LEVEL IV EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM
Excursion Name
Transportation Details
Date(s) and Times
Bhutan Global Learning Excursion 2024
Tentative Trip Dates (to be confirmed in December 2023): Saturday, March 9th to Wednesday, March 20th 2024 International flight details TBD- Flight will be into: Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok
Students will meet at the airport 3 hours prior to departure time at Pearson (YYZ)
Other forms of transportation could include all flights, private coach, hotel transfer vehicles, small tour bus, auto rickshaw, taxi, longboat and bus.
Group Involved A select group of grade 11 and 12 students
Group Leader and any other Staff Involved Barb Prevedello, Aga Maksimowska, other York faculty as needed, ALIVE Outdoors instructor, Good Karma Travels tour guide
Hotels:
Hotels will be confirmed once we know how many travelers there will be. These are subject to change and are based on past ALIVE trips to Bhutan
The hotel in Bangkok is yet to be determined. It’s very dependent on room numbers and busing availability, as well as flight arrival times TBA
Hotel in Thimphu
Lemon Tree Hotel
PO Box 785, Changlam #19 Thimphu, Bhutan
Hotel in Punakha Hotel River Valley
GVXG+82J, Punakha, Bhutan
Boarding school dorm in Bhutan
UGYEN ACADEMY (Punakha)
https://wwwugyenacademyedu bt/
Camping in tents in Punakha Gatshothang Happiness Homestay
Hotel in Paro
Khangkhu Resort
https://khangkhuresort com/
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
ALIVE Outdoors Experiential Learning Objectives:
1 To evaluate and examine our own perspectives and our personal values.
2. To learn from and share with some of Bhutan’s Secondary School students Everyone has a different idea of what happiness and success looks like This will be an opportunity to exchange ideas and examine personal values from very different perspectives
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Service Provider(s)
Emergency Contact Information
3 To deepen, challenge and expand our worldview
4 To be immersed in a society that will contrast the difference in pace and values between a life centered in Western consumerism versus intentional and unhurried living.
5. To appreciate Buddhist cultural traditions and spirituality, as well as environmentalism and commitment to conservation
ALIVE Outdoors Inc , Good Karma Travels, Druk Rafting, The York School
Andrea Lossing (at The York School) ext 1221
c: 416.526.6595
David Hamilton (at The York School) ext 5272, (cell) 416 646 5272
ALIVE Emergency Contact : Jalynn Bosley (cell) 647-524-8082 and ALIVE office: 416-429-8082
Emergency # for Key Local (on the ground) Service Provider: GOOD KARMA TRAVELS
Karma Tshering Mobile: 00-975-77171177 Email: karma@goodkarmatravels bt OR goodkarmatravel@gmail com
Approximate Cost
Please note that once you have provided consent to have your child participate on the excursion you will be charged for the 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.
$12500-$13500
Payment Timeline: This cost to be paid in the following non-refundable installments (cheque or EFT):
$4500 due Wednesday, September 27 2023
$4500 due Wednesday, October 25 2023
$4500 due Wednesday, November 29th 2023
Cheques are to be made payable to The York School.
Cost includes:
Cost includes all flights, transportation, accommodations, immunizations, meals, ALIVE instructor and programming, visas, tour guides, travel medical insurance (premium protection plan)
Cost does not include: Spending money while in Bhutan; money for meals while in transit, tips for Good Karma Guides and Bus driver Return Level IV VO Form via YorkNet by Wednesday, September 27th 2023
What to Bring
Packing List to be shared at a later date
Sun Protection: Where a trip involves your child being outside between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or 2023 | 2024 3
the UV rating is predicted to be 3 or greater, remind parents to provide children with the following: sunscreen, hat and water bottle. Sunglasses that protect against UV-A and UV-B rays are also recommended.
Activities to be undertaken by students: Students may participate in the following activities:
• Participating in a two day student learning exchange at one of ALIVE’s partner schools and staying in the school dorms as part of the experience
• Facilitating and participating in sports, games and athletics with Bhutanese students
• Hiking at altitude on a portion of the Trans Bhutan Trail up to approximately 4000 mt.
• Traveling to some of Bhutan’s most scenic areas.
