This is NOT Click Bait! I actually did lose my job for camping in the woods near Civeo's Camp Wapasu, on my own time after work, on public land.
I posted the original video on June 27th, and took it down on July 12th as soon as I heard they had an issue with it. If you want to see the original video that got me banned, here is the link: • I Lost My Job For THIS...
My appeal letter below:
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"Please accept this as my Appeal from the Civeo Lodge Ban.
1. No Published Rules:
There are no published rules that say entering the bush surrounding camp is not allowed. I was unaware that camping in the woods was in Civeo’s jurisdiction. The Wapasu Creek Lodge information package that was emailed to me upon check in is the only written set of camp rules I am aware of and nowhere does it mention leaving camp grounds or entering the woods.
2. No hearing:
I have not been given the opportunity to be heard and present my point of view on the matter. I was never spoken to by anyone at Civeo, nor has anyone given me the opportunity to address Civeo’s concerns.
3. Cooperative team worker:
I am conscientious employee and I am willing to cooperate with management to ensure the safety of everyone in camp and on site. The very first I ever head there was a problem was when *** ******** let me know during a morning meeting. Upon hearing that camping might set an unwelcome example, I promptly took down my RU-vid video.
Your investigation concludes: “Guest slept in a woods for a night near Wapasu and created a RU-vid video about it. These actions are placing himself and others in danger by attracting the wildlife. Civeo will not accept or encourage this type of behavior.“ My comments follow.
Event Description:
June 20, 2022. Summer solstice camping video: I walked across the lower fitness area north of Wapasu Lodge, into the bush, around 9:00 PM to spend the longest night of the year camping under the stars. There are no signs in the area to indicate this is not allowed. I entered the woods directly north of the outdoor fitness area to setup my hammock next to Wapasu Creek, approximately 200’ north of the adjoining gravel road. I walked around near the creek for a short walk to view the area and then set up my hammock just inside the trees. I slept overnight in my hammock, and returned to my room in Wapasu lodge the next morning with enough time to have a shower and eat breakfast before bussing to work. I filmed a video of the experience for my RU-vid channel “Utmost Outdoors” and posted the completed video on June 27, 2022.
Safety Precautions:
Prior to leaving the Lodge I informed another employee of my plans to camp and made sure that my cellphone reception was good from my camping location in case anyone wanted to contact me.
I took reasonable precautions during my time in the wilderness including making noise while walking around to avoid startling a bear. I brought no food or items like toothpaste that might attract bears. I had bear spray with me.
I have seen others routinely jogging around the lower fitness area near where I camped, beyond any signs indicating that bears might be in the area. No security personnel have ever approached me or others about safety outdoors, or away from camp. I have seen Kearl Site trucks pulled over on the drive back to camp with people hiking fishing gear into the woods to fish a local lake in the area.
Wilderness camping and recreation are common activities throughout Canada.
I have extensive experience hiking and camping in bear country. I know how to behave around bears and even spoke about this in the video. Statistics on bear attacks back up my personal risk assessment with an average of just 11 bear attacks per year in North America, of which only 1 or 2 are fatal. The chance of being hit by lightning is an order of magnitude higher than being attacked by a bear.
Conclusion:
The reasoning for my ban does not appear rational to me. I believe it is simply the opinion of someone who watched my video and did not like what I did for reasons of limited experience in the bush.
The “investigation” was not an investigation, insofar as I had no opportunity to respond. The decision is based on no published rules or standards. I was given no opportunity to acknowledge any management concerns and to confirm my willingness to in future abide by rules for Lodge safety.
I would be pleased to meet with you to address your concerns. Your decision affects my immediate work & career.
I would appreciate if you would acknowledge receipt of this appeal as well as indicate when I might expect a response."
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20 сен 2024
