The Benefits of Risk

The Benefits of Risk, by Andrew Findlay

Overall Rating: ****

In this article, it discusses the benefits that taking risks in the outdoors can have on a child's development into their adult life. It speaks of how letting kids discover things on their own, without parents constantly saying no to this and that, and not letting them discover the world around them. 

Andrew Findlay speaks of a few instances where he has spoken about letting his children take risks to allow them to explore the world around them, or spoken to others who have the same idea. For example, he spoke with Jean-Francois Plouffe, who allowed his son to go on a 5.7 climb, when he was only five. Plouffe believes that the risk was minimal, and that there was less danger than is associated with a car crash. This allows the child to explore and increase their knowledge of their surroundings, with some risk, but not so much that they are in serious danger. 

In my opinion, I find that this article is very well written, displaying the importance of risk taking, but in a safe manner, as to increase our experiences in life, but not so dangerous that something serious could happen. In other words, it is all about "risk management", as Mr. Plouffe calls it. This had an impact on me because we had recently gone climbing in our class, and it had shown me that even though you are securely strapped in, the sort of danger and thrill associated with it is excellent, because it motivates you to do well, and also gives you self confidence to go beyond your comfort zone, and succeed. The only thing that I have an issue with in this article is that, what is the limit of risk, and when does it become plain stupidity, to challenge yourself to do something nearly impossible. This demonstrates that sometimes, risks are not always a good thing, but when taking risks, it is important to be well prepared, and also be knowledgeable in your ability.

In conclusion, this article was very complete, and highlighted the importance of risks, and how it can impact your life, physically and mentally, in a very positive way, and enabling you to have a better lifestyle for the future. I would recommend this article to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, as well as getting out of their comfort zone.

Source: Findlay, Andrew. 'The Benefits Of Risk'. Explore Magazine. N.p., 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.

A Tale of Two Schools - Reflections on Risk Management – Rachel Corbett

Rating: ****

There is never a complete absence of risk, especially where the outdoors are concerned. However, there are ways for us to minimize and/or partially eliminate some potential hazards and obstacles that we could face. This is a thought-provoking article that emphasizes the importance of proper planning, and yet the unpredictable nature of exploration in the outdoors even with careful organization and preparation.

Corbett compares two unfortunate stories in her article. First she describes the horrific events of the St. John’s School Lake Temiskaming Canoe Tragedy that took place in 1978. 12 boys aged 12-14 and one teacher drowned while on a school-sanctioned canoe trip. This was a direct result of many contributing factors including but not limited to: poor physical, medical and emergency training, a lack of experience, poor planning, untested equipment and bad weather. Secondly, Corbett illustrates the story of fourteen grade 10 students from Strathcona Tweedsmuir School who were trapped in an avalanche in Roger’s Pass on an Outdoor Education trip in 2003. Seven students perished, but no one could find fault in the protocol followed, or the preparations made.

The part of this article that struck a chord with me the most was the fact that the one story was about an Outdoor Education class just like ours, and that they “executed a perfect rescue” and yet still seven students perished. It is frightening to think about the possibilities of what seems like a simple trip skiing with your class. This planning-and-risk-management comparative article definitely enlightened me and made me stop to think. You can never be too prepared! It also reminds me that sometimes there are factors that are out of our control when we are in an outdoor environment. However, learning to manage and prepare for these risks the best possible can sometimes help to prevent disasters such as these, or at least remove the “what if I had…?” questions afterwards. This article made me realize the true importance of taking trip planning seriously, even for a small trip such as our end-of-April hiking trip.

This article was highly effective at highlighting the importance of preparation for anything when enjoying the outdoors. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the outdoors as it is eye-opening, thought-provoking, and a very interesting read.

Corbett, Rachel. 'A Tale Of Two Schools – Reflections On Risk Management'. Sportlaw.ca. N.p., 2015. Web. Apr. 2015. URL: http://www.sportlaw.ca/2010/02/a-tale-of-two-schools-reflections-on-risk-management/

Article no.2

 

Camping Tips and Advice – Love the Outdoors

 

Rating: ***

 

Camping is not an easy task for beginners, and those of us who are slightly less experienced than others sometimes need a few pointers to help us get started in the right direction. This article of camping tips for amateur campers was a great source of information.

 

Essentially, the article covers a few basics of camping in three sections dedicated to general outdoor tips, supplies that you should bring on the trip, and how you should budget for each trip that you go on. It did not go into great detail, but it did give some basic pointers about preparing for your trip, pitching a tent, how to dress, and skills that you should have to be categorized as a “seasoned camper”. The author gives you a list of some of the most important equipment to bring, and what should cost you the most to the least in your budget.

