Rules & Expectations

• Dress Appropriately to be outside & active
  • Close-toed, and close-heeled shoes should be worn. No crocs, sandals, slides, bare feet, etc.
  • Dress in clothing sufficient for physical activity in the outdoor environment
  • Dress in clothing matching weather & temperature forecast for the day
  • Jewelry is not recommended
  • If participants are not dressed appropriately, they may not be able to participate in all challenge course activities. staff may modify planned course activities to accommodate the group’s preparedness, or shorten the program day if that the group is unprepared for weather conditions.
• Follow Directions
  • Stay off elements until directed to do so by a trained staff
  • Stay on designated trails
  • Storage buildings are off limits unless accompanied by a staff member
• Be Respectful
  • Follow the Code of Student Conduct. Bullying, misconduct, etc. will not be tolerated.
  • School rules apply at the EDGE.
  • Discrimination on any basis under state or federal law or George Mason University policy is prohibited.
• No Drugs/Alcohol
  • Use and/or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited on George Mason University’s campus. Such use will result in immediate removal of the offender and potentially the entire group.
  • Mason is a smoke-free campus; this includes vapes.
• Secure Personal Items
  • Personal items may be stored in personal vehicles or in unrefrigerated storage boxes located in the tents around the Challenge Course area. These boxes may be locked and accessed by staff or chaperones.
• Food is for Breaks
  • Do not consume food or chew gum while engaging in Program activities; reserve food for break times. Dispose of trash & recycling properly
  • Water can be kept with you at all times & refilled at designated hydration stations located across the course
• Supervision of Minors:
  • Chaperons refer to adults who are present to supervise minors for the duration of their program at the EDGE. This may include group leaders, teachers, aids, coaches, parents, etc.
  • At least 1 adult chaperone must be present at all times in each small group that includes minors.
  • Chaperones hare responsible for the supervision and management of group behavior at all times.
  • Chaperones hare responsible for the supervision and management of group behavior at all times. They are expected to support facilitators in interventions for any behavior that is disruptive, dangerous, or otherwise unsafe.
  • Chaperones are expected to support facilitators by reinforcing directions, rule compliance, and supervision, including when facilitators take a lunch break away from the group.
  • The EDGE challenge course is not recommended for students that are an elopement risk. There are no fences enclosing the course itself.
    See more on chaperone expectations further down on this page.
• Damages: Individuals are responsible for any damage they cause to the property or equipment.
• Emergencies
  • The EDGE staff are trained on and will enforce facility emergency procedures including but not limited to: evacuation, severe weather, and medical emergencies.

When EDGE Staff travel to you, we continue to be committed to an enjoyable and positive program environment. All participants are expected to comply with the following guidelines

• Dress Appropriately to be active in the space provided; this may be indoors or outdoors.
• Follow Directions of facilitators
  • Do not use equipment until directed to do so by EDGE staff.
• Be Respectful
  • Our staff still follow the Mason Code of Conduct even while on your site.
  • Bullying, misconduct, discrimination on any basis under state or federal law or George Mason University policy is prohibited.
• Facility Use & Emergencies
  • The client is responsible for providing the EDGE with relevant policies and rules at least 2 weeks before the scheduled program.
  • The client must ensure proper access to bathrooms and water during the scheduled program for participants and EDGE staff
  • The client is responsible for enforcing facility emergency procedures including evacuation, severe weather, and medical emergency response.
• No Drugs/Alcohol
  • Space where the EDGE program occurs must be free from drugs/alcohol. All participants are expected to sober when participating in EDGE programs.
• Food is for Breaks
  • Do not consume food or chew gum while engaging in Program activities; reserve food for break times. Dispose of trash & recycling properly
• Supervision of Minors
  • Chaperons refer to adults who are present to supervise minors for the duration of their program at the EDGE. This may include group leaders, teachers, aids, coaches, parents, etc.
  • At least 1 adult chaperone must be present at all times in each small group that includes minors.
  • Chaperones hare responsible for the supervision and management of group behavior at all times. They are expected to support facilitators in interventions for any behavior that is disruptive, dangerous, or otherwise unsafe.
  • Chaperones are expected to support facilitators by reinforcing directions, rule compliance, and supervision, including when facilitators take a lunch break away from the group.

The chaperones will receive a short orientation from EDGE Staff at the start of the program.

• Who:  Chaperones refer to adults who are present to supervise minors for the duration of their program at the EDGE. This may include group leaders, teachers, aids, coaches, parents, etc.
  • Chaperones do not participate in EDGE activities with the minors unless clearly specified by the contract.
• How Many: At least 1 adult chaperone must be present in each small group that includes minors.
• Supervision
  • Chaperones are responsible for supervising minors at all times for the duration of their time on site. This includes
    • During all EDGE activities
    • During lunch breaks
    • Inside all campus buildings
• Chaperones are expected to support facilitators by reinforcing directions and rule compliance.
• Scaffolding Support 
  • • The EDGE follows a philosophy of learning through experience. With that, we recognize minors must have their own unique experience without Adult intervention. The more they take ownership of their own experience, the more they learn and grow.
    • We ask that chaperones do NOT provide: solutions, ideas, or hints.
    • We ask that chaperones DO: provide encouragement, validate, listen, ask questions, show confidence, and share observations.
    • Chaperones may reinforce and remind students of the 4 Ps: PLAN, PATIENCE, PRACTICE, PERSEVERENCE which are our key skill-building tools.
    • Challenge by Choice philosophy allows minors to choose how they will participate.
    • Let them make their own choices and experience the consequences of those choices.
    • Be there for them if those choices result in disappointment or frustration.
    • Celebrate with them when those choices result in progress or success.
      *Choice does not apply when risk is concerned; rules regarding risk and emotional safety are essential for a positive learning environment to exist.
    • Behavioral Support
      • Students should receive the same level of support at the EDGE as they do in schools. The school is responsible for ensuring the appropriate staffing for such needs. For example,
        • If a student has a 1:1 aid in school, they should have a 1:1 aid at the EDGE.
      • Chaperones are expected to support facilitators in any behavior outside of the 4Ps that is disruptive to the course, dangerous, or unsafe.

Minors on Campus, University Policy 1138. GMU/The EDGE is in compliance with University Procedures for programs. This includes: all GMU/The EDGE staff have a current background check on file. It is the responsibility of the Client to conduct its own background checks of chaperones and other adults that will be attending the Program with minors. Minors and their parents or legal guardians must submit all forms required by the Program before being allowed to participate in Programs. These forms may include but are not limited to: an Assumption of Risk form.