By Stephen C. Schultz
Angie came running into the cafeteria at Discovery Ranch for Girls with a big smile on her face. “I just rode for the first time!” she exclaimed.
The reddened and raw scars on her arms, the result of compulsive rubbing from a
pencil eraser, were finally starting to heal.
I said, “That’s great! It must
feel good to finally ride after so much work with the horse on the ground!”
She tipped her head to the side
and with a twinkle in her eye responded, “Yeah…it does.”
I then changed the subject and
asked, “You plan on going hiking tomorrow? I heard Jared has planned a fun trip
hiking in Zion National Park.”
“Yeah,
I plan to go. Most of the girls are going. Are you going with us?” she asked.
“I
am.” I responded
I
then mentioned, “People come from around the world to visit Zion National Park.
It should be a fun time!”
The
next day rolled around and all the girls were hanging out by the vans to load
up and head off for the hike. I was impressed with the organization, safety and
logistics it took to get 25 teenage girls organized for a day long trip. We
were headed off to the red rock mountains
of Southern Utah.
I
was amazed at the healing power of Mother Nature. There were no problems,
teenage girl drama or bad attitudes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable time.
For
those readers who have never been to Zion National Park, I have some pictures
posted here I hope you enjoy. If you ever have a chance to visit, I highly recommend
you make the trip. I have posted the itinerary on the next page to help with any online research
you want to do.
Discovery Ranch
for Girls
Activity Plan: Hiking
Location: Zion National Park
Date: Friday
Marliett/Jenneil and Josh
Suzette and Hope/Tim/Jack
Itinerary
9 am Load Vans and drive to Zion National Park (Directions
Below)
10 am Arrive at Zion and board Shuttle.
10:30 am Exit at Zion Lodge shuttle stop and hike to Emerald Pools.
11:45 pm Eat Lunch
1:30 pm Return hike to the shuttle.
4 pm Head back to ranch
5 pm Arrive back at DRG
Packing list Girls
-Water bottles/hydration bladder
(at least 2 quarts)
-Hiking shoes/tennis shoes
-Shirt and shorts that dry
quickly, NO jeans or cotton t-shirts
Please
-Hat (optional)
-Sunglasses
-Camelback Backpacks (check out
from Recreation Director or bring your own)
Packing list Staff
Same as girls list plus:
-Aloe Vera, sunscreen, Germ X, trash bags,
-Meds, inhalers, Epi Pen
Packing list Recreation Director
-First Aid Kit
-National Parks Pass
-Lunches for girls, staff and
Therapists
Safety Considerations/Mitigation
First Aid Kits:
Girls and staff will be briefed on the first aid kits: Where they
are located, what is in them and how to use them.
Dehydration: Dehydration is a big concern this time of year.
Please make sure that girls are drinking water regularly. Girls must bring at least 2
liters/quarts of water or they cannot attend the activity.
Sunburn: Please make sure that the girls apply sunscreen before
they start hiking and every 2 hours after that.
Allergic Reaction: Staff should carry an Epi Pen in case of an allergic
reaction from an insect bite or other allergic reaction.
Twisted Ankles/Broken Bones: There is potential for twisted ankles, falls and
broken bones as we hike the trails. Girls and staff should to watch their
step and avoid jumping off of anything, down climb if necessary. Please
be aware of your surroundings.
Snakes and wildlife: There are rattlesnakes in the area. If you see
a rattlesnake, back away slowly and alert the staff and Recreation Director. Do
not try to pick it up or kill it.
Staff Assignments
-The Recreation Director will
carry the first aid kit.
-Staff/Therapist will be in charge
of 4 girls at all times, making sure that the girls are following the above
listed precautions, are drinking water regularly and applying sunscreen.
-Staff make sure that meds, water
(at least 2 liters each girl), are in the van or in the girls packs.
Emergency Response Plan
Site: Zion National park,
Springdale, Utah
Resources: First Aid Kit.
Jared is a Wilderness First Responder, all staff are first Aid and CPR
certified. Nearest land line phone is in the visitors Center. The staff
members have a cell phone.
Nearest Hospital:
East Medical Center Drive
St. George, Utah
435-251-1000
Plan:
If Emergency happens:
1. Stop and size up scene and identify:
a. Number of people injured
b. Mechanism of injury/ies
c. Severity of injury/ies
d. Safety for rescue team/treatment
2. Alert staff and be ready to follow
directions
3. Make a plan utilizing resources
a. Can
items in the first aid kit treat the injury? If so, administer treatment with
in your training.
b. Can
injured person be safely transported to the hospital? If so and injuries
warrant it, transport.
If outside help is needed: Call 911
1. Administer first aid until help arrives
2. Call the school nurse and notify her of
the situation
4. Care for the rest of the group as
appropriate.
5. Follow
up by contacting Matt C (123-456-7890) and Andrea B (123-456-7890)
Allergy
List
Gabbie G. Sea food
Kellie M. Mold, pollen, dust, mites
Jonni S. Nickel
Ali A. Nuts--Not
serious
Other stuff
Laura R. Gluten free
Kati Gluten free
Leigh Vegetarian
Driving South on I-15 get off on
the Toquerville exit, exit 27.
Turn left onto UT-17 and drive 6
miles.
Then turn left on UT-9/ 500 West
and drive about 20 miles until arriving @ Zion NP.
If you have Questions please call
Jared @ 123-456-7890
Notes
Comments