– WORKSHOP –

Early May, Utahloy International School Guangzhou (UISG) welcomed educators, outdoor instructors, and adventure professionals from across the region for the Foundations of Adventure Safety workshop – a dynamic twoday training designed to raise the bar for risk management in experiential education.

Safety Culture Workshop (MAY 5)

The workshop brought together participants from both academic institutions and adventure companies, creating a rare space for crosssector learning, honest conversation, and practical skillbuilding. Led by internationally recognised safety specialist, the sessions covered risk assessments, legal concepts, incident reporting, emergency response planning, and the cultivation of a healthy safety culture.

Participants explored what it truly means to build a just culture – one where near misses are reported without fear of blame, where systems thinking replaces fingerpointing, and where every team member feels empowered to speak up for safety.

“The workshop reminded us that adventure and safety are not opposites,” said Alek, Education Manager at UIS, who helped coordinate the event. “When we get risk management right, we don’t kill adventure – we enable it. We create conditions where students can push their limits, and educators can lead with confidence.“

The timing could not be more relevant. As schools across Asia expand their outdoor and experiential programmes, the need for trained, qualified, and safetyminded leaders has never been greater. UISG and its adventure partner CNH are answering that call – not by playing it safe, but by getting smarter about safety.

“This isn’t about paperwork,” one participant shared during the closing session. “It’s about going home at the end of the day knowing we did everything we could to protect the young people in our care. This course gave me tools I will use tomorrow.“

The Foundations of Adventure Safety workshop is part of a broader effort by UISG and CNH to position themselves as leaders in experiential safety – not just for their own programmes, but for the wider education community in China and beyond.

“We want to raise the tide for everyone,” Alek added. “Safer programmes mean more adventures, not fewer. That’s a win for every student, every parent, and every educator who steps off the beaten path.”

About the Foundations of Adventure Safety Course

The Foundations of Adventure Safety course is a 16hour training developed by Viristar, a global leader in risk management for outdoor and adventure programmes. Graduates receive a certificate valid for three years, recognised by schools, universities, and adventure providers worldwide.

Adventure Safety

About Utahloy International School Guangzhou (UISG)

UISG is a leading IB World School in Guangzhou, committed to holistic education that extends beyond the classroom. Through its partnership with CNH, UISG offers students transformative outdoor learning experiences grounded in safety, reflection, and personal growth.

About China New Horizons (CNH)

CNH is an experiential education provider operating since 2013. Based in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, CNH delivers safe, meaningful, and adventurous programmes for schools, corporations, and community groups across Asia.