EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM
Excursion Name
Date(s) and Times
(And Transportation Details)
Group Involved
Group Leader and Staff
Involved
Grade 7 & 8 Fall Camp Retreat at Camp Arowhon with ALIVE Outdoors
Grade 7 & 8 students will be departing from 11 Redway Rd. Loblaws Parking Lot at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16th, and returning on Wednesday, September 18th at 3:30-4:00 p.m to 11 Redway Rd
Students will travel by coach bus
Grades 7 & 8 students
Andrea Lossing, Grade 7 & 8 Homeroom teachers, Middle School teachers and other York School staff as required. At minimum, 1:10 staff to student ratio will be maintained.
Destination Address Camp Arowhon
1 Arowhon Road, Algonquin Park, ON P0A 1H0 (705) 633-5651
https://camparowhon com/
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Activity Description and Educational Rationale
Service Provider(s)
Emergency Contact Information
Approximate Cost Per Student
The programme is an extension of the students’ IB experience at York Through play, physical activity, and reflection in the natural environment, this intentionally designed program will deepen each student’s connection to The York School community and the natural world while building confidence in their personal strengths
The York School, Premier Coach, ALIVE Outdoors, Camp Arowhon
The York School: 416 926 1325
Andrea Lossing (cell): 416 526 6595 alossing@yorkschool com
Grade 7 & 8 (3 days, 2 nights): $775-$925
Cost includes site rental, accommodation, programming, food, ALIVE and Arowhon program staff, equipment, and transportation costs
Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion
Please note that once you have provided consent to have your child participate on the excursion, you will be charged for the expenses incurred on your child's behalf for this excursion. Where, after you have provided your consent, notice is given by Friday, June 14th 2024 that your child cannot attend the excursion, efforts will be taken to avoid incurring expenses on your child's behalf for the excursion, and you will be only charged those expenses that could not be recouped.
Level II VO Form due via YorkNet by:
Special Considerations and What to Bring
Tuesday, June 4th 2024
(Along with ALIVE Outdoors Online Waiver Form AND ALIVE Student Health Info Form)
See Packing List included below in this form
Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will travel to and from camp on coach buses. While at camp, students will eat in the dining hall, sleep in cabins, and will be actively involved in camp activities. These activities could include: rock and wall climbing, hiking, backpacking, high and low ropes course activities, swimming in lakes, jumping off diving boards, jumping on water trampolines and the like, canoeing and kayaking on lakes, paddle boarding, biking, archery, cross-bow, zip‐lining, fire‐building, cooking over a fire or camp stove, wood carving with the use of knives and fire, orienteering, team-adventure races, tennis, basketball, yoga, ultimate frisbee, football, soccer and other general sports, traditional camp games, nature connection activities, outdoor-living skills games, portaging on potentially uneven terrain. For some students, this program will serve as an introduction to these activities. For others, participation will provide a space to enhance their skills and help teach and encourage their peers
It is important to note that the scheduled activities may vary if the weather does not allow us to proceed as planned
Student preparation for excursion: Students are encouraged to read this document carefully and be prepared with the proper equipment and knowledge of the rules Once on site, students will be briefed on
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the specific objectives of the experience and additional onsite safety rules Students will have orientation on site before beginning the activity
Risk Assessment
Specific Risks Identified:
Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury and concussions. Students are at risk of burns from the campfire and camping stoves Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors in the early spring and exposure to the heat including dehydration, sunburns, and heat-related illness While at camp participating in activities and during travel on trails, students are at risk of being separated from the group, drowning, slips and falls from heights, difficult natural and/or manmade terrain, impact or collision with objects, and insect bites or stings While at camp, students are at risk of damage or loss of property While on this excursion with other students and staff, students are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route.
Precautions to be taken to reduce risks:
Use of Premier Coach buses with trained professional drivers Driving will be done during daylight hours on major roadways where possible Students will be spread out as much as possible on the coach buses Maps and directions will be available to professional drivers.
