Plan a Field Trip

NPS photo / Tim Ervin

 

Most field trips to Hampton are facilitated by educators, chaperones, and parents. On this page you will find tools and resources to plan field trips for all grades and learning levels. Registering for a field trip can be done through the park's Field Trip Information Form. Questions about field trips can be directed to the Group Arrangements coordinator by E-mail.

 

Planning a Field Trip

The first step in planning your field trip is to determine how much time you want to spend at the site. Most groups spend 2-3 hours at Hampton. The majority of the site is self-guided. There is no entrance fee at Hampton.

Educators are encouraged to create their own lesson plan prior to their field trip. While the site does not currently provide lesson plans or ranger-led field trips, there are several curriculum-based materials that you can use when planning your trip.

Teachers of 4th grade classes may be interested in the Every Kid Outdoors program should their school meet the eligibility criteria.

Please refer to our Group Arrangements page for more information about bus parking and picnicking/lunches.

Chaperones

Field trip organizers must ensure that there is an adequate number of adult chaperones to monitor and assist students during a field trip. The required ratio is one chaperone for every five students. Park staff may limit activities for groups without the required number of chaperones at their discretion in regard to the safety of visitors and park resources. Students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times.

 

Scheduling a Field Trip

Once you are ready to schedule your field trip, please apply through the park's Field Trip Information form. When scheduling, please have the following information ready:

• Name of the educational institution (if applicable)
• Number of students and chaperones
• Preferred date, time of arrival, and how long your group will be at the park
• Number of buses (if applicable)
• Any accessibility accommodations that anyone in your group may need

Once your visit is arranged, you will receive a confirmation email with additional information. Please note that the trip facilitator is responsible for sharing information regarding park policies and laws with group chaperones and students. Once the field trip is booked, trip leaders should download and print the education pre-site visit sheet and the site map to help plan and assist in their visit.