Westminster Woods Outdoor Education Program About Westminster Woods

Westminster Woods Outdoor Education Program

About Westminster Woods • Located in Occidental, north of San Francisco, the camp is located on 200 acres of redwood forest • Students stay in comfortable cabins that are furnished with sturdy bunk beds. • There are private bathrooms throughout the cabins. • All 5 th grade teachers attend are on call 24 hours a day

First Step…. Getting to Camp!

Parent Drivers • We need additional parent drivers to come with us the first day to help move the additional luggage needed for the trip. • Usually 2 -3 parents per class • Parents transport a few students as well as luggage needed for the trip. • Drivers will assist with unloading of the luggage then return to Danville • We will also need parents to assist in this way on the return trip. • Please let your child’s teacher know if you can assist on Tuesday or Friday for this very important job!!

Typical Daily Schedule • Breakfast is at 8: 00 am – Delicious, nutritious and child friendly foods • Activities – Challenge courses, team building, redwood ecology, exploring the ecology of a stream – Cabin time, teacher time and special groups activities on the trail • Lunch – Either at camp or out on trail depending on the activity

Daily Schedule Continued • • • Free Time with Teachers Dinner is at 5: 00 pm -ish After dinner Class Meeting with Teachers class time to regroup, reflect on the day Night Activities – Camp Fire – Night Hikes • Lights Out at 9: 00 pm – Teachers make rounds to cabins at bedtime. (Of course teachers remain on call 24 hours a day and ensure that all students get a few hours of sleep- we also assist parent chaperones when needed)

Cabins • There are 10 – 12 kids per cabin with one parent cabin leader. • Students sleep on bunk beds and the cabins are mixed among all the 5 th grade classes • We let the students request cabin mates and then group students into cabins – They can select any 5 th grade student no matter the class – We guarantee at least one student from their list, usually it’s more. • Please DO NOT send candy or food – It attracts bugs and animals

Behavior • We’ve never had behavior issues with our Sycamore students and we don’t expect any this year. • If a problem does arise – Step 1: meet with teacher – Step 2: student placed on a contract and parents are notified • Usually ends here… – Step 3: Parents have to come and pick up their child – The trip is also contingent on good behavior leading up the trip as well.

Supply List • Label Everything! • Pack sleeping bag and pillow in a labeled garbage bag and label a second big garbage bag to pack sleeping bags and pillow in on the way home. • Pack extra socks ! Wet feet are the worst! • 2 pairs of shoes – Preferably old shoes that fit properly – Good for hiking • Bathing suit, towel and flip flops to shower in • Warm layers are key • Reusable Water Bottles • Disposable Cameras/ we are not responsible for items lost or ruined • No Cell Phones or Electronic Games – There is no reception – Lunch on the first day is the only food that should come to camp in disposable containers. • Check out the supply list for specific details

Mail • We’re asking Parents to send letters for their children at camp. • Please give letters to the office label the individual envelopes; Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. (We will celebrate the birthdays!) • We would like these letters to the office by Friday March 17

Forms • All forms necessary have been sent home and are due tomorrow! • 3 Forms that MUST BE returned – School/ district trip permission slip – District medical form/ medication form – Westminster Woods form (chaperones too!) – A donation is requested please see your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns about this.

Medication • Please label your child’s medication and place in a baggie to give to your child’s teacher. • Medication MUST be in its original container. • If possible give to your child’s teacher before the day of departure. (Monday) • Medication will be given by the chaperones. • We can only accept medication with a white doctor’s form

Getting ready for the trip…… • Review the packing list now! Start figuring out what your child will need to borrow for the trip- please don't buy everything. Ask friends and family about some of the basics! • Start packing the week before…. • Please remember that lunch on the first day is the only food your child should bring!! • Your child will eat- even the fussy eaters find things they like and believe it or not, no one has ever starved: )

When they get home…. … When your child returns from camp remember that posting pictures of other children is something you should not do (and they should not either). Your child’s experience will be unique. Ask them questions and listen to their stories. What was their favorite part? What was the biggest challenge? Wait until Saturday to pressure them to talk about it- they will be tired and probably cranky on Friday- you might get bursts of stories but don’t expect too much that first night home.

We are looking forward to a fantastic trip!!!!

Questions?