Dear Peer Leadership Participant, Parent/Guardians and Family,

What is Outward Bound? Our mission is to conduct safe, adventure-based courses structured to encourage growth and discovery, and to inspire leadership, confidence, self-reliance, compassion and care for the environment. The heart of the Outward Bound experience is learning by doing. Peer Leadership programs offer youth an opportunity to develop leadership capabilities and take them back to their communities. Utilizing a variety of outdoor activities as vehicles for learning, groups encounter unfamiliar settings, equipped with the necessary tools for solving problems and achieving success. Outward Bound expeditions encourage youth to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem- solving skills in an exciting and challenging outdoor environment.

What is a Backpacking Expedition? You or your child will be part of a team from your school comprised of 11 students, 1 teacher, and 2 professionally trained Outward Bound instructors. Your team will hike along portions of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You will experience rock climbing, map and compass navigation, environmental ethics, emotional and physical challenges, and team leadership skill development.

Can I talk to my family while on course? To maximize group cohesiveness and energy, we require that all participants refrain from calling or receiving calls from home during their time on expedition. Each instructor is equipped with a cell phone, linking those in the field with our office staff - 24 hours a day. In the case of an EMERGENCY at home, parents may call the Course Director in at 267-809-0595. Parents or guardians will be notified immediately if a situation occurs while students are on the course.

Who are my child’s instructors? Accompanying participants on these five-day expeditions are two highly trained Outward Bound Instructors. Our instructors come from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and around the country. We require our instructors to carry certifications in First Aid and CPR, and at least one is a Wilderness First Responder – a high level of wilderness medical training. In addition, all of our staff have been screened and cleared by the national FBI criminal record database, local police databases, and State police. Safety for your child and for our staff is among our highest priorities.

What paperwork is required? Accompanying this letter is the 2 page Medical Form and Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form. In order to participate, BOTH forms needs to be fully completed, signed, and returned to your school contact on time. Outward Bound’s screening process is thorough and rigorous in order to ensure the safety of our participants. Our Medical Screener may need to contact you for clarification or to request additional information.

When and where do I pick up my child at the end of the course? Course will end with a special graduation ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School in East (directions are below). Please join us to celebrate your child’s accomplishments! RSVP to me at the number below. If you are unable to attend, your child will be brought to their school by 3:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 215-232-9130 x8929. We are excited about your upcoming Outward Bound adventure!

Sincerely,

Aisha Burrell Admissions Coordinator and Medical Screener East Fairmount Park | 3250 West Sedgeley Drive Philadelphia PA 19130

WHAT TO BRING

Our clothing list reflects the importance of the layering principle. Dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Wool and synthetics (polypropylene or fleece) retain much of their insulating ability when wet. PACKING LIST: ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING: You must bring these personal items. □ 1-2 pairs of quick drying “basketball” shorts (NO jean shorts, sweat shorts, or short shorts) □ 1-2 short sleeve shirts (these can be cotton. Please, no inappropriate images or wording) □ 1-2 long sleeve shirts (non-cotton is best) □ 1-2 pairs of pants (nylon track pants, or fleece pants NO COTTON) □ 3-4 pairs of underwear □ 1 pair of comfortable sneakers or boots □ toothbrush and toothpaste □ personal hygiene items for women □ extra glasses/contacts with appropriate cases, solution, and other needs □ personal medication (to be given to instructors at course start) □ small hand-held flashlight or outdoor head lamp. □ bandana or scarf

ITEMS WE CAN PROVIDE: Bring your own if you have them, but instructors may advise you to use school gear. □ 2-3 pairs of wool or synthetic socks □ 1 set, top and bottom, synthetic long underwear (NO COTTON or 50/50 Blend) □ 1 sweater - fleece, wool, or pile □ 1 warm hat - fleece, wool, or synthetic □ 1 pair of gloves or mittens □ 1 pair of hiking boots

OPTIONAL ITEMS: OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING: These items are not required, but may be allowed on course by the instructors. □ baseball hat or visor □ sunglasses □ small bottle of sunscreen (at least spf 15) □ unscented lotion □ insect repellent (non-aerosol) □ disposable camera (with waterproof case) □ small notebook and pen □ small pack of unscented baby wipes

ITEMS NOT TO BRING: □ JEWELRY OR OTHER VALUABLES □ KNIVES □ BOOKS/MAGAZINES/PLAYING CARDS □ ELECTRONICS – PHONES/IPODS/VIDEO GAMES □ CANDY OR SNACKS □ SOAP OR SHAMPOO

ALL STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE: *RAIN GEAR * FOOD *WATER BOTTLE *SLEEPING BAG *CUP/BOWN/SPOON *SHELTER (TENT/TARP) *SLEEPING MAT *BACKPACK *ALL SAFETY RELATED GEAR

Weather You can expect the weather in the Mid-Atlantic region to be warm and pleasant from early spring through late fall. The summers can be humid with average temperatures ranging from the 60-95 degrees F. The spring and fall are milder with average lows 40-60 degrees F. While canoeing, the water temperature ranges from the 40-55 degrees F. Frosts can occurs at any time. Rainfall averages 3-4 inches per month with possible thunderstorms.

