Cascades Adventures

OregonStateUniversity – Cascades

OSU-Cascades Campus

Cascades Hall

2600 NW College Way

Bend, OR97701

An outings program housed under the department of student development and funded by the OSU-Cascades

Student Fee Committee & ASCOCC Student Government.

The following policies and procedures established

05/31/2007, have been reviewed and approved:

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Introduction

Who we are…

Cascades Adventures is a student organization housed under the Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Tourism program at OSU-Cascades Campus. Cascades Adventures is designed for two primary purposes: 1) to meet the professional development needs of students who intend to pursue careers in the outdoor recreation industry, while 2) creating opportunities for the general student, faculty and staff populations at OSU-Cascades and CentralOregonCommunity College to meet each other, learn safe outdoor practices, and enjoy the outdoors.

What we do…

Cascades Adventures consists of several arms that will expand as the campus community expands. Initially, the program includes:

  • Professional Development through Outdoor Trainings & Programs
  • Recreational Outings for Students, Faculty and Staff at OSU-Cascades and COCC
  • Custom Outings and facilitation for groups within campus community
  • Workshops and evening trainings for those interested in learningpracticing specific skills.
  • Instruction in outdoor activities

How we do it…

Cascades Adventures is funded through student incidental fees at OSU-Cascades and COCC, as well as through additional fundraising activities. The Cascades Adventures program is open to students, faculty and staff at OSU-Cascades Campus and Central Oregon Community College.

Cascades Adventures

General Program Policies

General Policies

Mission Statement (created 10/04):

Cascades Adventures mission is to offer outdoor and adventurous challenges in a positive and sharing community.

Program Philosophy

Challenge By Choice:
Project Adventure developed the philosophy of Challenge by Choice. Challenge by Choice gives each participant a chance to establish the level of challenge they want to face while participating. Challenge by Choice encourages participants to try new things in a supportive and caring environment.

The activities offered through Cascades Adventures possess inherent risks that can not be eliminated, except to severely alter the essence of the outing. Trip leaders are skilled, experienced and trained to manage the potential for risks, but are not able to fully eliminate all potential for risk.

If participants become uncomfortable with the challenge they are faced with they have the option to stop or choose a different level of challenge. All participants should understand this and respect one another’s choices. Trip Instructors should try and recognize participants’ comfort levels and both challenge and support them in their choices. Trip leaders, in their trip plans, will address the appropriate levels necessary for participation. Participants are expected to honestly evaluate their skills and level of experience when signing up for outings. As well, trip leaders and Cascades Adventures coordinator will be available to discuss questions for participants.

Full Value Contract:

The concept is that everyone, including his or her opinions and actions needs to be valued and respected by the others in the group. This also includes behaving in a manner that does not compromise another person’s beliefs or values. Trip leaders are trained and experienced in facilitating appropriate discussions, feedback, and instruction in relation to group dynamics and interpersonal relations. The Full Value Contract is utilized to assure cohesive and inclusive experiences.

Eligibility

All OSU-Cascades, and COCC students, faculty and staff are eligible to participate in Cascades Adventures programs.Friends and family of OSU-Cascades and COCC students, staff and faculty are also eligible to participate on outings when trips have available space.The Cascades Adventures Coordinator and trip leaders reserve the right to limit participation due to skill levels. Some trips and outings may be organized specifically for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of participants. Cascades Adventures is open to serving special needs populations through a variety of resources.

Registration

Spaces on trips are often limited due to regulations that stipulate maximum group size for backcountry travel. For this reason students are encouraged to register for trips they are interested in as soon as possible. Waiting lists will be created as needed for trips and workshops. A trip leader will contact waitlisted students if a space opens. Registration for every outing offered by Cascades Adventures must include 1) an updated medical form and 2) an activity waiver, which outlines the various inherent risks. Upon receiving these documents, trip leaders will give each participant 3) a pre-trip info sheet, which outlines the trip itinerary, meeting locations, and gear necessary for participants to be prepared.

Pre-Trip Meetings

Cascades Adventures trips include a pre-trip meeting which should occur approximately a week prior to the trip. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss trip logistics, planning, equipment, risk management, curriculum, lessons, and other important information that will help make the trip a success. The meeting is mandatory. If for some reason a student is unable to attend, s/he must contact the Cascades Adventures program (trip leader or program coordinator) as soon as possible to discuss options.

Transportation

A OSU-Cascades, COCCor private vehicle may be used to transport students to and from program sites. Private vehicle transportation liabilities are addressed in the liability waiver the students must sign to participate in an outing. Drivers must have their own insurance and must be certified to drive before operating any OSU-Cascadesor COCC vehicle.

