Outdoor Play Canada - Risk Benefit Assessment
Risk Assessment Summary
In unstructured, outdoor play, children freely choose which experiences and forms of play they are comfortable engaging in. Your child is under no obligation to participate in all experiences and may choose not to participate at any time during the program.
At Wild Child Nature Project, we support children in becoming confident, capable people who have a sound sense of their abilities and interests, and the ability to take age-appropriate responsibility for their own safety.
We believe that unstructured outdoor play and learning are central to this program.
Wild Child Nature Project takes reasonable steps to manage and balance risks, while at the same time allowing children to play freely.
Program participants acknowledge its inherent risks of harm and personal injury. While minor injuries like bruises, bumps and scrapes are not uncommon, serious injuries are rare, and life-changing injuries and fatalities are unlikely in the extreme. Still, as with almost any activity, indoors or outdoors, it is impossible to guarantee that they will not happen.
You are required to accept this as a condition of your child’s participation.
Potential Risks
The variety of risks is more than can be listed here and can vary by activity and day. However, our educators are trained and experienced. Their role is to support children in learning and playing, while keeping the risks to a minimum. We provide an environment where the children can feel safe, in control and are trusted to make decisions for themselves.
We provide policies and guidelines that are designed to enhance the safety of your child and others, and are to be followed at all times.
Below is a list of some of the more significant risks:
- Injuries resulting from the presence of harmful plants, natural loose parts, wild animals, and/or ticks
- Injuries from executing strenuous and demanding physical activities
- Injuries resulting from matches or fire
- Changing and inclement weather, including storms, high winds, and lightning
- The possibility that your child may not heed safety instructions or directions given to the group or delivered individually
- Injuries arising from the actions or negligence of other children
- Your child’s risk of injury increases with fatigue
The Risk Assessment Summary is intended to enable you and your child to better understand and accept the various risks involved at while at Wild Child Nature Project. It is your responsibility to weigh and evaluate the risks on behalf of your child. Your child is under no obligation to participate in all activities, they may choose not to participate at any time.