Important Information

Our Approach

The Sanborn Gap Semester, as well as all COEC programs, continue to develop, implement, and refine our approach to health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach is to act in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines, as well as follow best practices laid out by the American Camp Association and outdoor education community. As a result this approach will evolve.

Principles for Health & Safety

• Safely form a cohort (cohort includes all participants and lead instructors), using testing, mask wearing, and social distancing
• Remain in the cohort for the duration of the semester
• Stay on campus for cohort formation
• Daily screenings for all staff, participants, and outside speakers, guides, mentors, and instructors
• Limit contact with general public during field expeditions
• Require mask wearing during visits with outside speakers, guides, mentors, and instructors
• Follow guidelines for isolation of anyone showing symptoms, as well as their return to participation

Participation Requirements

• Complete a 14-day period of exposure limitation immediately prior to course arrival
• Participate in socially distant program until safe formation of a cohort (first 10-14 days of program)
• Remain in cohort for duration of the program, actively limiting exposure to people not in cohort
• Cooperate with daily screening process
• Follow best self-care practices to limit exposure (masks in public spaces, hand washing, distancing, etc.)
• No outside visitors or travel during the semester
• Testing prior to arrival and on-site

General Requirements

This list is intended to help applicants identify any activities or program elements that may pose a challenge due to physical ability or personal wellbeing. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for participants. A note: participants are not required to possess all outdoor skills mentioned below prior to the program, but are rather encouraged to assess their desire to dedicate multiple days to learning and practicing these skills.

English will be the spoken and written language used in the program

Well-being of participants throughout the program relies on:

• Living in a dynamic, fast-paced, active, close-knit community
• Adapting personal routines of daily self-care to the program environment, including medical needs
• Comfort with limited connection to home and outside world
• Advocating for one’s medical mental, emotional, and social needs
• Effective communication with instructors and peers

Active Participation in a Group Environment

• Creating and participating in a safe learning environment, including: positive, challenging group discussions; creating space for others to try and make mistakes; seeking mentorship from instructors and peers
• Healthy cooperation with fellow course participants in sharing responsibilities and tasks
• Take on a variety of roles in the group including designated leadership, direct support, and active participation
• Living in close contact with others: sharing food, equipment, sleeping spaces, and facilities

Safety, Risk Management, & Judgment

For the safety of individuals and the group, it is imperative that participants:

• Receive and understand instructions
• Learn, internalize, and identify the stated objective and subjective risks of an activity
• Act in accordance with safety instructions, regardless of presence of instructors or other group members
• Responsibly follow protocol in event of urgent or emergent situation
• Effectively communicate ability to perform a safety task
• Accurately assess one’s abilities and choose activity difficulty based on ability

Physical Requirements of Outdoor Activities

General Outdoors

• Camp in backcountry settings for multiple days without access to bathrooms, showers, electricity, etc.
• Temperatures ranging from below 0 degrees F to 80 degrees F plus
• Elevations ranging from 2,000’ to 14,000’ above sea level
• Drastic changes in wind, humidity, precipitation, and visibility
• Activities will require physical exertion and building of fitness, especially: cardiovascular endurance, balance, and coordination
• Activities are to take place for varying lengths of times and distances covered, with adequate rest breaks
• Wear appropriate equipment: helmets, boots, gloves, various eyewear, harness
• Ability to learn and apply the fundamental movements of hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing
• Carry a weighted backpack

Hiking

• Hike on uneven terrain
• Hike in various light conditions, using a headlamp or flashlight for aid if necessary

Skiing

• Safely apply downhill ski technique to appropriately selected terrain
• Follow travel and safety protocol in the backcountry to mitigate avalanche risks

Climbing

• Be attentive and remain standing when belaying
• Clearly communicate verbal climbing commands

Biking

• Safely apply downhill riding technique to appropriately selected trails

In order to maintain a healthy and safe community that supports a challenging outdoor education experience, we ask that our participants commit to the following for the duration of the Sanborn Gap Semester:

• Abstain from using alcohol or drugs
• Apply positive conflict resolution techniques that prevents abusive physical and verbal actions
• Monitor and reduce the impact that emerging exclusive relationships have on a group environment
• Employ positive, appropriate language
• Encourage an environment of inclusion through acceptance of everyone’s identity
• Embrace a disconnection from technology in field expeditions and group settings
• Comply fully with COVID-19 safety routines and protocols

Registration Deposit: $2,000, non-refundable deposit is due upon application approval by the directors of the Sanborn Gap Semester. This can be paid by check or credit card.

Program Tuition: For the Winter 2020 session, full tuition of $13,500 (minus the $2,000 registration deposit) is due by December 1st, 2020. If registration is completed after December 1st, 2020, tuition is due upon approval by the directors of the Sanborn Gap Semester.

Participant Cancellation Before Program: Partial refunds will be issued according to the following schedule in the event of a participant cancelling their registration in the Sanborn Gap Semester for any reason:

• Before Dec. 1, 2020- refund any tuition paid above $2,000 deposit
• After Dec. 1, 2020- refund any tuition paid above $6,750

Program Cancellation: If the program is cancelled by the Sanborn Gap Semester for any reason, refunds will be issued according to the following circumstances:

• Prior to program start, full refund of all paid registration deposits and tuition
• While the program is in progress, participants will receive a refund of $90 per remaining program days.

Participant Leave from Program: If a participant leaves the program in progress for any reason, the participant is responsible for any costs related to program departure. No refunds will be issued.

COVID-19 Considerations:

• If a participant tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of program start, we will arrange for a delayed arrival and program start for the individual participant, and refund any missed days at a prorated amount of $90 per day.
• If a participant chooses to cancel their registration prior to program start due to a circumstance related to COVID-19, the above “Participant Cancellation Before Program” policy applies.

Tuition includes: Board and lodging, laundry, instruction, guidance, training, provided program equipment and complete program. The tuition fee includes all expenses except personal expenses, required personal equipment, and participant transportation at program start and completion.

Sanborn Gap Semester and the Colorado Outdoor Education Center admit participants of any race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to participants. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin or any other status protected by applicable law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship program and other administered programs.