This checklist provides a list of key considerations when planning outdoor education activities. Keep in mind that school and school board requirements may differ, and so always consult with the school and school board before planning any outdoor education activity.
Before Outdoor Education Activities
- Consult school board policies, procedures, and approval processes.
- Consult the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education (OPASSE).
- Create an emergency risk management plan for the trip, including emergency phone numbers and an evacuation plan.
- Consider conducting a visit to the site before the trip to check route, campsite,
portage, emergency service or other conditions that will impact the trip. - Assess whether cell phone access will be possible in an emergency or whether an alternative communication device needs to be procured (for example Spot or Satellite phone).
- Assemble a team of teachers and monitors who have the skills and/or qualifications (for example, first aid and lifeguard qualifications, police record checks) to meet minimum safety standards as described in the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education (OPASSE) and school board requirements for supervision/monitoring ratios.
- Assess transportation requirements and cost.
- Access gear that is compliant with school board safety standards, is well maintained, and is suitable for student use.
- Fill out, distribute, and collect signed forms as required by the school board’s
relevant policies and procedures. - Have a parent/guardian meeting to inform parents/guardians of risks and risk mitigation strategies associated with the trip. NOTE: This is a perfect opportunity to get forms signed.
- Create a list of any known medical conditions and create associated risk management plans (for example for how to manage Type 1 diabetes on a canoe trip).
- Teach skills associated with the relevant outdoor education activities and assess student skill level.
- Ensure and document that students meet pre-requisites for participation in the relevant outdoor education activities (for example, water-based activity requirements).
- Leave a copy of the trip plan and list of participants with the school.
- Inform parents of how to contact the teacher and/or monitor and how they would be contacted in the event of an emergency (for example, through the school).
During Outdoor Education Activities
- Observe and keep track of the well being of the group. Check in with students with existing medical conditions and be attentive to potential conditions that may arise (for example, hypothermia, allergic reactions).
- Observe and keep track of group dynamics.
- Be responsive to shifting weather patterns; if in doubt, sit it out.
- Assess and respond to safety issues as they emerge.
- Debrief on any potential safety issues with all trip participants.
After Outdoor Education Activities
- Hold a teacher, monitor, trip guide debrief meeting to assess and document what went well with regards to risk management, equipment, etc. and what might be modified for the next trip.
- Hold a student debrief meeting to assess and document what went well
and what could be changed for the next trip. - Follow up on issues that arose during the trip.
- Celebrate! Reflect on how this trip made a difference in the lives of the students, teachers and monitors, and, more specifically, yours.