LEVEL II VENTURING OUT PACKAGE – MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUNC) in Boston & Cambridge, Massachusetts November 2023 Dear Parents, Re: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Model United Nations Conference. Held at MIT Campus, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Thursday, February 8th - Sunday, February 11th, 2024 The Model UN team will visit MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to participate in the Model UN conference, with schools attending from around the world. We will travel to Billy Bishop Airport, in the late morning on Thursday, February 8th, and will return to Billy Bishop Airport, in the early evening of Sunday, February 11th. The students will discuss, debate, and hopefully solve important global issues through creative and collaborative problem-solving. Model United Nations is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking and communication skills in a fun and academic setting. Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please fill out the following forms online via YorkNet by Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Parent Acknowledgement, Consent & Release Form Level II Code of Conduct A copy of passport A deposit of $1,000 (by cheque made payable to The York School or EFT) Finally, please ensure that your child’s medical information and emergency contact information is up to date for this excursion. To confirm these details, log on to YorkNet.
LEVEL II EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name
MIT Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (MITMUNC) in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Transportation Details (Dates and Times)
Depart: We will meet at 11:15am in the York School Cafeteria and then travel to Billy Bishop Airport by TTC, Thursday, February 8th for flight PD 2945 departing Toronto @ 2:15 pm arriving Boston @ 3:50 pm. Return: via PD 2946 departing Boston on Sunday, February 11th @ 4:35pm, arriving at Billy Bishop @ 6:34 pm. Please pick up your child at Billy Bishop Airport.
Group Involved (Include approximate number)
Model United Nations Team (16 students)
Group Leader Staff Involved
Megan Gardner Ross TBD
Destination Addresses
Hotel: Boston Marriott Cambridge at 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142 Conference Sessions: MIT campus
Educational Rationale
Students will participate in discussions and debates with other high school students from around the world. Students will have an opportunity to draw on their knowledge of global issues to discuss current problems facing the United Nations today. Students will have an opportunity to build on their critical thinking skills, communication skills, and their ability to discuss in a respectful and diplomatic manner. The focus of the trip will be on how to contribute in a positive and constructive manner to solve global problems. This is a wonderful opportunity for senior students to grow as risk-takers, communicators and critical thinkers.
Service Provider(s)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Emergency Contact Information
Andrea Lossing (in Toronto) 416.926.1325 ext 1616, (Cell) 416.526.6595 Megan Gardner Ross (Cell) 647.648.9202
Approximate Cost Please note that once you have provided consent to have your child participate on the excursion you will be charged for the
The approximate cost of the trip will range from $1350-$1750. A deposit of $1000 due November 14, 2023 The remaining costs will be levied to student accounts after the trip. Cost includes: flights, conference registration, entertainment,
expenses incurred on your child's behalf for this excursion. Where, after you have provided your consent, notice is given that your child cannot attend the excursion, efforts will be taken to avoid incurring expenses on your child's behalf for the excursion, and you will be only charged those expenses that could not be recouped.
aquarium entrance and accommodation.
Return Level II VO Form via YorkNet by What to Bring
Tuesday November 14, 2023
Cost does not include: Food. Students will be expected to bring spending money for meals, $50 USD per day should be sufficient. MBTA Subway fare ($2.40 per ride). Students may additionally bring money for souvenirs.
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Western business attire, required for 3 days Comfortable dress shoes - we will be walking to campus Casual clothing for 2 days Laptop - students will be responsible for the security of their own devices
Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will fly to Boston and return; travel from airport to Cambridge, Massachusetts by subway; walking to and from MUN location. Participation in the Model United Nations Conference. Discussions will be led and moderated by MIT Students. The group will tour the campus of either Harvard University or MIT. Students will also engage in some sightseeing around Boston, including visiting Quincy Market. Students will be accompanied by teachers except for planned time for students to explore a prescribed part of the city in small groups or with a buddy - such as at meal times. Student preparation for excursion: Students will research their assigned position or country with members of the Model UN team. We will practice UN debating and speaking procedures. We will also hold mock discussions in order to prepare for the conference. Students will write position papers outlining their country’s perspective on the topics for discussion. Follow-up: Students will debrief, reflect and share their experiences. Students have leadership opportunities if they choose, mentoring inexperienced students for subsequent Model UN trips.
