Safety is top priority
GIFTS places a high priority on the safety of our students, particularly the minors who are in our care during their stay. We have an excellent staff-student ratio and scheduling so that there is always a staff member around, and we hire based on character and people-skills. We foster an atmosphere of trust and respect, with a great deal of emphasis on communication and collaboration, so that we are able to identify and prevent conflict. And we have a Night Supervisor who sleeps on-site and is on active duty most of the night.
Our rules of residence and policies are strict enough to allow us to deal with behavioural problems in a preventative manner. We are very proud of our ability to provide a secure environment for our students, and allow them to focus on their work. In the seven year history of GIFTS, we have had very few students who have been expelled or required extraordinary measures.
We are situated on five acres of coastal rainforest, a long walk from any urbanization, which provides an insulated social environment and prevents wandering. In addition, the location on Galiano Island means a safe, small island community with very little crime and good neighbours.
Galiano Island has a health clinic and on-call doctors, and there is an ambulance service including helicopter access for emergencies. Food sensitivities and allergies are also a concern of ours, and our catering staff is flexible and supportive. We require that a medical form is filled out and sent to us before the session, so that we may be prepared for any dietary issues or medical conditions.
We take measures to protect students' privacy and personal information, including contact information and background personal information like medical information.
We always welcome feedback on our residential conditions and policies. Feel free to send your comments or inquiries to
gifts@gulfislands.com.
Getting Here...
GIFTS is conveniently located near three international airports (Vancouver & Victoria in Canada, and Seattle in the USA). From the airport, students need only get to the ferry terminal (by bus, limo or taxi), catch the ferry to Galiano Island, disembark at the Sturdies Bay ferry terminal at Galiano Island and we will pick them up & supply all transportation needed during their stay on the island.
Ferry Schedules for the Gulf Islands
BC Ferriestoll free: 1-888-223-3779
About Galiano
Take a break while your loved ones take a course, or arrange a visit before of after the course. Magnificent Galiano Island in British Columbias Gulf Islands offers a wide range of vacation opportunities. Hike, camp, kayak, or fish in unsurpassed natural beauty. Or luxuriate at the inns or numerous cottage and B&B; accommodations on the Island.
Some B&B;s offer discounts for guests associated with GIFTS. Woodruff B&B; offers a 20% discount:
www.galianowoodruff.com. Call or email us for more information.
While youre here, dont miss the 2pm Saturday screening of the weeks GIFTS productions. To find out more about Galiano Islands vacation possibilities, check out the website at
www.galianoisland.com. Galiano is featured in many GIFTS movies, viewable online at www.GIFTSfilms.com.
For more information on Galiano Island, try www.galianoisland.com.
More photos: see the Gulf Islands Guide.
