VENTURING OUT PACKAGEGRADE 5 CAMP NEW MOON END OF YEAR TRIP
Dear Parents,
Re: Grade 5 Camp New Moon End of Year Trip June 3rd-5th 2024
May 2024
Our Grade 5 classes are heading up to Camp New Moon this June to celebrate all of their hard work in Grade 5 and the end of their Junior School experience. The objective of this trip is to enrich our students’ connections to themselves, others, and their environment while developing awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills This trip helps to prepare our students for the Fall Outdoor education programming that they will participate in at Middle School this September
We will be leaving from 11 Redway Rd Loblaws at 8:30 am on Monday, June 3rd, and returning on Wednesday, June 5th at 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 enclosed 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; however, it must be understood that should you, the parent or guardian, not feel comfortable with the risks associated with this trip, you should contact the school immediately to discuss special arrangements that might be made to modify the trip for your child There are no alternative activities available at school
Once you have satisfied yourself as to the suitability of this trip for your child, please complete the following forms online via YorkNet by Monday, May 13th:
Parent Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form and Level II Code of Conduct
Finally, please ensure that your child’s medical information and emergency contact information are up to date for this excursion To confirm these details, log on to YorkNet
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EXCURSION INFORMATION FORM
Excursion Name
Date(s) and Times (And Transportation Details)
Group Involved
Group Leader and Staff
Involved
Grade 5 Camp New Moon Trip
Departure: Monday, June 3rd at 8:30 am from 11 Redway Rd (Loblaws Parking Lot)
Return: Wednesday, June 5th at approx 3:30 pm to 11 Redway Rd (Loblaws Parking Lot) We will be updating the school of our arrival time on route Students will travel by coach bus.
Grade 5 Students and Faculty
Sarah Charley, Andrea Lossing, Jill Baptist, Emma Vitko, Sarah Cox, and other York School faculty as required Teachers will work closely with Camp New Moon program instructors
Destination Address Camp New Moon 2023 | 2024 2
Activity Description and Educational Rationale
Service Provider(s)
Emergency Contact Information
Approximate Cost Per Student
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, May 16th 2024 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
Level II VO Form due via YorkNet by
Special Considerations and What to Bring
Address 1068 Burlmarie Rd, Baysville, ON P0B 1A0
Phone: (705) 767-3381
The programme complements the following two areas: The PYP Personal and Social Education strands: self-concept, health and safety, interaction with others, and organization for learning The focus on out-of-doors programming is designed to develop both interpersonal and team-building skills We are also exploring how choices and behaviours determine our health and environmental sustainability in our current Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry.
The independence and risk-taking developed on this trip will help prepare our students for the Fall Outdoor education programming that they will participate in at Middle School this September.
The York School, Premier Coach, Camp New Moon
The York School: 416 926 1325
Andrea Lossing: 416 526 6595 (school cell phone)
Sarah Charley: scharley@yorkschool.com
Emma Vitko evitko@yorkschool.com
Jill Baptist: jbaptist@yorkschool.com
Sarah Cox: scox@yorkschool.com
$550-$650
Cost includes: site rental, accommodation, programming, food, Camp New Moon program staff, equipment, and transportation costs
Costs will be levied to student accounts after the excursion
Monday, May 13th, 2024
See the Packing List included below in this form
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 actively participate in camp activities These activities could include: rock and wall climbing, hiking, backpacking, high and low ropes course activities, archery, fire‐building, cooking over a fire or camp stove, 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 For some students, this program will
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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 will be informed of the trip rules, and the code of conduct, objectives of the excursion, activities they will participate in, and what to bring through a slide show presentation. Follow-up:
There will be classroom discussions on the knowledge and experience they gained at camp Some classroom activities will be based on these reflections
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 a briefing on routes, boundaries, health & safety rules and emergency procedures, including contingency plans in case of separation Camp New Moon 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, 1:10 staff-to-student ratio will be maintained
A qualified and trained staff will facilitate the high and low ropes elements, outlining proper belaying techniques and safe use of equipment
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.
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
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Location of nearest Emergency Medical Service:
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare - South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Site, 75 Ann St, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E4 (705) 645-4404
Arrangements to be made to transport person/group to EMS (including the 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, if there is a major accident requiring EMS, a York School staff would accompany any student who would need to be taken to the hospital Teachers will keep in contact with The York School and parents will be kept updated on the incident
Additional Information:
- All students need to bring a water bottle
- Time will be allotted for students to shower
- May/June is bug season in the North. Please speak with your child about blackflies and mosquitoes and ensure they follow the packing list to be best prepared for the bugs. We will work with students on strategies to avoid being bitten and will adapt the programme if required However, insects come with the territory and some people will suffer bites
- Appropriate sun protection strategies will also be discussed with students
- Camp New Moon is a nut-free facility. We ask that all students exercise caution when packing snacks for the bus and are aware that people in our community have serious allergies to foods A NO NUT and NO PEANUT policy is in effect
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GRADE 5 CAMP NEW MOON PACKING LIST
Here is a list that will give you an idea of what to bring to camp Remember – most of what we do happens outside and the weather can be unpredictable so we want to be ready for anything!
Please bring clothing that has been labelled with your name and that you don’t mind getting dirty
Clothing:
1 winter hat
1 sun hat (baseball cap)
1 rain suit (jacket and pants)
3 t-shirts
2 long-sleeved shirts (at least one light coloured shirt for bugs)
2 wool or fleece sweaters
1 pair of long underwear
2 pairs of pants
2 pairs of shorts
Other:
Underwear
3 - 4 pairs of socks (wool is best)
1 pair of mittens
1 pair of rubber boots
1 pair of hiking boots or outdoor shoes (old sneakers)
1 pair of indoor shoes (for the cabin)
1 pair of pajamas
1 jacket for night time
1 towel Sunscreen, sunglasses
1 sleeping bag (or blanket and sheets)
1 pillow
1 WATER BOTTLE!!!!! (essential)
1 watch (not smart watch)
Bug jacket/bug hat
Optional:
● Camera
● Journal, pen/pencil
● A book
● DVD movies for the bus
● Musical instrument
● Bandana
● Alarm clock
What NOT to bring:
● Cell Phone or Smart Watch (no electronics)
● Junk food (includes candy and gum)
Flashlight
Toiletries (including any medications, shower supplies)
2 plastic bags
insect repellent
1 pair of flip flops (for the shower ONLY)
● Valuables (money, personal audio devices, video games, cell phones)
● Pocket knives, lighters, matches
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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 about anything The Camp New Moon instructors and camp staff should be treated as students would treat their York School teachers
Curfew: Students are required to be in their cabins by the designated teacher curfew
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 cell phone and smartwatch policy will be in effect Students should not bring cell phones to camp or on the bus
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 required and students must be on time. Students are encouraged to be risk takers and participate in all activities However, the level of participation required is based on a Challenge by Choice model
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 Andrea Lossing, Experiential Educator alossing@yorkschool com Director of Student Life and Belonging, Sarah Charley, at scharley@yorkschool.com (416-926-1325 Ext. 1616). 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 Grade 5 Camp New Moon Spring Trip June 3rd-5th 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:
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, archery, fire‐building, cooking over a fire or camp stove, 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 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, 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
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
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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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