Pre-Trip Resources

Program Considerations

• Planning the Program - The actual program will be developed with the assistance of YoWoChAs staff to meet your goals.

• Grouping Participants - We recommend dividing the participants into program groups and sleeping groups. We find that program groups of eight to fifteen participants work out the best.

• Program Rotations - We find that approximately 1 1/4 hour long rotations work well with most of our programs. It is also a good idea to allow a short break in between sessions for reorganization, clothing changes and bathroom breaks.

• Free Time - Participants need some free time to socialize and relax - they will get unruly if they don't have it. It works well to have options (sports, fishing, reading room, etc.) so that they are not just hanging loose.

• Logbooks - Journals make for good quiet time activities and provide an opportunity for integration of the YoWoChAs experience into the school/group curriculum.

• Bedtime - A reasonable time for the participants to be in bed and a lights out/quiet time should be established. Be aware that campers are usually full of energy the first night.

• Foul Weather Options - Some thought and preparation should be given to program backups in case of very poor weather conditions. In most cases, our programs go ahead in rain or colder weather as long as the safety and comfort of the participants is not affected. YoWoChAs staff can assist with "rainy-day" programming.

• Campfires - One of our specialties at YoWoChAs is leading great evening campfire programs. If your school has a music program, perhaps campers could learn a few songs before the trip. Short skits also make campfire programs fun and can be prepared ahead of time or at camp.

• Special Group Activities - Programs that get your whole group involved together can be a great energizer at the beginning or end of programs or during the evening.

• Emergency Vehicles - Your group should bring at least one vehicle which will be on site for the duration of your program.

• Getting the Program Started - It works well to have a session of games with the entire group after an orientation and a site tour. This gets rid of some of the energy stored on trip to YoWoChAs and gets everybody laughing!

• After supper is another good time for a wide game or group outdoor activity. Again, it's effective in getting rid of some energy stored from supper (which would be otherwise vented on each other or the buildings at bedtime!).

• Breaks 15 minutes between sessions are recommended for bathroom breaks and clothing changes.

• Morning Swims - From early May to October, we can offer an optional polar bear swim, perhaps in conjunction with the sauna before breakfast.

Program Planning With YoWoChAs Staff

During you planning session at YoWoChAs, we will be doing a whole bunch of stuff. Our normal agenda is as follows:

• Discussion of trip goals
• Site tour
• Choosing activities which best suit the goals
• Establishing a schedule
• Hashing out logistics - who teaches what?
• Any training needed
• YoWoChAs procedures
• Do you need any more help, have any questions?