 

For people who have never formally been camping, such as myself, the article was a useful overview of the materials, planning and expenses put into a camping trip. It was not extremely detailed, so I would read more on the subject, but it at least gave me an idea of the sorts of things I will need to be prepared for the camping trip. I enjoyed learning what often separates an amateur camper (me!) and a seasoned camper, and this made me reflect on what I can do on my own to improve my skills and my knowledge before I actually go camping.

 

I would recommend to anyone looking for beginner camping advice to read this article, but to do some more in-depth research as well to look into some of the concepts mentioned with more detail.

 

Love the Outdoors. Camping Tips and Advice. Retrieved March 2015. URL: http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/tips/tips_and_advice.htm

Rock Climbing, Life training

                                 

                         Matthew Childs: 9 life lessons from rock climbing

                                     

                     ***

     A seasoned rock climber gives the viewers a take on his experience from rock climbing, and how the lessons he has learned can be applied to our lives. 

     Rock climbing is a very difficult sport. Much like life itself, it requires planning, focus, and mental strength. Matthew Child saw this comparison, and decided to present his most relatable comparisons in a slide show with pictures. The comparisons were relatable as well as entertaining, some of his lessons were deeper than their basic meaning, which was very thought provoking. 

     This TED talk made me pause and do some self reflection. I have been rock climbing myself, but never have I reflected on my experience and thought of it as a life lesson. His mentality towards something that may seem less significant to others is admirable. He took something that may seem like basic rules for success in rock climbing and transferred them to our own complex lives. Watching this TED talk, I have realized the flaws in how I interpret experiences in my life. I should be more optimistic in my everyday life, I should see tasks, as an opportunity for learning instead of a burden. This TED talk also relates to our outdoor ed class, as we have recently partaken in this sport, and have basic experience in rock climbing

Golden Rules

Golden Rules

Sabrina Doyle

Rating ****

Golden Rules is an interesting article about heli Skiing in and around the town of golden British-Columbia.  

Sabrina Doyle the author of this article, a novice skier talks about her experiences Heli Skiing in Canada's north and about the great time it was from the falls to the big accomplishments. She also talks about the culture and many ways of life in the rockies she gives you some good places to stay and things to do and how accepting and the locals are of people getting out to enjoy some skiing or to race down the slopes Golden has something for everyone

I liked this article because it never got boring even though, it was fairly long.

It taught me about the skiing life and how both young and old can go heli skiing and have the time of their life and the miraculous views that come with it.

I would definitely encourage you to read this article it if not for the information about skiing then for the incredible stories about people from the area.

Simon C.

Doyle, Sabrina. 'Golden Rules'. Canadian Geographic 2015: 18-26. Web. 8 Jan. 2015.

Quinzhee building 101

                              Quinzhee Building 101

Who Needs A Tent For Winter Camping - Allen Macartney

   ****

  Who Needs A Tent For Winter Camping is an interesting and highly informative article on building quinzhee shelters.

   Allen Macartney starts the article by complimenting quinzhees, he even goes as far as saying "they protect a camper from winter’s harshest elements far better than any tent." He then explains what a quinzhee is and follows with how to build one. He adds numerous tips a long the way such as "The secret to a quinzhee’s warmth is natural, thick insulation" Macartney then talks about his past experiences sleeping in a quinzhee and warns the reader; despite the excellent protection a quinzhee provides, you should always bring good equipment such as a winter sleeping bag. He continues with tips for your trip to ensure a warm, cozy, and positive experience. There are lots of warnings given to the reader indicating Macartney has a lot of experience and knowledge on quinzhee's.

   This article is really helpful considering we are currently building quinzhee's in outdoor ed. There are lots and lots of tips and warnings for beginners that I'm thankful of receiving. About a week ago I had no clue what quinzhee's were and now I'm starting to get a greater understanding on the topic, which I believe will make my overnight stay in a quinzhee so much better. I know what to do, and what to avoid, how to warm up in a quinzhee and the best way to create one. This was a very helpful article, and an interesting read.

              Macartney, Allen . "WHO NEEDS A TENT FOR WINTER CAMPING?" (2013) 11 DEC 2014 <http://d2868859.u488.quicksilkdns.com/articles/camp/517-who-needs-a-tent-for-winter-camping->.

  

How To Become A Super Human: Cross Country Skiing edition

                           The jaw-dropping benefits of cross-country skiing  - Alex Hutchinson

Rating: ***

You know the popular saying, don't judge an online article by its banal, and unimaginative title, this article is the perfect example on why you shouldn't. "The jaw-dropping benefits of cross-country skiing" is quite an informative and interesting piece on how the health advantages are a huge bonus for playing the fun sport.

