Local Resources
AdventureSmart: Hug a Tree and Survive
AdventureSmart Program: www.adventuresmart.ca
Hug-a-Tree and Survive is an RCMP / Search and Rescue initiative that helps lost children survive in the woods. This proactive, preventative program originated in San Diego, CA, after a nine-year-old boy became lost and tragically died in the wilderness.
A core program under the AdventureSmart banner, Hug-a-Tree and Survive teaches children invaluable outdoor survival lessons, including:
- Preventive steps
- Basics to carry
- What the authorities do to try to find you
- What to do once you know you are lost
- How to help searchers find you
This program is usually presented in about an hour, and depending on the group, can include covering the above information and the 10 Essential Items. This program can also be used as the foundation for a more extensive program such as a “Search and Rescue Camp” theme, and addresses many requirements of the Trailcraft badge (Cub Scouts). Due to the experience of the Scouters trained to facilitate this program, the program can be adapted for all ages from Beavers to Rovers.
To arrange a presentation for your group, please contact adventuresmart@victoriascouts.ca.
The presentation includes a video; therefore, a location with electrical outlets is required. At least two weeks’ notice is required to facilitate ordering of supplies.
Westcoast Taekwon-Do
We are a martial arts school in Victoria. We were wondering if we could come and do a demonstration for the scouts? We generally do these on Thursday evenings.
Our school tries to focus on self-discipline and public safety. One of our Black Belts would come in, do a demo, and talk about both of these martial arts goals. Any age group is awesome, and we could even mix them.
If you are interested, please call me in the evenings on weekdays at 250-727-7766, or email me.
Thanks so much for your time,
Meaghan
Westcoast Taekwon-Do
250-727-7766
Bird Houses
I have free information about bird houses/nest boxs, and hole sizes. I am also avail to do work shops and work with leaders. My main interest is violet green swallows as they eat only flying insects, ( mosquitoes).Malcolm and Christina Rodin
Home # 727-2665
swallows@shaw.ca
Orienteering
The Victoria Orienteering Club is hosting a number of low-cost orienteering training sessions specifically aimed at youth groups, to happen between Feb-Apr. 2012. This initiative is intended to introduce more youth to the sport of orienteering and give them an opportunity try out a beginner course in a fun, friendly, environment.
Participants in the training clinics are invited to attend a special Junior Orienteering Event to be conducted at Royal Roads University on Sunday 8 April. This event is will coincide with the Lower Vancouver Island Orienteering Championships for Cadet groups, but will now have a much larger field of youth participants.
A bulletin with more details on the clinics and the contact information is attached. If you would like to distribute either the bulletin or this e-mail to your individual leaders that would be great. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. As we have limited spots available, youth groups will be accommodated at these training sessions on a first-come-first-served basis.
Thank-you,
Marie Burgess
Victoria Orienteering Club Youth Development Program Coordinator
www.orienteeringbc.ca/vico/
New Mountain Centre at Mount Washington
We wanted to make sure you were aware of the new Vancouver Island Mountain Centre located at Mount Washington, BC. It offers new opportunities for many different types of groups by providing access to dorm style Group Accommodation, Meeting Rooms, and a public Fitness Centre all under one roof. We thought this might be a perfect facility for Scout groups.
The V.I. Mountain Centre is a non profit organization, open year round and rates are super affordable. The V.I. Mountain Centre is located across from Raven Lodge at the Mount Washington Nordic area (also right next to Strathcona Provincial Park) and offers a perfect base for outdoor adventures.
Accommodation
The Mountain Centre has 10 rooms, accommodating up to 40 people. Each room consists of 2 sets of bunk beds (except the family room which has 4 single beds) with wall hooks and clothing storage space. All linen (duvet, pillows, sheet sets) are provided and WiFi is free.
Meals
The large dining room with deck overlooks Strathcona Park and the Beaufort Mountain range. The double kitchen (two fridges, two stoves, two dishwashers, you get the idea!) is ideal for preparing your own meals as a team. Raven Lodge (across from the Mountain Centre) offers full catering services by Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Meetings
In addition to the large dining/lounge area, there is another small meeting room upstairs and a lounge area downstairs. There is also a Massage room and Masseuse available for reservations.
Outdoor Programs
Full and Half day programming is offered by experienced Mountain Centre staff: Wilderness Skills, Environmental Education. Team Building. Plus Mount Washington Alpine Resort offers many other activities including alpine skiing and cross country skiing and mountain biking.
Groups who have enjoyed the Mountain Centre:
SKI CLUBS, COACHING CLINICS, AVALANCHE TRAINING, AIR CADETS, SCHOOL GROUPS, RETREATS – CORPORATE, FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, YOGA, CYCLING CLUB, YETI SNOWSHOE RACE
EMAIL: info@vimountaincentre.com
PHONE: 250-331-9355
WEB: VIMountainCentre.com
If you would like to book the V.I. Mountain Centre, please contact us. If you are at Mount Washington, we would be happy to show you around our new facilities. Attached document includes some photos of the new Mountain Centre too.
