Of course you have questions! Hopefully this will help:
Is ROAMS the same as the Manachaban WILD program for 8th grade?
There are many similarities to the two programs! Ms. Pollard and Mr. Talen brainstormed together and worked with the Rocky View School Design Team to help get things rolling for Cochrane High ROAMS. We like to think of ROAMS as an extension of the WILD program. Students don't need experience in WILD to appreciate ROAMS; however, we assume that if they enjoyed their experience in the 8th grade WILD program, they'll quite likely enjoy ROAMS as well!
What about gear?
Cochrane High's Outdoor Education program has quite a bit of gear that can be lent out for the semester (backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.) - Please see the gear list by clicking on this link.
How many overnight trips will ROAMS participate in?
Our bookings are not complete yet, but we're aiming for 4 overnight trips during the semester. Most will be between 2-4 nights in length during the school week.
How often will students be involved in off campus trips/activities?
Often! Because students won't be missing class for field trips (they'll be with their classmates and teacher for all trips), we want to maximize the opportunity to learn outdoors when it makes most sense. We've budgeted for 20 day trips involving a bus over the course of the semester (Kananaskis, Bragg Creek, Canmore, Calgary, Banff, etc.)
What does the $1200 program fee pay for?
The fee covers transportation (bus rentals), food for class cooking modules and overnight trips and some day trips, various curricular field trips, accommodations for overnight trips, (tent sites, hostels), First Aid/CPR+AED Course Fee + Material, many service providers (Rock Climbing, Paddling instructors/guides, etc), Garmin InReach subscription (for emergent communications in the backcountry), and a sweater/shirt with the ROAMS logo on it!
Will there be any other fees during the semester?
No. If there is a surplus at then end of the semester, then families in ROAMS will receive reimbursement.
Are there scholarships available?
We're working on a few grant applications and looking for donors to help sponsor some students. If you are interested in this program, but finances are a barrier - please apply anyway and let us know.
Can students in French Immersion or the CHS Band Program still participate?
We're working on scheduling solutions to allow FI or Band students to be involved - at this point we are not guaranteeing anything, but are encouraging any interested students to apply and marking intentions for FI or Band in 10th grade on their application form.
What Social Studies and English streams will be offered (10-1 vs. 10-2)
Both streams can be accomodated! Students will interact with the same content, through-lines, and big ideas regardless of their course level; they will be assessed differently, according to 10-1 or 10-2 streams, for their understanding of the content.
I have services/knowledge/assistance/resources to offer the ROAMS students, where should I start?
Please contact Mr. Talen <jtalen@rockyview.ab.ca> to get started! We would love to have extra hands on deck - any connection with community members would strengthen the program and enhance student experiences!
I noticed that the "O" stands for Ocean - are there any sea-side trips planned?
Trips to coastal regions are hopes for future years - there won't be a trip to the Atlantic or Pacific during this first semester - we might plan a trip for the Spring of 2021 where students from Roams would be welcomed to sign up for! Other than trips - we'll regularly take note of our personal Environmental Stewardship and how our choices can impact various environments, including the ocean.
Question still not answered?
Please contact Mr. Talen <jtalen@rockyview.ab.ca>
There are many similarities to the two programs! Ms. Pollard and Mr. Talen brainstormed together and worked with the Rocky View School Design Team to help get things rolling for Cochrane High ROAMS. We like to think of ROAMS as an extension of the WILD program. Students don't need experience in WILD to appreciate ROAMS; however, we assume that if they enjoyed their experience in the 8th grade WILD program, they'll quite likely enjoy ROAMS as well!
What about gear?
Cochrane High's Outdoor Education program has quite a bit of gear that can be lent out for the semester (backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.) - Please see the gear list by clicking on this link.
How many overnight trips will ROAMS participate in?
Our bookings are not complete yet, but we're aiming for 4 overnight trips during the semester. Most will be between 2-4 nights in length during the school week.
How often will students be involved in off campus trips/activities?
Often! Because students won't be missing class for field trips (they'll be with their classmates and teacher for all trips), we want to maximize the opportunity to learn outdoors when it makes most sense. We've budgeted for 20 day trips involving a bus over the course of the semester (Kananaskis, Bragg Creek, Canmore, Calgary, Banff, etc.)
What does the $1200 program fee pay for?
The fee covers transportation (bus rentals), food for class cooking modules and overnight trips and some day trips, various curricular field trips, accommodations for overnight trips, (tent sites, hostels), First Aid/CPR+AED Course Fee + Material, many service providers (Rock Climbing, Paddling instructors/guides, etc), Garmin InReach subscription (for emergent communications in the backcountry), and a sweater/shirt with the ROAMS logo on it!
Will there be any other fees during the semester?
No. If there is a surplus at then end of the semester, then families in ROAMS will receive reimbursement.
Are there scholarships available?
We're working on a few grant applications and looking for donors to help sponsor some students. If you are interested in this program, but finances are a barrier - please apply anyway and let us know.
Can students in French Immersion or the CHS Band Program still participate?
We're working on scheduling solutions to allow FI or Band students to be involved - at this point we are not guaranteeing anything, but are encouraging any interested students to apply and marking intentions for FI or Band in 10th grade on their application form.
What Social Studies and English streams will be offered (10-1 vs. 10-2)
Both streams can be accomodated! Students will interact with the same content, through-lines, and big ideas regardless of their course level; they will be assessed differently, according to 10-1 or 10-2 streams, for their understanding of the content.
I have services/knowledge/assistance/resources to offer the ROAMS students, where should I start?
Please contact Mr. Talen <jtalen@rockyview.ab.ca> to get started! We would love to have extra hands on deck - any connection with community members would strengthen the program and enhance student experiences!
I noticed that the "O" stands for Ocean - are there any sea-side trips planned?
Trips to coastal regions are hopes for future years - there won't be a trip to the Atlantic or Pacific during this first semester - we might plan a trip for the Spring of 2021 where students from Roams would be welcomed to sign up for! Other than trips - we'll regularly take note of our personal Environmental Stewardship and how our choices can impact various environments, including the ocean.
Question still not answered?
Please contact Mr. Talen <jtalen@rockyview.ab.ca>