Our safety management philosophy is clearly defined and woven through every aspect of our program.

We have five keys to ensuring safety on our programs.

We have qualified and well-trained staff.
Each summer approximately 50% of our staffers are returnees. Thus, almost all of our trips are led by veteran staffers. These individuals understand us, and our expectations well, and they provide the core of leaders who reinforce our commitment to safety and model appropriate behavior to 1st year staffers. During our nine-day Leader Training session before the summer, our safety management philosophy is integrated into all sessions and activities that the staffers are engaged. In addition, each of our staff obtains emergency Wilderness Medicine certifications from highly qualified organizations throughout the country.

We engage in safe activities.
We do not participate in unsafe or risky activities at Longacre. Obviously, because we are often out in the wilderness, kids and staff are exposed to certain hazards. But within this context, we view each of our challenges as a perceived risk. Our 27 year safety record buttresses this statement.

We bring our kids into the safety equation.
Before participating in an activity, students receive a safety briefing. This briefing includes a presentation of all the possible risks involved in the activity and the procedures used to minimize those risks. Evidence shows that participants in a given activity perform in a safer and more responsible manner once informed of the potential dangers of an activity and the possible consequences of an accident.

We double check.
Owners and course directors frequently visit trips in the field to ensure  that our philosophical commitment is being translated into safe practices.

Feedback about safety is fundamental to our evaluation process.
Our post-trip evaluations emphasize our desire to improve things for the following year. In addition, Course Directors make recommendations for safety upgrades in their End of the Season Reports. All of this information is taken to heart. As we enter our 28th season, we believe our systems are solid, but we continue to make improvements whenever they are deemed appropriate.