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Field Trip Planning 

Fees for Programs

Reservations - Reservations should be made no later than 1month prior to the desired field trip date. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons. Making a reservation far in advance should guarantee availability of the preferred date and time.

To make a reservation contact contact Coreen Weilminster at 410-634-2847, extension “30” or email her at .

The following information is required at the time of your reservation:

• School address and phone number
• Name of contact person
• Grade level/age of your students
• Number of students and chaperones (note the recommended student/chaperone ratio below)
• Time of arrival and at least 3 possible trip dates
• Special needs
• Field trip program selection

Shortly after registering, an informational packet and contract will be sent to you. Please sign and return the contract with a non-refundable deposit of $40 by the date specified on the contract to confirm the visit. Unconfirmed reservations will be cancelled. Once reserved, you will receive pre-trip planning information and program-specific, pre-trip activities. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the program to check in and pay any remaining balance.

Payment - Fees are as listed on the fee chart. Scholarships may be awarded to groups with significant need as determined by the Education Staff. All fees are paid prior to or upon arrival. Checks should be made payable to Adkins Arboretum.

Group Size - Courses are limited to 60 students, in groups of no more than 15 students each. Schools may send larger groups (up to 100 students per day), but must discuss the logistics of facilitating a meaningful field experience for large group with our educators. PLEASE have students arranged in small groups prior to arrival. Programs will run in split sessions to accommodate large groups.

Chaperones - One chaperone must be provided (and is admitted free) per eight students. Additional chaperones will be charged the student fee. Teachers and chaperones must remain with their assigned students at all times and are responsible for the safety and proper conduct of the class. Chaperones and teachers should be prepared to:

• Supervise up to 8 students – other siblings not allowed
• Aid educators in encouraging students to be good listeners and to stay in their groups
• Come prepared for walking long distances as well as up and down hills
• Be prepared to get a little bit dirty - dress appropriately
• Let students answer questions asked by the educator (resist the urge to answer!)
• Lead by example - don't talk while educators are teaching; don't pick flowers etc.
• Be prepared to deal with minor emergencies (bathroom trips or scraped knees)

Lunch and Facilities - A water fountain and restroom facilities are available at the Arboretum Visitor Center. However, to accommodate typical school groups, lunch will be coordinated by the Arboretum staff with Tuckahoe State Park. Currently the park provides an excellent staging area for picnicking. Students will either hike, or be bussed to, the picnic area. All lunches must be brought from home. Adkins arboretum encourages students, teachers and chaperones to bring trash-free lunches. There are no concessions for food or drink at either the Arboretum or Tuckahoe State Park. Please download and print a letter to parents.

Inclement Weather and Cancellations - Programs are designed with mostly outdoor activities and will be held in mildly inclement weather. Any cancellations must be made at least one week in advance of your scheduled date to avoid a $40.00 cancellation fee. If a cancellation is due to a school closing, you will not be charged the cancellation fee and every effort will be made to reschedule the visit.

Clothing - This is an outdoor, all weather program. Students will likely get a little messy -- do not wear good or dressy clothes or shoes. Every participant is strongly encouraged to wear long pants and comfortable walking shoes. Shorts and sandals are not recommended. This will help to deter ticks and poison ivy. Bring rain gear or warm clothing if wet or cold weather is forecast. Please download and print a letter to parents.

Safety & Medications - Please let us know if you have any participants with special needs, known serious allergies or other medical conditions. Educators and staff at Adkins Arboretum are trained in first aid and CPR. Teachers will be responsible for student medications.

Learn about the field trips...

Program Fees (Fees are subject to change)

On-Site

Chaperones: One chaperone must be provided (and is admitted free) per eight students. Additional chaperones will be charged the student fee.

Off-Site