How We Keep Students Safe at Discover Term
Whether it’s on a double black diamond ski run or out in powerful waves, safety is our number one priority at Discover Term.
Our students come to us with a range of experiences and skill levels. From the “never-ever” to the familiar skier, snowboarder, or surfer - we have many systems in place to keep our students safe in the water and out, on the slopes and off.
Physical Safety at Surf Term
At Surf Term, our primary concern is the ocean - a forceful body of water that changes constantly. While the sea may be unpredictable, our safety protocols are not. We take many steps to prepare, react and respond to student safety in the water and out.
For example, at Surf Term, we always have 4-5 adults on-site. Our team is made up of Education Guides, Surf Coaches, and a Program Director who are available 24/7 to help the students mentally, physically, and emotionally. They live on-site and collaborate daily to assess the safety of the ocean and surf conditions. Our surf coaches are local Nosara surfers who have been surfing this break for many years and are also highly certified surf instructors.
Before even heading to the beach as a group, we take the time to plan our surf sessions around the tides to not only optimize surf conditions but to avoid waves that are too big and/or the water is at low tide, and people are more susceptible to crashing. Our on-site Surf Coaches and the program director walk to the beach before every surf session and observe the conditions. They make the safety plan for the afternoon and return to the group prepared to share the plan with all the students.
Weather Monitoring
At Surf Term, we are responsive to the weather and the people. If it’s raining heavily and the water quality is terrible, we are ready to pivot! Whether this means training on the beach, watching technique videos, or practicing some restorative yoga - we listen to the cues from nature and never go out in thunder or lightning.
Grouping by Ability Level
Another safety avenue we employ is dividing students into groups by ability level. Plus, the morning surf sessions in Costa Rica are coached with the accredited and highly praised Safari Surf School on Monday through Friday. The ratios are 3 students to 1 highly certified surf instructor. Additionally, we have two Surf Coaches who live on-site, and they come to these coached sessions to support as needed.
Six afternoons a week, we have “Free Surf” sessions where the students head back to the ocean after their morning surf lesson to practice the skills they are working on. Any time we head to the sea, we are accompanied by our two on-site Surf Coaches and 3 “Safety Surfers.” Our Safety Surfers are also local surf coaches who come with backgrounds in open-water rescue and can support our students in their surf journeys on and offshore.
LifeID Bracelets
Every student wears a LifeID bracelet. These bracelets have a QR code that staff or medical personnel can scan in an emergency to get your teen’s medical history/insurance information. Additionally, if the QR code is scanned, the emergency contacts connected to the LifeID account are immediately notified.
Safety at Surf Term is Always the Top Priority
Much time and energy is dedicated to supporting our students in their safety. During the first days of Surf Term, we spend several hours discussing ocean safety and studying Nosara Beach break, where we will surf every day. Through a combination of discussions, videos, field trips to the beach, and constant conversation, we cover typical hazards (usually, this is other humans in the water!), rip currents (and what to do if you get stuck in one), safety hand signals to communicate with someone on shore (a fist on the head means ‘I’m OK’), and surf etiquette (such as who has the right of way). Local surfers and lifeguards teach these topics. In addition, the students complete a CPR course together. A great skill to have an awareness of and exposure to.
Staff and teens meet before every surf session, and a debrief afterward. We work as an adaptable team to ensure everyone feels and is safe in the ocean daily!
Physical Safety at Powder Term
Skiing, like any outdoor sport, has its inherent risks. From the cold to hard snow, trees, and unfamiliar or advanced terrain, there are a lot of factors to consider when creating a safe environment for Powder Term skiers and snowboarders to learn and grow.
At Powder Term, we have four qualified ski coaches with lifelong experience on the slopes! Many of our coaches even have Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Avalanche Safety certifications (AIARE 1 + 2). The staff is also often supported by 1-2 Junior Counselors who have come to Powder Term before and are familiar with the terrain at Purgatory Ski Resort in Durango, Colorado.
Ability Levels are Closely Monitored
The Powder Term coaches meet before the ski sessions every day to break the students into groups and discuss where each group will ski that day and what skill/s they will work on. Our coaches carry walkie-talkies and constantly communicate, even in the mountain zones without reception.
Twice a week, the students have “Free Ski” where they ski at Purgatory in groups of at least two (and without a coach!). We wait at least a week or two before this freedom is given each term. After two weeks, the ability levels are precise, and all the students have had the chance to practice riding the chair lifts and learning the trails. If any areas are off limits, this is made clear to the students, and our coaches are on the mountain skiing during these days too. It’s prevalent for Powder Term staff to see and ski with students throughout the day on free days by taking “fun runs” with them and riding the same chairs! We additionally set check-in times and locations for students to pop in and let a staff member know how they are doing and if they need anything.
Individual Student Safety
Every student wears a LifeID bracelet. These bracelets have a QR code that staff or medical personnel can scan in an emergency to get your teen’s medical history/insurance information. Additionally, if the QR code is scanned, the emergency contacts connected to the LifeID account are immediately notified.
While the students do not have phones or walkie-talkies, we give them a “Safety Card” on the first day of Powder Term that goes straight into their snow pants and jacket pockets. This card has the phone number of each staff member and can be used if a student gets lost or has to go to ski patrol. Luckily, ski resorts are covered in Ski Patrol and adults with cell phones, and if anything goes wrong (knock on wood, we have always been on the scene for any injuries or feelings of fear)
Staff Safety Requirements
Foundationally, all Discover Term staff pass a formal background check and complete child protection training. Child protection and safety is a significant topic in our on-site training before the students arrive, and one that is continually re-sync on this topic throughout each term.
Discover Term Takes Safety Seriously
While your teen or pre-teen is away from home, we care for them with the utmost focus and love. The health of each student and the group dynamic is paramount, and take several measures to ensure everyone is cared for - mind, body, and spirit.
At Discover Term, we use a “Weather Checks” system to formally and informally check in on the group and individuals. Every week, each student has a personal weather check with a staff member to run through a series of questions that address their physical and emotional well-being. The staff and students cover all kinds of topics and create a plan for if they need something more. Sometimes this means putting out more snacks throughout the day; sometimes, this means facilitating a conversation between two students to navigate tricky feelings; and sometimes, this is when everything gets two thumbs up. We also use weather checks with the group when there seems to be a shift in the energy, or we need a boost!
To us, it’s simple: if we prioritize and maintain safety on all levels, every student at Discover Term has the space and freedom to grow and transform without limits!
