present alongside participants during all activities; 2) manage challenging behaviors or conflict between participants; and 3) provide in-cabin overnight supervision unless other arrangements have been made. FIRST AID Chaperones act as guardians to participants and are responsible for the following: 1) designate one adult chaperone as the First Aid Attendant; 2) bring a vehicle to use in the event of emergency; 3) oversee first aid if an incident should occur; and 4) dispense medication to participants. YMCA staff are trained in First Aid/CPR and are available to provide assistance if required in the event of emergency. The Sunshine Coast ambulance service has an average ten minute response time. Medical care is available at the Gibsons Medical Clinic (10 minute drive) or Sechelt Hospital (25 minute drive). PROGRAM INSTRUCTION All YMCA program staff maintain minimum qualifications of Standard First Aid with CPR-C and Bronze Cross and are trained on topics such as wildlife safety and healthy child development. YMCA staff are on duty from breakfast to evening snack and coordinate daily meal procedures. Each group is assigned a YMCA staff host who is dedicated to ensuring your group s needs are met. YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 3

Additional staff is assigned as follows: Program Instruction Staff facilitate and deliver programming at a ratio of 1:15 (YMCA staff to participants), and 1:8 for High Ropes, Rock Wall, Rappelling,

Overnight Staff can be hired to stay in the cabins or lodges with students overnight should chaperones choose to not sleep in the same accommodations.

SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE The schedule below is an example of a three day program for a group of 45 participants. A customized schedule is created for each group booking.

5 Additional staff is assigned as follows: Program Instruction Staff facilitate and deliver programming at a ratio of 1:15 (YMCA staff to participants), and 1:8 for High Ropes, Rock Wall, Rappelling, and Ropes & Belays programming. Program Support Staff lend resource assistance to educators who lead their own programming at a ratio of 1:30 (YMCA staff to participants). Overnight Staff can be hired to stay in the cabins or lodges with students overnight should chaperones choose to not sleep in the same accommodations. Chaperones not providing 24 hour supervision will be charged the full amount of their stay. SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE The schedule below is an example of a three day program for a group of 45 participants. A customized schedule is created for each group booking. Please note that arrival times are subject to approval by YMCA and groups arriving on Wednesdays must reserve the ferry for no earlier than 11:00am. School s Name Sample Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday 7:00-7:15 Morning Dip Morning Dip Ferry 9:20am 7:45 Setters Setters Walk 10:10am 8:00 Breakfast Breakfast Arrival 10:45am A-Canoe, B-Team Building, C- Pack/Clean & 9:15 Heat Room/Community Fire Building Group Debriefing Meeting /Get to Know Yous A-Team Building, B-Fire 10:30 (Luggage Service) Capture the Flag (Upper Field) Building, C-Canoe 11:45 Setters Setters Setters 12:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch 1:00 A-High Ropes, B-, Archery, C- A-Fire Building, B-Canoe, Low Ropes C- Archery 2:15 Heat Room Finished, A-Archery, B-Low Ropes, C- Move-In & Ice Breakers Team Building A-Low Ropes, B-High Ropes, 3:30 Swimming C-High Ropes 1:30 Depart on Ferry Walk 2:30 Ferry from Langdale 4:45 Setters Setters (Luggage Service) 5:00 Dinner Dinner 6:00 Courts & Field Free Time 7:15 Running Pictionary Survival (Old Low Ropes) 8:15 Skit in a Bag (Rec Hall) Campfire (All Camp) 9:15 Snack Snack Program Goals: Team Building/Independence Coordinator: YMCA Host Contact Contact: Main Group Contact Accommodation: Lodges 1 & 2 Participants: 45 / 5 Leaders: A: Group Leader1, B: Group Leader2, C: Group Leader3 High Ropes Teambuilding Canoeing YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 4