• Walking and traveling through urban villages, cities and towns (Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Haa, etc )
• Rafting (floating) on the Mo Chhu River to appreciate the valley’s beauty
• Traveling by bus along urban streets and over mountain passes where thousands of prayer flags flap in the wind
• Sightseeing and visiting monasteries and other sacred religious sites to understand the connection to Buddhism
• Staying overnight at a private riverside campsite (hot showers, flushing toilets, mattresses in the tents, covered dining area with traditional Bhutanese lawn sports and tour of a nearby farmhouse)
• Souvenir shopping and traditional Bhutanese culture show
Students will be staying in hotels in Bangkok and Bhutan. During the visit to the school in Bhutan, students will be staying in dorm style residences. One night will be spent at one of the boarding schools to share an experience with Bhutanese students The Boarding School Dorm Supervisor will oversee the students for this evening Chaperones will be in a nearby hotel and reachable by cell phone at all hours We will spend the day at the school prior to their overnight experience and will meet the Supervisors that day All accommodations are based on double occupancy
Students will be camping in tents while in Bhutan. Tents will be shared by two people. Chaperones will be placed in their own tents in the same tent line as the students. There are mattresses and sheets/pillows in each tent No one needs to bring sleeping bags There are also flush toilets and hot showers! While camping, students will be rafting along a gentle current rather than white water rafting There are a few smaller rapids Our goal is to admire the beautiful scenery along the Mochu River and share a night together camping around a fire ALIVE does not require students or chaperones to take a swim test prior to this trip. They will always be wearing a PFD on the water.
Students will travel by plane internationally and other forms of transportation could include a Flight from Bangkok to Bhutan, private coach, hotel transfer vehicles, small bus, auto rickshaw, train, public bus, taxi, boat Students will take part in general travel and tourism in small communities; visiting and shopping at local markets, restaurants, shops and attractions
Student preparation for excursion:
Students and families are expected to read this package carefully as well as the brochure, video and forms provided by ALIVE Outdoors. This excursion requires a great deal of commitment on the part of its participants, leading up to the trip, while on the trip and upon return of the trip The trip itself is 10 days in duration and will span most of the March Break On average, students can expect to spend at least one to two hours a month in activities directly relating to the experience with a day retreat scheduled at some point during the year Participants will also travel as a group to a travel medical clinic to receive any necessary immunizations prior to the trip There will be a
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Pre-Departure Parent Information night held in January 2024 Participants are ambassadors for the school while in Bhutan and a spokesperson for the expedition upon their return
Mental/Physical Health:
Given the remoteness of this trip, students should be comfortable being away from home for extended periods of time and families should understand that there will be limited access to immediate mental health resources and support Participants should be able to adapt appropriately to unfamiliar living conditions such as eating different food, following different customs and adjusting to a different time zone. Physically, students should be comfortable hiking at altitude for up to 4 hours at a time. The trip involves moving everyday, walking, rafting and camping.
Follow-up:
Students will contribute to York School publications about their experience and possibly share in person at York School events Feedback will be sought and follow-up meetings to share stories and photographs
Risk Assessment
Specific Risks Identified:
• Traffic accidents
• Associated travel risks including physical injuries and getting lost or separated
• Illness, disease related to travel, food, water and environmental conditions
• Associated airline travel risks
• Different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, public places and conveyances
• Health and safety standards potentially different to those in Canada
• Uncertain communication and transportation facilities at times
• Animal encounters
• Terrorism
• Drowning
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. Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors. 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
Precautions to reduce exposure to COVID-19: In terms of covid precautions, we will follow the school’s policy at the time of the excursion. Further information will be shared prior to the excursion
Precautions to be taken to reduce risks:
- Students will be registered with the Canadian Embassy prior to departure
- The York School will work with ALIVE Outdoors to monitor world events via worldwide alert systems, news services, government travel advisory services, etc. These provide daily and “breaking news” updates regarding things like weather, political situations, labour unrest, health issues, travel advisories
- Teachers will travel with a comprehensive binder which includes student health and medical forms, copies of identification and will have a well-stocked travel first aid kit
- If allergies and health issues are a concern, students must travel with appropriate medication and have extra medications as well as written instructions on administration
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Everyone will exercise precautions to avoid sun burns and heat related issues by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses, and monitoring time spent in direct sunlight
Traffic Accidents – Land travel arrangements made through Good Karma Travels with a dedicated tour guide and driver. Travel at night will be kept to a minimum.
