Question+4+budget


 * 4. Evaluation Criterion:** **All requested financial and in-kind resources are relevant to the project activities, and the budget and timelines are realistic.

Explain, within 300-400 words for tier 1 or 600-700 words for tiers 2 and 3, how your project meets this criterion.** * Although a facility such as this is needed to complete the curriculum requirements as they were intended for the outdoor pursuits classes, no single school would be able to afford and then make adequate use of such a facility. However, over a district with an ILF grant, such a wonderful resource is now within reach and would be well used. The benefits to the parks and recreation department as well as the community at large are over and above the benefits to the educational system. As a result there are many partners who are contributing to the project. Please allow us to present the rationalization for expenditures in bullet form. ·
 * We do not have the natural landscape to provide for the curriculum outcomes. Therefore the construction of the climbing bouldering and the installation of poles is essential.
 * The climbing and bouldering walls, and the ropes courses provide perceived risk, sources of stress and inspiration in a manageable location.
 * The fence helps to protect our infrastructure and provide a level of security showing our due diligence.
 * Soft skills are paramount, therefore training is required. The real value and innovation of this project is in the design of the challenges, and the interaction of the facilitator with the students. Although the technical skills are important, it is the questions that are asked and the manner in which group dynamics are encouraged that pose the greatest potential impact on our life long learners. The literature clearly shows that this aspect of the program requires deliberate thought, practice and research into best practices.
 * Research for effectiveness of adventure programming- Although it is a widely held belief that adventure can bring about positive growth in our students, the methods which may be in use have been passed down from teacher to student. The amount of real research that supports certain practices is still growing. This project allows for the true investigation of what works best and to help move personal philosophy into supported techniques.
 * The Canoes and Kayaks are required to meet the curricular outcomes. They also provide a wonderful introduction into healthy lifestyle choices that encourages family involvement, provincial tourism and personal well being. The building is required so that we may pool our limited resources into a district fleet and that the investment will be secured from weather and other individuals.
 * This whole project will allow the individual Outdoor Pursuits programs to stop outsourcing these activities to private companies who although very generous, cannot provide consistent, timely or affordable continuous access to the activities.
 * Liability is a large concern for any type of physical activity. Although there is a perception that these activities are dangerous, there are much fewer incidents of injury from rock climbing and rappelling and canoeing than in hockey, football, rugby, basketball or driving a car. The safeguards and certifications that are required are rigorous enough to ensure that the safety record is intact. This is only possible if the infrastructure is officially certified on an annual basis and if the student and adult staff are in continual professional development resulting in industry recognized certifications. Therefore, much of our budget is used specifically for professional development in both the hard technical skills and the soft personal skills. We expect to cover the costs of the infrastructure maintenance and staff training by the income generated by the private and public bookings. It is only the initial learning curve which is included in this grant proposal.