Reaching youth with avalanche safety messages can be challenging. The CAC aims to increase the profile and reach of existing programs: several well-respected organizations have excellent existing material and curriculum that deliver avalanche safety messages to youth audiences. Where possible gaps in youth programming are identified, the CAC intends to work cooperatively with stakeholders to close those gaps.
Please find further details on these programs following the programs list.
Youth Avalanche Safety Education Initiative Grades K-12
Revelstoke and Golden, BC
AdventureSmart Grades 4-6 (Will consider other grades upon request)
British Columbia (Province wide)
Avi-Smart Grades 7-10
Bow Valley, AB
Columbia Valley from Edgewater to Canal Flats, B.C.
Fernie Outreach Program Grades K-12
Fernie and surrounding communities
Snowsmart Grades 7-10
Canada Wide
Winter Blast Ages 15-18
Kootenay/Columbia Region
YouthSafe Grades K-12
Alberta (Province wide)
British Columbia (Province wide)
YOUTH AVALANCHE SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVE GRADES K-12 - Revelstoke/Golden, B.C.
The CAC delivers in-class programs to grades K-12 students in Revelstoke and Golden. This is a marked increase from our in-class delivery to grades 6, 8 and 10 in the 2007-08 season. These programs are currently delivered by Bridget Daughney, youth program coordinator for the CAC. Bridget was joined by Danyelle Magnan, from Parks Canada, for the Revelstoke GR. 7-10 presentations. As well, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort donated photos and signs from the hills along with the time of patrollers to come join the presentations in their respective towns.
In 2006-07 almost 200 students (75 in grade 6 and 120 grade 10 students) were visited in the classroom. In 2007-08, we reached 300 students in Revelstoke and over 200 in Golden. The 2008-09 season has reached 546 students in Revelstoke (444 high school and 102 elementary) and 486 students in Golden (205 high school and 281 elementary).
The aim of the CAC is to create education that is relevant to each grade level while building on and reviewing the previous grade's content. The main learning objectives of these programs are to teach students:
Monica Nissen's Snow Safety and Education Program (SSEP), has been a huge influence on the younger grades programs with adaptations for local conditions and terrain in both Golden and Revelstoke. The senior grades' programs are more detailed with added focus on safety in the backcountry and decision making tools. To make all the different programs meaningful, interesting, and fun, the use of videos, photographs, props, demonstrations and student activities are used to teach ski-hill and backcountry safety.
We would like to acknowledge our sponsors for these programs: Revelstoke Credit Union, Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives, Golden District Community Foundation, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
ADVENTURESMART GRADES 4-6 - British Columbia (Province wide)
(Will consider other grades upon request)
AdventureSmart is a provincial initiative dedicated to encourage outdoor enthusiasts and residents of British Columbia to “Get Informed and Go Outdoors”.
AdventureSmart teams travel throughout British Columbia, visiting schools, educating children and attending community events. We want to encourage children and adults to enjoy the outdoors safely, and by taking one of our free safety presentations is a great way to start.
The AdventureSmart initiative was created in response to the alarming statistic that British Columbia has more search and rescue incidents each year than the rest of Canada combined. AdventureSmart is committed to educating the public about the inherent risks involved when enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking in BC’s beautiful natural playground. AdventureSmart wants to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to:
1. Know the Code of Responsibility for outdoor activities
2. Write a trip plan before you go and leave it with a friend or family member
3. Always carry the “10 Essentials”
By following these three easy steps, the AdventureSmart Team believes that outdoor recreationists will significantly improve their chances of survival should they become hurt or lost.
AdventureSmart is currently offering & booking our free “Snow Safety Education Program” to all the school districts and interested groups within British Columbia. The Adventuresmart Teams will also be at community events challenging and rewarding outdoor enthusiasts with a number of different games and prizes including Fox 40 whistles, AdventureSmart hats, stickers, and posters to help remind outdoor enthusiasts about the Team’s safety messages. AdventureSmart has monthly draw prizes and you can enter the contest at http://www.adventuresmart.ca/ and get more information on our outdoor safety programs for children and adults.
