We are excited you are looking to enroll in an Outback trip and understand you may have some questions or concerns regarding the risks associated with outdoor adventure. We strongly believe that most individuals will be physically and mentally capable of completing an Outback trip, as the trips are designed to meet the needs of both the novice outdoors-person and the seasoned veteran. We hope that the information outlined below will provide you with further insight into our program; if not, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.
ASSOCIATED RISKS OF PARTICIPATION
While participating on a trip, participants will sleep outdoors, potentially experience long, physically demanding days, set up their own camp, and prepare their own meals. Each participant is expected to take good care of him or herself. Although we always hope for sunshine and smiles, there are some inherent risks and hazards associated with our programs depending on the trip activity and location. These include: Rough Terrain (scree/boulder fields, rough footing, high passes, oceans, currents, surf zones, off trail, bushwhacking, etc.) Inclement Weather (cold (below freezing), rain, snow, extreme heat (over 100 degrees), lightning, wind, constant sun, etc.) Animals/Insects (bears, ticks, venomous marine and land animals/insects, mosquitoes etc.) Remote Locations (in some areas, up to 48 hours to definitive care, challenges to communication, etc.) Technical Skills (such as surf landings, peak ascents and descents, heavy (up to 50 pounds) backpacks, moving heavy canoes and kayaks (up to 200 pounds), sea kayaking and canoeing skills) The health and safety of our participants and staff are a top priority, as is the effective education of our students. We do all that we can to manage these associated risks to ensure the well-being and enjoyment of both students and staff. To achieve these goals for a group in a outdoor setting, each student must be fully committed to and capable of working hard, taking responsibility for him/herself, and working effectively in the group. Individuals can further help us achieve these goals by coming well prepared for their trip (bringing the required equipment, training physically and mentally, breaking in boots, etc.).
PROGRAM HISTORY
Outback Adventures has been in operation since 1978 and we have offered outdoor adventure trips for more than 30 years at UCSD. We operate our courses throughout Southern California, Baja California, the Sierra Nevada, Nevada and Arizona. We strive to connect and maintain relationships with local experts to maintain awareness of local issues, current conditions, and raise our knowledge of the area.
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
We pride ourselves on training and hiring qualified staff. All staff members go through an extensive staff training program, involving technical skills, leadership, environmental ethics, educational techniques, wilderness skills and conflict resolution. Each program operating in a wilderness environment (2 or more hours from definitive care) will have at least one leader with a Wilderness First Responder (a 72 hour first aid, wilderness medicine, and emergency response course), extensive UC vehicle driver training, and experience in the course location.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
We understand there may be additional concerns while traveling abroad and that for some students, this may be their first experience out of the United States. We do our best to stay abreast of current political issues, cultural practices, and changing conditions. While the focus of our trips is primarily about building community within the group and learning new skills, we encourage our students to engage in cultural exchanges and conversations as appropriate. We believe that by identifying and returning year after year to course locations, cultivating strong relationships with locals, and training our staff to manage situations well, the benefits of exploring these areas outweigh the risks sometimes associated with international travel. We respect the opportunity to continue working with our Mexican neighbors. All participants on trips visiting Baja California, Mexico MUST bring a valid U.S. Passport, Driver's License, and enough money to purchase a Mexico Traveler's Visa.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
One of the benefits of participating in a University sponsored trip is that all participants will be covered by the UC Travel Insurance for free! We will take care of this insurance registration, but if you would like to get more information, please view the documentation provided by the UC Office of the President. You do not have to individually register for travel insurance; it is included in the program. This coverage is intended to provide some immediate treatment for medical emergencies arising from accidents sustained and sudden illnesses contracted during the course of the travel while participating in University activities. Participants must continue to maintain their own personal health insurance. In the event of a serious or catastrophic accident or sickness, this insurance may not be sufficient to provide full coverage, and participants will need other personal health insurance.
WARNING
Adventure travel has inherent risks of injury and/or death. These risks contribute to the "adventure" aspect of our trips. UCSD Outback Adventures and its employees assume no liability for any damages, loss, injury or death as a result of our trips. Some trips have a prerequisite fitness level, for which the participants are responsible. Any person participating in an Outback Adventures trip is personally responsible for his or her own safety.