On-site orientation will include briefing on routes, boundaries, health & safety rules and emergency procedures, including contingency plans in case of separation ALIVE Outdoors staff and instructors are trained in first aid and there are medical supplies on site Teachers will carry a cell phone, medical and contact information for their groups, and first aid kits Each teacher is trained in first aid Students will travel in small groups At minimum, 1:10 staff to student ratio will be maintained
A qualified and trained staff will facilitate the high ropes elements, outlining proper belaying techniques and safe use of equipment Nationally certified lifeguards will be on duty while the swim and waterfront area are open and there will be strict guidelines explained to students in advance In advance of the trip, parents will indicate the comfort level of students in the water and this information will be passed on to ALIVE Outdoors All students will be required to wear a PFD while on the water, whether that be swimming or in a boat. While boating, students will be monitored by safety boats on the water. Participants will receive training on boating skills, including safety skills and what to do in case of a capsized boat
Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption:
Indoor spaces are available for alternative activities in the case of extreme weather (eg thunderstorms or high winds) Programme goals would be adjusted according to the situation In the event of a student with an injury, an adult would stay with the injured students and apply any necessary first aid. A second adult would ensure the rest of the group is safe and stable. A York School vehicle will be onsite. Teachers will use this vehicle in the case that a student needs to receive medical care
Assessment of situational risks will be ongoing and the teachers will have their Emergency Medical Information Folders with them Parents would be contacted for updates and further action plans
Should we encounter hazardous road conditions en route, we will pull off at a restaurant or public convenience until conditions improve. Parents and the school will be contacted in the event of a later than anticipated return to Toronto
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Location of Nearest Emergency Medical Service:
Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Site - Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
100 Frank Miller Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 1H7
(705) 789-2311
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): Depending on the nature of the injury, a York School faculty will drive the student to the hospital using the York School vehicle. However, if there is a major accident requiring EMS, a York School staff would accompany any student who would need to be taken to hospital. Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident.
Route:
Turn right onto Arowhon Rd/Mizzy Lk Trl
Turn right onto ON-60 W
Turn right onto King William St/Muskoka Rd 3 N/Muskoka District Road 3
Continue to follow Muskoka Rd 3 N/Muskoka District Road 3
Turn left onto Frank Miller Dr
ALIVE Outdoors Inc:
ALIVE Outdoors Inc is a Toronto based experiential education company founded in 2000 Over the last 22 years, we have involved over 40,000 students from Ontario independent schools in meaningful outdoor and character development based programming ALIVE (Adventure, Leadership, Individuality, Values, Empowerment) Outdoors Inc , is an organization that specializes in outdoor experiential education The instructor team is committed to helping make your child’s experience educational, fun, and meaningful through maintaining a supportive and enriching learning environment.
We will be sharing more information about ALIVE Outdoors as well as their waiver and health form to be completed Some information to be completed in this package is duplicated for the provider; we appreciate your attentiveness to the literature and proper completion of all forms
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PACKING LIST (from ALIVE Outdoors - Please see ALIVE Outdoors Parent Package attached to YorkNet Calendar for more detailed information)
SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES
In addition to the expectations set out in the School’s Code of Conduct (see below), the following rules will apply during this trip:
General: Students are expected to abide by The York School Code of Conduct while on school trips The chance of injury or mishap during this excursion will be reduced when the student follows instructions at all times, wears appropriate clothing and exhibits effective self-care
The Outdoor Education experience is based on the 3 guiding principles:
1. Respect for Self
2. Respect for Others
3. Respect for your Environment
Students will be briefed on specific rules and guidelines throughout the duration of the excursion and are expected to ask questions if they are unclear of anything. The ALIVE Outdoors instructors and camp staff should be treated as students would treat their York School teachers.
Curfew: Students are required to be in their cabin by 9:00 pm, or when directed by staff.
Dress: Students must wear appropriate clothing for the activity, location and weather Students need not wear the school uniform Students are representing The York School and casual wear rules will be in effect: clothing must be neat, clean, and should not display objectionable words, phrases, pictures or symbols Students must wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking.
Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are not permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops A no cellphone policy will be in effect while students are on site. Students are expected to not use cellphones during their time on site Any student cellphones will be collected by the supervising teachers, stored in a safe place and returned to students while on the bus ride home
Cabins: Cabin arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers. Students are required to keep their personal belongings neat and tidy. Students may not enter another student’s cabin or bunk area without permission
Independent/Free Time: Students must stay within prescribed boundaries and with a buddy during free time
Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory and students must be on time.
