A:  The Grade 10 students will be leaving for their respective sites at 8am on Monday, Sept. 12th.

RETURN TIMES: The Grade 10 canoe trippers will return to SMCS by approximately 6:00pm on Friday September 16th.  The Grade 10 ART, MUSIC and DESIGN TECH student will return to SMCS by approximately 4:30 pm on September 16th.

Q:  What if my son has allergies or special dietary requirements?

A:  Fill out all allergies & medication on the health form. We will do everything we can to meet all dietary requirements. 

Q:  What is the purpose of these outdoor experiences?

A:  Experiential Education is based on the philosophy that we learn best by doing.  By utilizing adventure activities, individuals are asked to put aside preconceived notions of their abilities & develop new competencies & confidences.

Experiential Education teaches valuable life skills such as goal setting, communication, decision making, trust building, conflict resolution & leadership.  Our mission is to encourage personal growth through cooperation, team work & positive leadership.

Q:  Who is in charge? What is the staff: student ratio?  What are the staff’s qualifications?

A:  The ALIVE Outdoors staff team consists of outdoor education professionals, teachers & guides that have extensive experience working with groups of all ages. All staff is fully qualified in First Aid & CPR. The ALIVE team is fun, enthusiastic, & fully committed to ensuring that each individual experiences success & positive self-growth.  Every trip has a designated medical attendant at the base camp.   All instructors carry a first aid kit with them at all times. There is one staff (either an SMCS teacher, or an Outdoor Educator) for every 10 students. On canoe trips there are 2 staff for every 7-9 students. On the residential trip, each cabin has at least one (often two) Sr. Student(s) as their leader & this leader sleeps in the cabin with your son.

Q:  How far to the nearest hospital should an emergency arise?
 
A:  Some of the grade 10 canoe trips will be running out of YMCA Camp Pine Crest,  Camp Arowhon & some will be launching out of YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, Honey Harbour, which is about 35 minutes to the Huronia District Hospital in Midland. Arowhon is approximately 45 minutes to the Huntsville Hospital.

Q:  Where is my son going to be while he is away? 

A:  The Grade 10 Art, Music & DT trip is at Camp Northland, on Moose Lake in Haliburton.  In an emergency you can reach us at:  705.754.2374 or 705.754.2030

As stated above, some grade 10 Phys. Ed students will be launching on their canoe trip from Camp Pine Crest: 705.762.3377 & some will be at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, Honey Harbour, Georgian Bay: 705.756-4002 and Camp Arowhon, Algonquin Park: 866.406-1954 The week prior to leaving on the trip you will know what location your son will be canoe tripping from.

Q:  Does it matter what type of bag you pack in?

A:    For those students NOT going on canoe trip, please pack in a duffle bag that is easy for you to carry, as you will have to walk from the bus to your cabin.

For canoe trippers: You can bring a few things in a duffle bag for before & after the trip, but for the most part everything you take, including your sleeping bag must fit into your dry bag.  Dry bags can be purchased at the SMCS Mporium or at Mountain Equipment Co-op   www.mec.ca  (These dry bags should be 35-40 Litres)

Q:  Should you pack…. Food? MP3 players? Cell phones?

A:  NO!  PLEASE DO NOT pack any of these items. Students will have plenty of food, & an evening snack. Food draws animals into the cabins. ONLY BRING A NUT FREE BAGGED LUNCH FOR THE FIRST DAY!   PLEASE respect our request that you NOT bring a cell phone to camp. It is so rare that you have an opportunity to be immersed in nature—away from all the gadgets that have taken over our lives.  These trips are an opportunity to connect with one another and strengthen the inner school community—so please leave any distracting devices at home. (Please no cell phones for cameras as well!)  Thank you.  Please also note that students will not be encouraged to call home. 

Q:  What happens if your child is caught with non-prescription drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, knives, or if they are caught causing disruptive behaviour?

A:  Parents will be called, & asked to come & pick up their son immediately. 

Q:  Are we outside rain or shine?

A:  Yes. Regardless of the weather, we will be outside. It’s VERY important that you have the proper clothing to keep you warm and dry! Please follow the packing list. Borrow things that you may only need for a few days. Thanks.

Q:  Do you need a sleeping bag?

A:  YES!!  For those staying at camp for the week--- if you don’t have a sleeping bag… bring a bottom sheet for the mattress, & some blankets.  Also be SURE you pack a flashlight!   All Phys. Ed students MUST have a sleeping bag as they will be on canoe trip!