Our COVID-19 Program Protocols

Pinnacle Pursuits has a long history of healthy and safe client engagements and our aim is to maintain that record over the coming months in light of the added risk factors brought about by COVID-19. 

With that in mind, we have subscribed to the safety standards and guidance set out by the following bodies: 

• Provincial & Federal Government 
• Work Safe BC
• BC Camps Association &,
• Adventure Works Associates

Pinnacle Pursuits offers team building, experiential training and learning adventures across a number of platforms to both youth and adult groups. Our in person experiences take place both outdoors and indoors and require unique protective measures to be implemented along with the cooperation of the groups and individuals with whom we work. Further to this, a collaborative effort is expected between our clients and staff to do everything we can for each person’s safety. We continue to ask this of you and to exercise your best judgement, intuition and commitment while remaining responsible for the safety of yourself and those around you.

Personal Responsibility

COVID-19 safety starts with individual responsibility. Therefore, we ask that everyone participating in our programs adheres to the federal self-isolation guidelines regarding the display of symptoms or potential exposure to someone suffering with COVID-19.

If you are presenting any of the following symptoms or any of the following circumstances apply to you before, during or after a program, we ask that you inform us, stay home and refrain from participating in any activities.

Symptoms (According to the BC Centre for Disease Control):

Less common symptoms can also include:

• Stuffy nose
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Dizziness, confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rashes or discoloration of fingers or toes.

Please contact your health provider and self-isolate if you:

• Traveled outside of Canada in the last 14 days.
• Have interacted with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• Are currently live with someone who has presented COVID-19 symptoms.

If any of these symptoms or scenarios apply to you, we cannot permit you to attend or work at an event or any programs involving other people until such time as you have been medically cleared.

Group Gatherings

As a company working with multiple age groups, we maintain awareness of the group size limits both indoors and outdoors. As of September 2020, all public gatherings are limited to 50 people and this represents the maximum allowed for adult group indoor and outdoor events hosted by Pinnacle Pursuits including our staff. 

Schools

School groups have been given different designations based on learning groups.

A learning group is a group of students and staff who remain together throughout the school quarter, semester or year and who primarily interact with each other. As a result, learning groups were recommended by the Provincial Health Officer to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. 

A learning group could be made up of:

• A single class of students (20-30)
• Multiple classes that sometimes join together for activities like physical education (PE) or music
• A group of secondary school students with the same courses in the same quarter or semester

Learning groups can include members of staff including:

• Teachers
• Specialist support staff
• Education Assistants (EAs)

There are a range of benefits to learning groups including more in-class learning time, increased peer interaction and support, and decreased feelings of isolation.

Learning Group Sizes

The learning groups are smallest in elementary and middle schools because it is more challenging for younger students to maintain physical distance.

However, students in secondary school are better able to minimize physical contact, practice hand hygiene and recognize if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Elementary: 60
Middle: 60
Secondary: 120

The PHO order on mass gatherings does not apply to schools, as events are defined in the order as an irregular gathering, like a party or celebration.

Pinnacle Pursuits Staff & Activities 

Pinnacle Pursuits hosts a number of different in-person events and activities. Each activity has been deconstructed to the individual tasks involved, assessed for risk and had individual adaptations made depending on the risk calculated. Safety measures, where deemed necessary include: 

Each member of staff is required to submit a COVID-19 questionnaire prior to individual events. In addition, every member of the team is sent a manual detailing each activity we will be hosting and how each has been adapted to offer the best care for our clients. Furthermore, staff undergo regular, updated and extensive training on the nuances of facilitating events in the COVID-19 era and are given the current WorkBC information required to know the expectations they should have of Pinnacle Pursuits and what we have of them. Above all, we treat each team member like they are family as we are a very close knit team. 

Pinnacle Pursuits has a 23 year history of delivering rewarding and safe experiences to all of our clients. It is our ultimate endeavour to continue doing so and we believe with the measures in place and the cooperation of our clients, we can each continue to thrive through these trying times. 

For further information, please call us at 604-876-7535

In the spirit of adventure, leadership, teamwork and hope,

Jonathan Willcocks & The Pinnacle Pursuits Team