2024 Grade 7 Thunderbird - Form — SMUS Outdoor Education

GRADE 7 CAMP THUNDERBIRD Trip Information and Consent form:

Please read through the trip information below and complete the trip consent form at the bottom of the page.

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GRADE 7 CAMP THUNDERBIRD TRIP INFORMATION:

Welcome to the Grade 7 Outtrip information page. This year, grade 7 students will have the opportunity for a 3-day overnight trip — or “outtrip”— to YMCA Camp Thunderbird in Sooke. Outtrips are designed to help students learn and develop general outdoor skills, make new friends, visit new areas of British Columbia, spend time outdoors in nature and develop specific activity skills (hiking, paddling, archery, rock climbing…). Working with Camp Thunderbird staff and SMUS teachers, the students will also be challenged to work on their time management, organization, tolerance for adversity/uncertainty, equipment care, risk assessment/management and communication skills.

DATES: May 29-31, 2024

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 3 day/2 night overnight camping trip is designed to introduce students to camping and outdoor programs through the exploration of Camp Thunderbird in Sooke. Students will be staying overnight in cabins, eating meals in the large camp cafeteria, and taking part in a range of outdoor activities: Hiking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Archery…

CAMP THUNDERBIRD: Camp Thunderbird provides cabin accommodation, meals in the cafeteria and all outdoor programming for students. SMUS teachers will provide additional supervision and support as required.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. This includes sleeping bags, foamies, rain coats, rain pants and clothing items such as fleece layers and puffball jackets. Yes, please try to borrow gear and clothing from friends and family first, but if you get stuck, we can help. Students will do a gear training session prior to the trip.

The Camp Thunderbird trip equipment list will be added here closer to the trip.

GEAR CHECK: All students will take part in a gear and packing session prior to the trip so they know what to bring and how to pack it.

NO ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not bring any electronics or phones on the outtrip. This includes airpods or similar headphones. Any devices will be collected by guides/instructors and returned at the end of the trip. Guides/Teachers are not responsible for any damage to devices on the trip.

For photography, if a student would like to bring a dedicated camera (digital, analogue, or disposable), they may bring that with them during the activity.

TRIP SURCHARGE: There is a $150 surcharge for this trip

MEALS/FOOD: All meals are provided by the cafeteria and kitchen at Camp Thunderbird. Students should NOT bring any food or snacks with them. All meals and snacks will be provided.

TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the activity by school bus or a school van driven by one of the guides.

DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.

Pre-trip meeting: Grade 7 meeting prior to the trip.

May 29:

Arrive at school at regular time for TAG
8:30 am. Meet on the Middle School basketball court.
Depart for Camp Thunderbird in Sooke.

May 29-31: Overnight camping and outdoor trip at Camp Thunderbird

May 31:

Pack up cabins. Activities at Camp.
Depart for SMUS.
Return at ~ 3:00 PM

ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 8-12 person cabins. Staff/teachers will be staying in cabins/tents nearby.

HIKING/CAMPING LOCATION: Camp Thunderbird is located in a wooded wilderness area in Sooke, about 1-hour from SMUS.

STAFFING: Camp Thunderbird hires professional outdoor staff to run their programs. SMUS teachers will also accompany the grade 7 group. SMUS Grade 11/12 Outdoor Leadership students may also accompany the student groups.

INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 1:10

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information

EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS, Please complete the following trip PERMISSION form:

