Dave Addis
May 7, 2024
Organising the outdoor education camp for your students can be daunting. Here are some of the top considerations when choosing to work with a provider.
N.b. Cantonese translation below. 廣東話翻譯在下面
When considering working with an outdoor education provider in Hong Kong, there are several factors that teachers should take into account. Here are some of the top considerations:
Safety and Risk Management: Safety of participants is always a top priority. Ensure that the provider has comprehensive safety protocols in place, including trained staff, emergency procedures, risk assessments, insurance coverage and appropriate safety equipment. A reliable provider would be happy to show you how they do this and provide appropriate policies and paperwork for you to check.
Curriculum Alignment: Look for an outdoor education provider whose approach aligns with your school ethos, teaching objectives and curriculum. Seek providers who can tailor their programs to support and enhance your classroom learning goals. Consider how the outdoor education program fits into your students’ learning journeys? Are they able to offer suitable progression year-on-year?
Expertise and Experience: Assess the provider's expertise and experience in delivering outdoor education programs. Look for their track record, client testimonials, and qualifications of their staff. A provider with a proven history of successful programs and knowledgeable instructors is more likely to deliver a quality experience. If they are running new activities, be alert that there may be teething issues to deal with.
Educational Activities: Ensure that the provider offers activities that are tailored to your learning objectives, and that are engaging, educational and suitable for the age group you teach. Note, that more is not always better as longer sessions focused on one skill allow students’ time to develop a sense of mastery and self-efficacy.
Cost and Value: While cost is a consideration, it should not be the sole determining factor. Evaluate the value provided by the outdoor education provider in relation to their pricing. Consider the quality of their programs, the expertise of their staff, the safety measures in place, and the overall educational benefits for your students. It's important to strike a balance between cost and the value your students will gain from the experience.
Clarifying Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations: Discuss what is expected of both parties in the lead up to a program and during the program. Do you want the provider to meet the parents and students beforehand? Which party is responsible for students overnight and during downtime? What happens if bad weather cancels an activity? Engage in thorough discussions with your provider to avoid misunderstandings and clarify expectations before the program starts.
Checking Equipment, Venues and Facilities: Check the condition and quality of the provider's equipment and facilities. Well-maintained gear and appropriate facilities contribute to a safe and effective outdoor learning environment. Conduct site visits to see if they are appropriate for your students, to familiarise yourself with them in advance, and to identify any major hazards or child safeguarding issue.
Contracting: It is highly recommended that you have a contract in writing between the provider and your school. It should record all important aspects of your programme such as program fee and when it’s due to be paid, minimum # of enrollments, cancellation and postponement terms, bad weather plans, dates, and how to raise disputes. Be wary of providers that ask you to sign waivers.
Preparing staff and students: This may be a new experience for both students and accompanying staff, so it’s important to take time to prepare them appropriately and address anxieties. Ask your provider for your kit lists, timetables and any rules to be followed. Share these with your staff and students along with learning aims and expectations. Be aware of any behavioural, medical or special educational needs of students and share these with your provider so they can tailor the program to fit.
By considering these factors, you can select an outdoor education provider in Hong Kong that prioritizes safety, aligns with your teaching objectives, offers educational and engaging activities, and be prepared to organise a valuable educational experience for your students. Taking time to develop the relationship between your school and the provider also helps ensure the process of going on camp can be a smooth and enjoyable one for all involved.
For providers, what questions do you often receive from schools?
For schools, what questions do you have for providers?
Ask in the comments section below.
當考慮在香港與戶外教育服務供應商合作時，教師應考慮以下幾個因素。以下是一些最重要的考慮因素：
安全及風險管理：參加者的安全始終是首要考慮的事項。確保供應商有全面的安全協議，包括訓練有素的員工、應急程序、風險評估、保險覆蓋和適當的安全設備。可靠的供應商將樂意向您展示他們的做法，並提供相應的政策和文件供您檢查。
課程對齊：尋找一個戶外教育供應商，其方法與貴校的理念、教學目標和課程相符。尋求能夠根據您的課堂學習目標調整其課程以支持和增強的供應商。考慮戶外教育計劃如何融入學生的學習旅程？他們能否提供適合每年的適當進展？
專業知識和經驗：評估供應商在提供戶外教育計劃方面的專業知識和經驗。尋找他們的成績記錄、客戶證言和員工的資格。一個有著成功計劃和知識豐富的教練的供應商更有可能提供優質的體驗。如果他們正在運行新的活動，請注意可能會有一些初期問題需要解決。
教育活動：確保供應商提供的活動符合您的學習目標，並且對您所教的年齡段具有吸引力、教育性和適宜性。要注意，更多並不一定意味著更好，因為更長的以一項技能為重點的課程可以讓學生有時間發展技能和自我效能感。
成本和價值：儘管成本是一個考慮因素，但不應該是唯一的決定性因素。評估戶外教育供應商提供的價值與其價格相比。考慮他們計劃的質量、員工的專業知識、安全措施以及對您的學生的整體教育效益。在成本和學生經驗的價值之間取得平衡非常重要。
明確角色、責任和期望：在節目開始之前和節目期間討論雙方的期望。您是否希望供應商在節目開始前與家長和學生見面？哪一方負責學生的住宿和閒暇時間？如果天氣不好取消了活動該怎麼辦？與供應商進行徹底的討論，以避免誤解並在節目開始之前澄清期望。
檢查設備、場地和設施：檢查供應商的設備和設施的狀況和質量。良好維護的裝備和適當的設施有助於營造安全有效的戶外學習環境。進行現場考察，看看它們是否適合您的學生，事先熟悉它們，並識別任何重大危險或兒童保護問題。
合約：強烈建議您在供應商和貴校之間書面簽訂合約。合約應記錄您的計劃的所有重要方面，例如計劃費用及付款日期、最低報名人數、取消和延期條款、惡劣天氣計劃、日期以及解決爭議的方式。要小心那些要求您簽署豁免聲明的供應商。
員工和學生的準備：對於學生和陪同的員工來說，這可能是一個新的經歷，所以有必要花時間適當地準備他們並解決他們的焦慮。向供應商索取您的裝備清單、時間表和任何需遵守的規定。與您的員工和學生分享這些信息，以及學習目標和期望。要注意學生的行為、健康或特殊教育需求，並將這些信息與供應商分享，以便他們可以根據情況調整計劃。
通過考慮這些因素，您可以選擇一家在香港重視安全、符合您的教學目標、提供教育和吸引人活動的戶外教育供應商，並準備組織一次對學生有價值的教育經歷。花時間發展學校與供應商之間的關係也有助於確保整個過程對所有人都是順利和愉快的。
對於供應商，學校通常向您提出哪些問題？
對於學校，您對供應商有哪些問題？
請在下面的評論區提出。