Essential Eligibility Criteria- Aotearoa New Zealand

The Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) explain the basic abilities each participant must possess to safely and successfully participate in our programs. We do not expect our participants to arrive at our programs with the knowledge and skill to live in a hut and hike, but participants must have the ability to learn and implement the skills necessary to participate safely.

These EEC are intended to be helpful and constructive for all participants who are considering applying for Girls* on Ice Aotearoa. However, these EEC are only intended to give an overall ‘snapshot’ of EEC for Inspiring Girls Expeditions activities, and do not encompass every criteria or function of the various activities you may encounter on a given expedition. Please review these EEC prior to completing an application for Inspiring Girls Expeditions. We welcome participants who identify as disabled and recognize that individuals may need to discuss these eligibility criteria and potential accommodations before or after applying.

Please note that while Inspiring Girls* Expeditions values diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to provide culturally responsive programming in a positive learning environment for all participants, our programs are not wilderness therapy. Our instructors are skilled experiential educators and group facilitators, but they are not trained therapists or medical professionals, and do not specialize in experiences for people with significant mental health, emotional, or behavioral conditions.

The EEC apply to all participants. Participants are evaluated on both the Criteria for all Expeditions and the activity-specific criteria listed below. If participants cannot meet the EEC, a determination will be made as to whether we can reasonably accommodate them without jeopardizing the health, safety, and positive learning environment for all participants and staff members on the expedition, and while still adhering to the fundamental nature of the expedition as planned. If you have any questions about the Essential Eligibility Criteria, including exploring reasonable accommodations relating to these criteria, please contact us at girls-on-ice@vuw.ac.nz.

Criteria for Girls* on Ice Aotearoa

Attitudes and Behaviors

Participants must be able to…

  • Come with an open mind and willingness to try new things

  • Contribute to a physically, emotionally, and mentally safe and healthy learning environment for all

  • Display tolerance, respect, and compassion towards all

  • Maintain appropriate relationships with other team members and instructors; refrain from behaviors that disrupt the learning and safety of the group

  • Work effectively as a team member throughout potentially stressful or difficult conditions. This includes taking personal responsibility for your belongings and behavior, effectively communicating ideas and concerns on an individual and group level, accepting differences, and possessing a willingness to put the needs of the group before those of the individual.

  • Understand that every participant shares in the responsibility for their own well-being and the well-being of the group

  • Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, and any misuse of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. If using prescription drugs, participants must be able to follow the correct dosage and usage and maintain the medicine in good condition while in the field.

Living, Learning & Safety on our Expeditions

  • Understand and follow instructions, whether supervised or not

  • Understand hazards and safety concerns when explained, and follow safety precautions whether supervised or not. Examples of hazards and safety concerns might include, but are not limited to: adverse weather conditions, challenging terrain conditions, wildlife, fatigue, or state of mind

  • Effectively communicate to others personal distress, injury, or need for assistance, and communicate to others any hazards and dangers that they perceive

  • Live in a wilderness environment for an uninterrupted period of eight days, where “remote wilderness environment” is defined as greater than one hour away from definitive medical care, lacking infrastructure, and without cell and internet services

  • Able to adapt to the physical, mental, and emotional rigors of the expedition, given a supportive and inclusive environment

  • Tolerate being outdoors for multiple days in all types of weather, with a variety of stimuli, including extreme temperature changes, rain and/or snow, intense sunlight, wind, storms, and wildlife

  • Tolerate changes in diet, group living, days filled with mentally and physically challenging activities, and a routine that is likely much different than your routine at home

  • Respond appropriately in the face of unexpected challenges such as inclement weather, changes in itinerary, unfamiliar surroundings, and homesickness

  • Perform necessary self-care in an outdoor environment, including personal hygiene, dressing appropriately for weather conditions, and taking responsibility for personal belongings including loaned gear

  • Monitor and address personal hunger, thirst, and tiredness levels, with or without assistance and in a timely manner, in order to maintain energy levels required for expedition activities

  • Remain alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling through wilderness and other remote environments

  • Learn and practice ‘Leave No Trace’ camping and travel techniques

  • Exhibit willingness and ability to participate in small and large group activities including camp chores (cooking, water purification, etc.), group lessons, and science and art projects

Our expedition involves hiking. Participants should be able to travel up to ten kilometers per day while doing the following, with or without assistance:

  • Lift and carry weight, including personal or group belongings, gear or provisions

  • Maintain balance and direction while traveling on and off trail, over uneven, rocky, snowy, vegetated, or rough terrain, on potentially narrow or winding routes, possibly while carrying weight

  • Maneuver over, under, through, and around obstacles (i.e. boulders, fallen trees)

  • Possess the mental and physical strength, fitness, balance, and agility to accomplish the above tasks.