Essential Eligibility Criteria & Course Activity Description

Outward Bound California (OBCA) 1-day programming courses share a common goal of changing lives through challenge and discovery. The areas in which our programs take place are generally in a frontcounty or urban environment within 1hr of definitive care, though some may take place in remote settings further than 1hr from advanced medical care.

The health and safety of our students and staff is of great importance, and we place top priority on the educational quality of the experience for all participants. In order to achieve the intended outcomes, individuals on each course must be fully capable of and committed to engaging in course activities, meeting physical and social challenges and tending to their personal needs as well as the collective needs of the group.

OBCA values diversity, equity and inclusion and strives to provide culturally responsive programming in a positive learning environment for all participants. Our instructors are skilled experiential educators and group facilitators, but OBCA does not specialize in experiences for people with disabilities or significant mental health, emotional or behavioral conditions. Our staff are neither therapists nor medical professionals, and are neither trained in adaptive programming or able to provide specialized, individual support.

The Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) are applied to all participants on 1-day programming courses. Participants are evaluated on both the General Criteria, and activity-specific criteria listed below. If participants cannot meet the EEC, a determination will be made as to whether we can reasonably accommodate them with neither undue financial burden nor jeopardizing the health, safety, and positive learning environment for all students and staff members on course, and while still adhering to the fundamental nature of the course as planned.

Prior to enrolling in and participating in the course, participants must familiarize themselves with the nature of the activities, the risks involved and the physical conditioning necessary to participate. Listed below are the general inherent and other risks the participant may encounter; the general requirements for participating in an Outward Bound California program; and specific activity descriptions. 

If you are pregnant, please review the risks and requirements with your medical provider to inform your decision on whether or not you choose to participate in these activities.

Inherent General Risks

Along with any hazards related to the specific activities listed below, each course/program, depending on the location, has risks related to terrain, weather, and other factors. Some of these risks include the following: 

• Slips, falls and/or being struck by or striking objects, persons (including other participants), or the ground. This includes objects falling from above such as objects from a climber or natural sources (pine cones, tree branches).

• Disease carrying or poisonous plants, insects, or animals

• Contact with wild animals or other individuals that Outward Bound California has no control

• Hypothermia, hyperthermia and other risks associated with strenuous activity, both indoors and out

These and other risks, including errors in judgement, are inherent to the activities; which means that they cannot be eliminated without altering the essential elements of the activity. 

General Program Requirements

• Able to understand verbal and visual instructions individually and in a group setting, and follow such instructions whether supervised or not.

• Able to comprehend hazards and safety concerns after sufficient instruction, and to adhere to safety policies and procedures even when instructors are not present.

• After sufficient instruction, able to identify and recognize inherent hazards posed by the environment (e.g., steep or uneven terrain, moving water, sun, wind, cold, etc.) and other participants (e.g., fatigue, state of mind and other influencers of judgment and decision making).

• Able to effectively communicate to others personal distress, injury or need for assistance, and communicate to others any hazards and dangers that they perceive.

• Able to adapt to the physical, mental and emotional rigors of the program, given a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Able to stay alert and engaged for the duration of the program.

• Able to demonstrate adequate self-care after sufficient instruction, including staying adequately hydrated and nourished, maintaining hygiene and using clothing and equipment to maintain warmth and protection from the elements.

• Refrain from the use of alcohol and/or tobacco (unless otherwise approved), controlled substances, and any misuse of prescription or OTC drugs. If using prescription drugs, able to follow correct dosage and usage and keep them in good condition with or without instructor assistance.

• Able to contribute to a safe social and emotional learning environment, respecting all stated identities, and maintaining appropriate, non-exclusive relationships with other group members and instructors.

• Able to refrain from sexual activity, harassment and bullying, and all other behavior that disrupts the learning of others or the cohesion of the group.

• Must arrive at course-start neither experiencing nor presenting any symptoms or signs of communicable disease.

• Must be able to wear a face covering* when instructed. *An acceptable face covering must be able to cover the wearer's nose and chin and fit snugly against the side of the face. The mask should be secured with ties or ear loops and include multiple layers of fabric. Masks with exhalation valves or vents are NOT acceptable. Bandanas and buffs are not acceptable.

Teambuilding

Activity definition: Engaging in games, energizers and/or initiatives at ground level.

1. Physical stressors include: Running, jumping and participating in a variety of tasks, activities and exercises with others. 

2. Mental stressors include: Following safety instructions in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable setting; working independently or with others to negotiate problem-solving initiatives; needing to communicate with and respond to people on the ground.

3. Risks include: Exposure to sun, wind, rain; strains, sprains, slipping and falling from a standing height or lower.

Each participant must be capable of doing or learning the following:

• See ‘General’ section

Challenge Course

Activity definition: Climbing in or negotiating an obstacle course above the ground.

1. Physical stressors include: Ability to balance and climb over stationary or moving structures or cables.

2. Mental stressors include: Being at height; following safety instructions in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable setting; working independently or with others to negotiate obstacles; needing to communicate with and respond to people in the air or on the ground.

3. Risks include: Exposure to sun, wind, rain; collisions with cables, ropes or wooden objects; falling into climbing harness.

Each participant must be capable of doing or learning the following:

• Able to wear a climbing helmet, as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Can accommodate 48-64cm head circumference. 

• If participating in challenge course activities, able to wear a climbing harness, as per manufacturer's recommendations. Harness can accommodate approximately 59-80” height and 25”-56” waist.

• Height minimum is 3' 6" (107 cm)

• Weight minimum is 75 lbs (34 kg) and maximum weight is 250 lbs (113 kg)

• If participating in challenge course activities, able to engage in belaying and climbing activities that may occur at heights in excess of 30ft.