Illness/Disease:
● Food - students are advised to avoid street food and fruit juices
● Illness- Students are to bring all prescription and non-prescription medication in a labelled container (with student name, dose and time) & give it to teachers Teachers should be made aware of all medication on the trip so that all medication taken while on the trip can be administered and logged by teachers
● Allergies - If students have an anaphylactic allergy, please ensure that TWO epipens are brought (as on every trip) The student should carry one epi pen on them and will give one to the teacher to store with them
● Asthma - Students are required to bring their personal medication and puffers on the trip
● Water - Bottled for water at all times (brushing teeth and drinking)
● Disease (including but not restricted to Hep A, Typhoid, Malaria, etc) – participants are required to visit a travel doctor for inoculation prior to travel Training of students to avoid contracting illness through good hygiene and safe travel practices (ie washing hands, use of antibacterial lotion, etc)
● Travel First Aid Kit with over-the-counter medications (eg Tylenol, Advil, Gravol, Imodium, Pepto Bismol) to be carried at all times
Associated Travel Risks:
Getting Lost – Students will be supervised by teachers while travelling Students are given and advised to carry an emergency contact sheet while travelling When conducting group activities, including shopping and sightseeing, teachers will establish regular check-ins with students and students will travel in groups and be made aware of boundaries and rules in all locations.
Independent Time Protocol will be followed: 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 or a tour pointing out the boundaries will be given and geographic limits will be identified for students 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 the 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 areas deemed safe in advance.
Drowning - Students will be required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when on a boat or raft and supervised at all times
Note: Crime is not considered to be a significant risk in Bhutan but is a possible risk
Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption:
The York School will be in regular contact with ALIVE Outdoors and the trip leaders throughout the trip.
Depending on the weather situation, the group may take an alternative flight and/or adapt their method of travel. Details and costs for these situations are dependent on the airlines, hotels and the travel insurance/trip interruption insurance purchased through the travel provider(s). If the group is held over in any location for significant unplanned or extended period of time due
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to a delay ALIVE Outdoors will work to secure alternative accommodations in a hotel. Depending on the situation, these costs may be covered by any trip insurance coverages purchased.
The York School will communicate regularly with ALIVE Outdoors to monitor multiple Global alert services to get the most up-to-date information and any excursion changes will be communicated to parents. The York School will work with ALIVE Outdoors to create an evacuation plan with interior and international flight and/or land travel options.
Contingency plan for injuries/illnesses:
In cases of minor injury or illness, teachers and the ALIVE Outdoors instructor will assess the student and apply first aid They will make use of the travel first aid kit equipment This incident will be tracked via an injury report form In cases of major injury or illness, students will be taken to the hospital using a Good Karma Travels arranged vehicle or ambulance along with a trip leader. Trip leaders will communicate with The York School and parents will be contacted.
Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service: Depending on where medical attention is needed, there are various hospitals.
Paro District Hospital
Paro, Bhutan
Phone: +975 8 272 631
Punakha District Hospital
Punakha District, Punakha
Phone: 02-584111, 584256(Ward)
This is the main one that we would want to get to in Bhutan if it was a bigger issue:
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital Thimphu
Gongphel Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan https://www.jdwnrh.gov.bt/
Mobile: 17111902
Fax#: +975-2-325384 email: ldorji@jdwnrh.gov.bt
IN BANGKOK:
Bumrungrad International Hospital
33 Sukhumvit 3, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand Call Centre - +66 2066 8888
Emergency Ambulance - +66 2011 5222
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): One trip leader will travel with emergency personnel to the most appropriate medical facility in relation to the injury and location. Transportation may be in a local vehicle as available or a regulated ambulance
Additional Information:
- Student passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the end of March 2024
- Overall cost includes travel medical insurance
- The group will go together for visa photos
- Parents are encouraged to keep a photocopy of all identification sent with their child
- Students will be registered with the Embassy prior to departure
- Time difference: Toronto is 11 hours behind Bangkok and 10 hours behind Bhutan time
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- A Packing list will follow and be distributed in a student meeting.
- Local currency in Thailand is the Bhat and in Bhutan is the Bhutan Ngultrum
As of August 2023, the Government of Canada Travel Advisory stated:
BHUTAN - Take normal security precautions
TENTATIVE TRIP ITINERARY (Subject to change):
Day 1 – Depart Toronto, arrive Bangkok, Thailand, Canal Tour (Dependent on flight timing)
Day 2 – Early flight to Paro, Welcome Ceremony & travel to Thimphu
Day 3 – Buddha Point, Memorial Chorten & Dochula Pass
Day 4 - Immersive Learning Exchange with Partner School
Day 5 - Day Hike on Trans Bhutan Trail, Punakha Dzong & Night at Campsite
Day 6 - Rafting on Mo Chhu River & Tachog Lhakhang, Drive to Paro
Day 7 - Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) Trek above Paro Valley
Day 8 - Chelela Pass, Picnic Lunch & Bhutanese Culture Show
Day 9 - Departure to Toronto
Trip itinerary subject to change.