Snow Safety Education Program Description(SSEP) - 90 minutes
This presentation is aimed at children in grades 4-6 and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Teachers/group leaders are required to remain in the classroom for the entire presentation.
Topics include:
Ski Hill safety & signs
Alpine Responsibility Code
“Out of Bounds” hazards and backcountry preparedness for skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers
Avalanche awareness
Basic Snow Science
‘3 t’s’: trip planning, training and the ten essentials
Would you like to host this program at your school or community group? Click here to contact SSEP.
Would you like to be able to deliver SSEP in your school/community?
Aside from our trained staff, the AdventureSmart Teams and myself, we have trained SAR volunteers and Scout, Guide, Brownie and Cub leaders in our programs and delivery. These free workshops are hosted by AdventureSmart throughout the province at certain times of the year and upon demand. We require a min. of 12 participants for each workshop. After attending this full day session, the participants are then certified to deliver the AdventureSmart programs to interested groups in their community. We will only supply the certified presenters with materials/supplies for our three programs; Hug a Tree & Survive Program, Snow Safety Education Program and the Survive Outside Program. Please click here to contact the Team Coordinator.
AVI-SMART GRADES 7-10 - Bow Valley,AB
Created by Parks Canada Warden, ACMG Assistant Winter Guide and school teacher Julie Timmins, Avi-Smart is an 80-minute program developed for all students enrolled in grades 7-10 in the Bow Valley. A major goal of the Parks Canada funded program is the reduction in avalanche-related fatalities through early avalanche awareness education - in an age group on the brink of independence and engaging in a wide variety of outdoor winter activities, possibly including activities that expose them to avalanche risk. Avi-smart is a graduated program that builds upon the previous year's material. Each year will see new information presented in each grade on top of 60-70% review. Julie hopes to grow Avi-Smart to include other communities in or adjacent to the mountain parks.
Key concepts in the Avi-Smart grade 7 program include:
AVI-SMART GRADES 7-10 - Columbia Valley from Edgewater to Canal Flats, B.C.
Joanne Williams from Kootenay National Park, Parks Canada has adapted Julie Timmins' Avi-Smart Program(please see above) to meet the needs of students in the Columbia Valley. Joanne places more emphasis on a few other activities such as snowmobiling and hunting while still holding to the curriculum set up by Julie Timmins.
Joanne Williams has also facilitated the organization of AST programs, including a youth-only program, for the Invemere area.
Please contact Joanne Williams at Joanne.Williams@pc.gc.ca for more information on programs and program delivery.
FERNIE OUTREACH PROGRAM GRADES K-12 - Fernie and surrounding areas
The City of Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, and The Canadian Avalanche Centre are pleased to announce a partnership in youth Avalanche Education in the Elk Valley.
Members of the Fernie Ski Patrol Education team will be continuing to travel to local schools in an effort to educate local youth in avalanche safety. On average, the Patrol is able to speak to 1500 youth, parents and community members each year. Their avalanche presentations are designed to be interactive and grade specific. In the fall of 2010 these programs will expand to include all students from K-12, as well as other community user groups. These presentations consist of photos and videos of local avalanche control work, equipment demonstrations, and discussions on risk and decision-making. Although historically the most popular presentation is an Avalanche Awareness presentation, the team of educators is ready to deliver curriculum based and technical snow science classes to all grades.
In addition to in-class programming, the Ski Patrol offers on-hill and practical avalanche awareness sessions and tours. This includes single afternoon sessions, multi day programs or season long courses. Kids and adults alike enjoy this unique and informative opportunity. All presentations are offered free of charge from Fernie Alpine Resort and the Fernie Ski Patrol in partnership with the City of Fernie and the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
For more information and to book a presentation or class, please email Steve Ruskay at education@skifernie.com.
