Download
1 / 25
250 likes | 255 Views
Get answers to commonly asked questions about the Lake St. George Conservation Field Centre, including its location, program activities, packing suggestions, and rules on electronics and special diets.
E N D
Presenting Lake St. George Field Centre Questions & Answers
Where is the field centre located?” The Lake St. George Conservation Field Centre is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, at the headwaters of the East Branch of the Humber River. This 120 hectare site features a kettle lake, mixed forest, meadows and wetlands, creating an abundance of habitat for wildlife and learning opportunities for visitors.
“How long will my daughter or son be staying at the field centre?” Students that visit TRCA field centres stay onsite for 2.5 days, either Monday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Friday.
What does a ‘typical’ day look like? Rise and Shine – get up, wash up, dress up…no sleeping in! Breakfast – two course meal Morning Program – 2.5 hours Lunch – nutritious and “kid friendly” Afternoon Program – 2.5 hours FREE TIME! – 1 hour Dinner – home-style meals Evening Program – 1.5 hoursGroup’s Own Time – showers, snacks, quiet time inside Lights Out! – one sheep, two sheep, three sheep….
“Program time…that sounds like school!?!” ‘Programs’ refers to the activities that the teacher/leader has decided will best compliment the trip agenda. Yes, there will be some curriculum-linked “school programs” and learning that will occur…but teachers are here to have fun too! So students can expect to participate in recreational activities, like skiing, survival skills, orienteering and campfires!
“FREE TIME…options?” It’s not totally FREE…but pretty close! Indoor activities may include board games, reading, art …generally quiet-type activities. Outdoor activities may include sports, photography, or just relaxing with friends. All activities are with teacher permission and supervision. (did anyone notice that students can’t nap in your dorm rooms on free time?!?)
“What should we pack?” • Everyone needs: • weather appropriate clothing (we go outside in ALL types of weather, so rain gear or snow gear is a must depending on the season), indoor/outdoor footwear • bedding (sheets or sleeping bag and a pillow) • personal toiletries such as soap, shampoo, sunscreen, towel, insect repellent (June-August) • optional: camera, binoculars, board games, guitar, reusable water bottle • ***For a more extensive checklist, see “Clothing and Equipment Checklist” in planning guide
“Why can’t children bring electronics?” Fair question! We ask that cell phones, personal music devices, CD players, computer games, pagers, etc. are left at home. This is a chance to “unwire” and allow everyone to take full advantage of the learning and recreational opportunities that we offer. We have a payphone that is available for use with the teacher’s permission. Bringing a camera and games that can be played with others (sports equipment, board games, playing cards, etc.) is strongly encouraged! But if your cell phone is your camera please leave it at home.
“Unwired? Does that mean no TV?” That’s right! And no computer, no internet, no Wii, no PlayStation 3, not even Commodore 64! Do not despair…we have VHS and DVD players with monitors. Of course, use of this equipment is at the discretion of the teacher/leader.
“…but what about a cell phone?” The rules at school still apply at the field centre! Please review with your child’s teacher.
“I’m hungry!” Our chefs provide large portions of healthy food… …and yes, there will be seconds! Sample breakfastSample LunchSample Dinner Cold Cereal Soup Baked Chicken Pancakes Pizza Rice Sausages Tossed Salad Mixed Vegetables Juice/Milk Fresh Fruit Home-baked Tarts Chocolate Milk Milk
“What about special diets?” Every visitor must complete a health and consent form, which will outline for our staff food allergies or dietary restrictions. Our chefs will prepare healthy meals according to the information we receive in advance.
“Davies Hall – Our Dining Room”
“What will happen if my child is not feeling well?” Your child should tell the teacher/leader or a TRCA staff person if they’re feeling ill or have an injury. We have first aid training and will assess the situation quickly. We’ll also make sure that a call is placed home if needed.
“What if my child needs specific medications?” • If your child has an allergy for which they have an epipen, TWO epipens must accompany them to our site. The child must carry one at all times, and the teacher must carry the other one, along with a two way communication device. • If your child uses a puffer, they must carry one with at all times outside of the building. • Teachers/leaders must be informed of any non-emergency medications, and appropriate storage of the medication will be provided.
“Where will my child sleep?” The rooms will accommodate between 2 and 5 people. Our rooms have bunk beds, and everybody has to sleep on a bed…no camping on the floor! Teachers/leaders have the ultimate say on roommates.
“And…the washrooms…?” There are separate male and female washrooms to accommodate the group. Each has 4 showers with curtains, so everyone has their privacy. There are also toilet stalls, and four sink stations, so waiting time is kept to a minimum. Teacher/leader washrooms have an ensuite.
Lake St. George is also a place for fun… and for discovering hidden talents!
One last note… We are an Ontario EcoCentre, which means our staff and visitors respect the environment and make every effort to: Turn off lights when leaving a room Take short showers Bring a water bottle to refill Make wise food decisions Reduce waste
