Risk Management
The Boojum Institute and Outdoor Program Safety
At the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education, the safety of program participants is our first priority. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the emotional and physical well-being of all participants, and safety is foremost in every activity we do.
The Boojum Institute has been conducting adventure-based and outdoor learning experiences for schools, adult groups, and other organizations for over 30 years, and holds an excellent safety record. Over 80,000 participants have safely and successfully experienced our premium-quality education programs. We are proud of our attention to safety and to the Institute's sustained achievements in program safety. Our accident prevention infrastructure ensures that each participant benefits from our extensive risk management systems and that Boojum offers thoughtfully developed experiential programs that minimize risk and maximize educational impact and value.
In addition to helping set the standard for outdoor and experiential program safety with policies, trainings and procedures, and a thirty-year record of proven results, Boojum provides some of the best-trained, most highly qualified education staff available in the industry. Boojum's teaching faculty pass through a hiring process including pre-qualifications and background checks, and all Boojum instructors are trained in First Aid and CPR. Our wilderness program educators hold current 72-hour Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification. Some staff hold Emergency Medical Technician or Wilderness EMT certification as well. This training in emergency prevention and response exceeds the training and certification seen elsewhere; Boojum helps set and raise the industry standard in this regard.
In addition to having advanced safety management, wilderness rescue and emergency medical training, Boojum staff undergo training and refreshers each year designed to practice accident prevention procedures and to hone safety skills. These trainings may include drills, refresher classes, scenarios, and classroom lessons in accident prevention and response.
Boojum employs current equipment to foster safe and educational outcomes: Our technical equipment for rock-climbing, Challenge Course and other activities is of the finest quality and is subject to inspection and replacement regimes. We take advantage of advanced telecommunications equipment on programs as appropriate, including radio, cell phone and satellite phone communications systems.
Boojum programs enjoy specific staff-to-participant ratios. Wilderness programs have multiple Boojum staff with each group to help ensure safety, a policy that leads the industry in safety management. Participants receive safety briefings as a regular part of the program.
No organization or program can absolutely guarantee safety. Accidents can and do happen. However, Boojum strives to meet or exceed industry standards in outdoor and experiential program risk management. Boojum's extensive risk management plan includes detailed emergency plans, including locations of hospitals, hours, driving directions, contact information, and scope of available services and facilities, in case an accident happens. We hold insurance coverage with liability and other appropriate insurance policies. Safety policies have been developed for all activities, and Boojum participates in internal and external reviews of its operations to ensure the Institute continues to excel in both program safety and quality.
The Boojum Institute is the oldest organization providing premium quality wilderness- and adventure-based outdoor education courses for school and other groups throughout California. Safety is always our first priority, and we are proud of our excellent record in outdoor program risk management. We welcome further inquiries into our safety policies.