Frequently Asked Questions
Are our programs safe?
In the interest of self-preservation or the well being of their children, every now and then people ask questions such as, “This is all perfectly safe, right?” We encourage critical thinking and we also encourage clear communication. When we hear questions like this it is a signal for us to stop and communicate again that the honest answer to your question is: No, this is not perfectly safe. If we were successful in removing the physical or emotional risks (real or perceived), the activities that we do would lose much of their potency and uniqueness. What we engage in here whether it be low or high challenge course elements, tag games, team initiatives, mountain biking, service learning, hiking, or camping are all inherently not “safe”. In the dictionary, the word “safe” means free from danger and the potential of injury. Perhaps driving in the car is an acceptable risk because we have such a need for transportation, food, and connection. We accept the risks because we believe many aspects of growth and experiential learning are evoked best in the light of a sense of risk. To participate in these programs we request that you accept the inherent risks as well.
With the core of our programs revolving around unknown outcomes, undeniable consequences and inescapable risks – our programs are far from safe. This being said, Otolith Education employs compassionate people that are very interested in the physical and emotional well being of participants. We are risk managers and are aware of many of the risks but cannot be aware of all of them at all times. We cannot guarantee to you that our instructors will be infallible, that our equipment will not fail, that the weather will not change suddenly. If you cannot accept these terms for yourself our someone else whom you love, this may not be the program for you, and we fully support you in that decision making process.
At Otolith Education we believe risk is part of life and we recognize that the heart of adventure lies in the realm of unknown outcomes. We are aware that risks are present and we embrace them because we believe that learning to deal with the unknown in a sustainable manner is pivotal in initiating processes of growth.
Please read our Assumption Of Risk Forms.
