Minors on ACC Trips
This page translates the ACC Minors Policy (ACC-SEC-004, approved February 5, 2026) into practical guidance for trip leaders and section chairs. A minor is defined as any person under the age of majority in the jurisdiction where the activity takes place.
:::danger Overnight trips with unaccompanied minors are not permitted The ACC's CGL insurance policy includes an Abuse Exclusion for overnight trips where minors are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No exceptions. :::
1. The three scenarios at a glance
| Scenario | Permitted? | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Accompanied minor — parent or legal guardian present | ✅ Permitted | Trip leader consent required; higher duty of care applies |
| Unaccompanied minor — day trip | ⚠️ Day trips only | Minor must be 13+; minimum two adult leaders; background checks required |
| Unaccompanied minor — overnight | ❌ Not permitted | CGL insurance excludes this scenario; no exceptions |
2. Volunteer screening requirements
Before hosting a trip with unaccompanied minors, all trip leaders and coordinators must:
- Provide a criminal records check including vulnerable sector to the Canmore office, issued within the last 3 months. The vulnerable sector check is valid for 1 year.
- Hold current first aid certification.
:::tip Getting a vulnerable sector check Contact ACC Member Services for a nonprofit letter — this often reduces or eliminates the cost. Then contact your local police station or RCMP to request the check. :::
3. Waiver & acknowledgement of risk
Minors cannot waive their own rights, and legal guardians cannot waive rights on their behalf. The waiver serves as an acknowledgement of risk only.
| Minor's age | Who signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 or under | Legal guardian only | Guardian must be informed of all activity risks and hazards |
| 13 or above | Both minor and legal guardian | Minor must also be personally informed of hazards and risks |
:::warning Full hazard disclosure is mandatory Legal guardians must be informed of the full nature of proposed activities and associated risks before the trip — not at the trailhead. :::
4. Avalanche terrain rules for trips with minors
All ACC trips where minors are present must adhere to the Parks Canada Custodial Policies, regardless of whether the minor is accompanied and regardless of whether the trip takes place in a National Park.
| Terrain | Permitted? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (ATES 1) | ✅ Yes | Permitted when danger is Low, Moderate, or Considerable |
| Challenging (ATES 2) | ⚠️ Conditional | Only if led by an ACMG or IFMGA guide AND danger is Low or Moderate |
| Complex (ATES 3) | ❌ No | Off-limits. No exceptions. |
| Extreme | ❌ No | Off-limits. No exceptions. |
5. Supervision on the ground
A higher duty of care applies throughout the trip — from planning to post-trip handover. Key requirements:
- An unaccompanied minor is in your care from the moment their guardian leaves them until they are returned to custody
- Minimum two adult trip coordinators must be present and listed on the trip posting
- Follow the rule of two where possible: adult leaders should avoid being alone with any minor at any time
- Where possible, trip leaders should be of different genders
- No alcohol or illegal substances are permitted; inform parents/guardians and minors in advance
- Head-count frequently; consider a buddy system
- All medical interventions should be witnessed and documented by a second leader wherever possible
6. Duty to report
Anyone who has reason to believe a minor has been or is likely to be abused or neglected must report to the relevant authorities. In many Canadian jurisdictions, everyone is a mandatory reporter. Refer to your province or territory's guidelines:
| Province/Territory | Resource |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | BC Duty to Report |
| Alberta | Report Child Abuse — Alberta |
| Saskatchewan | SK Child Protection |
| Manitoba | MB Child and Family Services |
| Ontario | Report Child Abuse — Ontario |
| Quebec | QC Youth Protection |
| New Brunswick | NB Child Protection |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | NL Duty to Report |
| Nova Scotia | NS Report Child Abuse |
| Prince Edward Island | PE Duty to Report |
| Yukon | YT Report Child Abuse |
Related articles
- Avalanche Safety — full ATES terrain classification guide
- Insurance & Liability — CGL coverage and the Abuse Exclusion
- Trip Planning Overview