Risk Assessment Specific Risks Identified: Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights. While on this excursion, students are at risk of getting lost or separated from the group, as well as damage or loss of
property. While on this excursion with other students and staff, students are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19. There is also the risk of a traffic accident when en route. 1. Risks associated with travel by airline; travel by foot; travel by taxi; travel by public transportation 2. Exposure to food allergens Precautions to be taken to reduce or eliminate risks: Walking in open public areas, familiarizing oneself with the area using maps, questions, frequent rests and opportunities to stop and eat/hydrate. Students will be paired with a buddy and must not venture out alone. During independent time, students will be provided with a map of the area and geographic limits will be identified for students. When partially supervised, students must be with their buddies, and when given the opportunity to venture away from the group, they must remain within specific geographic limits and will check in periodically with a teacher at a specific place and time. Students will have cell phone contact numbers for both teachers and the hotel. Students will be made aware of the risks and will discuss the importance of being aware and vigilant. Independent time protocols will be followed and will only take place in safe areas of the city. Transportation will be with professional services such as a reputable airline, chartered bus or registered taxi, and public transit. Teachers will travel with first aid kit and student personal information forms. Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption: The trip will not run if there is a significant delay due to inclement weather. If en route, we will take the next available form of transportation. If there is inclement weather when at the destination, alternative travel arrangements or itinerary changes will be made as needed. Trip Coordinator and Ms Gardner Ross will track weather and local reports and communicate any changes to parents via email. Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Massachusetts General Hospital. 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, United States
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): In the event of a student with an injury, an adult would stay with the injured students and apply any necessary first aid. A second adult would ensure the rest of the group is safe and stable. However, if thereisamajoraccident requiring EMS,aYorkSchoolstaffwouldaccompanyanystudentwhowould needtobetakentohospital. Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident.
Additional Information: Travel Insurance, Passport, and US Visa information:
Please consider if your child requires a US Visa to enter the United States. It is your family's responsibility to ensure you have all the required paperwork to travel to the USA if you do not hold a Canadian passport (whether it be a Visa or to be registered through ESTA). Visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors for more details. It is recommended that parents keep a copy of any identification that accompanies the child. Any travel medical insurance is strongly advised and is the responsibility of the family.
Itinerary Below is the schedule for MITMUNC 2024. Please note that the schedule may change in the event of inclement weather etc. Thursday February 8 11:15am Meet in the Caf at The York School 11:30 am Depart The York School 2:15 pm - 3:50 pm PD2945 Flight to Boston 4:20 pm Travel to the hotel by Public transit 5:00 pm Settle in to hotel 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm: Travel by subway to Quincy Market 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Dinner and free time to shop at Quincy Market 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Travel to hotel by subway 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Time to prepare for the conference in the hotel Friday February 9 7:45 am - 8:30 am: Breakfast within walking distance of the hotel 8:45 am - 9:15 am: Travel by subway to the New England Aquarium 9:30 am - 11:00 am - Visit the New England Aquarium 11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Travel by subway to Cambridge 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch at Mr Bartley’s Burgers in Cambridge (where Harvard students have been lunching for over 40 years) 1:00 pm - 1:15 pm Travel by public transit (bus or subway) to MIT 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm MIT campus tour 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Hotel: Time to prepare for Opening ceremonies and the first committee session 4:30 pm Check-in on Campus 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm Dinner near campus 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Committee Session I 10:00 pm: Return to hotel Saturday February 10 7:45 am - 8:30 am: Breakfast within walking distance of the hotel and campus 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Committee Session 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Lunch 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Committee Session 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Dinner 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Committee Session 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Delegate Dance 10:45 pm: Return to Hotel Sunday February 11 7:00 am - 8:15 am: Pack up and have breakfast
8:30 am: Depart hotel for campus 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Committee Session 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch and Check out of hotel 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Travel to Logan Airport 4:35 pm - 6:35 pm: Porter flight PD 2946 from Boston to Toronto (Billy Bishop Airport) 7:00pm Pick up your child at Billy Bishop Airport (or provide permission for Child to take a cab/uber home)
SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES Dress: Students must wear western business attire during the conference sessions. Students should also pack appropriate casual clothing for excursions around Boston. Curfew: Students are required to be in their room by 10:00 pm, or when directed by staff. Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops; however, students are solely responsible for such items and should be aware of the risk of theft in hotel rooms or at the conference. Students are encouraged to bring cell phones as they are a valuable form of communication with teachers while on the trip. Rooms: Room arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers. Please note that there are times when students will be in groups of three or four in a room with two double or queen beds and that in this scenario students will sometimes share a bed (If your child cannot share a bed, you will be asked to indicate this when completing the online VO form. There is an additional cost associated with this accommodation). Students are not to enter any room other than the one that they have been assigned to. Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory and they must be on time. Punctuality: Students will be given a copy of the final itinerary and are expected to meet all set times. Dining: Depending on the conference schedule and when committees are provided break times, students will often eat lunch and dinner with committee members. Areas that are off-limits: Hotel gym, pool and surrounding pool enclosure.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CONSENT, AND RELEASE The following sets out statements to which you, the parent(s), must agree by signing electronically below in order for your child to be permitted to participate in the intended trip. Should you have questions regarding any of the statements below, you may contact the Divisional Principal or Experiential Educator, Andrea Lossing at alossing@yorkschool.com (416-926-1325 Ext. 1439). I/We understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on York School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting of their role as ambassadors for the school community. I/We further understand that all students will be bound by The York School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student to Toronto. Responsibility and payment for these arrangements will be borne by the parent/guardian. Any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in appropriate disciplinary action including suspension from subsequent trips. I/We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child. I/We, the undersigned, consent to the participation of our child (as noted above) in The York School trip to MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUNC) in Cambridge & Boston on Thursday February 8 to Sunday February 11, 2024. Details concerning this event, including activities, travel, supervision, location and safety precautions have been communicated to us and are understood. In particular, we are aware that students will be engaged in the following activities: -
Participation in the Model United Nations Conference. Discussions led and moderated by MIT Students. Sightseeing in Cambridge and Boston, including a visit to the Aquarium and Quincey Market.
Our emergency contact information is up to date. I/We agree to update the information with the trip leader if changes occur prior to the trip start date. I/We have reviewed the Trip Plan and are aware that this excursion may expose my/our child to the following risks: -
exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury, concussions, and slips, trips, and falls from heights. risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors. risk of getting lost or separated from the group, damage or loss of property. exposure to COVID-19. traffic accident when en route. Risks associated with travel by airline; travel by foot; travel by taxi; travel by public transportation Exposure to food allergens
I/We, the undersigned, grant the trip supervisors appointed by The York School permission to act on my/our behalf and to consent, to any medical, dental or surgical treatment, including pain relief and admission to hospital which may be required for my/our child, in the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner if, after reasonable attempts have been made to contact me/us at the phone numbers provided to the school, I/we cannot be reached. I/We do hereby release The York School, its directors, employees and its agents, from every manner of suit, claim or legal action which may arise as a result of an injury to, or the death of, my/our child sustained by reason of my/our child’s participation in this excursion. As parent(s) of the child above, I/we 1. acknowledge that I/we understand the statements made regarding the intended excursion with respect to expected behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and the details of the trip, including activities and risks, 2. consent to my/our child’s full
participation in the trip, and to the school taking the measures set out above in response to any medical emergency that may arise, and 3. release the school from legal action arising from injury or death according to the terms set out above.
CODE OF CONDUCT I understand, as the parent or guardian of the student named above, that students on York School trips are expected to participate fully in all activities undertaken during and in preparation for the trip, and that they must conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as ambassadors for the school community. We further understand that all students will be bound by The York School Code of Conduct and any additional rules and regulations listed in this information package and/or discussed and implemented while on the trip, and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student to Toronto at the parent/guardian’s expense and that any infraction of these rules may, at the discretion of the Division Head, result in disciplinary action. We have reviewed the contents of this information package and Code of Conduct expectations, rules and consequences with our child.
Please Note: This copy of the Venturing Out Package is for reference only. Log on to your YorkNet account at https://yorkschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login to complete your child’s VO Package and give consent for their participation in this excursion.