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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 Experiential Educator, Andrea Lossing, at alossing@yorkschool com (416 926 1325 Ext 1221) 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 Bhutan being held during March 2024.
Details concerning this event, including activities, travel, supervision, location and safety precautions have been communicated to me/us and are understood In particular, I/we am/are aware that students will be engaged in the following activities:
• Sightseeing and visiting monasteries, sacred religious sites and government buildings.
• Camping overnight in a tent with other trip participants.
• Attending social events and activities.
• Participating in a two-day learning exchange and staying in the school dorms as part of the experience, supervised by the Bhutanese Dorm Director
• Hiking at altitude on uneven trails up to approximately 4000m, potentially in snow or winter conditions
• Traveling to remote settings outside of urban areas
• Walking and traveling through urban villages, cities and towns.
• May come in contact with domestic or wild animals such as dogs, horses, pack animals and livestock
• Participating in sports, games and athletics
• Swimming during their rafting trip
• Rafting (floating) on the Mochu River or Pochu River (water level dependent)
• Unsupervised time in hotel rooms
• Traveling by bus along urban streets and over mountain passes.
• Canal Long Boat Tour in Bangkok, Thailand
Students will be staying in hotels in Bangkok and Bhutan During the visit to the school in Bhutan, students will be staying in dorm style residences One night will be spent at one of the boarding schools to share an experience with Bhutanese students The Boarding School Dorm Supervisor will oversee the students for this evening Chaperones will be in a nearby hotel and reachable by cell phone at all hours We will spend the day at the school prior to their overnight experience and will meet the Supervisors that day All accommodations are based on double occupancy.
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Students will be camping in tents while in Bhutan Tents will be shared by two people Chaperones will be placed in their own tents in the same tent line as the students There are mattresses and sheets/pillows in each tent No one needs to bring sleeping bags There are also flush toilets and hot showers! While camping, students will be rafting along a gentle current rather than white water rafting There are a few smaller rapids Our goal is to admire the beautiful scenery along the Mochu River and share a night together camping around a fire ALIVE does not require students or chaperones to take a swim test prior to this trip. They will always be wearing a PFD on the water.
Students will travel by plane internationally and other forms of transportation could include a Flight from Bangkok to Bhutan, private coach, hotel transfer vehicles, small bus, auto rickshaw, train, public bus, taxi, boat Students will take part in general travel and tourism in small communities; visiting and shopping at local markets, restaurants, shops and attractions.
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:
Traffic accidents
Associated travel risks including physical injuries and getting lost or separated Illness, disease related to travel, food, water and environmental conditions
Associated airline travel risks
Different standards of design, safety and maintenance of buildings, public places and conveyances
Health and safety standards potentially different to those in Canada
Uncertain communication and transportation facilities at times
Animal encounters
Terrorism
Drowning
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 Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors 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
As stated in ALIVE Outdoors’ Package:
I understand that the Participant’s participation in the Program, including the Accommodation, Transportation and Activities listed above, involves a risk of serious and/or permanent injury or death and damage to or loss of property. I understand and acknowledge that the Participant may suffer serious and/or permanent injury or death, or damage to or loss of property, resulting directly or indirectly from his/her own negligence, failure to follow direction, misadventure or unavoidable or unintentional accident I also understand and acknowledge that all of the potential risks cannot be listed in this Agreement
I understand that the Participant’s participation in the Program, including the Accommodation, Transportation and Activities listed above, may involve other risks including restricted availability of immediate medical assistance; the conduct of other Participants, whether or not such conduct is negligent or reckless; and the contraction of a contagious illness or communicable disease I
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understand that the Participant’s participation in the Program may negatively affect his/her future ability to study, work, or engage in social or recreational activities
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/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. 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 the student’s suspension from future field trips We further understand that it will be the responsibility of the parent / guardian to arrange for the return of a delinquent student once contact has been made by the supervising teachers and the reasons have been explained 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.
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