Safety is without question the foremost concern for any family looking into a wilderness program and is of paramount importance on any Moondance trip. We want to create an atmosphere where we can allow our students to stretch their limits while insuring their well being. Safety is continually taught and practiced throughout every course, and students play integral roles in our commitment to the safety of the entire group.
Safety is not something that Moondance, or any program, can guarantee. We take great pride in our excellent safety record and work hard to provide a well planned, quality experience for our students. This is a direct reflection of our well designed courses, detailed protocol for conducting safe activities and our low student to staff ratio. We constantly monitor and evaluate risks of each trip and make managing these risks a year round responsibility. We use only the finest outfitters and guide services for technical activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, or whitewater rafting.
Our leaders are integral to the safety for each trip. Prior to the start of our programs, our trip leaders participate in an intensive 10-day training where safety policies and procedures are discussed. All of our leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders, an 80-hour course in wilderness medical training. All leaders carry an extensive first aid kit at all times and are familiar with the emergency safety support systems in the areas we travel. With our international programs as well as our Alaska courses, our leaders carry satellite phones.
Participating in outdoor adventure activities involves inherent risks and dangers that can lead to injury, property damage or even loss of life. These risks cannot be predicted and can include forces of nature and the possibility of accidents. Almost any activity can be potentially dangerous. We must learn to manage risks daily while living in the wilderness.
We discuss how to respect and evaluate risks throughout each trip. We want to teach each participant that responsible behavior, good judgment, and a concern for group safety are the most valuable commodities in the outdoors.
