Outdoor Education Policies and Being Prepared!

Weather Policy: To ensure safety for all, we will re-schedule or modify programs due to severe weather or unsafe conditions. If you are concerned about weather conditions, please call the day before your program or between 8:00 – 8:30 am on the day of your program. See Booking Information and Contacts for phone numbers.

Cancellation Policy: Two weeks’ notice is required to cancel a program; otherwise, the school will be charged 50% of the total program cost. This policy gives classes on a waiting list sufficient time and opportunity to fill the program opening. Cancellations due to inclement weather will not be charged.

Supervision PolicyAdult to student ratios must be in accordance with you school board’s out of class policy. Teachers are responsible for the conduct of their students.

Special Needs Policy: Please let us know in advance if you have a student with special needs. We will do our best to accommodate their needs and make the trip enjoyable for everyone. An All -Terrain Wheelchair is available for programs at the Wildwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Safety Policy: The safety of students, teachers, parent volunteers and UTRCA staff is a priority in all of our educational programs, at all times. Due diligence procedures are followed to minimize risk. Staff are trained to recognize potential risk and certified in First Aid and CPR. All staff carry cell phones to communicate with each other or to call for security assistance or 911 if necessary. Teachers are responsible for coming prepared with medical devices such as epi-pens for known health conditions such as allergies.

How to Come Prepared

Dressing for the Outdoors

Being appropriately dressed for the day’s weather conditions is imperative to maintain student enthusiasm and ensure a fun outdoor learning experience. Here are some general rules to go by:

  • Rainy days – rain coat and rubber boots (we like to go “rain or shine” unless it’s raining too hard for an enjoyable experience, or if there is thunder and lightning – call us if you’re not sure)
  • Dewy mornings – rubber boots, or a second pair of shoes and replacement socks
  • Hot days – light weight long pants, sun hat, sunscreen, water bottle, NO sandals (it’s a safety concern)
  • Cool days – warm clothing; layered clothing a good strategy
  • Cold days – hats, mitts or gloves, layered water and wind proof clothing or snowsuits for the younger students

Check out Field Trip Tips by Outdoor Ed for Wildwood or Fanshawe!

Nutrition

Staying for Lunch – When the weather is nice, some teachers like to extend their half day program by having a picnic lunch at the park. Classes that are with us for the full day will have a lunch and washroom break between the two programs they have booked. If you are unsure of where to picnic (or where washrooms are located), we can direct you to a suitable area based on your itinerary. In your field trip preparation with your students, we encourage you to promote bringing a litterless and nutritious lunch. Garbage and recycling cans are available at designated areas.

“Recipe for a Litterless Lunch”

Bringing Snacks – If your school follows a “balanced day”, please plan for your students to bring a snack (e.g., granola bar, piece of fruit, crackers) or if you would like to incorporate a snack break into the program please let us know in advance. We have found that many students are distracted by hunger in both morning and afternoon programs when they would normally have their nutrition break.