GRADE 8 EXPLORE 2011/12

GRADE 8 EXPLORE 2011/12 To: Re: All future Grade 8 Students and their Parents Term I Backpacking Trip Information & Forms and Term 2 Dates We are excited to inform you of the plans for the Grade 8 Explore program and in particular, our backpacking trip this fall! Our destinations for this experience will primarily be Manning Park, Stein Valley, or Garibaldi Park. Destination decisions are dependent upon weather, trail conditions, and other groups in the area. Every week there are two groups made up of a maximum of 13 students each. Each group goes to a different location. Students will be assigned their week, group and tent/food partners by Explore at the beginning of September. For Fall Explore, the Monday of each Explore week involves a day trip into the local mountains, returning that afternoon by 3:10pm. On this day students should arrive ready for a day hike wearing proper clothing and hiking boots with rain gear, bag lunch and full water bottle in a daypack. On Tuesday of their Explore week it is essential that students bring their overnight backpacks TO SCHOOL with ALL of their personal gear and food for their trip! Tuesday is a preparation day at school where their gear and menu plan will be checked by an Explore teacher. Students should leave their packs over night at school so that we can depart promptly Wednesday morning by 9 am. Students are required to carry their own food, personal gear and Explore group gear (e.g. tent, stove, pots, tarp) in a backpack, so pack light and use the equipment list given! From the parking lot, we hike 3 5 km and set up a base camp for two nights. On these trips we will be addressing the following topics: cooking, natural history, map and compass, weather and minimum impact and camping. Students will return to Collingwood on Friday and be dismissed by 3:10pm. Included in this package are: Fall and Winter Program Overview Packing List Explanation of risks and how risks are mitigated Informed Consent (*Needs signature and be returned to the Explore Department) *A completed consent form is mandatory for students to participate in the program. Forms must be returned to the Explore Department by Friday, Sept. 9th, 2011. In addition, we request that you update any pertinent student health information, for your child, as outlined in the August mail out. This can now be done electronically. We understand that there is a lot of information to digest in this package and welcome any questions you may have. There is a parent meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13 th 2011, at 6pm in the Lecture Theatre. These meetings are extremely important, as we go over our trip itinerary, preparation strategies, program policies and risk management plan. Please make every effort to attend with your son/daughter. You can contact us at 925 3331 ext. 2297 or explore@collingwood.org with any questions or concerns or check out the Explore page on our website at http://www.collingwood.org/middle_school/academics/explore/gr8.html for pictures and detailed trip descriptions. We look forward to working with you and your children. Sincerely, The Explore Team: Eric Waters (Head of Department), Jessica Richmond, Kimberly Desjardins, Andrew Field Explore 8 Form Page 1 of 6

Collingwood School Explore 8 (Fall and Winter) Overview The following outlines important information regarding trip dates and expectations of student participation. Explore Mission Statement: The purpose of the Explore Program is to empower students with feelings of respect and discovery, while encouraging growth of confidence, self reliance, and leadership. The outdoor classroom is the vehicle in which students prepare for the challenges of life, through practice and reflection. Expectations of Students: All students are expected to attend the following trips as part of their overall Collingwood academic requirements. Explore covers 60% of the Health & Career Education curriculum. Only those students who are medically excused and/or have permission from the Head of Middle School will be excused from participation. Those students will be required to complete a make up assignment for curriculum missed. Program: Fall Program: Summary: day hike on the North Shore, ½ day prep. at school, backpacking for 3 days/ 2 nights in Stein Valley, Manning Park, or Garibaldi Park. (We may use an alternate location due to travel or weather conditions.) *Fall Dates: Sept 19 23 Sept 26 30 October 3 7 October 11 14 Grade 8A1 Explore Grade 8A2 Explore Grade 8B1 Explore Grade 8B2 Explore (no Day hike due to Thanksgiving Monday) Note: * Students will find out their specific trip week (A1, B1 etc) in early September once the school time table is set. There is no bursar charge for this trip. Winter Program (Cross Country Ski Trip): Summary: ½ day prep. at school, cross country skiing for 3 days/ 2 nights (1 in heated cabin & 1 in tents winter camping) at Manning Park Resort. A more detailed description of this trip will be published in November. * Winter Dates: December 6 9 January 10 13 January 17 20 January 24 27 Gr 8 A1 Explore Gr 8 A2 Explore Gr 8 B1 Explore Gr 8 B2 Explore Note: There will be a bursar charge for the winter trip to accommodate cabin and ski rentals. This charge will not exceed $145.00. Explore 8 Form Page 2 of 6

