What about program safety?

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We pride ourselves in our excellent 29-year safety record and have sustained efforts to maintain one of the safest, most successful environmental education programs in the country. 

Safety is a paramount consideration we value in hiring, training, and activity planning. Our professional Field Instructor staff passed a rigorous background check and all have current first aid and CPR certification. Staff also are trained and authorized to carry and administer epinephrine in the event of anaphylaxis. We are supported by a competent, highly regarded National Park Service and Yosemite Medical Clinic staff. 

Children are supervised in groups during the day by our Field Instructors, with support from attending chaperones. 

Attending chaperones - parents, teachers, and school administrators - are responsible for participant safety and security at all times, but especially during non-programming times in the shared public areas of Yosemite Valley (between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. (recreation time and dinner), and between 8:45 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. (after evening program to morning meeting).

If there is a medical emergency in the field, our Field Instructors at the scene will administer appropriate medical care until professional medics arrive. They will use their cell phones to dial 911 from most areas in the park in case of life-threatening emergencies; National Park Service staff will respond.

There is a medical clinic in Yosemite Valley. The clinic staff treat minor injuries and illnesses; anything more severe requires the patient be transported to an area hospital. Registration and medical forms for all participants are kept on file at the clinic.

Parent or guardians listed as emergency contacts on the medical registration form will be notified by an attending adult chaperone or a medical professional in the event of an injury requiring medical treatment.

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