Student First Name

Last Name

General Outdoor Trip Risks and Hazards

Statistics from the outdoor industry indicate that on average 6% of outdoor program participants are injured during trips and 5% of participants become ill. About ½ of those injuries/illnesses can be treated in the field and the other ½ will require evacuation. Minor injuries/illnesses occur frequently (on every trip). Typical examples include bumps, bruises, seasonal allergies, minor blisters, scratches and sunburns. These types of injuries are generally treated in the field and do not require additional medical treatment after the trip. We also see a range of more significant injuries/illnesses although less frequently (every couple of trips). Examples include major blisters, burns from cooking/stove use, flu, allergic reactions, sprained ankles/knees, heat or cold injuries, concussions, cuts requiring stitches and dislocations. In most cases, these students are evacuated from the trip and require additional medical treatment when they get home. Listed below are the hazards and risks associated with outdoor programs in general. In each case, we have included measures taken to reduce the frequency and severity of an event. ALLERGIES/INJURIES/ILLNESS: Guide First Aid certification. First Aid kit with lead guide/group. Medical forms reviewed prior to trip. Emergency communication procedures in place to contact EMS if needed. Prior to trip, parents asked about medical conditions, allergies and dietary preferences. ANIMALS: (bears, cougars, wolves, rodents, insects) No food in tents. Explanation about animal avoidance and what to do in the event of an encounter with specific animals of concern. COOKING/STOVE USE: In the event that a stove is used on this trip, students will be provided with stove use lesson prior to operating stoves. An adult will oversee all stove use (on-site supervision). DARKNESS: If applicable to this trip, limited activity will take place in darkness to avoid injuries. Students required to have a headlamp. DROWNING: Adherence to SMUS Swimming policies and procedures. Supervision by guides/instructors while on and near the water. Explanation of water hazard and boundaries if needed. DRUGS/ALCOHOL: Students made aware that school rules apply and that the safety implications are significant in such a trip. Use of Drugs and Alcohol strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal from the trip. EQUIPMENT FAILURE: Pre-trip equipment checks. Guides asked to report defective or damaged equipment to facilitate repair or replacement. FATIGUE: Proper hydration and nutrition throughout trip. Planned breaks during strenuous activities. Regular checks by the guides. FIRES: At the discretion of the guides/instructors and only in areas where fires are permitted. Supervision by adults. FOOT INJURIES: Students required to wear footwear that is appropriate for the activity taking place and the location. HORSEPLAY: Discussion with students about the complications of injuries in remote areas. HOT, COLD and FOUL WEATHER: Guides aware of heat and cold related illnesses/injuries. Pre-trip equipment checks. Proper hydration and nutrition during trip. Selection of activities, activity areas and equipment to avoid weather related injuries. Review of long-term forecast prior to trip. Alternate plans to accommodate inclement weather. LOST STUDENT: Pre-trip discussion about what to do in the event of a lost student. TRANSPORTATION: Students will travel in a school bus or a school van with a certified driver. These drivers must have a license valid for the vehicle being driven and have had their driving abstracts approved by the school.

I have read and acknowledge this information

Camp Thunderbird Specific Risks and Hazards

Listed below are a number of hazards and risks specifically associated with Camp Thunderbird and associated activities. The measures taken to reduce the frequency and severity of an event are also listed. ARCHERY: Archery equipment provided by and checked by Camp Thunderbird staff. Activity communication and signals explained early in program. Camp Thunderbird staff procedures for archery. CABINS/CAMPING: Students stay overnight in large cabins. Practices and procedures outlined by Camp Thunderbird staff. Teachers and staff staying nearby in tents/cabins. COLD/HOT TEMPERATURES: Pre-trip equipment and clothing discussion. Proper nutrition and hydration throughout trip. Discussion about techniques to stay warm/cool. Regular checks by guides. COLD WATER: Instructors have first aid training and water sports certifications. Students will be instructed to dress appropriately for the weather and water. DROWNING: All students must be able to swim 25 meters. Supervision by guides/instructors while on and near the water. Explanation of water hazard and the establishment of boundaries. Camp Thunderbird staff procedures for watersports. CLIMBING EQUIPMENT FAILURE: Climbing equipment (ropes, harnesses, climbing shoes, carabiners, belay devices, helmets, anchors) provided by and checked by Camp Thunderbird staff. CLIMBING COMMUNICATION: Intra-group communication signals explained early in program. Training and testing of climbing communication procedures. FALLING: Students instructed by guides in belay/climbing procedures. Students will not be permitted to free-climb or solo climb. Instruction on how to safely fall while using the rope and belay system. Top rope climbing only. FEAR OF HEIGHTS: Support of challenge by choice concept. Selection of a variety of climbs and activities allowing students to have positive climbing experience. ROCKFALL: Climbing routes/areas selected by Camp Thunderbird staff. Assessment of hazard by guides. Students wear helmets when exposed to potential of rockfall. Procedures explained to students to avoid rockfall. VARIATION IN CLIMBING SKILL LEVEL: Review sessions, re-evaluation and retesting of climbing/belaying procedures for experienced climbers. New climbers go through more involved training in climbing/belaying procedures.

I have read and acknowledge this information

Parent/Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement of Risk

As parent or guardian of the student, and having reviewed the material provided by SMUS about the activity, I 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, wilderness travel, water travel, accident/illness in places without nearby medical facilities, weather and other circumstances beyond the control of St. Michaels University 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. d) Understand the specific risks associated with the activity, including but not limited to: adverse weather conditions, winds, current, waves, wildlife, the use of activity equipment, swimming, slippery trails, the use of camp stoves and campfires, and travel within and outside the activity area. Consequences of these risks may result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, drowning, death or damage to property or third parties. e) Understand that even though there are a variety of measures and practices in place to reduce the frequency and severity of injury/illness, residual risk remains. Accidents and injuries can still occur.

I acknowledge the risks and consent to my child participating in the trip.