As caregivers and parents, we know there is nothing more important in the world than the health and wellbeing of our children. So is The Clubhouse Farm as safe as possible?

No, it is not. The truth is, anytime we allow a child to venture out of the sanitized and structured confines of the indoor learning environment, there will be an increased level of risk.

Uneven ground, sharp sticks, and various other potentially dangerous conditions are all around us, and learning outside can seem like an extraordinarily risky endeavor.

However, rather than avoid this risky environment, we embrace that risk at the core of our philosophy: children need risky play because it builds essential physical strength, emotional resilience, and independent risk-assessment skills.

As adults, we can mitigate the risks that children may be too young to yet understand, while encouraging opportunities to develop the observation and decision making skills that are vital components of growing up.

We communicate clear expectations, and allow for outdoor play, farm tasks, tool use, and a variety of other activities – all of which involve identifying and dealing with a variety of challenges.

Part of ensuring that children are not exposed to an unacceptable level of risk is to regularly conduct an assessment called a Risk-Benefit Analysis. These assessments may vary from program to program but follow this general sequence:

1. identify the hazard,
2. decide who may be harmed and how,
3. evaluate the level of risk: Likelihood x Consequence = Level of Risk.

We then decide on any precautions, record our findings, and implement any control actions. Assessments are reviewed and updated as necessary.

A risk-benefit analysis can require subjective judgment by a leader that takes many things into account using expertise, skills, and knowledge. There are different types of risk-assessments to consider as an outdoor educator. These include climate risk assessment, activity or experience risk assessment, individuals risk assessment, daily risk assessment or dynamic risk assessment.

The job of assessing risk is shared with the students when possible, allowing them practice in noticing hazards and risks, and identifying steps to mitigation. This inclusive practice develops students’ confidence and ownership over the act of managing their own safety.

So is it worth the risk? Absolutely. Injuries can heal, but the positive effects of skill development, self-esteem, and resilience last a lifetime.