6 ROTATIONS: *Must be instructed by YMCA staff at a ratio of 1 YMCA Staff to every 15 participants ** A ratio of 1 YMCA staff to every 8 participants required. Please see Acknowledgement of Risk document. TEAM BUILDING: Ages/Grades Season High Ropes:** reach personal goals and support teammates in an obstacle 45 feet in the air Gr. 4 and up Spring & Fall Low Ropes* focusing on cooperation, communication, leadership, initiative, and trust, participants problem-solve a number of group challenges to reach a common goal Canoeing:* learn basic canoe skills through practice and games in Howe Sound Voyageur/War Canoe:* learn basic skills in a person canoe and apply learning through practice and games in Howe Sound Team Building participants focus on conflict resolution, communication, decision-making and problem-solving through cooperative activities that build confidence, teamwork, and trust ENVIRONMENT: Hutchinson Creek Study* through sensory and interactive games participants explore flora & fauna of our Salmon run estuary Human Marine Impact:* participants explore the impacts that individuals and industry can have on marine ecosystems through hands on exploration of camp s Howe Sound shoreline Marine Beach Study:* focused on marine wildlife of the Sunshine Coast, explore living creatures on camp s shoreline through sensory and interactive games Discovery Hike: enjoy an active and interpretive hike to Big Tree or the Tipi Village Forest Study: focusing on sensory awareness and exploration, participants experience forest ecology through active nature connection games such as Camouflage and Blind Tree INDEPENDENCE: Kayaking:* in beginner ocean kayaks, participants learn the skills necessary to safely enter, exit and manoeuvre their boat and apply learning through practice and games in Howe Sound Archery:* focusing on skill development and personal accomplishment, participants learn proper technique and handling of equipment through instruction, practice and games Gr. 4 and up Spring & Fall Rock Climbing:** through climbing and personal challenges, participants set and reach goals Gr. 4 and up Spring & Fall Rappelling:**designed for building independence & conquering fears, participants start at the top of our 45 foot Rockwall Tower and control their own suspended descent SURVIVAL SKILLS: No Trace Fire Building: after basic instruction of the elements of fire, participants build and light a small campfire designed for different survival situations using No Trace practices Gr. 8 and up Spring & Fall No Trace Shelter Building: participants learn to create rain and wind-proof shelters Orienteering:* using map and compass, participants complete a scavenger hunt Wild Edibles:* participants are led on a search for various edible elements of this region Ropes & Belays:** reach team and personal goals learning knots, belaying, and self-climbing Gr. 8 and up Spring & Fall YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 5

GROUP GAMES, FREE TIME ACTIVITIES, & EVENING PROGRAMS: ALL AGES AND ALL SEASONS *YMCA waterfront staff required at a ratio of 1 staff for every 15 participants.

Icebreakers: active and exciting games to help participants become comfortable with one another and their new environment Super Scavination: a scavenger hunt that combines touring camp, meeting YMCA

7 GROUP GAMES, FREE TIME ACTIVITIES, & EVENING PROGRAMS: ALL AGES AND ALL SEASONS *YMCA waterfront staff required at a ratio of 1 staff for every 15 participants. GROUP GAMES Capture the Flag: two or more groups compete in attempt to capture the other team s flag Gold Rush: groups rush to steal the opposition s gold and finish with the biggest pile Icebreakers: active and exciting games to help participants become comfortable with one another and their new environment Super Scavination: a scavenger hunt that combines touring camp, meeting YMCA staff and learning Camp Elphinstone trivia Predator vs. Prey: participants experience the interdependence of animals through role-play Smugglers vs. Spies: one team must take their loot through a spy filled area without being caught Pack Rats: bring the host a requested object to get a point. Bonus points for creativity, sportsmanship, and team spirit FREE TIME Courts: beach volleyball court, four tetherball courts, basketball courts, and all equipment provided Field: with a huge grass field and shed full of sports equipment, our playfield gets participants moving and active Fishing:* join us on the dock as we provide a stick, line and hook for participants to make their own fishing rod Morning Dip:* jump in the ocean for a quick dip before a warm breakfast (lifejackets required and supplied) Swimming:* after completing a swim test, participants can play in the crib, a swimming area created by our docks Gaga Ball: kids of all ages learn strategy and hand-eye coordination in this fast pace, competitive, high energy camp favourite EVENING PROGRAMS Campfire: sing songs, learn some skits, and enjoy the toasty heat. A must have for any trip to camp! Initiative Challenges: activities like an egg drop provide the opportunity for teamwork, creativity and a whole lot of fun Skit in a Bag: participants are divided into groups and challenged to create a skit using all of the items in the bag Stop the Bus: like Scategories with a twist. Competing in teams, provide the best answer for each of the categories listed Running Pictionary: teams complete a series of picture puzzles while racing each other through obstacles and barriers Dock Time! Field Games YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 6

