SNOWSHOEING – Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 from 9:00am to 2:00 pm,

Dear Parents and guardians!

On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, our class will be taking a snow shoeing field trip to Seymour Mountain in North Vancouver. This field trip provides an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and experience a different part of nature, right here in our own back yard!

As an outdoor educator, I have many years’ experience taking students, grades 4 to 12, outside and know that these opportunities provide valuable experiential learning. Students develop outdoor skills such as trip preparedness, personal and group repsonsiblility, and physical endurance, while gaining an appreciation for the environment!

This year, I plan to take our group to Seymour Mountain where we will travel on the Dog Mountain trail to First Lake. This is not a long hike but it is rigourus enough to keep a sustained, higher heart rate. In otherwords, we will all kick up a good sweat! After a short lunch, we will return on the same trail. The hike each way should take us about 30-45min; we will be returning on a 1pm school bus and expect to be back at Maywood by 2pm.

Students will need to come prepared with a packed lunch and proper attire. Please see the attached form for details.

Because of the other field trips and special year-end activities this year, the cost to cover travel fees will be $13 per student. Curriculum competencies and other Learning Standards will be met through this activity, and as this outdoor excursion is part of our Physical Education program, all students are expected to attend.

If you any questions or concerns, you may reach me by phone, email, or in person at the school. I am happy to assist in any way that I can. If there are any items on the list that your child does not have or you cannot acquire/borrow, please let me know in advance so that we can help you look for alternatives.

Finally, I am looking for about 3 parent volunteers to be Trail Chaperones. As a Trail Chaperone, you are asked to walk the trail with us so that we can spread a few adults out along our snowshoe train! If you are able to join us this exciting day, please let me know! Snowshoes will be provided.

 

What to bring:

Proper clothing – THINK LAYERS!

  • Outer layers:
    • Outer shell/coat to protect against rain or snow
    • Rain (or snow) pants
    • Light gloves and toque
    • Snow boots or sturdy hiking boots
  • Inner Layers:
    • Long-johns, thermal underwear or fleece pants. Think warm and flexible!
    • Wool socks (Not cotton. When wet it becomes very cold).
    • Depending on coat, 2-3 top layers. Preferred: thermal long sleeve shirt (thin), one that wicks away the sweat; a warmer middle/top layer (thick) – polar fleece, wool sweater, thick/warm hoodie, etc to fit under the outer shell (thinner if wearing a winter coat).

NOTE: This activity will make us sweat! If you over-dress or get too warm during the walk, you will likely want to shed a layer. YOU WILL NEED TO CARRY WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO WEAR.

  • A small backpack to carry lunch, water, and extra clothing.
  • A camera/cell phone for photos is allowed.

 

Erica Koltenuk greets the sun by jumping for joy while showshoeing in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.

 

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