STARS Scheduling, Guidelines, Forms

 

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Guidelines for STARS field trips:

Before your group arrives, it is important to be aware of some basic guidelines. Regardless of the season, students and chaperones will have a more enjoyable experience if they are well-equipped for the day.

• Safety is a number one priority for a field trip! See our "Your Safety" page for more on water, wildlife (working safely in bear country is one of our most frequently asked questions by groups), and other safety information.



• The weather can change quickly no matter what time of the year it is, so be sure to remind students and chaperones to be prepared. Bring extra warm layers, rain clothes, hats and gloves, etc. 



• Chaperones are an important part of taking students on a successful field trip. Download our Chaperon Guidelines & Responsibilities to ensure you have the correct number of chaperones and that they are well-prepared for what their duties are on the trip. 



• Most areas in the park will not have cell phone coverage, so please take this into account when planning your trip. Native plant staff will have park radios in case of an emergency. Make sure to bring emergency contact numbers for all participants.



• A basic first aid kit for the group should be brought along as well as any required medications that students/participants would normally need during the day.



• Be sure to take into account driving time and bathroom breaks when planning your trip. This will ensure a realistic schedule for the day.



• Leave No Trace ethics are a crucial part of enjoying national parks. Download our "Tips for a Succesful Fieldtrip" to share with participants and make sure to discuss:



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  • All trash must be packed out and food must be properly stored in buses or private vehicles when you are not eating it. 
  
  
  
  • Groups should stay in a single-file line on trails in order to avoid resource damage (many of the restoration sites are along trails!) 
  
  
  
  • Remind participants that they are not allowed to take anything from the park - rocks, plants, pine cones, and everything else should stay where they found it for the next visitors to enjoy.
  
  
  
  • Wildlife should be viewed from a distance, so as not to disturb it in its natural habitat.    
  
  
  
  

 

The Nursery Manager will take care of the required paperwork for an entrance fee waiver for participating STARS groups so you will not need to pay any fees when you arrive at the park.

However, there are two forms that you will have to have completed for every STARS participant before your trip - the Parent/Guardian Permission Slip and the Volunteer Agreement (since students will be working in the park). The Nursery Manager will send you the forms once the field trip is scheduled. Bring the completed forms with you, along with the emergency contact information for each participant, when you come to the park. 

Group leaders are also responsible for following and completing all of the school district (or sponsoring organization's) paperwork and requirements for field trips.

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