VENTURING OUT PACKAGE GRADE 12 GRAD RETREAT April, 2022 Dear Parents, Re: Grade 12 Grad Retreat at Camp New Moon on Monday May 30th to Wednesday June 1st 2022 The Grade 12 students will participate in a Grade 12 Grad Retreat at Camp New Moon. The programme is an extension of the students’ IB experience at York. The objective of this trip is to encourage connection, community, and to enable a positive and fulfilling closure process while helping to bridge the gap to their new social environments beyond graduation. We will be departing from 11 Redway Rd. at 10 a.m. on Monday May 30th, and returning on Wednesday, June 1st at 3:00-3:30 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. 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. This excursion plays an important part in the overall educational plan for your child and supports our mission. As the whole grade level will potentially be involved in this excursion, there will be no alternative programming during that week. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Any student found using illicit substances while on the Retreat, may at the discretion of the trip leader, result in the immediate return of the student to Toronto and further disciplinary action. 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 Thursday May 12th: Parent Acknowledgement, Consent & Release Form & Level II Code of Conduct 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. Yours truly,
Andrea Lossing Trip and Camp Curriculum Coordinator 2021 | 2022
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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM Excursion Name
Grade 12 Grad Retreat at Camp New Moon
Date(s) and Times (And Transportation Details)
Monday May 30th Depart: 10:00 am from 11 Redway Rd (Loblaws Parking Lot) We will stop for lunch and possibly an activity on route to Camp New Moon. Wednesday June 1st Return: 3:00 pm to 11 Redway Rd Students will travel by coach bus.
Group Involved Group Leader and Staff Involved Destination Address
All Grade 12 students (Approximately 80 students) Andrea Lossing, Sarah Charley, Elissa Kline-Beber, Grade 12 teachers, other York School staff as required Camp New Moon Address 1068 Burlmarie Rd, Baysville, ON P0B 1A0
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Activity Description and Educational Rationale
Service Provider(s) Emergency Contact Information Approximate Cost Per Student
Phone: (705) 767-3381 The objective of this trip is to encourage connection, community, and to enable a positive and fulfilling closure process while helping to bridge the gap to their new social environments beyond graduation. The York School, Premier Coach, Camp New Moon The York School: 416 926 1325 Andrea Lossing (cell): 416 526 6595 alossing@yorkschool.com $400-450
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 Wednesday May 11th 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, Camp New Moon program staff, equipment and transportation costs.
Level II VO Form due via YorkNet by
Wednesday May 12th
Special Considerations and What to Bring
Students should bring money for lunches when traveling by bus to and from camp ($30 total recommended).
Cost does not include: Lunch on the first day and last day of camp. Students should bring money for lunches when traveling by bus to and from camp ($30 total recommended). Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion.
See Packing List included below in this form Activities to be undertaken by students: Students will travel to and from Camp New Moon on coach buses. They will stop for lunch while traveling both to and from camp. While at camp, students will eat in the dining hall, sleep in cabins, and will be actively involved in outdoor activities. These activities could include a variety of social and recreational activities such as movie nights, field games and sports, basketball, dodgeball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, soccer, yoga, hiking, campfires, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, team-adventure races, traditional camp games, nature connection activities, outdoor-living skills, orienteering, fire building, cooking over a fire or camp stove. Students may also wish to participate on Camp New Moon’s High Ropes elements with certified Camp New Moon staff. 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 on-site safety rules. Students will have orientation on site before beginning the activity. Students will have their personal belongings searched for illicit substances before departure. Any student found to have illicit substances on their person or in their luggage will not participate in the retreat, may be charged for the trip’s expenses, and may be further disciplined by the school. 2021 | 2022
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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 cold including dehydration, hypothermia, heat-related health issues,and sunburns. While at camp and during travel through open terrain and on trail, students are at risk of being separated from the group, drowning, slips and falls from heights, difficult natural and/or manmade terrain, and impact or collision with objects. 