Logistics - Bus Pick-up
- Day1 (At School): 10:30 a.m.
- Day 2 (At the Elms): 1:30 p.m.
- 4 Chaperones required per class. (Lessons are conducted in 4 small cooperative groups.)
- All chaperones should be present for orientation and remain on site throughout the trip.
- Students need to bring their lunch on day one. All other meals are provided.
- We have 10, 5 person tents available. Chaperones may need to bring their own.
- The evening program (Day 1: 6:30—bedtime) is available for the classroom teacher to organize activities of his/her choice. This is your time to use as you see fit. Elms Staff are prepared to lead evening activities if needed.
Lessons There are three scheduled lessons,
one the first day and two on the second day. The order, and to a lesser extent
the content, of the lessons will vary due to environmental factors and number
of classes present. The three lessons are:
- The Intertidal and Inshore
Habitats: This lesson revolves around a biological survey of the aquatic
environment close to shore. Students will use a seine net to collect
specimens, identify and research them – creating a field guide to the
inshore habitat at the Elms.
- The Forest
Habitat: The students will look at the both the composition of forests,
their ecological value and learn specific techniques for aging and sizing
individual trees.
- Non-native Species: Using the mute swan as an example,
students will assess the pros and cons of non-native species and various
suggestions on how to deal with them.
After dinner there is room for a teacher designed lesson. We would be happy to help you put together something that addresses your and your student's needs. | The Rules: - The Main house is used for bathrooms and serving food only.
- No one goes anywhere alone.
- If students need the bathroom at night they must wake up a buddy.
- Any voyage beyond the immediate tent area requires the presence of an adult.
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- No Swimming, no entering water.
- Do not handle live or dead animals.
- Children are not permitted in adult tents, nor are adults permitted in student tents. This includes family members.
- No food in tents
- Aerosol repellants are used outside tents.
- Keep gear from sides of tents
- May consider not wearing shoes in tents – tracks in sand and mud
- Electronics: Don’t want to see them – keep in tents.
Expectations of Parent Chaperons:
While the overnight program is designed to empower students and encourage their sense of responsibility for the trip, parents who participate play in integral role. Primarily, the chaperons help to keep the children safe at all times. Parents also assist with lessons, putting up tents, accompanying students during their free time, and keeping track of supplies. We endeavor during these two days to put the children in the lead with our (the adults) playing a role of support. |
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