NoVEMBER COURSE ORIENTION & SKILLS SESSIONS TRIP INFORMATION
TRIP DATES
November 7: Afternoon prep and orientation (1:00 to 4:00 PM). Students return home for the night.
November 8, 9, 10 and 11: Training and skills sessions (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM). Skills, training and course orientation sessions. Students return home each night. If the weather cooperates, the group may camp out some nights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: During this course orientation and skill development weekend, students will be begin focusing on developing their leadership and outdoor technical skills. This is expected to include the following:
Leadership theory, group communication
Packing, planning and route selection
Group gear training and practice
Menu planning, cooking skills, stove skills
Pacing on the trail, travel and navigation
First Aid and emergency response
REGISTRATION:
This trip is open to grade 11 and 12 OL students. Parents will need to complete a SMUS Acknowledgement of Risk form.
ACTIVITY LOCATIONS: Derby OED building, local trails and waterways, potentially the Juan de Fuca Trail or the Kludahk trail.
PROPOSED ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather conditions, etc.
Nov 7 (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM): Trip prep at Derby: Leadership, route and trip planning/logistics. Students will return home for the night.
Nov 8, 9, 10 and 11 (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM): Skills, local activities and training sessions
TRIP PREREQUISITES: This trip is required for students registered in the OL course. Students should be physically fit and prepared for a challenge.
A current tetanus immunization (generally good for 10 years).
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS: Students will travel to and from Derby in a school bus or a school van driven by one of the guides.
ACCOMMODATION: If camping, students will be sharing tents with 1-3 other people or sleeping under tarps.
FOOD: Students should bring a hearty bag lunch each day. Students will be cooking meals under supervision of the guides.
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides and students will bring activity-specific OED equipment for the group. This will include backpacks, tarps, rope, hiking poles, camp cook gear… The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: will be checking and organizing their own personal equipment for the trip. Guides will be on hand at the gear checks to assist students. OED has a wide assortment of personal equipment and clothing available for students to borrow. Please see the attached hiking trip equipment list. Hiking Trip Equipment List
STAFFING: Instructors/Guides: SMUS instructors/guides will be leading this program.
The lead guide has, as a minimum: Wilderness First Aid Certification, Extensive Guiding experience, Experience Guiding in this location with similar groups.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIO: 1:6
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 Lead Guide is responsible for carrying: 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 (including ibuprofen, anti-histamines, etc.) even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies, and/or medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment with the guides prior to the trip.