Local HIKING Trip Information:
TRIP DATES: September 18, 19 & 20, 2023
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 3-day hiking trip is designed to introduce students to wilderness travel through the exploration of trails and parks on southern Vancouver Island. Hiking locations may include East Sooke Park, Mystic Beach or sections of the Juan de Fuca trail, Goldstream Park, Gowlland Tod…). While exploring these areas, students will develop a range of skills including the following: Navigation/orienteering, Packing/gear selection/equipment maintenance, Wilderness survival techniques, Risk management, First aid/Wilderness rescue.
Please note that this is a local day program and students will return home or to their boarding house each night.
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…).
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.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Students do not need to wear school uniform on outtrips/outdoor days. Regular clothing and running shoes are great. They should dress for the weather and arrive with the following items in a small backpack (the student’s regular school backpack is perfect)
A small backpack (a regular school backpack is great)
Raincoat/windproof jacket
Extra warm layers (fleece jacket, extra pants)
Baseball cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Running shoes/hiking boots if you have them
Lunch, snacks and full water bottle
MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring a full water bottle, snacks and a hearty lunch. A bag lunch will be provided for boarding students.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the hiking locations by school bus.
DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather and other factors.
Sept 12: Pre-trip meeting during Community time in the Chapel
Day 1, 2 & 3: 8:30 AM. Meet guides at Crothall
Gear distribution and equipment check by guides
Depart for hiking location (Aylard/East Sooke Park, Mt. Work, Goldstream/Mt. Finlayson)
3:00-3:30 PM. Return to Crothall.
STAFFING: SMUS hires outdoor guides to instruct this activity. The guide pool on the trip has a combination of First Aid Certification, Hiking certification/instruction experience, Experience working in this location 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.