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1 COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL Preparing young people to thrive in meaningful lives April 04, 2013 To: RE: Leadership 11 Class of 2012/13 - Students and their Parents Senior School Explore Sea Kayak Trip, Fri. May 17 th Wed. May 222 nd (Long Weekend) Description: Leadership 11 students will be travelling to Desolation Sound ass part of the Expedition requirement which is 25% of their course and mandatory in order to receive all 4 credits. The expedition is a chance for students to practice leadership in a safe space as a culminating activity after learning leadership theory in the classroom. Overview Sea Kayaking in Desolation Sound: This trip will focus on peer leadership, sea kayaking andd safe ocean navigation skills. It will build upon the self-reliance that studentss focused on in Explore. In addition, it will offer an opportunity for participating students to achieve their Gold Explore pin. (Students may choose on their own to use this experience for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. ) We will be traveling by school bus and ferry to a campsite near Powell River on the Sunshine Coast. The following day we will travel a short distance to the Powell River Sea-kayaking Company on Okeover Inlet to launch. We will spend 5 days exploring Desolation Sound by kayak. This is a beautiful areaa famous for its gorgeous coastal scenery and is a myriad of small islands and bays ideally suited for travel by kayak. There will be suitable time for kayak skill development, instruction on chart reading and ocean navigation, ocean hazard awareness, as well as exploratory forays on land to nearby lakes. As it is part of the leadership course, emphasis will be placed on student leadership opportunities both on and offf the water. This may take the form of students being responsible for teaching a lesson or being the one in charge of the group as we either arrive, travel to, or depart a campsite. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understanding, practicing and reflecting on the process of self-leadership and group-leadership, practicing the skill of followership, pre-trip planning and preparation to mitigate risk, pre-trip meeting to take on additional leadership roles, prepare for an experiential learning module, coordination of different factors to move the group forward, group communication: facilitation, briefing & debriefing skills, personal and group organization, and goal-setting and reflection. THINKING: *Identify and summarize problems, questions and issues. *Identify and consider the influences of the context on the issues. *Engaging in free exploration and discovery. ASSESSMENT: *Students are assessed by an instructorr on the expedition. Grading is based on a rubric that outlines student engagement and overall participation in self and group leadership before, during, and after the expedition. *Students also post 3 SMART goals before the expedition, 3 WOW reflections after the expedition, as well as a photo of them taking on leadership. *Students are equired to sign up and complete a leadership role such as photographer, videographer, etc. that contributes to directing the experience beyond participationn on the trip. 1 Pagee

2 Trip Dates and Logistics: Thurs. May 2 nd 6pm Parent and Student Night Presentation Tues. May 14 th 11:05am-4:30pm Preparation Day Fri. May 17 th 12pm Meet and Load Vehicles to be ready for departure. Depart school at 1:10PM to make reservation for 2:10pm Ferry to Langdale. Wed. May 22 nd Arrive in Horseshoe Bay at 7:30pm and at school by 7:50PM, Unpack and ready for pick up at 8:15 pm *There will be limited time on this trip to do homework due to the full schedule of events. Students will only miss two and a half days of school in total. Date Student & Parent Night Thurs. May 2 nd Tues. May 14 PREP Fri. May 17 Day 1 Sat. May 18 - Day 2 Sun. May 19 - Day 3 Mon. May 20 - Day 4 Tues. May 21 - Day 5 Wed. May 22 Day 6 Itinerary Powerpoint that covers the specifics around logistics, food, gear, and safety. This is a must attend for each student and at least one parent. Mandatory Classroom Session covering: 11:05am-4:30pm. Bring a lunch. Classes on: Gear & Food Check, How to Pack a Drybag and a Kayak, How to use a VHF Radio, Sign-up for Leadership Roles, How to Read a Marine Chart, Group Contract 12:00pm Meet at School and Load Gear. Travel to Campsite near Powell River. Dinner and evening practice listening to VHF weather. Drive to PRSK launch site. Orientation with Gear and PRSK guide. Paddle to First Campsite. Set up camp, cook dinner, evening student-led-lessons, debrief, VHF weather. Move Camp, paddle further into Desolation Sound. Explore marine life. Possible hike. Set up camp, cook dinner, evening student-led-lessons, debrief, VHF weather. Paddle back close to launch point. Set up camp, cook dinner, evening student-led-lessons, debrief, VHF weather. Early wake up, cold breakfast, and paddle back to launch site. Unload kayaks, load gear on to Bus. Travel. At school hang tents and clean gear. Available for pick up at school for 8:15 pm. Cost: The Cost of this Senior School Explore Expedition will not exceed $600 to cover bus transportation, ferry costs, kayak and equipment rentals, and extra certified guides. Cheques were handed in in June of 2012 so no fees are remaining. Due to the necessity of advance bookings, this cost is non-refundable. Gear & Food : Explore will provide all necessary group gear including stoves, tents, tarps, and cooking sets. Explore will also provide dry bags, wetsuits and splash tops as specified on the equipment list. Students will be responsible for purchasing, packing, and preparing food and all other personal gear for this trip. A pre-trip meeting closer to the trip will outline the food and cooking responsibilities. Forms: The following forms need to be completed by Wed. May 1st. Collingwood School Informed Consent for Senior School Kayak trip (page 6-7) Powell River Sea Kayak Acknowledgement of Risk and Informed Consent Form (page 9) Excused absence form To be done the week before the trip due Monday, May 13 th. (See Reception) Supervision: This trip is scheduled to be led by Collingwood teachers Ms. Kimberly Desjardins and Ms. Erin Paul. We will also be hiring certified guides from Powell River Sea Kayaking to work with us. Thank you for your support for this unique opportunity. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, The Explore Department ext or explore@collingwood.org 2 P age