ACCOMMODATION Our facilities accommodate up to 472 participants, typically with multiple groups on-site.

Accommodation Total Number of Beds Washroom Other Information Type number Facilities Lodges 5 32 in 8 bedrooms 4 private washrooms with showers, 2 that are fully accessible Lodges boast a cozy

Lockers are available in the bedrooms to secure belongings (bring your own lock) Hemlock Cabins 18 12 10 in the main room; 2 in an alcove In separate building Hemlock Cabins also have an entry-way

8 ACCOMMODATION Our facilities accommodate up to 472 participants, typically with multiple groups on-site. All accommodations have bunk beds with comfortable foam mattresses, heat, lights, and electricity. Accommodation Total Number of Beds Washroom Other Information Type number Facilities Lodges 5 32 in 8 bedrooms 4 private washrooms with showers, 2 that are fully accessible Lodges boast a cozy seating area with fireplace, mini fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Lockers are available in the bedrooms to secure belongings (bring your own lock) Hemlock Cabins in the main room; 2 in an alcove In separate building Hemlock Cabins also have an entry-way with hooks and shelves for belongings Forest Cabins 8 12 in one room In separate building Our most rustic accommodations MEALS Lodges Hemlock Cabins Forest Cabins YMCA Outdoor Education serves nutritious family or buffet style meals. Lunch and dinner include an endless salad bar and breakfast include a cereal and fruit bar. An evening snack is served daily. We proudly prepare food for most dietary needs, restrictions, and allergies. There is no additional charge for these meals providing they are the exception and the requested forms have been submitted. Groups can choose their meals from our standard menu for an additional fee. For special events, groups may upgrade to our banquet menu. Advance notice is required and choices must be received at least one month prior to arrival. Contact us for more information about our menus, availability, and fees. To serve multiple groups, we schedule two seating times as required: early (8:00am breakfast, 12:00pm lunch, 5:00pm dinner) or late (9:15am, 1:15pm, 6:15pm). Coffee, tea, water and fruit are available 24 hours a day in our dining hall. Single meals are also available for day groups. TRANSPORTATION Groups are responsible for arranging travel to and from YMCA Camp Elphinstone. For those arriving by ferry, YMCA staff can meet your group at the Langdale Ferry Terminal and lead you on the 20 minute walk to Camp. A Luggage Service is available where YMCA staff collect your luggage from BC Ferries dollies and transport it to camp. Overnight parking is available in our upper gravel parking lots. BC FERRIES Group Reservations are highly recommended. BC Ferries offers discount programs when travelling on school-related activities. Please note that as ferry schedules are subject to change, groups should always confirm ferry departure times on the BC Ferries website. YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 7

