About » Minimizing Risk
Minimizing Risk
Given the inherent natural risks of any physically strenuous program, our top priority is managing the risk involved. Here is how we accomplish that:
- All of the staff on your child's expedition are thoroughly trained and certified in basic first aid and CPR. At least one staff person holds a Wilderness First Responder medical training certification or is a certified EMT. One member of the team is a master's level clinician and/or certified drug and alcohol counselor.
- Each member of our expedition team is required to take part in regular clinical, wilderness, and drug and alcohol treatment trainings.
- An intensive treatment team consultation takes place for each child prior to the expedition. A team of therapists takes an in-depth look at the information provided by parents and discusses various approaches and techniques to support the participant while on the expedition.
- We operate under permits issued by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Each trip itinerary is filed with these respective agencies.
- We have detailed evacuation plans in place and they are reviewed with each staff team as they prepare for the expedition.
- Each expedition carries a satellite phone and other field communication technology, which gives them access to logistical and emergency support.
- Our field staff members have access to a medical consultant (via satellite phone) who provides expert medical advice and recommendations.
- In the majority of our expedition areas, we maintain a network of support people that can provide assistance when, for whatever reason, a child needs to be removed from an expedition. In addition, if a situation dictates, we will immediately call in local agencies to provide support.
- We allow your child time to become accustomed to the backpack and the physical activity at the beginning of each expedition. The first day in the field involves minimal hiking and is skills based. This day focuses on training your child how to set-up camp, use cooking equipment, learn proper wilderness hygiene techniques, and to care for their gear. When a group begins backpacking, we take it slow, allowing the group to become accustomed to the backpack and the new level of physical activity.