SNOWSMART GRADES 7-10 - Canada Wide
SNOWSMART is produced by SMARTRISK - a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives. Founded in 1992, SMARTRISK has become one of the leading injury prevention groups in Canada and enjoys international recognition and support.
SNOWSMART is an innovative snow risk-management program for young skier, snowboarders and snowmobilers. It is delivered through the school curriculum, and is available in English and French. The objective is to increase the knowledge and awareness of 12-18 year olds about the risks of winter recreation. Ultimately, the goal of SNOWMART is to change the way youth see and take risks in order to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on the slopes and trails.
There are two components to the SNOWSMART program - the curriculum program and the No Regrets Peer Leadership Program:
SMARTRISK partnered with Parks Canada, the Canadian Ski Patrol System and the Canadian Avalanche Centre to develop and deliver both components of SNOWSMART.
WINTER BLAST AGES 15-18 - Kootenay/Columbia Region, B.C.
The Blue Lake Forest Education Society is running Winter BLAST (Blue Lake Adventure Skills Training). It is a winter technical skills, and leadership development program run at the Blue Lake Centre March 6th-13th, 2010. The 8 day program is for youth between the ages of 15 to 18 from the Kootenay/Columbia region. The program includes five days of training and workshops at the Blue Lake Centre followed by a three day winter camping trip into the backcountry around Blue Lake. Participants receive hands-on training and experience in trip preparation and winter camping, back country safety skills (including navigation), snow shelter building, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, safety and risk management, and more. Participants also receive certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association.
Winter BLAST provides experiential training and opportunities for self discovery and leadership development in youth. Throughout the program participants will become part of a diverse team of individuals exposed to a variety of leadership styles and learn new techniques for working with others. They will be exposed to creative approaches on how to communicate effectively, manage time, collaborate, encourage and support others, and participants will gain a sense of independence, and personal satisfaction. Winter BLAST will also increase awareness of the need for avalanche training and certification before recreating in the backcountry through providing youth with basic winter technical skills training and Avalanche certification.
Through the high success of Winter BLAST last year, Blue Lake has received generous donations from BC Hydro, Telus, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Mountain Equipment Co-op, and a number of local individuals in order to offer 8 full and 6 partial scholarships to participants. Those interested in participating must complete an application form which will be submitted to a selection committee. For more information, please visit the Blue Lake Website (www.bluelakecentre.com) or call 250-426-3676. You can also check out our new Facebook Page. (Search 'Blue Lake Forest Education Society', and check out the 'Events' section for Winter BLAST information). The deadline for applications is Monday, February 15th, 2010, and those selected to participate will be notified by Friday February 19th.
YOUTHSAFE GRADES K-12 - Alberta/British Columbia (Province wide)
YouthSafe Outdoors: Safe - Reasonable - Attainable
Vision of YouthSafe Outdoors: A Canada where citizens enjoy a high quality of life during and following their youth, including adoption of healthy, active outdoor lifestyles undertaken within an accepted culture of safety and security.
Mission of YouthSafe Outdoors: YouthSafe Outdoors helps decision makers, leaders and parents/guardians provide and model for youth, safe education and recreation experiences, by providing quality risk management and safety education resources, training and consultation services.
Education System Projects
YouthSafe Outdoors: Field Trip Safety for Alberta Schools
YouthSafe Outdoors: Off-site Experience Safety for British Columbia Schools
Community System Projects
YouthSafe Outdoors: Risk Management for Youth Outdoor Recreation
Several other provincial/territorial jurisdictions and/or boards are considering initiating projects. Contact YouthSafe to learn about potential projects in your area or to request a presentation meeting for your jurisdiction.
Contact YouthSafe Outdoors
Info@YouthSafeOutdoors.ca
Telephone: (780) 432-1670 (Edmonton and area)
Toll Free: 1-877-559-2929
Fax: (780) 944-4226
