VENTURING OUT PACKAGE GRADE 5 & 6 YMCA CAMP WANAKITA TRIP August, 2022 Dear Parents, Re: Grade 5 & 6 Outdoor Education Excursion at YMCA Wanakita on September 21 – 23rd, 2022 After a few weeks at school to settle in, the Grade 5 & 6 classes are heading out to YMCA Camp Wanakita! The objective of this trip is to provide an opportunity for character development and community to enrich our student’s connections with self, others and their environment. Experiential activities will link to the students learning within the classroom and we will be challenging them to extend that learning to the outdoors. We will be departing from the school, on 11 Redway Road (Loblaws Parking Lot), at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday September 21st, and returning on Friday, September 23rd at 3:30-4:00 p.m. to 11 Redway Rd. Enclosed with this letter you will find an Excursion Information Form that outlines the educational rationale for the trip, our activities, risks associated with the trip, important contact information, and financial information. Please read the information carefully as it forms the basis of your consent for your child’s participation. This excursion plays an important part in the overall educational plan for your child and supports our mission. There will be no alternative programming offered during this trip. Please read through this package to ensure that you, the parent or guardian, feel comfortable with the activities and potential risks associated with this trip. Families who elect to not send their children to attend this school excursion in-person should contact their child’s teacher as soon as possible, so they can plan accordingly. Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please fill out this Venturing Out form online via YorkNet by Tuesday, August 30th. 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.
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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name
Grade 5 & 6 YMCA Camp Wanakita Trip
Date(s) and Times (And Transportation Details)
Depart: Wednesday September 21st at 8:45 am from 11 Redway Rd. (Loblaws Parking Lot) Return: Friday September 23rd at 3:30-4:00 pm to 11 Redway Rd. (Loblaws Parking Lot)
Students will travel by coach bus.
Group Involved Group Leader and Staff Involved
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Grade 5 & 6 Students and Faculty Barb Prevedello, Sarah Charley, Teresa MacDonald Jesse Grosman, Sherry Pielsticker, Emma Vitko, Katherine Laschowski, other Grade 5 & 6 teachers,and other York School faculty as required. Teachers will work closely with YMCA Wanakita program instructors.
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Destination Address
Service Provider(s)
YMCA Wanakita 1883 Koshlong Lake Road Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 The programme is an extension of the students’ IB experience at York. Through play, physical activity, and reflection in the natural environment, this intentionally designed program will deepen each student’s connection to The York School community and the natural world while building confidence in their personal strengths. The York School, Premier Coach, YMCA Camp Wanakita
Emergency Contact Information
The York School: 416 926 1325 Onsite Contact Information to be shared prior to trip
Approximate Cost Per Student
$425-525
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 by Thursday, June 9th 2022 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.
Cost includes site rental, accommodation, programming, food, YMCA Wanakita program staff, equipment, and transportation costs.
Level II VO Form due via YorkNet by
Tuesday, August 30th 2022
Special Considerations and What to Bring
See Packing List included below in this form
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion.
Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will travel to and from camp on coach buses. While at camp, students will eat in the dining hall, sleep in cabins, and will be actively involved in camp activities. These activities could include: rock and wall climbing, hiking, backpacking, high and low ropes course activities, swimming in lakes, jumping on water trampolines and the like, canoeing and kayaking on lakes, archery, fire‐building, cooking over a fire or camp stove, wood carving with the use of knives and fire, orienteering, team-adventure races, tennis, basketball, yoga, ultimate frisbee, football, soccer and other general sports, traditional camp games, nature connection activities, outdoor-living skills games, portaging on potentially uneven terrain. For some students, this program will serve as an introduction to these activities. For others, participation will provide a space to enhance their skills and help teach and encourage their peers. It is important to note that the scheduled activities may vary if the weather does not allow us to proceed as planned. Student preparation for excursion: Students are encouraged to read this document carefully and be prepared with the proper equipment and knowledge of the rules. Once on site, students will be briefed on the specific objectives of the experience and additional onsite safety rules. Students will have orientation on site before beginning the activity.