9 BC Ferries Luggage Service: Visit the BC Ferries website or phone to book your free dolly cart for both directions of travel. If reserved, participants load luggage on private dollies at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal which will be delivered to the Langdale terminal and vice versa. If dollies are not reserved, your group will have to carry-on all luggage. Dollies are limited so reserve early! HEAT ROOM & PACKING To ensure a bed bug free facility, all bags and belongings must pass through a heat treatment process upon arrival to eliminate the concern of bed bugs spreading to our facilities or to your homes. Do not bring food or drinks (except water), pets, valuables, money, electronics, knives/pocket tools, or other weapons. For more information, see our Heat Room Preparation & What to Pack letters. PHONE, INTERNET & FAX Phones are accessible 24 hours a day a fax machine is available during office hours. YMCA Outdoor Education is an electronics free environment. However, wifi is accessible in the Dining Hall, Exploration Hall, and Mackenzie Hall for chaperone use if needed. AV equipment is available upon request. FEES Accommodation fees are per participant, per DAY (i.e.: a Monday to Wednesday is a 3 DAY booking) and include all standard meals and snacks. Adult chaperones at a ratio of 1:10 (adults to participants) stay at no charge if they provide 24-hour supervision and stay in the same accommodation as participants. YMCA Camp Elphinstone can be booked exclusively for $750/day (free for groups > 250). This includes use of the site and halls but not staff fees or accommodation which are assigned based on group size. Type Details Fee Accommodation High Season: May 1 to June 30; September 1 to October 31 Lodges Per person, per day, includes meals $56 Hemlock Cabins Per person, per day, includes meals $46 Forest Cabins Per person, per day, includes meals $40 Accommodation Low Season: November 1 to April 30 Lodges Per person, per day, includes meals $50 Hemlock Cabins Per person, per day, includes meals $42 Forest Cabins Per person, per day, includes meals $39 Program Staff: per leader and safety ratio Half Day Staffing Up to 5 hours $105 Full Day Staffing Up to 10 hours $180 Overnight Staffing Per staff, per night $55 Transportation Luggage Service Up to 75 guests $75 Luggage Service Over 75 guests $100 Walking School Bus YMCA Staff walk with your group to/from the ferry FREE! Day Use Fees Site Use Only Per person, per day $27 Site Use & Lunch Per person, per day $32 Site Use & YMCA Program Instruction Per person, per day $32 Site Use, Lunch, & YMCA Program Instruction Per person, per day $37 Ropes Instructor Per staff to meet ratio $105 * Special rates available for Sunshine Coast Schools! Contact us for information. YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 8

10 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Our Strong Kids program provides subsidies for participants who are unable to cover the costs of outdoor education. If you represent a school that needs financial assistance please contact us. PAYMENT A deposit of $500 is required within one month of receiving your Rental Agreement. A second deposit of 20% of the rental estimate is due 60 days prior to arrival. Both deposits are non-refundable. Final invoices are sent to groups within 48 hours of their visit and final payment is due within 14 days. Payment can be made over the phone by credit card or by cheque to: YMCA Camp Elphinstone. Any damage to the facilities and/or equipment at YMCA Camp Elphinstone will result in a minimum fee of $200. Fees will be charged directly to your group and must be paid within 14 days of departure. Damages include, but are not limited to, broken windows, graffiti, or unnecessarily discharged fire extinguishers. A full site inspection is completed before and after your visit. CANCELLATION POLICY All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Groups cancelling within 30 days of their scheduled arrival will be billed the entirety of their Rental Agreement. BOOKING PROCEDURE Please contact us to inquire about availability and to get a Booking Request Form. The following information is required to make a booking: 1) group size (both participants and chaperones); 2) proposed dates and length of stay (including estimated ferry times); 3) accommodation requirements/preference (e.g. cabins or lodges); 4) menu requirements (e.g. standard, select your menu, or special event menus); 5) program instruction or support needs; and 6) luggage requirements. A Rental Agreement will be sent to your group after receiving your Booking Request. To confirm, sign the Guidelines & Expectations and return with the security deposit within one month. Final confirmation of your group size is required one month prior to arrival. If numbers decrease after this point, we will reduce your total participant number by up to 5% of the final number reported one month prior. An increase in group size is subject to staff and accommodation availability and the associated fees. If your group size has changed, let us know immediately. INFORMATION SESSIONS Schools new to YMCA Outdoor Education are welcome to host a free Information Session for parents, staff, chaperones, and/or students. Please contact us to book an information session. YMCA Camp Elphinstone 1760 YMCA Road, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V6 Phone: Fax: elphinstone@gv.ymca.ca Website: YMCA Outdoor Education 2017 Information Guide 9

YMCA of Greater Vancouver. YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide

YMCA of Greater Vancouver. YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide YMCA of Greater Vancouver YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide 2018 YMCA Camp Elphinstone Outdoor Education Information Guide CONTENTS Welcome to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver... 2