SKY RANCH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Dear Chaperone, Thank you for your willingness to serve as a chaperone on your student’s Sky Ranch School Programs trip! This trip would not be possible without you, and we don’t take lightly your sacrifice to leave your home, work, and family so these students can have this incredible experience. Sky Ranch is located near Van, TX, an hour and a half east of Dallas. Sky Ranch has been in operation for 70 years and is recognized as one of Texas’ leading summer camps. Serving over 7,000 children each season, Sky Ranch is a long-trusted name in quality programming for children. Sky Ranch School Programs follows the same excellent tradition. The curriculum serves as an extension of the classroom, delivering educational content in alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Students will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities which will develop their awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the outdoor environment. Led by an exceptional staff, your child will have an enriching experience you can feel secure about. An overview of our program can be found on our website here: SkyRanch.org/Pages/Schools. This packet contains information you will want to know regarding your role as a chaperone. It includes: • Sample Schedule • Chaperone FAQ’s • Chaperone Specific Packing List Your role is vital in ensuring the safety of each child who attends by offering assistance to Sky Ranch staff throughout the day and providing supervision during the non-instructional times. If you have any questions regarding your time as a chaperone, feel free to call Sky Ranch at 800.962.2267. You can also reach our team by emailing SchoolPrograms@SkyRanch.org. Sincerely, The School Programs Team
SCHEDULE
SCHOOL NAME
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Note: These times and locations are an example. You will receive a customized schedule from your Event Coordinator.
Wednesday ----------------------------------------------------------------- 10:30am Arrival Green Lot 11:40am Lunch & Skrazy Oak Haven 12:40pm Classes 3:45pm Class Debrief 3:30pm Recreation Time 5:50pm Dinner Regroup 6:00pm Dinner Oak Haven 6:45pm Night Event Headquarters 10:00pm Lights Out Cabins Thursday ----------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30am Morning Meetup 7:40am Breakfast & Skrazy Oak Haven 8:40am Classes 11:40am Lunch & Skrazy Oak Haven 12:40pm Classes 3:45pm Class Debrief 3:30pm Recreation Time 5:50pm Dinner Oak Haven 6:45pm Night Event Headquarters 10:00pm Lights Out Cabins Friday ---------------------------------------------------------------- 7:30am Morning Meetup 7:40am Breakfast & Skrazy Oak Haven 8:40am Classes 11:40am Lunch & Skrazy Oak Haven 12:30pm Departure Orange Lot EVEryday ---------------------------------------------------------------- 3:30 - 5:30pm Café Sky Legacy Building 3:30- 5:30pm Cornerstore Oak Haven
WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A CHAPERONE?
For your stay at Sky Ranch, your school will assign you to a cabin with students. All room assignments will be gender specific and based on the Sky Ranch recommended ratios. All accommodations have heating and air conditioning, as well as indoor showers and restrooms with private changing areas.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING? WHAT ARE THE CABIN ACCOMMODATIONS?
WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?
CHAPERONE FAQ
Your role is vital for the safety and execution of the school’s experience. Your number one priority as a chaperone is the safety and supervision of the students attending. This will primarily occur in the following places: Cabins—As a chaperone, your school leadership will assign you a student cabin to stay in. The number of chaperones in the cabin will be based on the recommended Sky Ranch adult to student ratio along with any requirements of the school. As the main source of adult supervision, you will be responsible for making sure all Sky Ranch and school specific rules are upheld in the cabin. Class time—Each school will be scheduled designated class times throughout the day. This time will be led by Sky Ranch Instructors, but we ask that chaperones be present during this time to help manage the students. Dining Hall—During meals, chaperones will be asked to spread out and sit with students. Each school will have specific tables assigned. Please ensure your students are sitting at the designated tables and that they are abiding by the Sky Ranch dining hall rules. Rec Time/Night Events—In the afternoon, your school will be assigned different rec time activities to participate in. We ask that chaperones be present during this time to make sure students are at the correct activities and abiding by Sky Ranch safety rules and regulations. Your role will also be to ensure students are practicing the buddy system and not returning to cabins by themselves. Please communicate with your school as they often have their own set of expectations and responsibilities when it comes to your role as a chaperone.
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO INTERNET WHILE ON CAMP?
Please reference the packing list included in this packet.
You will have limited access to cell service while on camp. However, we do have designated areas where you can connect to WiFi throughout your trip. WiFi is available in the Legacy Center lobby and the Dining Hall. We recommend coordinating with your school’s lead teacher to determine best times to step away, if you have specific needs.
YES! There is a coffee and tea bar available for adults only in the lobby of our dining hall starting at 7 am. This will be available throughout the day. You will also have access to different soda options in the Corner Store and Café Sky when open.
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND A SKY RANCH TRIP AS A CHAPERONE?
In the case of light rain and colder temperatures, we will continue to hold classes outdoors. In the case of inclement weather, all classes and recreation time will be held indoors. The Sky Ranch leadership team will be tracking potential threatening weather conditions and have plans in place that will be communicated to the school’s lead administrator. Sky Ranch provides radios in every cabin to stay in communication, if needed, during nighttime hours.
The cost of a Sky Ranch trip varies based upon the school’s chosen length of the trip and selected activities. Prices also might vary between student and chaperone cost depending on differing needs of the school. For questions regarding trip price, please contact your school’s lead teacher. All payment will be handled and collected by the school.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CASE OF BAD WEATHER?
PLEASE DO NOT BRING:
FOR CLASS TIME:
We recommend that you bring comfortable clothes as they will spend much of their time exploring outdoors, hiking, and potentially sitting on the ground. Be sure to pack rain wear and warm layers for the cold nights and mornings, as the classes will be outdoors. We always hope for good weather, but during light rain showers and cold weather, we will continue to hold class outside if there is no lightning, strong wind, or freezing weather.
Alcohol, tobacco, guns, weapons, illegal substances, expensive jewelry, game systems, or anything valuable or breakable. Sky Ranch is not responsible for lost or broken articles.
Small backpack or drawstring bag Water bottle Notebook Extra pencils or pens
PLEASE BE SURE TO PACK:
Close-toed shoes - Crocs cannot be worn for ropes/water activities Sleeping bag OR twin sheets and blanket Pillow and pillow case Towel (shower/hand towel/and washcloth) Raincoat or poncho Pajamas Blue jeans/long pants/shorts Basic toiletries Swimsuit and beach towel (if school has scheduled water activities for trip and weather permitting) T-shirts or tops Hat Flashlight Bug spray Sunscreen LABEL EVERYTHING (follow your schools instructions for labeling items)
Power strip/extension cord Kleenex box Sunglasses
PACKING LIST
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL ITEMS: