Teacher Preparation Prior To The Visit

1. Approval - You must have the approval of the principal to take this trip.Be prepared to explain your objective of the trip in relation to the needs of your students and the topic you are covering.

2. Information For Parents/ Guardians - Parents or Guardians should receive information about the trip and details as to suitable dress, footwear, rain wear, lunch, dates, etc.

3. Transportation: Private Cars - You can help save board transportation funds if you can arrange to travel to the centre by having parents drive students. Check with the principal reinsurance coverage and other requirements that must be met when private cars are used. All passengers must wear seat belts.
School Bus - Teachers, through their principal, must arrange for their own buses. Buses should arrive and depart at the following times:
Morning

Arrive 9:30am Depart 11:30am

Afternoon

Arrive 12:30pm Depart 2:30pm

Full Day

Arrive 9:30am Depart 2:30pm

NOTE: Times are flexible for special circumstances.

4. Volunteers - Teachers are encouraged to include parents and other community volunteers in the outdoor programs. This will facilitate small group activities and allow outdoor staff to move form one group to another to provide help. Please provide volunteers with as much information about the trip and program as you can, as well as outlining their specific responsibilities. This Will help them to feel more effective and an integral part of the program.

5. Class Groupings - Primary - Small groups with parent volunteer leaders. Junior/ Intermediate - Depending on program - instructor will advise teacher of need for smaller group

6.Material And Equipment - Please bring the following equipment with you on the date of your visit:

 

 

7. Responsibilities - Teacher : We See the teacher's responsibilities to be:
- participation in the program with the students.
- communication with the principal and parents concerning the trip.
- transportation arrangements - private cars or bus.
- communication with outdoor staff concerning the program chosen.
- preparation of students regarding the program
- ensuring that students behaviour and discipline during the trip
- lunch time supervision and lunch preparation if necessary.

Outdoor Staff: We see the outdoor staff accepting responsibility for:
- bookings.
- communication with schools concerning programs, bookings, in-serving, consultations.
- planning with teachers before visit.
- equipment organization.
- introduction and direction of students during the program.

8. Cancellation Due To Bad Weather - We understand that it is sometimes necessary to postpone or cancel an outdoor education booking. If a cancellation is necessary our office should be informed as soon as possible at 342-5824, Monday trough Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. To reach the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area, call 345-1990.

Our outdoor education programs normally operate rain or shine and are adaptable to varying weather conditions. Some groups may wish to postpone, cancel, or make alternate arrangements if severe weather is imminent.

Student Preparation Prior To The Visit

1. Environmental Ethics - The activities at the centre or at the school site are designed to learn and experiencing process, we hope the student will appreciate and respect the outdoor environment. To help us through this process, teachers should instill respect for all living and nonliving things prior to the visit.

Some games and activities involve collecting natural materials. Important rules for the children to follow closely when observing natural objects are:
1. Do not pick or collect anything that is alive - even moss is alive!
2. If you use natural objects for a game or activity, replace them in the area where they were found. Leave the area looking just as it was when you arrived.
TAKE ONLY PICTURES
LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

2. Lunch - Please emphasize the need for a good breakfast and a nutritious lunch to prepare students for the active day. Students should be encouraged to use non-polluting, reusable containers and therefore reduce our throw away garbage.

Orange drink will be available for 25 cents per mug and chicken soup and hot chocolate for 50 cents per mug. students must bring their own mugs.

3. Snacks - Snacks may be appropriate for primary and winter programs. Please encourage students to bring a nutritious snack that can be eaten quickly which creates no garbage.

4. Dress Requirements - The staff at the centre is very concerned about student dress while on programs with their class. Exposure to harsh conditions, cold and strong winds is not uncommon and we insist students and teachers come properly prepared to fully participate in the program.

Spring and Fall Programs:
- waterproof boots
- rain coat with hood or rain hat
- warm jacket
- gloves or mitts

Winter Programs**:
- boots - large warm flat-sole boots (ie. snowmobile)
- turtleneck or tight necked sweater
- ski suit or sweat suit or pants other then jeans
- hats, mitts, scarf
- optional: goggles or sunglasses

**Conditions vary but please be prepared. Class instruction on proper dress before the program visit is required. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

5. Name Tags - Name tags hwlp our staff create a more personal atmosphere for your students. Tags with distinct printing are most easily read. Since straight pins have proven to be an ineffective mode of attachment, we would recommend pin-on buttons or other types of re useable name tags.

Questions
If you have any questions or further assistance in preparing for your visit please do not hesitate to call

Environmental Connections - 342-5824 (Ron Gardiner) rongard@enoreo.on.ca

We look forward to meeting you and your class!