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, safety rules and emergency procedures, including contingency plans in case of separation. Camp New Moon staff 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. Students will take part in a swim test prior to engaging in water activities. Students will be required to wear a PFD while in a boat and will be monitored by safety boats on the water. Students will not be allowed to enter the lake without lifeguard supervision. Assessment of situational risks will be ongoing. Appropriate first aid supplies and equipment will be on hand. Certified lifeguards will be on duty at the waterfront. A qualified and trained staff will facilitate the high ropes elements, outlining proper belaying techniques and safe use of equipment. Precautions to be taken to reduce risk of Covid-19: Students and teachers will be asked to complete a rapid antigen test for Covid-19 and confirm that they have tested negative within 24 hours of attending this overnight excursion. Following school policy, all students and teachers will be vaccinated. All ALIVE instructors, camp staff, and bus drivers are also required to be vaccinated. We consult the school and camp policy at the time of the excursion. Further information will be shared prior to the excursion. Students should expect to wear face masks at all times when indoors except when eating, showering or sleeping. Where a student exhibits or complains of Covid-like symptoms they will be tested with a rapid antigen test. If a student becomes ill and tests positive for Covid-19 while at camp, the student will be moved to an isolation cabin and parents will be called to pick up their child as soon as possible. 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. 2021 | 2022
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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. 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: The Bracebridge Hospital 75 Ann St, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E4 (705) 645-4404 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. However, ifthereisamajoraccident requiring EMS,aYorkSchoolstaffwouldaccompanyanystudent whowould needtobetakentohospital. Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident. Route: Take Brunel Rd/Muskoka District Road 2 to Muskoka District Road 117 in Baysville - 3 min (1.9 km) Continue on Muskoka District Road 117 to Bracebridge. Take exit 189 from ON-11 S - 15 min (20.5 km) Continue on Taylor Rd/Muskoka District Road 42. Drive to Ann St
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WHAT TO BRING – GRADE 12 NEW MOON RETREAT Here is a list that should give you an idea of what to bring to Camp New Moon. Remember that you will be physically active and most of our programme happens outside where the weather will vary – pack clothing you can move around in, which suits the weather and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Clothing: ❑ 1 sun hat ❑ 1 rain suit (jacket and pants) ❑ 4 t-shirts ❑ 2 long sleeve shirts ❑ 1 wool or fleece sweater (something warmer for the evenings) ❑ 2 pairs of pants ❑ 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 ❑ 2 pairs of shorts ❑ 1 pair of pajamas Other: ❑ 1 towel ❑ 1 sleeping bag ❑ 1 pillow ❑ 1 water bottle ❑ bandana ❑ watch ❑ sunscreen ❑ 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:
NO Pocket knives, drugs, alcohol, food containing nuts or peanuts NO Clothes that you don’t want to get too dirty! 2021 | 2022
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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. 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 camp staff will be treated as students would treat their York School teachers. COVID-19 Precautions: Students should expect to wear face masks at all times when indoors except when eating, showering or sleeping. Curfew: Students are required to be in their cabin by 11:30 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 dress respectably and never let their undergarments or midriffs show. Students must wear shoes or boots that are suitable for extended periods of walking. Personal Electronic Equipment: Any personal electronic items are brought at the students’ own risk. At camp, these items can easily get damaged, broken, or misplaced. 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 they 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. 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.
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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 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 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 Grade 12 Grad Camp Retreat on Monday May 30th to Wednesday June 1st 2022. 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 New Moon on coach buses. They will stop for lunch while traveling both to and from camp.While at camp, students will eat in the dining hall, sleep in cabins, and will be actively involved in outdoor activities. These activities could include a variety of social and recreational activities such as movie nights, field games and sports, basketball, dodgeball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, soccer, yoga, hiking, campfires, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, team-adventure races, traditional camp games, nature connection activities, outdoor-living skills, orienteering, fire building, cooking over a fire or camp stove. Students may also wish to participate on Camp New Moon’s High Ropes elements with certified Camp New Moon staff. 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 cold including dehydration, hypothermia, heat-related health issues, and sunburns. While at camp and during travel through open terrain and on trail, students are at risk of being separated from the group, drowning, slips and falls from heights, difficult natural and/or manmade terrain, and impact or collision with objects. 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.
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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.
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