3 SENIOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SEA KAYAKING 2013 USEFUL PACKING TIPS & IMPORTANT REMINDERS EQUIPMENT The Key to packing a Sea Kayak is to use the space as wiselyy as possible with SMALL tetris like packages. Everything thatt goes into your kayak should be WATERPROO OFED in either dry bags or stuff sacks lined on the inside with garbage bags. Explore has 3 dry bags per student to lend out on preparation day. Bring all of the below packages to school for prep day youu can bring them either in a large duffle bag, or tied together with an easy to release system. Review the Equipment List Borrow or purchase any items you might be missing ready too go for preparation day at school. Remember packing a kayakk takes time and skill. Be sure to bring each item on the list and not a whole lott more! WATERPROOF each stufff sac by lining it with a garbage bag and you double line your sleeping bag stufff sack; waterproof smaller items (headlamp, toiletries, medications etc. in ziplock bags) RAIN GEAR is critical be certain your rain JACKET & PANTS are actually waterproof. If you are not sure, ask us. PADDLE CLOTHES are different than CAMP CLOTHES make sure you have two completely different outfits and remember - NO COTTON!! All items within your food bag (s) should be waterproofed and the whole food bag should be waterproofed in addition. Loose Goose items that do not need to be waterproofed such as tuna cans, oranges can be put in a mesh bag or an otherwise suitable carrying case. PREPARATION DAY AT SCHOOL Share your Google doc Menu Plan with Ms. Souza (brei.souza@collingwood.org) by Mon. May 13 th in time for review on the prep day. Food and ALL Equipment, even including what you intend to wear on departure day. Bring a day pack to take home your clothes for departure day. This will stay on the bus during the trip. 3 Pagee

4 KAYAKING EQUIPMENT LIST Please review your equipment list carefully and bring everything on it. All equipment that you bring will be arranged in 5 or 6 smalll packages: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, lap bag, clothing and food. Space in the kayaks are limited so keep to the equipment list. All your personal gear needs to be waterproofed in either garbage bag lined stuff sacs or dry bags ( 10L dry bags work well). Explore has three dry bags per student to lend out. Clothes for camp (You will be wearing some when you arrive, the rest should be waterproofed in your clothing stuff sac) 1 Footwear for around camp (running shoes, sports sandals, or rubber boots) * No flip flops allowed! 2 Thermal tops (one can be used for part of your paddling clothing) 1 Synthetic T-Shirt 1 Thermal long underwear (polyester, capilene, silk). It iss nice to have two one for kayaking that cann get wet for cold and rainy days and one for camp. 1 each Nylon or fleece pants and shorts 3 pairs wool or fleece socks 1-2 Bathing suits and small towel ( either pack towel or a sport sized towel) 1-2 Fleece or wool jacket 1-2 Wool or fleece toque and gloves 1 Rain pants 1 Rain jacket Clothes for paddling (keep separate in a day pack) 1 Footwear that can and will get wet (sports sandals withh heal strap, crocs with heel strap, wet suit booties, old running shoes) 1 pair Thermal top and shorts ( in addition to the set listed above) 1 Thin Fleece (in addition to the ones listed above) 1 Gloves recommended wool or fleece gloves inside dishwashing gloves, neoprene gloves or pogies (special paddling mitt) work well on cold / wet days and biking, kayaking or similar gloves work well on warm days to decrease possible blisters. 1 each Sun hat/sunscre een/ Sunglasses/ Lip sun block 1 Rain hat (i.e. Tilley style waterproof) 1 Leakproof Plastic Water Bottle -1 Liter NOTE: Explore provides farmer jane/john wetsuits. If you own a wetsuit that covers your torso please bring it. Camping Gear 1 Sleeping bag (approx. -5 degree) * waterproofed 1 Therma-rest or insulate pad * waterproofed 1 Headlamp or Flashlight with spare batteries 5 garbage bags and 5 ziplock bags to waterproof gear 1 Toilet paper (as back up for the outhouse) in a Ziploc bag 1 Lighter or Matches 1 each of Camp bowl / mug / spoon / pocketknife / fork 1 Toothbrush/paste 1 Hand sanitizer (one per tent group) Any Medications- Clearly labeled with name and dosage instructionss Optional: Camera, Binoculars, Small personal first aid kit, Compass, money for snack on ferry 4 Pagee

