Dear Parents,
LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE –
Grade 8 Treetop Trekking
April 2025
Re: Gr 8 Treetop Trekking Trip, Wed May 14, 2025
Grade 8 PHE students will be going on a trip to the Treetop Trekking, Stouffville location This unique experience will be an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, challenge themselves physically, and explore their natural environment while climbing across the Aerial Course and Zipline. Students will be leaving from The York School. at 9:00 am on Wed. May 14, 2025 and returning at approximately 3:00 pm to the same location
Enclosed with this letter you will find an Excursion Information Form that outlines the educational rationale for the trip, our activities, risks associated with the trip, important contact information, and financial information Please read the information carefully as it forms the basis of your consent for your child’s participation Families who elect to not send their children to attend this school excursion should contact their child’s teacher as soon as possible, so they can plan accordingly There will be no in-school programming
Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please fill out the following forms online via YorkNet by Tues Apr 29, 2025
a. Parent Acknowledgement, Consent & Release Form; Level II Code of Conduct
b Treetop Trekking Waiver (to be completed online via this link - Stouffville location)
Finally, please ensure that your child’s medical information and emergency contact information is up to date for this excursion. To confirm these details, log on to YorkNet.
EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM
Excursion Name
Transportation Details
Date(s) and Times
Group Involved (Include approximate number)
Group Leader and any other Staff Involved
Destination Address
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
Grade 8 Trip to Treetop Trekking, Stouffville.
Premier Coach
Depart: Wed May 14, 2025 @ 9:15 am Return: Wed May 14, 2025 @ approximately 3:00 pm
Students will meet in their homeroom for attendance and return to their homeroom for regular dismissal
Approximately 59 grade 8 students
Cindy Scott, Derek Lam, James McNeill, and additional staff members to meet a 10:1 student to teacher ratio
Treetop Trekking - Stouffville 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 3W9
To support the learning of the PHE curriculum and to nurture the IB learner profile attributes, this experience will be an opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone, challenge themselves physically and explore the natural environment while climbing across the TreeWalk Village
Service Provider(s)
Emergency Contact Information
Approximate Cost
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 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.
Premier Coach, Treetop Trekking Stouffville
The York School (416) 926-1325
$95-$115
Cost includes: transportation and programming
Students are required to bring their own nut-free, litterless lunch as there are no restaurants or snack stands for food purchases
Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion.
Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by Tues Apr 29, 2025
What to Bring
Sun Protection: Where a trip involves your child being outside between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or the UV rating is predicted to be 3 or greater, remind parents to provide children with the following: sunscreen, hat and water bottle. Sunglasses that protect against UV-A and UV-B rays are also recommended.
Students must pack a water bottle, lunch, and snacks. Bug spray is also encouraged
Appropriate apparel for physical activity and footwear (see list below).
Students are expected to follow the school’s code of conduct Students may bring their cell phones with the awareness that their phones may be lost or damaged Teachers will not be collecting or caring for student cell phones
WHAT TO BRING – TREETOP TREKKING
● Litterless, nut-free lunch and snacks (*there is NO concession on site)
● Water bottle
● Closed-toe shoes like hiking shoes or boots NO crocs or sandals are permitted
● Weather appropriate clothing including base layersDRESS in LAYERS
● Any personal medication (such as personal epipen, puffer, etc)
● Gloves (liner gloves, tight-fitting gardening or cycling gloves work best), *two pairs recommended* (or you can purchase them at the park when in-stock)
● Waterproof jacket
● Sunscreen
● Sun hat
● Bug spray
Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will travel by bus to and from Treetop Trekking Students will participate in an approximately 30 minute safety orientation before their climb Then students will spend the day climbing across suspended obstacles in the Aerial Courses and Zipline There will be opportunities to take a break to eat and drink through the course Students must be 55” tall to Participate in aerial courses and zipline.
