Teachers are welcome to request a cookout lunch as part of their time at Akinomaagayegaamikoong. The experience of cooking your own food over a fire is something many of our students wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to try. It can provide a chance to connect around the fire and create memories that last throughout the school year.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you determine if a cookout is a good fit for your day. 

We're bringing two classes on the same day. Can we have our cookout together?

No. Each class will have their own separate cookout time as we have one fire pit and room for only one class to sit around it. 

Do you have roasting sticks for us to use?

Yes.

Who brings the food?

Teachers are responsible for organizing the food for their cookout. Typically, teachers will bring hot dogs and buns. Some teachers choose to bring additional food (e.g., fruit, chips, drinking boxes, etc.). It is completely up to you and your school.

Can we roast marshmallows?

No. We ask that teachers do not bring marshmallows as they quickly alight. Students have a hard time noticing when their marshmallow has caught fire as our cookouts happen in the middle of the day and the flames are difficult to see. Marshmallows quickly become flaming balls of sugar and are a safety risk that is best avoided in large groups. Instead, try toffee apple slices. Classes who have tested them out last year loved them!

Can children cook food from their own lunches?

Unless there is a food allergy or cultural/religious restriction, we ask that children not cook food from their own lunch bags. 

What if it's thunderstorming or otherwise inclement weather?

Students should pack a lunch on your trip date, even if you plan to have a cookout. This way, if the weather is inclement (thunderstorm, blizzard conditions) during lunchtime, the students will have enough to eat. 

I'm concerned about student safety around the fire. What measures do you put in place to ensure student safety?

We take fire safety very seriously and will clearly explain the rules to the students before they are permitted to cook around the fire. We work together with teachers and parent volunteers to ensure student safety. Here are some of the rules we follow:

• students remain seated at the picnic tables until they are invited to get their roasting stick and food

• only students who are cooking food are allowed to be at the fire pit

• if students need to move their bodies, they may do so away from the fire circle, outside of the picnic tables

• students must crouch down/sit on a sit-upon when cooking food at the fire (no standing around the fire pit)

• students must walk at all times

• no one walks past the fire pit, if you need to get to the other side of the fire, you walk outside of the picnic tables and around to where you need to be

• long hair and loose clothing must be secured before you approach the fire

• a limited number of students are allowed to roast their food at a time (the number depends on the age and ability of the students)

Akinomaagaamikoong staff will take the lead in supervising student safety at the fire pit. Teachers support with managing student behaviour as needed. Teachers and parent volunteers are responsible for distributing the food.