5 EXPLORE SENIOR FIELD TRIP EXPLANATION OF RISKS *Please see the Explore website to read a general explanation of risks associated with all Explore programs. addendum INHERENT RISKS of SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES There are inherent risks involved in the pursuit of outdoor activities. Risks are unique to specific activities and are covered individually below. Activity: Transportation Specific Inherent Risks: motor vehicle accident, twisty windy roads, long driving times Risk Reduction Strategies: Drivers will abide by the class four license and ensure proper rest stops are maintained, drivers know the route, allow plenty of time to complete the drive, and abide by the transport guidelines. Ratios: 1:20 on bus and one to two adults in the luggage van Instructor Qualifications: experience driving buses and current Class 4 Driver s license Activity: Sea Kayaking Specific Inherent Risks: joint injuries, hypothermia, drowning Risk Reduction Strategies: Appropriate clothing, students wear PFDs at all times on the water and are provided with wetsuits as well as splash jackets, students instructed on wet exit techniques, Flotilla in reasonable proximity to one another Ratios: 2:10 on the water Instructor Qualifications: Guides with current Overnight guide certification with either the SKGABC or ACSG, Wilderness First Aid training, CPR Activity: Hiking and Land Based activities Specific Inherent Risks: falls & hypothermia, slippery rocks and logs, cuts from shells/barnacles, strained ankles Risk Reduction Strategies: students advised of dangers & properly equipped, students advised to be careful and watch the water while on the beach, especially at high tides. Ratios: 1:10 Day trip Instructor Qualifications: experience leading groups in wilderness, Wilderness 1 st Aid Activity: Camping Specific Inherent Risks: burns from stoves, wild animals, hypothermia Risk Reduction Strategies: teach proper stove handling techniques, food management (bear caches), proper clothing Ratios: 2:13 Instructor Qualifications: Wilderness 1 st Aid, experience taking groups camping, knowledge of the area 5 P age

6 Collingwood School Informed Consent (overnight trips): Sea Kayaking Desolation Sound Please complete and return the Explore Informed Consent Approval and PRSK Informed Consent to the Explore office. Students must return the forms no later than Wednesday. May 1st in order to participate in the activity however we would appreciate them as soon as possible. STUDENT COMMITMENT: My signature below indicates a genuine intent to participate fully in all aspects of the activity in a manner that fully challenges me, is helpful to others and protects the environment. I undertake to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and or using non-medically prescribed drugs while on this trip, and to respect the safety regulations of the activity. I recognize that there is a Parent and Student evening presentation and a Pre-trip instructional day which is published on PCR and is necessary for the success of this trip and I will attend both. STUDENT: Print Name: Date: Signature: PARENT COMMITME ENT The undersigned, as the parent(s) or guardian(s) of thee student, having reviewed with the student the material provided by Collingwood School on the activity, hereby: a) Consent to the student participating in the activity. b) Recognize and understand the inherent risks associated with the activity including but not limited to the hazards of vehicle travel, water travel, accident/illness in places without nearby Form FT7.3 Updated: April 7 th, P age