GRADE 8 EXPLORE FALL BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST: The equipment list below outlines all of the mandatory equipment for the fall trip. All of these items must be brought to school, packed in a backpack on the Tuesday before the trip departs. At school, the backpacks will be unpacked and checked off every item to ensure that students are prepared for whatever weather we may encounter. Students will be carrying their own gear, food and group gear as well. New gear can be very expensive and although it is vital that students be equipped to stay warm and dry, it is not necessary to spend great amounts of money. Students should try to borrow items as much as possible either from Explore, or from other students. Mountain Equipment Co op is a good source for purchasing new gear and this gear can also be used as students venture forth into Grade 9 Explore as well. Mandatory equipment: Starred items (*) should be worn or packed in the Monday Daypack with a lunch * Hiking Boots (medium weight boots with good full ankle support and comfortable fit) * 1 Thermal top (polypro, capilene, wool, silk) * 1 Thermal bottom (polyester, capilene, wool, silk) * Wool or fleece socks Don t forget to waterproof by lining your pack * Polypropylene sock liners * Wool or fleece toque and sleeping bag with 1-2 * Rain pants waterproof, Gore Tex or nylon) Garbage Bags! A nifty * Rain jacket (waterproof, Gore Tex or nylon with a hood) trick is to loosen the * Sun hat straps of your pack, put * Sunscreen/ Sunglasses/ Chapstick the garbage bags in first * Orthopedic Braces for joints (i.e. ankle, knee, wrist) and then fill in your pack. * Medications Clearly labeled with name and dosage instructions * Hand sanitizer (one per tent group) So much easier Backpack 60L or bigger (fitted, with waist strap to help distribute load) Warm sleeping bag (3 season bag, mummy style, at least 10 deg., synthetic or down) Therma rest or insulite pad Fleece or wool pants Fleece or wool jacket Wool or fleece gloves, with waterproof over mitts or ski gloves 3 pairs wool or fleece socks and 2 pairs polypropylene sock liners 3 garbage bags and 5 Ziploc bags (to waterproof backpacks and for garbage) Toothbrush/paste Headlamp or Flashlight with spare batteries Toilet paper (in a Ziploc) Leak proof water bottle 1L (e.g. Nalgene. Please do not send disposable water bottles)* Leak proof containers for any liquid food Camp bowl/mug/spoon/knife/fork Extra pair of prescription eye glasses for students wearing contacts Matches or lighter (Pack in backpack. Not to be taken on the bus) OPTIONAL items: Camera and film Folding pocketknife (Pack in backpack. Not to be taken on the bus) Small personal first aid kit Hiking Pole(s) NO S: No cotton; No electronics; No nuts; No junk food Explore 8 Form Page 3 of 6

Explanation of Risk Many of the activities that Collingwood students will participate in during Explore involve an element of inherent risk. The following information will help you understand these potential risks. ASSESSING RISK The Risk Management Triangle Just as there are risks in all areas of our lives, there are risks involved in all outdoor activities. To better understand and manage these risks, Explore uses the Risk Management Triangle to consider the way people, equipment and the environment interrelate in relationship to any given activity. Not one of the elements of the Risk Management Triangle works alone. It is the combination of people engaged in a particular activity, with specific equipment, in a given environment that determines the level of risk. People Equipment Activity Environment Environment: Weather conditions encountered while on Explore can be harsh at times: cold, rain, snow, hail, lightning, heat, ultra violet sunrays, etc should be expected. Unexpected changes in the weather are part of the outdoor experience. Terrain hazards include: steep slopes, cliffs, rocky trails, rock fall, rivers, lakes, falling trees or branches, slippery snow slopes, etc. When choosing suitable locations for activities, staff assesses specific conditions such as weather forecasts, terrain, remoteness, flora & fauna. Following instructions is necessary. People: Physical exertion is required for many of the activities. The diverse physical, social and emotional abilities of the students in the group are considered when planning the trip itinerary and activities. Some emotional stress on the part of the students is to be expected, as an integral part of the program involves stretching comfort zones as well as physical limits. Through a progression, students are given the necessary skills and experiences to prepare them for challenges in the future. The teachers within the Explore program all undergo rigorous certification and are all experienced Outdoor Educators. The teachers work in teams of two while in the field and a ratio of 2 teachers to 13 students will be maintained. Equipment: Appropriate clothing and equipment are necessary to minimize the risk of injury and/or illness from exposure to these elements. It is the responsibility of parents and students to read the equipment list and ensure that they have adequate clothing and equipment for the trip. Group equipment such as tents, stoves, and water filters will be provided by the Explore program. All equipment will be checked by the teachers before departure. MANAGING RISK Managing risk involves considering the various aspects of a given activity, determining what hazards are associated with the activity, how significant the hazards are, and what the vulnerability to the group is as a result of the hazards. With this information, it is possible to determine if the potential educational outcomes warrant the risk. Explore 8 Form Page 4 of 6

