We are so happy you're considering booking a visit to Shaw Woods with your class! We strive to create amazing outdoor learning experiences for you and your students. We hope the following tips will assist you with your planning. If you have any questions, please contact us - we’re happy to help!
 

Equity and Inclusivity

Students (and adult supervisors) of ALL abilities are welcome at Shaw Woods! Please contact our staff as soon as possible if you have someone in your group who requires accommodations to make their day successful. We have an all-terrain wheelchair available on site for use as needed. We are happy to discuss ways we can modify our programming to suit the needs of your group.
 

Health and Safety

In order for us to best meet the needs of program participants, it is essential that we are aware of any physical, behavioural or health concerns in advance. Epi pens, asthma inhalers or other life-saving medications need to be carried by the person who needs them at all times while on site. SWOEC follows Renfrew County Health Unit and School Board COVID-19 protocols.
 

Clothing

We want your experience at the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre to be positive, educational and fun! The following is a list of suggestions to help you prepare for a day at our facility. Having these items packed will allow more flexibility with changing conditions. Programs are run outdoors in all types of weather. Proper clothing will promote a more comfortable and enjoyable day.
 

What to wear for your day at Shaw Woods:

• Dress seasonally and pack in anticipation of changing weather conditions.
• Pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended at all times of the year to help prevent scrapes and insect bites.
• Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are ideal footwear! Flip flops and sandals are NOT advised due to uneven terrain on trails and presence of poison ivy on site.
• For wet/rainy days: waterproof coat, rubber boots, and splash pants if possible.
• For winter months: dress in layers, including winter boots, snow pants, winter coat, hat, mitts and scarf. Pack extra socks and mitts/gloves if possible as these items often get wet.
• Additional items to consider include a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, a bug jacket or insect repellant as needed.

Messages to reinforce with students/parents: Shaw Woods can become EXTREMELY muddy in the early spring. We strongly recommend waterproof boots at these times. Boots are always required in the winter months. In May and June we have a LOT of biting insects. Ticks are a concern from April through to October. All trip participants need to dress appropriately for the conditions the day of their trip. If a student arrives dressed in a way that will compromise their safety, they will not be permitted to participate in the program. For example, we cannot send students on a winter program in deep snow with running shoes on.
 

Supervision Ratio

Shaw Woods follows the OPHEA guidelines for risk management and supervision ratios for outdoor education activities. Shaw Woods staff are not to be included in the supervision ratio. Adult volunteers need to understand their role as additional supervisors and that they may not always be with their own child, depending on the needs of the program. Adult supervisors may not bring other children who are not part of the class participating in the program as their responsibility is to assist in supervising the students.
 

Nutrition

We ask all visitors to bring a healthy morning snack and lunch. Any waste generated is “boomeranged” home. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of drinks from home.
 

Additional Information

• We are an outdoor facility, and all participants need to be prepared to spend the duration of their visit outside, at all times of the year!
• We do have a small heated Shanty which we use for programming during inclement weather. The Shanty is also available as a warming station for students during winter programs.
• We have a Pine Pavilion where the students can enjoy lunch at our 9 m long picnic table.
• Our washrooms are outhouses, located between the Pine Pavilion and parking area. Hand sanitizer is available on site. With the exception of one outhouse near the Sugar Shack, there are no washrooms located along SWOEC trails.