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Follow-up: Students will continue to reflect on their experience once they return to school. The entire experience will serve as a jump-off point for the Homeroom class. Risk Assessment Specific Risks Identified: Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury and concussions. Students are at risk of burns from the campfire and camping stoves. Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors in the early spring and exposure to the heat including dehydration, sunburns, and heat-related illness. While at camp participating in activities and during travel on trails, students are at risk of being separated from the group, drowning, slips and falls from heights, difficult natural and/or manmade terrain, impact or collision with objects, and insect bites or stings. While at camp, students are at risk of 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 be taken to reduce risks: Use of Premier Coach buses with trained professional drivers. Driving will be done during daylight hours on major roadways where possible. Students will be spread out as much as possible on the coach buses. Maps and directions will be available to professional drivers. On-site orientation will include briefing on routes, boundaries, health & safety rules and emergency procedures, including contingency plans in case of separation. YMCA Wanakita staff and instructors are trained in first aid and there are medical supplies on site. Teachers will carry a cell phone, medical and contact information for their groups, and first aid kits. Each teacher is trained in first aid. Students will travel in small groups. At minimum, 1:15 staff to student ratio will be maintained A qualified and trained staff will facilitate the high ropes elements, outlining proper belaying techniques and safe use of equipment. Nationally certified lifeguards will be on duty while the swim and waterfront area are open and there will be strict guidelines explained to students in advance. In advance of the trip, parents will indicate the comfort level of students in the water and this information will be passed on to YMCA Wanakita. So that students can safely engage in activities on the water while at camp, all students will be required to wear a PFD while on the water, whether that be swimming or in a boat, as well as a wristband related to their comfort level in the water. While boating, students will be monitored by safety boats on the water. Participants will receive training on boating skills, including safety skills and what to do in case of a capsized boat. Precautions to be taken to reduce risk of Covid-19: In terms of Covid precautions, we will consult the school and camp policy at the time of the excursion. Further information will be shared prior to the excursion. Contingency plan for bad weather/trip interruption: Indoor spaces are available for alternative activities in the case of extreme weather (eg. thunderstorms or high winds). Programme goals would be adjusted according to the situation. 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. A York School vehicle will be onsite. Teachers will use this vehicle in the case that a student needs to receive medical care. Assessment of situational risks will be ongoing and the teachers will have their Emergency Medical Information Folders with them. Parents would be contacted for updates and further action plans.
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Should we encounter hazardous road conditions en route, we will pull off at a restaurant or public convenience until conditions improve. Parents and the school will be contacted in the event of a later than anticipated return to Toronto. Location of Nearest Emergency Medical Service: Haliburton Hospital 7199 Gelert Road, P.O.Box 115, Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0 Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including route to be taken): Depending on the nature of the injury, a York School faculty will drive the student to the hospital using the York School vehicle. However, ifthereisamajoraccident requiring EMS,aYorkSchoolstaffwould accompanyanystudentwhowould needtobetakentohospital. Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident. Route: 1. Exit right onto Koshlong Lake Road from Wanakita and drive approx 4.5km down the road until you get to Gelert Road. 2. Turn right onto Gelert Road (at Donald) and continue approx. 7km toward Haliburton 3. When you are close, you enter a residential area and the speed limit slows down to 50km. Haliburton Hospital will be located on your left hand side. 4. If you arrive at the traffic lights on Highland Street then you have gone too far Additional Information: YMCA Wanakita is a nut free environment, we appreciate your cooperation with this. - Water and fruit are available throughout the day for students should they require a snack. - A no cell phone policy will be in effect for students. To reach your son or daughter in an emergency or very urgent matter, please call onsite Emergency Contact (to be shared prior to the trip). If you are not able to reach anyone at this number, you can call YMCA Wanakita office during business hours at 1 800-387-5081. In the rare event a student needs to make an urgent call, they can do so with teacher approval, using a school or faculty cell phone.
INTRODUCTION TO YMCA WANAKITA . Where is YMCA Wanakita? We are located in the Haliburton Highlands, 12 km south of the town of Haliburton on a beautiful 1000-acre forested site on the shores of Koshlong Lake. It is about a 3 hour drive from Toronto.
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What does the site look like? During our visits to YMCA Wanakita, The York School students will participate in activities, eat meals, and sleep in cabins on its fully contained east site. The east site boasts a beautiful waterfront, dining hall, indoor lodges, play fields, student cabins, washhouses, forested trails, and many outdoor program areas.
East Side of YMCA Wanakita
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What are the sleeping arrangements? Each cabin sleeps 8-10 students. Homeroom teachers will create these cabin placements. Cabins have electricity lights and bunk beds with mattresses. So students will need to provide their own bedding.
Where are the washrooms and showers? There are separate, heated “washhouses” with washrooms and showers that are located close to the cabins.
How are the meals? The Wanakita food services staff will serve students three well-balanced, home-cooked meals in the dining hall each day (served at 8:30am, 12:30pm and 5:30pm). There will also be a tasty snack each evening before bed. Wanakita can accommodate most (if not all) food allergies/dietary needs including Kosher. This dietary information must be communicated to The 2022 | 2023
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York School (via The Health and Medical Form included in this package) in advance of the trip so that Wanakita food services staff can prepare for these unique needs.
What are the safety practices? Our teachers will work side by side with YMCA Wanakita’s outdoor specialists to deliver high quality programming. All outdoor specialists are certified in a minimum of Standard First Aid and CPR C as well as an NLS Lifeguarding certification if acting as a lifeguard on the water. A current Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening must be provided and satisfactory prior to starting employment. As well, outdoor specialists receive site-specific training consistent with the requirements of the OPHEA (Ontario Physical and Health Education Association) safety guidelines.
What if I have any other questions before the trip? Don’t hesitate to contact Barb Prevedello, Experiential Educator, at bprevedello@yorkschool.com or your child’s homeroom teacher with any questions or concerns. You can also visit YMCA Wanakita’s website at https://www.ymcahbb.ca/about-ymca-wanakita for more information.
