Is chaperoning on the Yosemite Trip the job for you? Examine this almost foolproof checklist. If you
answer yes to all the questions, this just might be the job for you.1. Do you enjoy hiking up hill and down hill for sometimes up to eight miles a day in the rain and snow?
2. Is “Adventure” your middle name?
3. Does cross country skiing and snow shoeing sound fun?
4. Can you eat, sleep, and be with adolescents for 6 straight days and nights and still maintain your sanity?
5. Do cold weather, rain, and dirt make you want to just grin and bear it?
6. Do you like the idea of REALLY getting to know 14 students on a personal basis?
7. Can you handle the responsibility of keeping students in line when they need it?
8. Does the thought of reading, commenting on and evaluating a student journal on a daily basis suit your fancy?
9. Does the fact that you’re not likely to embarrass your child because you will not be in the same hiking group together warm your heart?
10. Does the idea of sharing cozy cabin with another parent chaperone put a smile on your face?
TO APPLY: Please compose a brief letter detailing why you would make a perfect Yosemite chaperone. Tell us a bit about yourself and your thoughts on the trip. Be sure to include any past chaperoning experiences, any hiking/wilderness experiences or anything else you feel is relevant.
Please note: Every year many qualified chaperones apply, however we
only have space to take 3 to 4 with us on the trip.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR LETTER:
NAME: FIRST & LAST
ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBERS: HOME, WORK & CELL
EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT’S NAME
STUDENT’S SCIENCE TEACHER
It is possible that we may need an individual to drive their own vehicle to Yosemite. Vehicles may be used to transport additional chaperones and their luggage. The vehicles will also be used as emergency vehicles, if needed, and may need to be driven by other chaperones in the event of an emergency. Driving is not required of a CHAPERONE; however, we would like to know if you are comfortable and willing to drive in possibly snowy conditions if needed. Vehicles will need to be inspected by the District Office prior to the trip.
INDICATE YOUR DRIVING INTEREST ON YOUR APPLICATION:
_____ DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING
_____ WOULD CONSIDER DRIVING ONLY IF NO ONE ELSE COULD BE FOUND
_____ SURE, NO PROBLEM
_____ SURE, NO PROBLEM, I LOVE DRIVING IN RUGGED CONDITIONS!
PLEASE DROP OFF YOUR APPLICATION TO THE LAWSON OFFICE ADDRESSED TO:
EMILY MELLENTINE
RE: YOSEMITE CHAPERONE APPLICATION
NO LATER THAN NOV. 10, 2009 @ 3:15PM.
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Chaperones hike with the kids all day.
CHAPERONE RESPONSIBILITIES:
In short, the job of a chaperone is to stay with their hiking group of 12 -15 students at all times, well almost all times. During the day a Yosemite Institute (YI) instructor will be responsible for all the formal teaching. Chaperones are responsible for keeping their group“on track”, providing moral support for the challenges of the trip, and assisting the instructor of other chaperones as needed. You must have a positive and encouraging attitude.
We will be keeping long hours while we are in Yosemite. A day typically starts around 7am and ends around 11pm. In the afternoon and evening, the chaperone evaluates daily journal entries for each member of the hiking group and accompanies them to the evening programs. At times, you may be asked to help monitor the cabin area during evening hours.
If you are selected to be a chaperone, we ask that all chaperones attend an evening meeting to go over important trip information. This meeting will be held in December.
You will also be asked to meet with your hiking group at lunch one or two weeks before our departure so you can get acquainted with the students. If you are chosen as a chaperone, your trip expenses will be covered by the district in gratitude for your participation.
Chaperones stay in shared adult cabins beside the students. Evenings and mornings are spent patrolling the campground and keeping kids happy!
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