Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the program last? Each individual session lasts 90 minutes. Please be on time because if you are late, it will cut into your program time. Each class will receive 3 sessions: a fall park visit, a winter classroom visit and a spring park visit.

What is the park like?
Refer to Schools-Park Information Sheet. Parks vary widely. Important to note that at most parks, we will be going off trail into brush, so teachers and students should wear long pants and sturdy shoes (boots or sneakers, no sandals or dress shoes). Remind students the day before because kids without proper gear may get injured and may not be allowed to participate in all activities.

What are the facilities like at the parks?
There are no facilities. No bathrooms, water fountains or shelters at these parks. Students should use the bathroom immediately before the program and may want to bring water bottles. If it rains, have kids wear rain gear. If thunderstorms are forecasted for the whole day, the program may be rescheduled. We will call you the morning of the program to let you know.

What will we be doing in the park?
Activities vary by topic. All topics include hands-on activities, games, and small group investigations. Sessions will be jam-packed with fun, active lessons. Activities are nature- and science-based and relate to CPS promotion standards and Ohio Proficiency Standards. Most topics include a study plot where students will actively investigate part of the park and may include digging in the dirt, looking in rotting logs and finding animals.

What do I need to do to prepare? Read over confirmation materials. Do any suggested pre-visit activities. Arrange for chaperones (1 per team of 4-5 students). Get permission slips. Make name tags or have students make name tags. Plan to dress appropriately. Arrange for lunches if program interferes with lunchtime (have a picnic in the classroom or at the park if you wish). If you decide to picnic in the park, build in extra time so it doesn’t interfere with program time.

What should I do to prepare my students? Divide students into teams of 4-5 for small group activities. Remind students to dress for weather (rain gear or jackets if needed) and wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Go to the bathroom right before leaving school and get a drink at water fountain (no bathrooms or water fountains in park). Give students name tags.

What if it rains? It depends on how severe the weather is. For a light drizzle or scattered showers, we may do the program. If severe thunderstorms or snow is forecasted, we may reschedule. We will contact you the morning of the program to let you know.

What if I can’t make a scheduled program? Call as soon as you know (321-6070, ext. 16). This program is run on a very tight budget, so we can’t afford to have staff waiting in a park for a no-show. We may or may not be able to accommodate a change because our schedule is very tight. If class does not show up to a scheduled program, they may not be offered free programs in the future.

What if we’ll be late for a program? Call 321-6070 so staff can notify the naturalists in the field. Being late reduces your programming time.

What if I have an emergency? Call 321-6070 so staff can notify the naturalist in the field.