Respect, Inclusion, & Conduct

Interacting with Respect

As educators and mentors, you play a central role in shaping the tone, safety, and inclusivity of the expedition community. All members of the SOI Education Team are expected not only to guide youth in upholding these principles, but to model them consistently in your own behaviour and interactions.

Every participant, regardless of age, race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, level of ability, or lived experience, must be treated with respect and dignity at all times. We strive to build learning environments that are safe, courageous, and accountable—spaces where collaboration, curiosity, and empathy guide our shared work.

This includes practicing open and honest communication, encouraging dialogue across perspectives, and approaching differences as opportunities for growth. We ask you to support youth in using gender-neutral language when appropriate, checking pronouns respectfully, and recognizing the significance of personal stories and lived experience in shaping how we all learn and connect.

Brave Spaces in Practice

As educators, you are co-facilitators of “brave spaces”—environments where youth feel supported to step outside their comfort zones and engage meaningfully with challenging ideas.

A brave space is grounded in the following principles, and your presence and leadership help set the tone for these values in action:

Controversy with Civility

Differences in opinion are approached with respect and curiosity.

Owning Intentions & Impacts

We acknowledge when our words or actions affect others, and we approach repair with empathy and accountability.

Challenge by Choice

Participants—including youth and educators—may step in or out of difficult conversations while remaining engaged in the community.

Respect

Everyone’s inherent worth and humanity is honoured.

No Attacks

Harmful or targeted behaviour is not tolerated in any form.

Code of Conduct

As leaders, mentors, and members of the SOI Education Team, you help shape the safety, tone, and culture of the expedition community. To ensure a positive, healthy, and respectful experience for everyone, the following Code of Conduct outlines the expectations that guide our time together. These standards apply to all educators—from SOI staff to partner-organization team members—from the moment you begin traveling to the program until you return home. Please review each section carefully and uphold these expectations throughout the journey.

Students out on deck of the MS Ocean Endeavour looking for a spotted polar bear! Photo (c) Mike Sudoma/SOI Foundation

Educators as Community Leaders

An SOI expedition is a dynamic, collaborative learning environment—not a vacation. Educators help set expectations for community living, model adaptability and teamwork, and support youth through daily routines. Participation in the full educational program is mandatory for youth, and educators are expected to actively engage as well—facilitating activities, supporting on-the-land learning, encouraging participation, and helping manage group dynamics. Whether the day involves science, art, cultural exchange, route planning, safety briefings, or wildlife observation, your leadership helps anchor the experience.

Students Selina, Lucy, Anushka and Alexia excited to be zip-lining! Photo (c) Mike Sudoma/SOI Foundation

Responsible Freedom

Youth take their cues from you. Your judgment, professionalism, and integrity set the standard for what responsible freedom looks like onboard and on the land. By modeling thoughtful decision-making, clear communication, and respect for community expectations, you help youth understand how to navigate their own responsibilities in a way that supports the safety and well-being of the entire group.

Punctuality & Daily Rhythm

Educators are expected to uphold the program schedule, model punctuality, and help youth develop strong habits that support the flow of daily activities—waking up on time, arriving prepared, and staying attentive during briefings and updates. Consistency in these routines helps the entire community operate smoothly and supports a productive learning environment.

Educator JP educates Rahmah Team on zodiac safety as we prepare for our first zodiac ride.

Safety Leadership

Safety is a shared responsibility, and educators play a key leadership role. You are expected to model safe behaviour at all times and adhere to all protocols—from shipboard procedures to on-the-land guidelines. This includes reinforcing instructions from the ship’s crew, Expedition Leader, and program leads; responding promptly if safety concerns arise; and reporting unsafe situations immediately. You also play an important role in helping youth understand why safety standards matter. Actions that endanger the well-being of any participant will not be tolerated from anyone, including adults.

An impromptu collaboration happened during music night at the ship. Rosemary and Kellie combine throat singing and folk music to create magic!

Connectivity & Device Use

Educators help set the tone for an unplugged, present, community-focused experience. Wi-Fi and cell service are extremely limited by design, and we ask educators to model healthy digital boundaries so youth can stay engaged with the environment, programming, and each other. For safety reasons, headphones are prohibited onboard, and educators are expected to help reinforce this guideline respectfully and consistently.

Drugs, Cannabis, Alcohol & Cigarettes

The expedition is a fully dry program for everyone, including educators. You must follow and model our strict no-alcohol and no-drug policy for the duration of the program—from departure to return. This includes all forms of cannabis. Cigarette smoking and vaping are discouraged and, if necessary, restricted to designated areas and appropriate times only. We expect educators to model responsible behaviour and environmental care, including proper disposal of cigarette waste while on the ship and during shore landings. Cigarette butts should never be left on land or tossed overboard.

Relationships & Boundaries

To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, romantic, intimate, or sexual relationships are not permitted among any expedition participants. This includes adult-adult relationships within the program, as they can impact group dynamics, youth trust, and the overall safety of the community. Educators must also respect all cabin boundaries—only entering their assigned rooms and using shared public spaces for interactions with youth or colleagues. Your professionalism helps ensure that everyone feels comfortable, supported, and respected throughout the journey.

Disciplinary Measures

We ask you to bring the expedition spirit to everything you do onboard. While you will not be required to discipline youth directly, we expect your help in referring any relevant matters to the Expedition Lead. Further, educators are held to the same behavioural expectations as youth participants. Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in verbal or written warnings, reassignment or loss of responsibilities, or removal from the expedition at your expense or that of your organization. These measures are in place to protect the safety, integrity, and well-being of the entire expedition community.

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