7 medical facilities, weather and other circumstances beyond the control of Collingwood School employees, related parties and agents. c) Authorize the activity leaders to consent to medical treatment for the student by any qualified medical practitioner as may be necessary in the event of an emergency. d) Understand the specific risks associated with the Desolation Sound Sea Kayak Trip. Consequences of these risks may result in physical or emotional injury, death or damage to property or third parties. e) I understand that my payment of $600 is non-refundable. f) I understand that it is my responsibility to inform both the Morven campus Health Center and the Explore staff of any medical condition or relevant changes to my child`s health status prior to the trip. g) My child s swimming ability is best described as (check the appropriate spot): Unable to swim 25 meters: Able to swim meters: Able to swim over 50 meters: Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date One more request: For communication purposes during the expedition, best phone number that I can be text messaged at for any trip updates including changes in arrival times: Form FT7.3 Updated: April 7 th, P age

8 Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. Acknowledgement of Risks and Informed Consent Definition In this document, the term wilderness activities shall include but is not limited to: sea kayaking, sea kayak touring, sea kayak instruction, sea kayak rentals, hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, marine based expeditions, trekking, exploring, and all activities, services, use of facilities, and use of any water craft either rented, provided by or arranged by Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. (herein called PRSK ) there including orientation and instructional sessions or classes, transportation, water supply, and all travel by or movement around water taxis, motorized or non-motorized water vessels, helicopters, other aircraft, or other vehicles. I understand that wilderness activities expose participants to known and unanticipated risks, dangers and hazards, which could result in damage or loss to my own or other s property, serious physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or drowning. I understand that during the course of wilderness activities with PRSK there are many inherent risks, dangers and hazards that cannot simply be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. These risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Coastal marine weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning resulting in sudden changes in sea conditions caused by winds, tides, currents, wave action, and surf which could cause sea kayaks to capsize. 2. Personal injury or property damage caused by collisions with other trip participants, other kayaks, other watercraft motorized and non-motorized, and manmade or natural objects, such as rocks or reefs, driftwood, docks, piers, buoys and other floating debris. 3. Hypothermia due to cold water immersion. 4. Exposure to challenging walking conditions along shorelines, around camp, or on hiking trails due to uneven or steep terrain, including mud, slippery logs, or rocks, marine life such as barnacles, oysters, sea urchins and seaweeds. 5. Improper first aid, emergency treatment or other attempted rescue services, and the unavailability of life saving services or immediate medical attention in the case of injury. 6. My own physical condition and my acts or omissions, including my level of sea kayaking experience and expertise. 7. Manufacturing or other defects, both apparent and latent, in the equipment supplied or used by PRSK. 8. My suffering any type of injury or illness in areas without easy access to medical facilities. 9. The exposure to polluted or contaminated water. 10. Personal injury or death caused by physical contact with insects, marine and/or terrestrial wildlife, or other marine life forms. 11. Becoming lost or separated from one s party. 12. Communication at anytime during a wilderness activity may be difficult, and in the event of an accident or illness, rescue, medical treatment and evacuation may not be available or may be delayed. As the responsible parent/guardian of the student participating in wilderness activities, I am aware of the risks, danger and hazards associated with wilderness activities and, on behalf of my child, I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, danger and hazards and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or loss resulting therefrom. Form FT7.3 Updated: April 7 th, P age

9 Powell River Sea Kayak s highest priority is safety. All our guides and equipment meet the standards set by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC). Risk mitigation strategies to address concerns include, but are not limited to: Use of experienced guides with Assistant Overnight, Level 2 and/or Level 3 Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC) certification; Assistant and/or Lead Association of Sea Kayak Guides of British Columbia (ASKG) certification; and/or National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Guide certification and/or instructors of equal level of skill level and experience. 5:1 student to teacher/guide ratios and supervision Use of PFD s while on the water Instruction of the safe use of equipment, ocean safety, on-water group travel and how guides will manage a rescue in the event of capsize Only allowing students who can swim to participate Guides always bring first aid and emergency communications equipment on tour In consideration of Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. accepting the application of my child to go on a sea kayak tour, I acknowledge the risks associated with such wilderness activities. I accordingly agree I am not relying on any verbal or written inducements made by Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. or their staff to encourage my child s participation on a trip. I confirm that I am the responsible parent/guardian of the student and that I have read and understand the wilderness activities as outlined in this Acknowledgement of Risks and Informed Consent document. I give my informed consent for my child, to participate in sea kayaking on May of 2013, and for them to participate in the related wilderness activities as outlined in the Acknowledgement of Risks and Informed Consent notice. Name of Student: Trip Dates: May17-22, 2013 Sound Destination: Desolation Swimming ability (circle one): 10M 25M 50M Signature of parent or guardian: Date: Form FT7.3 Updated: April 7 th, P age