Field Trip Guidelines for Chaperones and Teachers
What to bring
Layered clothing - Remember that Great Sand Dunes is located
8000 feet above sea level. It can be cold and windy here many times
of year. Shorts are not appropriate for programs, even in the spring
because the group may be traveling through brushy areas.
Sun protection - Including hat, sunscreen, and drinking water
Sturdy boots or shoes - No sandals. During the education program,
students may be walking near prickly pear cactus or yucca plants that
can pierce light tennis shoes. In late spring and summer the sand temperatures
can rise to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so adequate foot protection is essential.
A change of clothes - Most school groups visit in the spring,
when Medano Creek often flows alongside the dunes. Students may get
wet while playing in or crossing the creek to get to the Dunes. To avoid
a wet and sandy ride home, have students bring at least a change of
pants, shoes, and socks.
Leave No Trace guidelines for Your visit
Be prepared for the day. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes, bring
water and sun protection, also consider bringing a journal and writing
or art supplies.
Pick up natural objects like rocks, sticks, and leaves only to observe
them. When you are finished, return them to where you found them for
others to enjoy. Collecting or damaging park resources is illegal.
Please don't litter! Bring trash bags and make students aware that
this place is the home of many creatures. Just like they wouldn't want
someone to come and leave trash all over their bedroom, they should
do a good job at leaving the park clean for those who live here. Students
can even help out the Dunes and the animals that live there by picking
up litter that others have carelessly left behind.
Respect wildlife. Feeding wild animals is dangerous for you and unhealthy
for them. Instead of feeding animals, try watching their natural behavior
instead!
Respect other visitors.
When your group arrives for a ranger-led program
A teacher should check in with the rangers at the Visitor Center. Chaperones
should take the lead in getting the students prepared: make sure they
have everything they'll need before they leave the bus, lead them to
the bathrooms (large adobe structure near the temporary Visitor Center),
and supervise them until the rangers arrive to start the program.
During an education program
Depending on the number of students and teachers/chaperones with your
group, each adult should be assigned to a group of 4-6 students. Each
chaperone should know which students he or she is directly responsible
for.
Actively participate in the program. Help students focus on the experience,
share, cooperate, and pay attention. If your group has more chaperones
than required, it is fine if some don't participate in the program but
those who come with the ranger should devote their attention to the
learning experience.
Help keep track of educational materials. With some lessons, easily
misplaced or breakable objects such as skulls, fossils, mineral samples,
magnets, and art materials may be used. Chaperones can keep track of
these items as students handle them so the ranger can focus on teaching.
After an education program
If Medano Creek is flowing when you are here, many groups leave shoes
and other items next to the water. This creek is notorious for changing
directions quickly and sweeping away things left alongside it. We recommend
leaving everything together in the same area, well away from the creek.
Recruit students to make sure litter and personal items aren't left
behind. Trash and recycling bins are locate in the parking lot. Thanks
for leaving a clean park behind you!
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