Environmental Education Field Trip (EEFT)

1. Environmental Education Field Trip(EEFT) Grade 7 2013

2. General Trip Information • Trip Date: Thurs September 26,2013 • Participants:Seventh Grade Teams: 7A, 7B, 7C Students and Faculty, Administrators, School Nurse and Parent chaperones • Location: Fairview Lake YMCA Camp1035 Fairview Lake Road, Newton, NJ 07860(973) 383 - 9282

3. “From a scientific perspective, I learned what a swamp looks like…From a social perspective, I learned what teachers are really like.”

4. Purpose of the EEFT • To help students get to know team peers in a positive setting • To assist students in getting to know the faculty and vice versa • To introduce students to our character education program • To build a foundation on which we can grow our environmental education program at WESTEX MS

5. “I loved the stream ecology and the ASE team building”

6. Transportation to Fairview Lake YMCA • Transportation on School Buses • Travel Time = 1 Hour, 5 Minutes (47 miles from the MS) • Students are dropped off or take the bus and meet in the MS gym between 7:30-7:45 AM on Thurs 9-26 and are picked up at approx 7:30pm that evening [ location to be determined]

7. “I learned that the muck on the bottom of the lake is good for your skin.

8. Dining Hall • Meals: Wed: Lunch and Dinner --Meal Times:Lunch – 1:00 PM Dinner – 5:15 PM • The camp is peanut free and able to accommodate special dietary needs. Please let us know if your child needs dietary accommodations.

9. “The food was pretty good.”

10. Medical Facilities and Special Accommodations • Our School Nurse attending trip • Camp Staff on duty – • Emergency First Aid Kits and AEDs at several locations • All staff trained in first aid and CPR • Newton Memorial Hospital is within 12 miles of camp and the Township of Stillwater has a rescue squad • Medication will be transported by the school nurse.

11. “I learned that everybody was just as nervous as I was when coming to West Essex.”

12. Emotional Issues • Staff will closely monitor all student interactions • Character education is a major focus of the trip • Staff will call home if a student becomes uncomfortable • If a student is in distress or disobeying rules or directions, parents will be called to pick up their child and remove him/her from the camp. Safety is paramount!

13. “I learned when the sun shines on the lake, you can see 6 feet down.”

14. Organization • Students will be organized into 15 teams for all activities and meals based on their West Essex Academic Teams [ A, B AND C] • Students will be responsible for setting, serving and clearing tables- schedule determined prior to arrival

15. “When teamwork is used well, you could get anything done!”

16. Activities • All students will participate in Action Socialization Experience activities (A.S.E.) These activities facilitate team building and group cooperation and are the foundation for successful transition to the middle school • Students will also participate in aquatic ecology, swamp, survival techniques and ridge hikes

17. “I could become close friends with someone I just met.”

18. More………..Activities -- There is a Trading Post for students to buy souvenirs, sweatshirts, etc – each student has a scheduled time to shop in the trading post.. Average price of sweatshirt is $25-$30 and T shirt $15. -- Other small items available as well.

19. “I learned many animals could lose their habitat because of global warming”

20. West Essex Survival Pack • THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP! • The light backpack is made of nylon and contains: • A rain poncho • A water bottle All items in our school colors!

21. “The team building was cool because I got to help other kids I never talked to or have seen before.”

23. Information • All families will receive – details AND directions about downloading necessary forms regarding: • Equipment and Packing • Medication • Forms • Restrictions • Guidelines • YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL AND/OR PHONE MESSAGE…[ WE ARE GOING GREEN!]

24. SPECIFIC CONCERNS If you have specific concerns that you need to discuss , please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Paula Arbadji or Mr. David Montgomery - parbadji@westex.org - dmontgom@westex.org

25. Things to leave at home Food- any type of food is forbidden outside of the dining hall . Water bottles are permitted Ipods, electronics, expensive electrical equipment Cell phones- the reception is very poor- but can be used to call parents on the way home Expensive clothing- remember we are camping!

26. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO DUE DATES!!! Fee for the trip is $120 due by June 1. All information is on our website www.westex.org under MIDDLE SCHOOL- STUDENT LIFE TAB-FIELD TRIP INFO AND FORMS ALL FORMS and payment should be completed and mailed/delivered to middle school attention David Montgomery- 7th GRADE TRIP by JUNE 1 ,2013. Total fee includes meals, busses , activities, survival pack and a great way to get to know the 7th grade teachers and students!

27. PARENT CHAPERONES On our website is a form for parent chaperones. If you are interested, please complete the form and include it with your child’s payment and information . We will be assessing the need for chaperones in September at the start of school. There is NO charge for chaperones If chaperones are needed, they will be chosen on a first come basis- however if you have a medical concernplease contact Paula Arbadji at parbadji@westex.org and Denise Logan at dlogan@westex.org

28. “ I learned that swamps turn into forests.”

29. “We survived the 3 mile hike!!!”

30. “ I learned that my teachers are pretty good at basketball”

31. “ I loved all the activities”!!

32. “ I am so glad that I came here”

33. They are ready for us…….

34. Please get your payment and forms in on time…… We are looking forward to a great trip! Thank you for your cooperation! Any questions? Contact.. parbadji@westex.org dmontgom@westex.org