Dining Hall: As a community space, students are expected to contribute to the success of the community by using proper table manners, helping with light duties (setting or sweeping), and talking at a reasonable ‘indoor’ volume
What Not to Bring: No food containing nuts is allowed on site or on the bus Valuables, such as money, and dangerous items, such as pocket knives, should not be brought.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CONSENT, AND RELEASE
The following sets out statements to which you, the parent(s), must agree by signing electronically below in order for your child to be permitted to participate in the intended trip Should you have questions regarding any of the statements below, you may contact the Experiential Educator, Andrea Lossing, at alossing@yorkschool com (416-926-1325 Ext 1221)
I/We understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on The York School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting of their role as ambassadors for the school community I/We further understand that all students will be bound by The York School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student to Toronto. Responsibility and payment for these arrangements will be borne by the parent/guardian. Any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in appropriate disciplinary action including suspension from subsequent trips
I/We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child. I/We, the undersigned, consent to the participation of our child (as noted above) in The York School Grade 7 & 8 Fall Camp Retreat from Monday, September 16th to Wednesday, September 18th 2024
Details concerning this event, including activities, travel, supervision, location and safety precautions have been communicated to us and are understood In particular, we are aware that students will be engaged in the following activities:
Students will travel to and from camp on coach buses While at camp, students will eat in the dining hall, sleep in cabins, and will be actively involved in camp activities These activities could include: rock and wall climbing, hiking, backpacking, high and low ropes course activities, swimming in lakes, jumping off diving boards, jumping on water trampolines and the like, canoeing and kayaking on lakes, paddle boarding, biking, archery, cross-bow, zip‐lining, fire‐building, cooking over a fire or camp stove, wood carving with the use of knives and fire, orienteering, team-adventure races, tennis, basketball, yoga, ultimate frisbee, football, soccer and other general sports, traditional camp games, nature connection activities, outdoor-living skills games, portaging on potentially uneven terrain and camping in tents in remote areas including developed and undeveloped campgrounds in rural and wilderness areas For some students, this program will serve as an introduction to these activities For others, participation will provide a space to enhance their skills and help teach and encourage their peers. It is important to note that the scheduled activities may vary if the weather does not allow us to proceed as planned.
Our emergency contact information is up to date I/We agree to update the information with the trip leader if changes occur prior to the trip start date.
I/We have reviewed the Trip Plan and are aware that this excursion may expose my/our child to the following risks:
Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury and concussions. Students are at risk of burns from the campfire and camping stoves. Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors in the early spring and exposure to the heat including dehydration, sunburns, and heat-related illness While at camp participating in activities and during travel on trails, students are at risk of being separated from the group, drowning, slips and falls from heights, difficult natural and/or manmade terrain, impact or collision with objects While at camp, students are at risk of damage or loss of property While on this excursion with other students and staff, students are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route.
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I/We, the undersigned, grant the trip supervisors appointed by The York School permission to act on my/our behalf and to consent, to any medical, dental or surgical treatment, including pain relief and admission to hospital which may be required for my/our child, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner if, after reasonable attempts have been made to contact me/us at the phone numbers provided to the school, I/we cannot be reached I/We do hereby release The York School, its directors, employees and its agents, from every manner of suit, claim or legal action which may arise as a result of an injury to, or the death of, my/our child sustained by reason of my/our child’s participation in this excursion. As parent(s) of the child above, I/we 1. acknowledge that I/we understand the statements made regarding the intended excursion with respect to expected behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and the details of the trip, including activities and risks; 2 consent to my/our child’s full participation in the trip, and to the school taking the measures set out above in response to any medical emergency that may arise; and 3 release the school from legal action arising from injury or death according to the terms set out above
CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on The York School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as ambassadors for the school community. We further understand that all students will be bound by The York School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student to Toronto at the parent/guardian’s expense and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in disciplinary action We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child.
Please Note:
This copy of the Venturing Out Package is for reference only. Log on to your YorkNet account at https://yorkschool myschoolapp com/app#login to complete your child’s VO Package and give consent for their participation in this excursion. TO PRINT THIS FORM AND ALIVE OUTDOORS PACKAGE, PLEASE FIND THEM ATTACHED TO THE YORKNET CALENDAR DATES FOR THIS EXCURSION.
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