Equipment

Students are responsible for providing their own individual equipment. Group gear will be provided by Cascades Adventures based on availability. Trip leaderswill identify what gear is group vs. individual and communicate this responsibility at pre-trip meetings. Cascades Adventures will obtain group gear incrementally through OSU-Cascades and COCC funding; purchasing of equipment will take place on an annual basis and will be preceded by a full gear inventory. All equipment must be used in the presence of a qualified trip leader, and in accordance with the policies of the activity and the plan for the trip. All equipment will be checked for signs of overuse and its use will be logged. All equipment must be retired at appropriate times. Gear logs are kept in the office of the coordinator, who regularly updates the itemized log of each piece of gear. Trip Leaders are required to complete a gear request form for any group equipment and upon returning said equipment will detail the use of items, including but not limited to damage, extraneous wear or loss. Trip leaders are responsible for any and all group gear they checkout from the Cascades Adventures program and will be asked to replace any equipment that damaged unnecessarily or lost.

Gear Rental – Cascades Adventures does not rent any of its gear to individuals or organizations.

Trip Leader Gear Loan – Any qualified trip leader may borrow appropriate gear for a personal outing that incorporates specific skill training. Gear may not be borrowed for other persons, but must be exclusively used by the borrowing trip leader. Trip leaders may only borrow equipment for the activity they are qualified to lead. A Trip Leader Gear Loan (TLGL) form must be completed, which includes a description of the activity, location, intended drop off time, and requested gear. The TLGL form must include a report on the actual use of the gear, which is then kept along with the other gear usage forms. Trip leaders must follow and abide by the policies of the activity as established in this manual when borrowing gear.

Food

OSU-Cascades and Cascades Adventures do not provide food for trips. Therefore, students are responsible for their own food during Cascades Adventures trips. Trip leaders are encouraged to try and arrange group meals at the pre-trip meetings.

Trip Departure

Trips will begin and end at Cascades Hall on the COCC/ OSU-Cascades Campus. Any other arrangements must be made with trip leader and program coordinators permission.

Weather

Cascades Adventures trips generally will occur regardless of weather conditions. If weather conditions do not support the trip (i.e. – no snow for snowshoeing) or compromise the safety of the group, the trip will be cancelled, as determined by the trip leader, and confirmed by the trip coordinator. Trip leaders are expected to consider and plan contingencies, in the case weather thwarts an outing.

Cancellation

Trip leaders may cancel a trip/outing at any point prior to the start/meeting time. The Cascades Adventures coordinator reserves the right to cancel any trip for reasons including, but not exclusive to, weather, lack of appropriate gear, and low group numbers. Participants will be notified as soon as possible by the trip leader or Cascades Adventures coordinator by email and/or phone. Outings may be cancelled as late as the start/meeting time.

Insurance

Students who participate in Cascades Adventures trips do so at their own risk. Insurance is not provided. General student or personal insurance is recommended.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The use of either illegal drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited on all Cascades Adventures trips,particularly during activities. Participants on international trips, conferences, and any event which does not entail the constant immersion in an activity may partake in the customary practices of social activities, as long as no participant is engaged in an activity.

Alcohol and/or illegal substances discovered will result in the loss of future program participation. Trip leadersdo have the right to dispose of prohibited substances (eg. alcohol) if the student signed a waiver at the pre-trip meeting agreeing to be substance free. Trip instructors should never hold anything that is illegal or that could put them, Cascades Adventures,OSU-Cascades or COCC in a compromising situation (ie. confiscating illegal drugs). If a problem arises the trip instructor should cancel the outing and return to campus.

Student Conduct

All students and trip leaders on Cascades Adventures outings are representatives of OSU-Cascades and the Cascades Adventures program. All students and trip leaders are expected to act with courtesy and respect in all situations. A pre-trip form should be signed covering these expectations.

Trip LeaderPolicies

Cascades Adventures trip leaders must meet the criteria set forth in the Cascades Adventures Policies and Procedures Manual. Trip leaders are responsible for maintaining current medical and technical certifications specified for the specialty area.

Student Policies

  • No drugs or alcohol are permitted on Cascades Adventures outings unless otherwise specified. (Please refer to Drug and Alcohol Policy section above.)
  • Students and trip instructors are representatives of OSU-Cascades and will conduct themselves in an appropriate and courteous manner.
  • The nature of Cascades Adventures trips requires individuals to be sensitive and respectful of the diversity of the other students on the trip. As a result, students are asked to conduct themselves in a manner that is courteous and considerate of others. Behavior that is deemed offensive or intrusive will not be permitted.
  • Students whose behaviors compromise the safety and comfort of other students may be denied the privilege of future Cascades Adventures trips.

