The Outdoors are Dangerous

[5thGenTexan]

This isn't directly related to Scouting (yet), but it does illustrate the path the  risk lawyers seem to be taking the world down.

https://www.newsday.com/news/penn-state-says-wilderness-is-too-risky-for-outdoors-clubs-1.18219199

 

Penn State conducted a "proactive risk assessment" not based on any previous participant injuries, according to Powers. She said Outing Club activities were rated high risk because they take place in remote environments with poor cell service and distance from emergency services

 

 

 

 

 

[Chadamus]

This forum is giving Penn State more press than my local laundromat.

[perdidochas]

Having read the article in a Pennsylvania paper, it seems that a week or so before this announcement, the Outdoor Adventures group (part of the student recreation department of Penn State), just increased their fees.  They do similar trips to what the University Outing club did, but at much higher prices and led by University employees.  IMHO, the employees of the University Adventure department encouraged this move. After all, the students have to be safer with the University employees along vs. just student leaders.  

 

Quote

Although the university operated Outdoor Adventures program runs trips to similar remote locations, Ms. Powers said the program’s staff and student leaders are better trained and more experienced.

The Outdoor Adventures trips also cost more. And that’s not a small thing for students, Mr. Waltz said.

The Outing Club collects a $20 dues payment at the beginning of a semester and then charges $5 to $10 for trips. Counting gear, food and gasoline, each participant would typically pay $25 per trip.

The cost of Outdoor Adventure trips bumped up from between $30 and $60 last year, to between $90 and $130 this year, Mr. Waltz said, and appeal to different participants.

“The two programs offer very different experiences,” he said. “The Outing Club is very accepting and welcoming of students who may be out experiencing nature for the first time in a meaningful way. Participants learn organically and develop more of a mentor-mentee relationship over the years.”

 

 

[Gwaihir]

15 hours ago, 5thGenTexan said:

This isn't directly related to Scouting (yet), but it does illustrate the path the  risk lawyers seem to be taking the world down.

https://www.newsday.com/news/penn-state-says-wilderness-is-too-risky-for-outdoors-clubs-1.18219199

 

Penn State conducted a "proactive risk assessment" not based on any previous participant injuries, according to Powers. She said Outing Club activities were rated high risk because they take place in remote environments with poor cell service and distance from emergency services

 

 

 

 

 

That's because they don't trust their hiring practices when it comes to outdoor athletics department personnel.