Local garbage and recycling programs do not have a regular pick-up at our site so everyone, including the staff, takes their own garbage and recycling back home. Compost is always available. The visiting teacher is asked to bring extra drinking water.
Outdoor Education
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board operates four outdoor education centres: Warsaw near Peterborough County, Goodrich Loomis near Brighton, Wilmot Creek near Orono and the Laurie Lawson near Cobourg.
The Board has taken a leadership role in promoting environmental education, environmental safety and a positive environmental ethic. At these outdoor education centres, KPR students learn environmental stewardship and obtain hands-on experience in environmental studies.
The Outdoor Education program provides students and teachers with the opportunity for outdoor experiences that enrich the existing curriculum and support a positive environmental ethic. A qualified naturalist, in co-operation with the teacher, encourages hands-on exploration and discovery at each of KPR's Outdoor Education Centres.
Questions about the individual centres or programs can be directed to the appropriate Naturalist. Please use the links in the menu to the right.
Why are we asked to pack a garbage-less lunch?
Our programs continue as planned outdoors, rain or shine. Please be prepared for the weather. Safety
concerns such as thunder/lightening or extreme high winds are conditions that would send us indoors.
What are the supervision ratios?
A trip to the outdoor education centre is an out-of-classroom experience like any other and the
supervision guidelines listed in the Program Safety Manual: Out of Classroom Programs are in effect. It is
the responsibility of the principal to ensure that the minimum supervision ratios have been met prior to
departure. The naturalist must not be included when calculating the supervision ratio. This will ensure a
safe and enjoyable experience for the students, the teacher and the naturalist. All volunteers must meet
the requirements of the board policy on volunteers (B-7.2). Minimum Supervision ratios are as follows:
| Kindergarten | 1 Adult: 4 Children |
| Grade 1 | 1 Adult: 7 Children |
| Grade 2-6 | 1 Adult: 10 Children |
| Grade 7+ | 1 Adult: 15 students, min. of 2 Adults |
If a class arrives at the centre without the required supervision ratio in place, the naturalist must contact
the school to request additional supervision. If the school is unable to comply with that request within a
reasonable amount of time, the school will be asked to arrange for busing and the class must be
returned to school. Younger siblings or children that a volunteer is babysitting, may not attend with the
class.
What clothing/personal gear should school groups bring?
Being preparing for all conditions in all seasons is advised as the weather can change quickly.
• Hat – protection from the sun and, at times, from biting insects and the cold; winter – toques,
scarves and/or hoods will greatly enhance body heat conservation;
• Sunscreen & sunglasses;
• Socks - synthetic or wool blend (wet cotton provides poor insulation and takes a long time to
dry);
• Footwear - sturdy, closed (i.e. sandals and “crocs” are poor choices); winter – insulated boots
with extra toe room;
• Jacket – protection from wind, rain and cold; winter – 2 pair of mitts with enough material to
protect wrists (gloves can’t keep heat as well as mitts);
• Extra shirt, pants, socks, footwear and a bag for wet clothes;
• Bug repellent – protection from ticks, etc.;
Following the 5 L’s is recommended:
1. Light-weight (quick to dry)
2. Light-coloured (less attractive to ticks and biting insects and less absorption of sun’s rays on hot
days)
3. Loose-fitting (greater comfort during frequent physical activities)
4. Layered (apply or shed pieces of clothing according to the temperature)
5. Long-sleeved and Legged (protection from sun, ticks and biting insects, poison ivy, stinging
nettle, etc.)