SUMMIT SCHOOL HIKING Trip Information:
DATES: October 1-5, 2023
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This overnight hiking and camping trip is designed to introduce students to wilderness travel through the exploration of trails and parks on Vancouver Island. While exploring these areas, students will develop a range of backcountry skills such as the following: Navigation/orienteering, Packing/gear selection/equipment maintenance, Wilderness survival techniques, Risk management, First aid/Wilderness rescue. As an overnight camping trip, students will also develop their camp skills such as cooking over camp stoves, setting up tarps and tents.
TRIP PRE-REQUISITES: A current tetanus immunization (good for 10 years).
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include tarps, navigation equipment, maps, rope…The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. This includes lots of hiking backpacks, hiking boots, 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 check with their guides prior to the trip (typically a day or two before the trip). At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will take you to the SUMMIT SCHOOL EQUIPMENT LIST.
GEAR CHECK: All students on Summit School will complete a gear check with guides during the training day on day 1.
ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics or phones on the outtrip. Guides will collect all electronics/phones and return them at the end of the trip. Guides 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.
MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring a hearty bag lunch on day 1 and 2. A bag lunch will be provided for boarding students. All other meals will be provided. Students will be cooking meals in camp under supervision of the guides. The group may also be visiting local restaurants for some meals en route to or from the trailhead.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the activity by school bus or a school van driven by one of the instructors.
DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.
Tba: Pre-trip meeting in the Lecture Theatre.
Day 1: Trip prep, packing and skills day
9:00 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne)
Equipment checks, personal and group gear packing
Skills sessions (stoves, tarps, knots and packing)
3:00 pm finish. Students return home for the night.
Day 2: Final pack and departure
8:15 AM. Meet at DERBY
Final pack up and departure by bus for trailhead
Day 2-5: Overnight hiking and camping trip
Day 5: Return
Pack up camp. Depart for pickup location
Return to DERBY at ~ 4:00 PM
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or under tarps.
HIKING/CAMPING LOCATION: The group will be hiking and camping in the Forbidden Plateau area of Strathcona Provincial Park.
STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor guides for the hiking and camping components of the trip. The lead guide has, as a minimum: Wilderness First Aid Certification, Guiding experience, Experience working in this location with similar groups. The assistant guide has, as a minimum: First Aid Certification, Guiding experience, Experience working with similar groups.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 2:12
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.