Risk Management at Camp Summit
At Camp Summit, safety and risk management are at the forefront of everything we do. Our approach prioritizes minimizing real risks—those with potential for actual harm—while thoughtfully incorporating perceived risks——those that feel risky but are carefully controlled—to foster personal growth and development in our participants. For example, rock climbing may seem highly dangerous, but with our skilled staff, rigorous safety procedures, top-quality, well-maintained equipment, and age-appropriate educational tools, real risks are minimized, enabling students to face challenges, build new skills, and gain confidence in a safe environment. This balance of safety and growth is the cornerstone of our philosophy at Summit.
To ensure the highest safety standards, we hire qualified and experienced, implement detailed risk management protocols, and use top quality equipment that are regularly inspected by 3rd party industry professionals. Additionally, we stay actively involved with the British Columbia Camps Association (BCCA), Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and the Wilderness Risk Managers Society (NOLS) to remain informed about the latest industry practices in risk management. The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority, and we could not maintain a successful program with so many returning schools and campers if this were not the case.
Having worked with thousands of students and most of the major schools in the Lower Mainland, we confidently believe that the benefits of participating in outdoor education at Camp Summit far outweigh the risks. We hope you will agree and allow your students the opportunity for personal growth and community building that comes from their time at Summit.
As part of our commitment to transparency, we require parents to complete a Summit Acknowledgement of Risk form. This form is not intended to alarm you or imply that we take safety lightly but to recognize that inherent risks exist in outdoor activities. Similar forms are standard for activities like ski lessons, gymnastics, and sports camps.
If you have any questions or concerns about safety or the acknowledgment form, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to provide reassurance and ensure you feel confident about your child’s time with us at Camp Summit.
