About The Outdoor Experience

What happens in the event of inclement weather? Wilderness living in western North Carolina is made easier by the mild climate. Inclement weather occasionally impacts our groups in the field. The leadership of the field instructors coupled with the high quality outdoor clothing and equipment makes for a safe experience. We can evacuate our students quickly to base camp in the event of severe weather emergencies. Field instructors are equipped with satellite phones and receive twice daily weather updates and trail condition reports.

Where does my child sleep at night? At pre-determined camp sites, students sleep in weatherproof expedition tents using high quality sleeping bags and ground mats. Groups are outfitted with tarps that can be used to keep wet weather out.

What type of clothing and camping equipment will my child use? Students are provided sleeping bags, ground pads, an internal frame backpack for treks and a lightweight pack for day hikes. Though outfitting differs from season to season, our students have top quality fleece and wool clothing for insulation and waterproof tops and bottoms for raingear. They also receive high quality hiking boots and camp shoes. Each week, the student's receive clean socks and underwear and have their laundry cleaned during their time at base camp.

How are emergency situations handled? The design of the wilderness program is governed by well tested risk management policy and our staff is certified in wilderness medicine and trained in emergency protocols. Contingency plans for evacuation routes and communications difficulties are in place along with personnel from local agencies who can assist in the event of a field emergency. Our field instructors are equipped with medical supplies to handle field illness and injury and most have advanced medical certifications.

How do groups in the field communicate with the outside world? The field instructors are equipped with satellite phones, the highest standard in wilderness communication systems along with cell phones and radios. Each group carries two satellite phones with spare batteries and can contact our field headquarters at anytime. Field instructors are required to make contact with our Base Camp twice each day, offering reports on student health, group location and supply needs. The field headquarters' 24-hour dispatch relays vital information to groups such as weather reports.

What type of diet do students have? How is food delivered to the groups? Using a certified nutritionist, we have developed a balanced menu for our groups in the field. Students eat staples of healthy camping foods such as oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, rice and beans and pasta. Plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein sources are provided weekly. Students are taught how to plan and prepare their own meals, and share the responsibility of cooking for the entire group. Field instructors cook and eat meals with the students and work closely with our Logistics Director to ensure that the food is fresh and amply supplied.

May I visit my child in the field? Students do not have visits with their families while they are in the field. Phoenix Outdoor believes a brief separation allows students and parents the time necessary to gain a healthier perspective in order to move into the future. Parents have the opportunity to communicate with their child through letters, an effective way to engage in meaningful discussions. In the event of an emergency or any circumstance that would dictate family involvement, Phoenix will coordinate with parents.

What are the field instructors' qualifications who work with my child in the outdoors? Our field instructors have wilderness experience and a history of working with adolescents. All field instructors are trained in first aid and CPR, and our Head Instructors, who supervise the care of the students, are certified at the Wilderness First Responder or EMT level. The field instructors undergo a rigorous, multi-week training program conducted by the Field and Clinical Departments ensuring their ability to offer a high quality of service and care to students. They are required to complete criminal background checks and drug screenings prior to employment.

Who monitors my child's health? A registered nurse makes weekly visits to base camp and evaluates each student. A consulting physician, nurse, Wilderness EMTs and First Responders comprise our medical team. Field instructors monitor the well being of each student, ensuring proper hygiene and self-care, and report their observations to headquarters. Our medical team works with a student's family physician to coordinate care.