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WHAT TO BRING – YMCA WANAKITA PROGRAMME Here is a list that should give you an idea of what to bring to camp. Remember that you will be physically active and most of our programme happens outside and the weather will vary – pack clothing you can move around in, which suits the weather, is school appropriate and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. ☺ Clothing: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
1 sun hat 1 rain suit (jacket and pants) 3 t-shirts 2 long sleeve shirts 1 wool or fleece sweater (something warmer for the evenings) 2 pairs of pants (avoid denim) underwear swim suit 4 pairs of socks (wool or fleece will be warmer) 1 pair of hiking shoes or boots (sturdy running shoes are adequate) 1 pair of indoor shoes or sandals (no flip flops) 2 pairs of shorts 1 pair of pajamas
Other: ❑ 1 towel ❑ 1 sleeping bag ❑ 1 pillow ❑ 1 water bottle ❑ bandana ❑ watch ❑ sun screen ❑ insect repellent ❑ flashlight ❑ toiletries (including all necessary medications) Optional: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
camera sunglasses a book, magazines age appropriate dvd movies for the bus musical instrument
What Not to Bring: Pocket knives, drugs, alcohol, money, electronics (walkie talkies, smart watches, laptops, cell phone, and pocket video games), food containing nuts. Clothes that you don’t want to get dirty or damaged; flip flops (if flip flops are brought to camp, they should only be worn in the shower) 2022 | 2023
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SPECIFIC EXCURSION RULES In addition to the expectations set out in the Code of Conduct, the following rules will apply during this trip: General: Students are expected to abide by The York School Code of Conduct while on school trips. The chance of injury or mishap during this excursion will be reduced when the student follows instructions at all times, wears appropriate clothing and exhibits effective self-care. The Outdoor Education experience is based on the 3 guiding principles: 1. Respect for Self 2. Respect for Others 3. Respect for your Environment Students will be briefed on specific rules and guidelines throughout the duration of the excursion and are expected to ask questions if they are unclear of anything. The YMCA Wanakita instructors and camp staff should be treated as students would treat their York School teachers. Curfew: Students are required to be in their cabin by 9:00 pm, or when directed by staff. Dress: Students must wear appropriate clothing for the activity, location and weather. Students need not wear the school uniform. Students are representing The York School and casual wear rules will be in effect: clothing must be neat, clean, and should not display objectionable words, phrases, pictures or symbols. Students must wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking. Personal Electronic Equipment: Students are not permitted to bring personal electronic equipment such as laptops. A no cellphone policy will be in effect while students are on site. Students are expected to not use cellphones during their time on site. Student cellphones will be collected by the supervising teachers, stored in a safe place and returned to students while on the bus ride home. Cabins: Cabin arrangements will be assigned by supervising teachers. Students are required to keep their personal belongings neat and tidy. Students may not enter another student’s cabin or bunk area without permission. Independent/Free Time: Students must stay within prescribed boundaries and with a buddy during free time. Participation: Student participation in activities is mandatory and students must be on time. Dining Hall: As a community space, students are expected to contribute to the success of the community by using proper table manners, helping with light duties (setting or sweeping), and talking at a reasonable ‘indoor’ volume.
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What Not to Bring: No food containing nuts is allowed on site or on the bus. Valuables, such as money, and dangerous items, such as pocket knives, should not be brought.
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 Trip Coordinator, 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 The 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 Senior School Grade 5 & 6 YMCA Camp Wanakita Trip from Wednesday September 21st to Friday September 23rd. 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: Students will travel to and from camp on coach buses. While at camp, students will eat in the dining hall, sleep in cabins, and will be actively involved in camp activities. These activities could include: rock and wall climbing, hiking, backpacking, high and low ropes course activities, swimming in lakes, jumping on water trampolines and the like, canoeing and kayaking on lakes, archery, fire‐building, cooking over a fire or camp stove, wood carving with the use of knives and fire, orienteering, team-adventure races, tennis, basketball, yoga, ultimate frisbee, football, soccer and other general sports, traditional camp games, nature connection activities, outdoor-living skills games, portaging on potentially uneven terrain. For some students, this program will serve as an introduction to these activities. For others, participation will provide a space to enhance their skills and help teach and encourage their peers. It is important to note that the scheduled activities may vary if the weather does not allow us to proceed as planned. 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: Students may be exposed to a number of physical injuries including: cuts, scrapes, broken bones, bruising, sprains, head injury and concussions. Students are at risk of burns from the campfire and camping stoves. Students are at risk of temperature related injuries from physical activity outdoors in the early spring and exposure to the heat including dehydration, sunburns, and heat-related illness. While at camp participating in activities and during travel on trails, students are at risk of being separated from the group, drowning, slips and falls from heights, difficult natural and/or manmade terrain, impact or collision with objects. While at camp, students are at 2022 | 2023
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risk of 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. 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 The 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. TO PRINT THIS FORM PLEASE FIND IT ATTACHED TO THE YORKNET CALENDAR DATES FOR THIS EXCURSION.
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