AdventureSmart, and its suite of five programs, is a national prevention program focused on reaching Canadians, and visitors to Canada, who participate in outdoor recreational activities.
AdventureSmart combines online and on-site awareness with targeted outreach in order to reduce the number and severity of Search and Rescue Incidents in Canada.

In order to provide the largest possible number of Canadians and visitors to Canada with consistent and relevant safety information, and to ensure that opportunities to engage the public are maximized, AdventureSmart and its partners take a broad, encompassing approach to the delivery of adaptable safety information in-person and online.

Through the collaborative efforts of our various partners, regional coordinators, and volunteers, AdventureSmart is dedicated to encouraging participants to “Get informed and go outdoors”.

Why Go Outdoors?

1. Energy

Just 20 minutes outside is proven to boost energy levels, and help you to think more clearly.

2. HEALTH AND EXERCISE

Having nature as your backdrop makes you feel less exertion while engaging in physical activity. If you are looking for a way to stay healthy without going to the gym or playing sports, head outside for a walk! Plus, it’s completely free – just make sure you’re properly equipped for the weather and type of activity.

3. SUNLIGHT

Sunlight boosts your mood while ensuring that your body functions properly. It has other benefits as well, such as reducing inflammation and the risk of osteoporosis. Human beings get 90% of their vitamin D from being exposed to sunlight – so put on some sunscreen, grab a friend, and go outdoors!

4. VISION

Spending time outdoors reduces the risk of nearsightedness.

5. STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

By breathing in airborne chemicals that plants produce called phytoncides, the body produces more white blood cells. More time outside means our bodies have a better chance to fight off infection or disease.

6. RELAXATION

You don’t need a candle for aromatherapy. Natural scents such as grass, flowers, and even the salty scent of the sea can help reduce stress.

7. ENHANCED CREATIVITY

It’s always important to keep your phone with you while heading out into nature – but we are so exposed to technology that it is important to have a break. By connecting with nature and reducing our technology usage, we can give our minds a much needed respite, which has been proven to enhance creativity.

8. FIGHT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Lower levels of light in the winter can cause seasonal affective disorder, which leads to anxiety, exhaustion, and sadness. Studies have shown that spending time outside – even on a cold, grey day – lessens the severity of these symptoms.

9. REALITY CHECK

Life is busy – we get it. But by being exposed to nature and removed from society, human beings are left with just the most basic of truths; we are able to think of what truly matters to us, such as family, community, and our health. Similar to yoga, it helps to connect us with our bodies.

10. A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Many people walk through life looking down, without ever looking up to see the beauty that surrounds them. By exploring the outdoors, whether it’s a hiking trail or even your own neighbourhood, you may find all sorts of new locations to appreciate. By trying a new outdoor activity, you could pick up a new skill or find that healthy release you’ve been looking for! Either way, outdoor recreation leads to a new perspective. So get informed, and go outdoors!

AdventureSmart Organization

PARTNERS

There are many organizations partnered with AdventureSmart, and AdventureSmart is always interested in facilitating partnerships with other groups.
There are a number of ways in which another organization can partner with AdventureSmart. Key Partners are involved in the management, development, support and delivery of AdventureSmart nationally; licensed delivery agents hold agreements to use and modify AdventureSmart content and materials based on their organizational mandate; delivery agents are involved with front line presentations of AdventureSmart, either within their organization, or externally; and content contributors provide AdventureSmart with useful information related to their area of expertise.

Frontline Delivery

Within the management structure of the program, which includes key program partners and their roles and responsibilities, there are key positions:

Organizational Coordinators

It is recommended that each partner organization have an Organization Coordinator or a main contact person who would be responsible for:

Overseeing all AdventureSmart related activities within their organization;
Coordinating resource requirements, such as material, presenters, etc. with other Organization Coordinators;
Ensuring that presenters affiliated with their organization adhere to the organization’s rules and guidelines;
Providing logistical support to their affiliated presenters and teams.

Regional Coordinators

Currently all Regional Coordinators are Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) members, but may be affiliated with any of the other partner organizations in the future. Regional Coordinators are responsible for:

Overseeing all activities within their region. This includes training sessions, presentation request, outreach opportunities, etc.;
Coordinating and/or requesting additional resources/support through SARVAC;
Assigning presentation requests to any presenter in their region
Providing feedback to the Organization;
Coordinate on trends from presentation requests and other data captured in reports in their region.

Presenters

Recognized AdventureSmart presenters must belong to an organization that will provide insurance and liability coverage for their participation. Presenters must acknowledge and agree to the Presenter Agreement as part of the registration process on the AdventureSmart website.

Presenters are responsible for:

Providing presentation materials as required, however, this can also be the responsibility of their organization;
Accessing program material on the AdventureSmart website to deliver current versions of the AdventureSmart programs; and
Submitting Presentation Reports for every presentation.