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Teacher & Parent Information

Please click on the following link for details on our polices, procedures and protocols.
ELA Program & Parent Information

We are proud of our record, having started and run 2 large licensed programs since 1988 – BVSD School Age Child Care (still in operation) and CU Science Discovery Wilderness Camps (22 years) – Wilderness Journeys through Experiential Learning Associates now provides trip expertise to schools.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE
We are in this adventure together. You will be called upon for information, support and feedback. Our intent is to inform and update you on any topic deemed relevant to your child’s safety and well-being while under our care.

SAFETY
Safe travel and your child’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual safety share the number ONE spot on our list. We will not compromise safety for any reason. Many of our staff are parents themselves. We do what we do because we believe in the power of the natural world to offer life-changing educational and personal experiences. Safety is our number one priority – ALWAYS.

HOW DO YOU TRANSPORT STUDENTS?
We will work with schools to provide transportation in parent vehicles or school vans. We understand the risks associated with van travel and work at the highest level to mitigate the risks. Regardless, our staff hold a stellar driving record, abide by all speed limits and always err on the side of prudence. We understand fully the dangers associated with van travel and do not underestimate the fact that this activity will be THE most dangerous thing we undertake during the trip.

WHAT IS YOUR SAFETY RECORD?
We began running these trips in 1989. To date we have had zero accidents. Our intention is to maintain that record.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATIONS and EMERGENCY CARE
At least one instructor will hold a current Wilderness First Responder certificate and all of our staff are CPR and first aid certified. We will provide you with information on the nearest medical facilities to the trip’s location.

WHO ARE YOUR STAFF?
Our mature staff have been working in the field of education for decades. We hire dynamic, fun and professional instructors who we know personally. All of our current staff have worked with us for many years. Some were students with us on past trips. Some of our former students may be staff on our trips this summer! They are our friends and colleagues who are dedicated to your child’s safety (first) and invested in offering students a high quality educational experience!

WHAT ABOUT BACKGROUND CHECKS?
All of our staff are background checked, fingerprinted and come with high recommendations. Because of our knowledge with running licensed trip camps we adhere to Colorado Department of Human Services Licensing guidelines which includes strict guidelines regarding food handling, health and safety.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD AND SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
We welcome students who are gluten free or have special dietary needs. We’ll ask for your input and suggestions on menu items. We may suggest your child bring special snacks. We may request a small additional fee or suggest that parents send specific foods for students.

WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRIP?
Sleeping bag, 2 or 3 person tent with rain fly and ground cloth, personal clothing for camping and being outdoors, rain jacket and rain pants, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, appropriate footwear for hiking, head lamp, personal hygiene items. A gear list will be provided.

WHAT DOES ELA PROVIDE?
We will provide expert instruction, age appropriate guidance, care for your child’s needs, food, group gear, kitchen gear and stoves. We will also have extra sleeping bags, tents and extra clothing.

WHAT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY
We appreciate the amazing ways technology has changed our lives. Our staff will certainly have technology in the form of cell phones, GPS and a satellite phone. We would greatly appreciate it if your child would leave their cell phone home and let the communication be up to the staff. That being said, we understand the need for you to know that your child can contact you, should the need arise.

Our policy is to provide as tech-free of an experience as possible. If a child becomes homesick we can provide an appropriate time to contact home. So if your child must have a cell phone, we will store it in a secure place during the trip, but we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. Plenty of picture taking opportunities will be afforded, if that’s their only camera, as we encourage students to document their experience. With your help parents, we intend to accommodate some technology as appropriate. We request that you discuss with your child that texting, listening to music through ear buds and general cell phone use will not be allowed and to respect the parameters of appropriate cell phone use as set by staff.

Camera’s can be sent. We will also take photos. We CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE for lost or stolen equipment.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE MY CHILD IS EACH DAY?
An itinerary will be provided.

WHERE DO THE TRIPS DEPART AND RETURN
We will depart and return to your child’s school.