    Hutchinson begins the article with an experiment between two groups: Cross Country Skiers and "regular people" who live ordinary lives without formal exercises. The study showed that the Cross Country skiers had nearly double the cardiovascular and muscle fitness than the untrained group. The article stretched on and continued talking about how men in their 80's were 40% fitter, which makes the sport "uniquely effective." According to Hutchinson cross country skiing gives you an incomparable cardiovascular workout, and the thing that makes it the most unparalleled is the fact that unlike running and cycling, your upper body plays a huge role. Also the hilly terrain forces you to use bursts of energy to overcome it, this short but intense workout is said to make your training more efficient

    This article has further enriched my knowledge on the health benefits of cross country skiing. The article has really made me think about how vastly the cross country skiers benefit health wise compared to those who are idle. Also it has revealed how partaking in this fun sport has given the skiers such a tremendous perk to their life potentially adding a few more years to their own. The article relates to our class since we are soon going to go cross country skiing. Now going into it, I believe I will have a much more open mind towards the sport, which I hope will make my experience better and more worthwhile.

Lost and Scared

Wilderness Survival 101 - Chantal Macartney

Rating: ****

     Wilderness Survival 101 is an excellent article that reflects on things you should do if you unfortunately get lost in the woods. The article is split with 5 elements one should focus on if they are ever in a situation like this.

     The article is very detailed and is based on the authors experience, and the experience of her colleagues. She explains when the adrenaline starts rushing and the trail seems to be lost, don't panic. Instead improve your attitude, and prepare yourself for whats ahead. Macartney explains there are five elements that are needed for surviving in the wilderness: Attitude, Shelter, Water, Fire, Food. As the article continues she gets very specific with each category and explains the significance of each element.

     

     The topic of being lost in the woods is very thought provoking. What would you do? How long would you be able to survive? How would you react? Most people don't get lost in the woods, but it never hurts to know what to do when the unexpected happens. This article is very helpful and factual on the topic of surviving in the woods, and I believe it will ease your mind before you head out on any trip into the wilderness.

Macartney, Chantal . "Wilderness Survival 101" Lost and Scared (2013) 27 Oct 2014 <http://d2868859.u488.quicksilkdns.com/articles/camp/232-lost-and-scared>.

THE OUTDOORS AND YOUR HEALTH

Why Getting Outside is So Good for You - Jennipher Walters

RATING: **'

     "Why Getting Outside is So Good for You (WGOISGFY)" is an interesting article by Jennipher Walters, explaining the numerous benefits of spending time outdoors. Despite how obvious the benefits of the outdoors may seem, the article is very factual and eye opening.

      The article explains how nature has its healing abilities on humans, she says this based on a study which determined people living closer to trees and greenery have lower cases of depression and anxiety than those living in more urban environments. It continues on and attempts to explain why the outdoors is so good for us. She theorizes that our intake of vitamin D from the sun in the outdoors decreases chances of cancer, obesity, hormonal problems, and improves the immune system. The sun is our bodies natural clock, so by increasing time outdoors your body will know when to eat and sleep. What I like about the article is it doesn't just rant on how the outdoors is amazing for you it also provides you with things to do outdoors. It's long list of "fun things to do outside" includes: gardening, walking at a local park, sitting outside, meditating outside, etc... The article concludes with the Walters begging the readers to make time in their busy days for the outdoors as our bodies need it.

     This article has opened my eyes on how important the outdoors really is, with that I will spend a lot more time in the fresh air and greener environments. The benefits of going outside makes it definitely worth it, just by spending time outside more I can reduce my chances of some horrible diseases and conditions that take the lives of so many.

Walters, Jennipher. "Why Getting Outside is So Good for You" (2014): 3. 07 Oct 2014 <http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1680>.

Outdoor Ed Article Assignment. Pad 20

Outdoor Ed Article Assignment. Pad 20

Rating: ***

Did you know that if your compass malfunctions in the woods you can find your way using your watch? I didn’t until I read this article called “Navigating without a Compass” by: George G. Spearing.

The Article is very short and to the point, it is very revealing towards the matter. This article has made me think back and > what if? < What if I was lost out in the forest and my compass broke and stopped working correctly. This tool would be very useful to help me find my way back to my destination and seek help. The methods that the article shows are very easy to learn and effective. Once I read this article I had to test if this method was effective or not, it turns out that this skill requires practise to be effectively used on the trail, it requires the sun to be out to work properly and patience. I will definitely think twice and pack and extra Gps or compass/map before setting out on a big hiking trip , minimizing the risk of getting lost and having to use this method. It is a valuable skill to have and in case of emergency it could help save a life. In the overall rating I would recommend this article to a friend just because it is original and useful but mostly if they just want to learn something new and try a new way of navigation.

-Hansley

Navigating Without a Compass

By: George G. Spearing. http://www.thebackpacker.com/articles/tipsandhow/art455.php