Teacher Resources: Visiting the Park

To ensure that your trip to Yosemite National Park is a success, begin planning your trip at least two months in advance. The list below outlines what to do two months, one month, and two weeks prior to your field trip.

Visiting the Park
Not Visiting the Park

Before You Arrive | When You Arrive | Helpful Resources | Maps | Teaching Recommendations

Before You Arrive: A Planning Timeline for Teachers

At least two months prior to field trip:

• Read this “Teacher Resources” section
• Order a Yosemite Guide
• Visit Yosemite
• Customize curriculum for your class (see “Yosemite in Depth”)
• Arrange transportation
• Make overnight camping/accommodation reservations if possible

At least one month prior to field trip:

• Apply for entrance fee waiver
• Develop lesson plan for trip
• Develop objectives and itinerary
• Conduct lessons in “Yosemite in Depth”
• Recruit chaperons for trip
• Distribute chaperon responsibilities handout

At least two weeks prior to field trip:

• Confirm transportation
• Finalize itinerary
• Prepare students
• Discuss being park resource-wise
• Review safety guidelines
• Distribute student checklist
• Make name tags in class
• Present on-site lessons in class
• Plan your route using maps
  

Useful links to help plan your visit:

Resource Education Fee Waivers | Permit Application | Educational Visits