Medication Prescription medications must be approved by the Medical Screener before the program start. We recommend that you bring double the amount of medication needed for the number of days you will be on course. Please bring medications in the original prescription bottles as they are provided by the pharmacy.

YOU MUST BRING AN INHALER IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA. Even if you have not used your inhaler in years, you should still bring it.

Glasses & Contacts If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a spare set, if possible. Even if you only wear glasses for reading, please bring them for use in map and chart reading. Glasses should be held on with a strap.

For Women While you are on course your activities and environment may cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Plan accordingly. Please bring whatever hygiene products you normally use at home.

Alcohol, Drugs & Tobacco In keeping with legal, safety, health and ethical considerations, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are not allowed on our programs. Use of any of these may result in removal from the course.

CONTACT US If you have any questions about information in this packet, you may contact us during business hours or by email.

Erica Morey, Student Services x8932 Aisha Burrell, Admissions Coordinator x8929 (215) 232‐9130 [email protected]

EMERGENCIES

Please understand that you will not be able to speak with students while they are on course. If you have questions, concerns, please call our office during business hours. If there is a family emergency during the expedition, please call the Course Director: (267) 809‐0595.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL WE EAT? While on course, you will be eating nutritious and portable food –grains, pasta, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and nuts –selected to meet high-energy demands for your program. Typical meals include burritos, macaroni and cheese, and tuna sandwiches. The diet may differ from what you are accustomed to at home. To prepare, we suggest you cut down on soft drinks, coffee, and junk food.

HOW WILL I STAY CLEAN?

We are very aware of basic sanitation standards. You will wash your hands regularly and learn tricks of the trade to staying clean even though you will not be able to shower. Deodorant is allowed but use sparingly as it has a tendency to irritate skin when not washed off regularly and the scent attracts many unwanted insects and animals. Personal soap is not necessary as we provide all you will need.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

The course will continue regardless of weather. Instructors will teach student basic safety precautions and protocols.

WHO ARE OUR INSTRUCTORS?

Outward Bound instructors are highly skilled and experienced outdoor educators, thoroughly trained in the latest instructional and safety management practices. Above all, you will find your instructors to be compassionate, sensitive, and ready to make your course a life-shaping experience. There will be 2 instructors with your group. We require our Instructors to carry certifications in First Aid and CPR, and at least one is a Wilderness First Responder – a high level of wilderness medical training. In addition, all of our staff have been screened and cleared by the national FBI criminal record database, local police databases, and State police. Safety for your child and for our staff is among our highest priorities.

DO I NEED MONEY?

You will only need money to pay for lost or broken gear. $15-$20 should suffice. Money as well as other valuable items will be safely secured at the Outward Bound base while students are on course.

CAN I BRING MY CELL PHONE?

Students may NOT bring cell phones or other electronic equipment on course. Each instructor is equipped with an emergency phone. Students will not be allowed to place or receive calls during the course.

IS IT SAFE?

Outward Bound has an excellent safety record and the safety of our participants is a priority. We invest considerable time and resources in training our staff and reviewing our programs to ensure that they meet high standards of safety and quality. The accuracy of the information you provide on medical forms is a safety essential. Families will be notified immediately in the case of an emergency.

DIRECTIONS

Philadelphia Outward Bound School 3250 West Sedgley Drive Sedgley Porter House – East Fairmount Park Philadelphia, PA 19130

From I-95 (North or South):

• Take Rt. 676 West towards Center City/Valley Forge • Merge onto Rt. 76 West towards Valley Forge • Take Exit #342 for / • At top of exit ramp, turn right onto 33rd Street (Zoo will be on your left after you turn). • Turn right at the light at Girard Avenue and proceed over the Girard Avenue bridge (over the ). • IMMEDIATELY after crossing the bridge, turn right into East Fairmount Park onto West Sedgley Drive. • Proceed up Sedgley Drive to the first stop sign and turn left into Outward Bound’s driveway. • Proceed through the iron gates and park in the lot.

Traveling WEST on Rt. 76W ():

• Take Exit #342 for Girard Avenue/Philadelphia Zoo. • At top of exit ramp, turn right onto 33rd Street (Zoo will be on your left after you turn). • Turn right at the light at Girard Avenue and proceed over the Girard Avenue bridge (over the Schuylkill River). • IMMEDIATELY after crossing the bridge, turn right into East Fairmount Park onto West Sedgley Drive. • Proceed up Sedgley Drive and turn LEFT at the first stop sign into Outward Bound’s driveway. • Proceed through the iron gates and park in the lot.

Traveling EAST on Rt. 76E (Schuylkill Expressway):

• Exit #342 for Girard Avenue/Philadelphia Zoo. • At top of exit ramp, turn LEFT onto Girard Avenue (Zoo will be on your right after you turn). • Continue on Girard Avenue and proceed over the Girard Avenue bridge (over the Schuylkill River). • IMMEDIATELY after crossing the bridge, turn right into East Fairmount Park onto West Sedgley Drive. • Proceed up Sedgley Drive and turn LEFT at the first stop sign into Outward Bound’s driveway. • Proceed through the iron gates and park in the lot.

Septa

• Trolley #15 or Bus #32

MAP

 = Philadelphia Outward Bound School