Our Approach to Safety & Risk

WHY IS RISK BENEFICIAL?

Many parents recognize the importance of risky play yet still worry about the possibility of injury. At Avid4 Adventure, we also recognize the benefits of risky play, and it’s our job to appropriately manage the risks and teach kids to intelligently navigate risk.

Avid4 Adventure is all about FUN and LEARNING. Through climbing, hiking, paddling, biking, skateboarding, and other outdoor activities, participants experience incredible growth through a variety of fun activities. However, all adventure activities, including those offered by Avid4 Adventure, have inherent risks. Some of the inherent risks that exist in our camp environment are considered a necessary and valued aspect of our programs. Having reasonable, communicated, and calculated risks encourages personal responsibility, increases self-confidence, builds judgment, and leads to a sense of accomplishment. Our goal is to transform your children into risk managers.

Yes, we want to lean into positive Risk taking, but we are committed to managing the big risks and remaining “challenge by choice” for campers. We believe in fostering a Growth Mindset, not a fixed mindset – it’s much more important to have a great time than it is to “reach the top.”

HOW WE MITIGATE RISK

WRITTEN PROTOCOLS

  • Proactive risk management plan.
  • Critical incident response plan.
  • Detailed Staff Manual with specific activity protocols for all sports<./li>
TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Staff have at least have Community First Aid and CPR certifications. Many have additional certifications.
  • Staff get thoroughly background checked.
  • Staff who drive complete a professional driver training.
  • Our camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.
  • We are licensed by the State of Colorado as a Childcare Facility.
EQUIPMENT

  • All equipment is thoroughly inspected and updated accordingly.
  • Personal flotation devices are worn during all paddle days, including on land within 20 ft. of water.
  • We drive new vans every year.
  • We source kid sized equipment for all activities and ensure that all campers are outfitted with properly fitting gear for their adventures.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE

  • We maintain low staff to participant ratios.
  • We involve campers in the process of learning how to assess risk, including:
    • “Environmental Briefings” – instructors guide campers through a process of identifying and decreasing the risks in changing environments.
    • “Teachable Trail Moments” – instructors (and campers) look for opportunities to practice the skills of risk assessment and positive decision-making.
  • Programs and activities are age and ability appropriate.
REFLECTION & LEARNING

  • We maintain an active and informed Risk Management Committee consisting of Avid4 Adventure leadership, a physician, a nurse, experts in Wilderness Medicine, and an attorney that specializes in recreational law.
  • We approach risk management with humility; we analyze individual incidents and trends and improve trainings, protocols, and programming as needed.

RISK DOES NOT EQUAL INJURIES

Every summer, we collect extensive data on any injuries and incidents that may occur. We are proud that our rate of incidents is consistently lower than the rates of other sport programs and camps.

From the CDC report, Sports- and Recreation-related Injury Episodes in the United States, 2011–2014

Rates of Incident - Avid Programs vs Other Sports and Camps

Please note that programs at Valmont Bike Park involve a higher level of inherent risk as a result of the terrain and development of incremental skills. Avid4 Adventure mitigates these risks by grouping kids be levels of experience (not always age), requiring the use of protective equipment, in-depth environmental briefings, practicing fall techniques, and challenge by choice across all elements. Comparison data is from the CDC report, Sports and Recreation-related Injury Episodes in the United States, 2011–2014.

Still Need Help?

For more information on the inherent risks in our activities and participant/parent responsibilities, please review our Risks & Release Form during your registration process. Contact us if you have any further questions.