Leave No Trace Policies

Cascades Adventures subscribes to a national environmental ethic known as Leave-No-Trace. All outings will adhere to Leave-No-Trace ethics and policies. Following is an outline of these policies:

Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit
  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
  • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Cascades Adventures highly encourages weekday outings.
  • Visit in small groups
  • Repackage food to minimize waste
  • Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow
  • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams
  • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary
  • In popular areas:
  • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites
  • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy
  • Keep campsites small - focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent

In pristine areas:

  • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails
  • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning

Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter
  • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished
  • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
  • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater

Leave What You Find

  • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts
  • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them
  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
  • Do not build structures or furniture, or dig trenches

Minimize Campfire Impact

  • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry - use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light
  • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires
  • Keep fires small- only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
  • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes

Respect Wildlife

  • Observe wildlife from a distance-do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers
  • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely
  • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home
  • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience
  • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail
  • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock
  • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors
  • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises
First Aid Policies
  • Trip leaders are required to maintain current certifications in Wilderness Advanced First Aid and AHA Heartsaver CPR or equivalent. Wilderness First Responder is strongly encouraged as well as any further training. Assistant Trip Instructors are required to maintain Wilderness Advanced First Aid and AHA Heartsaver CPR. All trip leaders must have individual medical protocols signed by Cascades Adventures’ Physician Advisor.
  • Trip leaders must inspect First Aid Kits prior to leaving on their trip, making sure that all items are properly packaged and that the kit is appropriate for the activity. A First Aid Kit is required for all Cascades Adventures trips.

Contents of First Aid Kits

Trip Instructor’s medical protocols

Cascades Adventures Medical Kit

Size: 8" x 12" x 6"
Contents Include:

Instruments & Instructions

1 Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care Book

2 Patient Assessment Forms
1 5 _" EMT Shears

1 Tweezer

3 Safety Pins

1 Pencil

1 12cc Irrigation Syringe

1 1"x10 yd Adhesive Tape

1 Duct Tape 2”x5yds.

Body Substance Isolating Equipment
3 Pair of Nitrile Gloves

1 CPR Life Mask
1 Antimicrobial Towellette
1 Biohazard Label
1 6" x 4" Resealable Bag

Burns/Blisters/ Wound Management

6 Antiseptic Towelettes
1 Moleskin sheet /11pcs. Pre-cut and shaped.
6 Dr Scholl’s Blister Ampules
5 Knuckle Bandages

5 1"x3" Fabric Bandages

2 SEPP Tincture of Benzoins

1 Povidone-Iodine Solution

1 Steri-Strip Wound Closure

1 2" x 3" Micro-Thin Dressing
2 Sterile Cotton-Tipped Applicator

1 5" x 9" Combine Dressings

2 Bandage Compress

4 4”x4” Sterile Gauze Pads
3 3"x 3" Sterile Gauze Pads
2 3"x4 yd Conform Gauze
2 3"x 4" Telfa Non-adherent Dressings

Fractures / Sprains
1 Triangular Bandage
1 Sam Splint

1 3"x4yd Elastic Bandage

1 5”x6” Cold Pack

Personal Hygiene – is an important element in keeping the members of your group healthy and happy. Proper personal hygiene practices are necessary to model for several reasons:

  1. Health Impact – Poor hygiene practices can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other health related issues.
  2. Social Impact – Improper hygiene can impact the health of other group members.
  3. Educational Impact – Use Cascades Adventures trips as an opportunity to model good hygiene practices with less experienced group members.

Personal Hygiene Guidelines:

  • Wash and sanitize your hands before and after handling food items.
  • Wash and sanitize your hands after using the restroom, pit-toilet, or cathole.
  • Wash dishes and utensils thoroughly after using them. Do not share eating utensils with others.
  • Do not share water bottles or lip balms with others.

Injury Reports and SOAP Notes

  • Injury Report Form is used to document any injury regardless of severity. It should be carefully completed so that it is legible and filled out completely. This is a medical document and the information is confidential. It is to be returned to the Cascades Adventures Coordinator upon return to OSU-Cascades
  • SOAP Notes are used to document a patient’s injuries in the field over time and are designed to provide essential information to rescue personnel.This document is also a medical form and the information is confidential. The SOAP Note remains with the patient throughout the transfer of care to emergency medical professionals to provide information to the response team.
  • Always wear latex gloves when giving First Aid and/or handling potentially contaminated items.

Activity Guidelines:

General