Pre-Trip Resources

Developing Interest and Support for the Program
With any undertaking such as this, you will soon realize that it's difficult to "do it all yourself" and that a higher quality program results when more people are involved and "buy in" to the project. Also, with the school system and many youth groups, there is a definite hierarchy of whom you may require support and approval before the project can go ahead. Some people to get involved with early in the process and items to discuss with them include:

• Principal/ Board President - (timing, staff commitment, program goals)
• Staff/ Volunteer Leaders - (people's strengths, subject integration, program goals,    jobs to be done)
• Parents - (program goals and possibilities, safety, site, parent involvement)
• Participants - (program goals and possibilities, participant involvement)

You may wish to send a questionnaire home to parents to establish interest and support. You may also wish to put together a committee of interested and involved individuals to help coordinate the program.


Developing Goals and Objectives
An essential first step to ensure that your group has a positive experience at YoWoChAs is to establish what your goals and objectives are - what do you want the participants to get out of the visit? Below are some questions that may help to clarify your expectations:

• Why are you bringing the group out?
• What is the main emphasis or goal of the experience?
• What do you want the participants to gain from their visit, in terms of:
   • Outdoor recreational skills?
   • Outdoor living skills?
   • Environmental awareness or learning?
   • Interpersonal skills and development?
   • Growth in self-esteem?
   • Leadership experiences?
   • Arts, crafts or drama?
   • Fun?
• Would your goals and objectives be better served by staying inside (Package # 1) or camping out (Package # 2).
• What types of activities best meet these objectives?

Budget

Expenses
Some things you may want to consider when developing a budget for the program include:

• Centre costs
• Transportation costs
• Food costs if Package # 2 (camping out)
• Extra snacks, juice, etc. for participants
• Extra funds to cover volunteer and leader costs
• Extra funds to reduce participant fees.

Revenue
• What portion of the cost will come from:
• Direct costs to participants?
• Outdoor education budget?
• Fund raising?