MANAGING RISK (continued): Instructors Medical Care: Each trip will have at minimum one teacher leader with 80 hours of Wilderness First Aid training; all instructors are required to have a minimum of 40hrs of wilderness first aid training including a background in dealing with traumatic injuries and illness assessment. All instructors are required to have current CPR certification. When on water all instructors must have at minimum of Bronze Cross Life Saving certification. Outdoor Experience: Instructors are experienced outdoor educators. This experience includes working with students on multi day trips in the outdoors. Transportation: It is Collingwood School s policy that students are to be transported in school buses. Instructors driving students hold a valid Class 4 professional driver s license, inspect the vehicle prior to departure, and are required to have a Driver s Abstract on file with the school. Tire chains are carried for use in winter driving conditions. In rare instances, a student who is ill or injured may be transported in an alternative vehicle appropriate to both weather and circumstance. Contingency Plans: Pre trip planning is an important aspect of the Explore risk management strategy. Scouting trips, location assessments, involving a site visit and hazard assessment, are all completed for all locations that the Explore program visits. Each group has established contingency plans in case of severe weather changes and a variety of urgent and non urgent situations. Collingwood School has established protocols to support the Explore teachers in the field. Communication: Instructors carry a satellite phone and /or a cell phone with them at all times. A communications protocol is established for group check ins and emergency situations. INHERENT RISKS of SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES There are inherent risks involved in the pursuit of outdoor activities. Risks are unique to specific activities and are covered individually below. Activity Specific Inherent Risks Risk reduction Strategy Student : Teacher Ratio Instructor Qualifications Hiking Falls Hypothermia Students advised of dangers & properly equipped 2:13 over night 1:10 day hike Experience leading groups in wilderness, Wilderness 1 st Aid Camping Burns from stoves/wild animals/hypothermia Teach proper stove handling techniques, food management (bear caches), proper clothing 2:13 Wilderness 1 st Aid, experience taking groups camping, knowledge of the area Cross Country Skiing Snow Shoeing Snow Shelter Building Hypothermia/injury due to falling/cold injuries Injury from falling or tripping/weather injuries Collapse of structure Proper clothing, techniques on how to stop, take off skis and walk if uncomfortable, space between skiers Proper clothing, techniques on how to travel effectively on flat, uphill and downhill terrain Detailed assessment of snow conditions. Structural guidelines i.e. dome shaped ceiling 2:13 Wilderness 1 st Aid/ski instructor qualifications 2:13 or 4:26 Experience teaching snowshoeing/wilderness 1 st Aid 2:13 Experience teaching snow shelters Explore 8 Form Page 5 of 6

COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL INFORMED CONSENT Grade 8 Explore for Fall and Winter * Please complete and return the Informed Consent to the Explore Program Office. If the form is returned in the summer, it should be turned in to Reception with a note Attn: Explore. Students must return this form by September 9, 2011. Forms must be completed in order to participate in the activity. * STUDENT COMMITMENT: My signature below indicates a genuine intent to participate fully in all aspects of the activity in a manner that fully challenges me, is helpful to others and protects the environment. I undertake to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or using non medically prescribed drugs while on this trip, and to respect the safety regulations of the activity. I will adhere to the School Honour Code. STUDENT: Print Name: Date: PARENT COMMITMENT Signature: The undersigned, as the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student, having reviewed with the student the material provided by Collingwood School on the activity, hereby: a) Consent to the student participating in the activity. b) Recognize and understand the inherent risks associated with the activity including but not limited to the hazards of vehicle travel, water travel, snow travel, accident/illness in places without nearby medical facilities, weather and other circumstances beyond the control of Collingwood School employees, related parties and agents. c) Authorize the activity leaders to consent to medical treatment for the student by any qualified medical practitioner as may be necessary in the event of an emergency. d) Understand the specific risks associated with the Grade 8 Explore Program. Consequence of these risks may result in physical or emotional injury, death or damage to property or third parties. e) Understand that a charge not to exceed $145.00 will be drawn from my child s bursar account to cover the costs of two nights accommodation in cabins at the resort, trail passes and ski rentals. (Note: If a student wishes to provide their own cross country skis, boots & poles the charge will not exceed $115.00). f) I recognize that it is my obligation to provide Collingwood School with all medical information as it pertains to my child. Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date Explore 8 Form Page 6 of 6