Don’t forget to change your clocks in November for daylight savings. Fall back ... spring forward! Speaking of falling...

Who doesn’t like an adventure?

Recently my husband and I were musing that most of the television shows we have been watching are reality shows that involve some form of adventure, the Amazing Race, Strong as Nails, Ninja Warrior, Forged in Fire, or Alone.
As much as we enjoy the television shows, there is no way we would sign up to be a contestant. We both tend to be “moderate risk” people.

You can imagine our surprise when our youngest child told us that she was going to go bungee jumping over the Victoria Falls while in Zambia. In truth, she didn’t tell me, she told her father. After the fact, she gave me a copy of the Informed Consent she signed prior to the jump.
The activity is advertised as a 111-meter-high (364 feet) dive off the Victoria Falls bridge, located between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Advertisements for the activity stipulate you must be 14 years of age or older and not weigh more than 120 kg. In order to provide some peace of mind, ankle and body harnesses are attached separately to the jumpers, and, after jumping, clients are winched back onto the bridge. During rainy season (which is 6 months of the year), the jump may be slightly delayed as they want the ropes dry prior to the jump.
On Dec. 31, 2011 (just months after my daughter took on the adventure), Australian tourist, Erin Langworthy, became one of thousands of people to try bungee-jumping off the bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. The sheer gravitational pleasure, followed by a gut-wrenching jerk just feet above the rapids below ended in disaster for Erin. Her bungee cord broke and she fell into the Zambezi, which, in its quieter areas, is infested with crocodiles.
Adventures similar to this are often popular off-site trips for youth groups. Obviously bungee jumping attracts thrill seekers seeking a rush, but so do activities that involve ATV’s, white water rafting, rock climbing, etc. For Erin Langworthy, her great adventure did not end well. Thankfully Erin did not die, however the company did not take any chances, they had Erin sign an Informed Letter of Consent notifying her that there was a risk of severe injuries that could lead to death if she chose to participate in the activity. If she had been part of a tour, mission trip, or youth event, the organization that had arranged for the activity should also have all participants sign an Informed Consent with Release and Waiver, and require parents/guardians to also sign if the student was a minor.
This month we are once again encouraging you to consider high risk activities. Join Charlie Smith-Brake for our Special Interest Webinar called Critical Incident Series - High Risk Activities on November 18th at 12:00 p.m. EST.
FAQ
Question: Should we avoid all high-risk activities and play in our programs?

Answer: When I think of my favourite childhood memories, I think of building forts in the woods, climbing trees, canoeing, ice skating, swimming, sleep-overs, and camping trips. In 2006, H. Little [Children’s Risk-Taking Behaviour: Implications for early childhood policy and practice, International Journal of Early Years Education Vol 14, no.2], stated, “Risk is any behaviour in which there is uncertainty about the outcomes. It involves a consideration of the benefits against the possible undesirable consequences of the behaviour as well as the probability of success or failure.” We believe that risk should be managed, not eliminated or completely avoided. There are benefits to risk. Many
educators and child development professionals encourage Risky Play...

November Safeguarding Tips

Are you or your program leaders planning an
off-site trip?

In the planning stage leading to an off-site or high risk activity, follow these ten steps to mitigate risk of injury, harm and abuse:

  1. Visit the location prior to the event to identify the risks.
  2. Review your organization’s policies and procedures for off-site and high risk activities.
  3. Conduct an online Plan to Protect® Event Risk Assessment and submit the results to leadership.
  4. Secure written permission from your leadership or Board to proceed.
  5. Consult your insurance company to ensure you have appropriate coverage for the activity.
  6. Prepare an Informed Letter of Consent for parental permission (have your safeguarding team approve the form).
  7. Provide parents and participants time to carefully consider the risks associated with the event.
  8. Adjust your ratios for elevated supervision.
  9. Recruit experienced, screened, and trained personnel to meet the needed ratios.
  10. Enjoy the adventure!

Check out Our Training in November!
Don't miss out on our special Orientation Training specifically modified for
Board Members and Trustees!
December 2, 2021
7:30pm-9:00pm Eastern Time

This training is modified for Board Members and Trustees and meets the requirement of insurance companies for initial and refresher training.

for details and registration.
November 16, 2021
12:30pm-1:00pm Eastern Time

This is a complimentary webinar. Register to participate LIVE with Q&A time, or to receive access to an instant replay.

for details and registration.
Special Interest: Critical Incident Series -
High Risk Activities
November 18, 2021 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
You're planning something new, how do you assess and mitigate the risks? In this Special Interest Webinar, Charlie Smith-Brake, Plan to Protect® Director of Policy, Consulting and Communications, talks through the development of a risk assessment and mitigation plan and how to maintain situational awareness, specifically with an eye to missions or volunteer trips overseas.
Note: This workshop's content is intended to be directly useful and applicable to staff and volunteers as well as to organization leaders.
November 18, 2021
8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time

This webinar is great for individuals and groups who need to be refreshed in Plan to Protect® policies and procedures.

for details and registration.
November 20, 2021
1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time

Join us for this 2 hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse and so much more!

for details and registration.
November 23, 2021
8:00pm - 9:00pm Eastern Time

A one-hour seminar designed to raise the awareness of Elder Abuse. During this community event, we will learn what Elder Abuse is, how to recognize and respond to it, and valuable strategies to prevent Elder Abuse from happening. Everyone is welcome! Let's plan to protect!

for details and registration.
Calling all Board members!

If you are not a member of Plan to Protect® you are missing out having Plan to Protect® as a phone number to call when a crisis occurs. Our members receive emails and phone call customer service and support, help with the review and update of policies, the development of policies, and policy audits.
Become a member in November
and receive two additional months free.

to become a member today.
November Special!
Are you missing a section in your policies
and procedures for high-risk activities?
Are you missing a section in your policies and procedures for high-risk activities? During the month of November, reach out to our Policy and Consulting department for a review and update of your safeguarding protocols as it relates to high-risk activities.

During the month of November, schedule a 45 minute consulting call and receive a 25% discount off our hourly consultancy rate.
Click Here to schedule.
Note: No additional discounts apply.