Student preparation for excursion:
Students will have orientation and training on site before beginning the activity
Follow-up:
Class discussion and debrief following the excursion
Risk Assessment
Specific Risks Identified:
Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors. While on this excursion, 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 illness. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route
Precautions to be taken to reduce risks:
Pre-trip preparation will include briefing on routes, boundaries, safety rules and emergency procedures, including contingency plans in case of separation All trip equipment and gear will be checked by staff before departure Students will be oriented to new sites Boundaries and out-of-bound areas will also be described 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 be paired in a buddy system At minimum, 1:10 staff to student ratio will be maintained.
Everyone will exercise precautions to avoid sunburns and heat related issues by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses, and monitoring time spent in direct sunlight
All necessary safety equipment will be provided for the visit This includes a rock climbing style harness and a safety helmet “For liability reasons only our equipment may be used in the parks Those with their own harnesses and helmets are asked to please leave them at home All safety equipment is inspected daily by our staff to ensure that it is in safe working order All helmets are disinfected after each use Gloves are not mandatory, however many people do prefer to use them You are welcome to bring your own gloves (tight fitting gardening or cycling gloves work best), or you can purchase them at the park when in-stock ” - Treetop Trekking
There is a 10:1 student to staff ratio Students will be given a lesson on safety, equipment use, and rules of climbing before we begin. All participants must take part in an approximately 30 minute safety orientation before each visit The guides will explain the rules of the park and show students how to safely use the equipment.
Boundaries and out-of-bound areas will also be described. Assessment of situational risks will be ongoing and the teachers will have their Emergency Medical Information Folders with them EMS/911 service is available in the area, maps to hospital ready, and evacuation plans from activity areas will be used
Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption:
This trip may be called off due to serious rain, high winds, or cold If there is a need to adapt plans while on the excursion, parents would be contacted for updates and further action plans Programme goals would be adjusted according to the situation
Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service:
Markham Stouffville Hospital
381 Church St, Markham, ON L3P 7P3
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken):
If a student is injured on the course, Treetop Trekking personnel will respond to treat injuries. The York School and parents will then be contacted and if needed, EMS will be activated by dialing 911. One teacher will accompany the injured person to EMS while the remainder of the group stays together with the other staff A teacher will stay with the student until the parent/guardian arrives.
If there is an accident involving one of the buses en route, one teacher will leave with any injured student(s) to go to the hospital – more if there are several students injured Contact would be made immediately with the Head of School and Division Head to let them know; a decision will be made in consultation with them regarding the best plan of action for the rest of the students.
Treetop Trekking Stouffville - Markham Stouffville Hospital
3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 3W9
Continue to Stouffville Rd/York Regional Rd 14
Continue on Stouffville Rd/York Regional Rd 14 Drive from ON-48 S and Ninth Line/York Regional Rd 69 to Markham
Additional Information:
- Students need to bring their lunch, snacks and water bottle
- Closed-toe shoes are a must (running shoes are ideal) NO crocs
- Appropriate clothing for the day (dress in layers)
- This excursion is not weather dependent We will go rain or shine except in extreme rain, wind or thunderstorms
- Students must adhere to the York School Code of Conduct
- No alternative activities will be made available for students who do not wish to attend
SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES
In addition to the expectations set out in the Code of Conduct, the following rules will apply during this trip:
Dress: Students must wear appropriate clothing for the activity, location and weather 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 Long shorts or pants are encouraged to allow for comfort while wearing a climbing harness. Students must wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking
Personal Electronic Equipment: Not required for this trip
Independent Time Protocol will be followed: Students will be paired with a buddy and must not venture out alone When given the opportunity to venture away from the group, they must remain within specific geographic limits and will check in periodically with a teacher at a specific place and time Students will be made aware of the risks and will discuss the importance of being aware and vigilant Independent time protocols will be followed and will only take place in areas deemed safe in advance
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 Divisional Principal or 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 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 trip to Treetop Trekking, Stouffville on Wed May 14, 2025
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 by bus to and from Treetop Trekking. Students will participate in an approximately 30 minute safety orientation before their climb Then students will spend the day climbing across suspended obstacles in the Aerial Courses and Zipline. There will be opportunities to take a break to eat and drink through the course Students must be 55” tall to Participate in aerial courses and zipline
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, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights. Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors While on this excursion, 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 illness. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route
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 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.