Young people take risks. But a new program in the Howe Sound School District is going to teach them how to take smart risks.
The SnowSmart program is going to be introduced into the district. Howe Sound is the first school district in Canada to implement into all of its schools.
"We're aiming for the implementation to happen when the snow flies," said Magy Butterfield, the vice principal at Whistler Secondary school and the person in charge of district-wide implementation.
The SnowSmart program is designed to increase awareness and knowledge so students can make good, safe choices while participating in outdoor sports.
It will give them the tools to asses a situation, weigh the pros and cons and know how to deal with situations that occur outdoors, Butterfield said.
"It's not about don't do it; it's about if you're going to do it, do it smart," she said.
The program will be tied into regular math, science and physical education classes at the Grade 7 and 10 levels.
Grade 7 and 10 students are a place where they think they're invincible, Butterfield said.
"They have to have challenges," she said. "They will take risks, but we want them to make sure they do it with skills and being able to think ahead."
The program is worked into the curriculum with lesson plans like learning to design a helmet, and it's tied into math and science with class lessons titled The Science of Avalanches, or The Science of Collisions.
Students examine a lift ticket, and find out the liability issues. Students also have to learn some key phrases - get trained, wear the gear, look first, buckle up, and drive sober. Drive sober refers to getting to the activity without drugs or alcohol, and participating without them too.
And SnowSmart forces everyone to take responsibility for themselves.
"There is no such thing as accidents, they are outcomes of poor decisions," Butterfield said.
The Snowsmart program was developed by the Smart Risk Foundation with the Canadian Avalanche Association and Canadian Ski Patrol System. A workshop will be held for teachers with a representative from the Canadian Ski Patrol System.
