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Frequently Asked Questions: Venture
- Will my child be safe?
Safety is the number one priority at Outward Bound and all our Summer Programs. Their highly trained instructors make sure all activities adhere to strict safety guidelines that they have developed over more than sixty years. Safety briefings precede each new activity to help your child participate safely in any of their course activities. Their methods and practices are monitored and reviewed regularly by a Safety Review Team made up of senior Outward Bound staff from schools across North America as well as independent experts.
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- What is the Outward Bound Canada course like?
On this Outward Bound course your child will learn by doing. Your child will be challenged as an individual and become an effective member of a team. Your child will be compelled to dig deep, whether he/she are canoeing, mountaineering, rock climbing, sea kayaking, dog-sledding, white water paddling, or backpacking. Outward Bound’s highly qualified instructors inform and inspire, then step back. As the course progresses, responsibility shifts from the instructors to your child and your child’s group as he/she’s technical and decision-making abilities grow.
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- Does my child have to be athletic to take part?
Absolutely not. Participants with a wide range of physical abilities have successfully met the challenges of Outward Bound.
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- What equipment will my child need?
Outward Bound Canada supplies all the necessary gear your child will need on his/her trip. This equipment includes canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets/PFDs, tents, backpacks, First Aid equipment, sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils, stoves, helmets, ropes, harnesses and tarps.
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- How much will it cost per participant?
$900.00 (does not include airfare)
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- What are the criteria to be eligible for a subsidy?
We look at the family income, the number of dependants in the family. Subsidies are based on a sliding scale, so you may receive a certain percentage of the total amount requested. We also look at the overall subsidy amount requested by all participants to determine equitable distribution. Other criteria may also be considered, for example, if your child is 14, have never attended camp and will not have another chance, we may take a closer look at your request.
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- What does the cost of the camp include (i.e. Cost breakdown)?
- Outward Bound Canada program fees
- Program Directors (2 co-directors)
- Program supplies
- Guest lecturer costs
- Transportation (ground)
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- When is the deadline for participants to apply?
Program Deadline: May 15, 2009.
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- How many sessions are there and how many participants will be accepted in each session?
1 session with 20 participants
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- What if I want my child to arrive early or stay later past camp dates?
We are responsible for all the participants during the program date(s). All accommodation and travel before the first and last day of the program is the sole responsibility of the parents.
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- How many participants will be accommodated in a cabin?
Cabins will be split by gender accompanied by an Outward Bound Canada professionally trained staff member. Our co-directors will rotate throughout the cabins each night.
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- Are the dormitories co-ed?
No.
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- Is it possible to request for a special menu in the case a participant is allergic to various foods?
Yes, we can make provisions for this, but we will need to know that on the application form.
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- Will there be a nurse and/or doctor on site?
Yes, Outward Bound Canada will have a staff nurse available 24 hours / day.
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- Will there be certified lifeguard on site?
Yes.
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- Will my child need medical insurance?
Your child is required to have his/her own medical insurance that will cover any medication purchased at the program that may be prescribed by a doctor from the local hospital. Before any prescriptions are purchased for your child, you will be notified of your child’s situation.
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- Are the counsellors and directors trained?
Outward Bound instructors are skilled, dedicated, and caring outdoor educators. These well-rounded individuals have extensive wilderness experience. They come from a variety of backgrounds: education, business, social work, camp and outdoor educational networks, or from one of their 50 Outward Bound schools around the world. Aside from formal qualifications in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, their instructors continually update their skills through independent training, personal expeditions, and staff development opportunities provided by Outward Bound. In addition, our directors are formally trained in First Aid and CPR and also have extensive camp experience within and outside our community.
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- Who facilitates the educational sessions and what are the topics?
All program activities are based on the value systems that we espouse to. Specific discussions are based around making social decisions within ethical frameworks, community living, debating matters of importance that is relevant to this age group, our history and cultural heritage, etc… Generally, faculty will lead for the first 20 min of each session. This is followed by breakout sessions that can include discussion groups, creative media, skits, plays, dance, etc. The teaching techniques are very creative in order to inspire the participants. The core modules are created by professional educators and scholars.
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- What methods of payment are accepted?
Visa, MasterCard, Cheque, Cash or Money Order. Cheques must be made payable to “Council for Canada"
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