Part IX. Wilderness Programs and Adventure Activities
Article 3
Supervision
6VAC35-41-1010. Wilderness program.
A. The provider must obtain approval by the board prior to operating a primitive camping program.
B. Any wilderness program must meet the following conditions: (i) maintain a nonpunitive environment; (ii) have an experience curriculum; (iii) accept residents only nine years of age or older who cannot presently function at home, in school, or in the community.
C. Any wilderness work program or wilderness work camp program shall have a written program description covering:
1. Its intended resident population;
2. How work assignments, education, vocational training, and treatment will be interrelated;
3. The length of the program;
4. The type and duration of treatment and supervision to be provided upon release or discharge; and
5. The program's behavioral expectations, incentives, and sanctions.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-1020. Wilderness programs or adventure activities.
A. All wilderness programs and providers that take residents on wilderness or adventure activities shall develop and implement procedures that include:
1. Staff training and experience requirements for each activity;
2. Resident training and experience requirements for each activity;
3. Specific staff to resident ratio and supervision plan appropriate for each activity, including sleeping arrangements and supervision during night time hours;
4. Plans to evaluate and document each participant's physical health throughout the activity;
5. Preparation and planning needed for each activity and time frames;
6. Arrangement, maintenance, and inspection of activity areas;
7. A plan to ensure that any equipment and gear that is to be used in connection with a specified wilderness or adventure activity is appropriate to the activity, certified if required, in good repair, in operable condition, and age and body size appropriate;
8. Plans to ensure that all ropes and paraphernalia used in connection with rope rock climbing, rappelling, high and low ropes courses, or other adventure activities in which ropes are used are approved annually by an appropriate certifying organization and have been inspected by staff responsible for supervising the adventure activity before engaging residents in the activity;
9. Plans to ensure that all participants are appropriately equipped, clothed, and wearing safety gear, such as a helmet, goggles, safety belt, life jacket, or a flotation device, that is appropriate to the adventure activity in which the resident is engaged;
10. Plans for food and water supplies and management of these resources;
11. Plans for the safekeeping and distribution of medication;
12. Guidelines to ensure that participation is conducted within the boundaries of the resident's capabilities, dignity, and respect for self-determination;
13. Overall emergency, safety, and communication plans for each activity including rescue procedures, frequency of drills, resident accountability, prompt evacuation, and notification of outside emergency services; and
14. Review of trip plans by the trip coordinator.
B. Direct care workers hired by wilderness campsite programs and providers that take residents on wilderness or adventure activities shall be trained in a wilderness first aid course.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-1030. Initial physical for wilderness programs or adventure activities.
Initial physical forms used by wilderness campsite programs and providers that take residents on wilderness or adventure activities shall include:
1. A statement notifying the doctor of the types of activities the resident will be participating in; and
2. A statement signed by the doctor stating the individual's health does not prevent him from participating in the described activities.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-1040. Physical environment of wilderness programs or adventure activities.
A. Each resident shall have adequate personal storage area.
B. Fire extinguishers of a 2A 10BC rating shall be maintained so that it is never necessary to travel more than 75 feet to a fire extinguisher from combustion-type heating devices, campfires, or other source of combustion.
C. Artificial lighting shall be provided in a safe manner.
D. All areas of the campsite shall be lighted for safety when occupied by residents.
E. A telephone or other means of communication is required at each area where residents sleep or participate in programs.
F. First aid kits used by wilderness campsite programs and providers that take residents on adventure activities shall be activity appropriate and shall be accessible at all times.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-1050. Sleeping areas of wilderness programs or adventure activities.
A. In lieu of or in addition to dormitories, cabins, or barracks for housing residents, primitive campsites may be used.
B. Sleeping areas shall be protected by screening or other means to prevent admittance of flies and mosquitoes.
C. A separate bed, bunk, or cot shall be made available for each person.
D. A mattress cover shall be provided for each mattress.
E. Bedding shall be clean, dry, sanitary, and in good repair.
F. Bedding shall be adequate to ensure protection and comfort in cold weather.
G. Sleeping bags, if used, shall be fiberfill and rated for 0°F.
H. Linens shall be changed as often as required for cleanliness and sanitation but not less frequently than once a week.
I. Staff of the same sex may share a sleeping area with the residents.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-1060. Personal necessities in wilderness programs or adventure activities.
A. Each resident shall be provided with an adequate supply of clean clothing that is suitable for outdoor living and is appropriate to the geographic location and season.
B. Sturdy, water resistant, outdoor footwear shall be provided for each resident.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.
6VAC35-41-1070. Trip or activity coordination for wilderness programs or adventure activities.
A. All wilderness programs and facilities that take residents on wilderness or adventure activities must designate one staff person to be the trip coordinator who will be responsible for all facility wilderness or adventure trips.
1. This person must have experience in and knowledge regarding wilderness activities and be trained in wilderness first aid. The individual must also have at least one year experience at the facility and be familiar with the facility procedures, staff, and residents.
2. Documentation regarding this knowledge and experience shall be found in the individual's staff record.
3. The trip coordinator will review all trip plans and procedures and will ensure that staff and residents meet the requirements as outlined in the facility's procedure regarding each wilderness or adventure activity to take place during the trip.
4. The trip coordinator will review all trip plans and procedures and will ensure that staff and residents meet the requirements as outlined in the facility's procedure regarding each wilderness or adventure activity to take place during the trip.
B. The trip coordinator shall conduct a post trip debriefing within 72 hours of the group's return to base to evaluate individual and group goals as well as the trip as a whole.
C. The trip coordinator will be responsible for writing a summary of the debriefing session and shall be responsible for ensuring that procedures are updated to reflect improvements needed.
D. A trip folder will be developed for each wilderness or adventure activity conducted away from the facility and shall include:
1. Medical release forms including pertinent medical information on the trip participants;
2. Phone numbers for administrative staff and emergency personnel;
3. Daily trip logs;
4. Incident reports;
5. Swimming proficiency list if trip is near water;
6. Daily logs;
7. Maps of area covered by the trip; and
8. Daily plans.
E. The provider shall ensure that before engaging in any aquatic activity, each resident shall be classified by the trip coordinator or his designee according to swimming ability in one of two classifications: swimmer and nonswimmer. This shall be documented in the resident's record and in the trip folder.
F. The provider shall ensure that lifesaving equipment is provided for all aquatic activities and is placed so that it is immediately available in case of an emergency. At a minimum, the equipment shall include:
1. A whistle or other audible signal device; and
2. A lifesaving throwing device.
Statutory Authority
§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.