"Taking risks is something children are eager for
as they test their limits and develop their abilities."
- Cam Collyer, Evergreen's Executive Director of Programs and Executive Member of the
International School Ground Alliance

Risky Play & Appropriate Risk


"Bumps and scrapes are the vivid feedback you need to improve your judgement.
Thankfully, you'll get better, and your brain will have developed from the experience."
- Build Your Brain

Many of the activities that make up our programs have an element of risk. You could say the same about many of our everyday activities in the Yukon. We live in a beautiful part of the world, and the desire to explore and enjoy it is a big part of why people choose to live here. We believe that children who start developing their sense of risk awareness as young people are better equipped to make better choices about risk management as they grow older.

For this reason, our programs are "as safe as necessary", rather than "as safe as possible". This means that we take part in activities with certain levels of risk (e.g. running through the forest on uneven ground, carving, or spending time outdoors in the winter, etc.), and we encourage our participants to consider their roles in managing risk while outdoors. When participants are given the correct amount of autonomy to help make decisions, it leaves room for their brains to develop. Participants learn to take responsibility for their part in risk management.

Our Response to COVID-19


​In light of the uncertainty and inherent risk with COVID-19, Rivers to Ridges has created detailed protocol to mitigate the potential spread during Rivers to Ridges programming.

Rivers to Ridges’ Emerging Practices for Year-Round Outdoor Programming: Responding to COVID-19 in Yukon (below) outlines how we adhere to and implement Yukon Government's recommendations, including:
  • program-specific practices for physical distancing (where age-appropriate)
  • adjusted drop-off and pick-up procedures to prioritize participant and family well-being
  • daily screening questions for families and participants at the start of each program
  • regular and scheduled sanitizing of frequently touched materials and surfaces
  • frequent and thorough hand-washing by all participants and staff
  • revised food preparation and meal-time practices
  • clear steps to take should a participant or staff become ill while at program
  • considering the wellbeing and safety of participants and community members alike before inviting Elders and Knowledge Holders into programming
  • preparing and training staff in all of the above
For further information, please see the Emerging Practices document below.

Research & Resources


Staff Team
Our staff are selected specifically for their experience, certifications and mindset when it comes to risk management. The interview process allows us to select staff based on their proactive judgement and preventative mindset when managing risks, and each instructor must annually submit a clear and current criminal reference check.

All instructors are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR (minimum requirement), and all staff work in teams (minimum of two) during programs. All specialty programs  or instructional skill lessons (e.g. water-based, knife work or backcountry programs) require specific additional certifications and proven experience/ demonstrated skill to manage additional unique risks.

Waivers & Forms

Please take the time to read over these forms in advance of you or your child participating in our programs.

This is the best way to educate yourself and your children about the inherent risks associated with taking part in Rivers to Ridges programs. We believe that appropriate levels of risk allow for growth and development, however these forms are mandatory before participation in any Rivers to Ridges program. This ensures that participants fully understand the risks they are taking (as well as how they can manage their own risk) when they join us at the start of the program.

Safety Protocols 

As part of risk management, we provide instruction on the safe protocol for our higher risk activities: 
"Access to active play in nature and outdoors -- with its risks --
is essential for healthy child development.
We recommend increasing children's opportunities for self-directed play outdoors
in all settings -- at home, at school, in child care, the community and nature."
- Canada's Chief Public Health Officers