Campsite Checklist

During this lesson, students will learn how to evaluate the safety of a campsite during a local camping trip.

• PPL 10: 1, 1.5; A3, A3.1
• PPL 20: 1, 1.5; A3, A3.1
• PPL 30: 1, 1.5; A3, A3.1
• PPL 40: 1, 1.5; A3, A3.1

• I can behave responsibly and apply appropriate safety rules and procedures that maximize my safety and that of others
  during outdoor activities.
• I can think critically to analyze situations, evaluate my choices and make safe decisions in a variety of situations.

• Student Resource: Campsite Safety Checklist for each student or group (double-sided)
• Teacher Resource: Campsite Checklist - Checklist

Activities

• Camping (Backcountry)
• Camping (Local)

Tools and Resources

• Concussions
• Disability-Centred Safety
• First Aid Plan and First Aid Emergency Response
• Outside Activity Providers

Other

Risk Management

At the beginning of the lesson, work with students to co-create criteria for assessing the knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain a safe campsite. Consult the Teacher Resource: Campsite Checklist - Checklist and the Student Resource: Campsite Safety Checklist for sample criteria.

After the activity, review the co-created criteria with students, and have them complete the Student Resource: Campsite Safety Checklist.

Collect and review students’ completed checklists. Use the Teacher Resource: Campsite Checklist - Checklist and a master checklist to evaluate student learning and offer feedback. If needed, provide feedback to individual students or the entire group, to clarify or reinforce their understanding of campsite safety, and answer any remaining questions.

During a local camping trip, meet with the students and ask the following question: “How safe are we during this trip?” Discuss generally as a group.

Have students work in small groups providing each group with a copy of the Student Resource: Campsite Safety Checklist. After reviewing the activity instructions, have the groups walk around the campsite to see if they can check off items on the list. Encourage them to comment or ask questions.

After students complete the Student Resource: Campsite Safety Checklist ask them to identify any safety issues with the campsite. Ask students what the group can do to improve safety? Encourage them to suggest and make the improvements.

Note any missing information or gaps in understanding of campsite safety to address in preparation for the next trip.
Remember to check school board policies and procedures applicable to any outdoor education activity.