TECHNICAL SKILLS SESSIONS

DATES:
Group 1: Oct 25, Nov 1 & 2
or
Group 2: Nov 8, 9 & 10

DESCRIPTION: In preparation for the winter camping trips and working with Junior School students, OLs will complete three technical skill development days. While participating in local outdoor adventures (hiking, paddling and potentially surfing), students will be challenged to develop their leadership, first aid, risk management and outdoor technical skills.

ACTIVITY LOCATIONS: Derby OED building, hiking trails and beaches in the CRD area (Sidney to Sooke)

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

It is expected that the schedule will be similar for each day but with different locations and activities

  • 8:15 AM - Meet at Derby. Trip prep. Outfitting. Depart for Activity location.

  • Skills, activities and training sessions

  • 4:00 PM - Return to Derby. Reset gear. Return home for the night.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS: Students will travel to and from activities in a school bus or a passenger van driven by one of the guides.

TRIP PREREQUISITES: Registration in the OL12 course. Some portions of the sessions will be arduous/physically challenging. Students should be developing their fitness and prepared for a challenge. A current tetanus immunization is required (generally good for 10 years).

ACCOMMODATION: n/a. Day programs only.

FOOD: Students should bring a hearty bag lunch and snacks each day. A bag lunch will be provided for boarding students. In some cases, students may be cooking meals on camps stoves 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, paddling equipment… The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Students should dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside all day, rain or shine. Each day, students should bring a small backpack with a raincoat, warm clothing, spare layers and a hat/toque.

Additional activity-specific information will be added here prior to the trips. Students will be checking and organizing their own personal equipment for the trips. 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.

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.