GENERAL:

Q: What portion of the fifth grade class generally goes to camp each year?

 A: Every year we get 100% participation with the exception of one or two (very occasionally). 

Q: What are the benefits of going to science camp?

A: This trip to camp is an extremely important experience for our students to grow and gain independence. Benefits include enhanced skills in leadership, critical thinking, personal responsibility, and enables a smoother transition into middle school. Additionally, for a full five days the students are living and breathing the fifth grade earth and life science content.

Q: Can I get financial assistance?

A: California Education Code states that schools may charge a fee for outdoor science school camp programs, so long as no pupil is denied the opportunity to participate because of non-payment of the fee. (Ed. Code, § 35335.) If we do not receive sufficient funds from fees, the field trip may be canceled and the school will return all fee payments.  Please speak to Mrs. Lawson or your homeroom teacher if this is a concern. Students and parents also help contribute to the overall total amount needed by rorganizing fundraising efforts.

Q: My company offers corporate-matching dollars for employee donations. Does this trip qualify?

A: Fees paid for science camp do not qualify for corporate-matching. However, you may instead choose to make a donation to the associated student body fund and request a receipt (or process on-line through your employer) that does qualify for corporate-matching.

Q: Can I pay the fee in multiple installments? Who do I make checks payable to?

A: You may pay the fee in multiple installments or in one lump sum. Please make checks payable to Garden Gate. Please ensure that your child's name and homeroom number are included on the check. Cash is also acceptable. Please place in a labeled envelope with your child's name and homeroom number.

Q: May I call or visit my child at camp?

A: No. The only time you will hear from us is if your child is sick, injured, or has exhibited poor behavior.  Please visit our blog to find out what groups did at science school each day.  We welcome comments and encouragement from our families at home.  Please note that you will not see student faces in any picture posted on the blog.

Q: My child has never slept away from his/her family before. Will he/she be OK?

A: Every year we have many students for whom sleeping away from home is a new experience. Every year they successfully transition into camp life. We closely monitor every child to ensure that they are having a positive science camp experience. We haven't had any failures yet!

Q: How will I know when the buses arrive on Friday afternoon?

A: Please subscribe to your homeroom teacher's "ParentSquare" (see link on the left). You will receive a message from one of the teachers when our buses cross the Golden Gate Bridge. It will supply an estimated arrival time.

MEDICATION:

Q: How will my child receive his/her medication?

A: Mrs. Lawson and a few other teachers administer the medication at the appropriate times each day.

Q: When should I bring my child's prescription medication to school?

A: The medication needs to come in a plastic ziplock bag with the accompanying physician-signed form(s). Delivered to Mrs. Lawson on Tuesday, March 21st.

Q: Should my child pack non-prescription medication such as Tylenol or cough syrup?

A: No. We provide all non-prescription medication that the students might need. You will fill out a form listing your preferred non-prescription medications in March and have it signed by your child's doctor. This form is also due by March 21st.

Q: My child is susceptible to motion sickness. What methods of prevention do you provide for their bus ride to/from camp?

A: Children that are allowed to have motion sickness medication (Bonine) will get their pill before their bus ride to back to Garden Gate. Students who are not allowed to have this medication will be seated at the front of the bus with plenty of fresh air and will be closely monitored.

CAMP LIFE:

Q: Who will be supervising my child in the dorm?

A: The fifth grade teachers and chaperones are with the students all day, everyday! At night the female adults sleep in the bunk beds among the girls and the male adults sleep among the boys. We are able to assist with all issues that may occur at night (such as bedwetting, homesickness, illness).

Q: My child has long hair. Will someone be able to help them comb/braid it?

A: Absolutely! Every year we have several teachers and chaperones who are more than willing to help with this. Sometimes other students in the dorm will also help each other with this task.

Q: Will my picky eater be able to find something he/she likes to eat?

A: Undoubtedly! Even our pickiest eaters eat happily at camp. Believe it or not, one of the things the students remember most about camp are the amazing meals! There are always a large variety of vegetarian options available. Breakfast and dinner in the dining hall is buffet-style, allowing our students to choose the items and the amount they put on their plates. Everyday there is a wide assortment of fruit on the fruit bar and veggies on the salad bar. As far as sweets, students are limited to one cookie per day after their time on the trail. 

SAFETY:

Q: Will the children be going in/near large bodies of water?

 A: Students take frequent trips to Rodeo Beach and may go to the nearby pond. Students at the beach must be supervised at all times and are NEVER allowed to go near the wet sand. Students are not allowed to go to the beach during free time, even with a Garden Gate adult. Students at the pond get near the water's edge in order to collect macro-invertebrates. The water near the shore is very shallow and, as always, they are closely supervised. 

Q: Will my child really have the stamina to hike everyday for five days in a row?

A: The fifth graders do laps multiple times a week to supplement their P.E. curriculum and to prepare them for the hiking they will do at camp. During their hiking day, students take frequent breaks to drink water, observe species, make journal entries, play team-building games, and more. They have numerous opportunities to rest over the course of the day.

Q: Will my child be safe and comfortable during the daily hikes?

A: The hiking guides and chaperones ensure that all students are equipped with the proper clothing, water, and appropriate medication each day before they set out. We ensure that they use their sunscreen and Chapstick multiple times each day and encourage the students to wear their hats and sunglasses to avoid excess sun exposure.

CHAPERONING:

Q: When must I confirm that I can come on the trip?

A: We would like to know by early March at the very latest. This information is needed in order to determine how many additional adults we need to recruit.

Q: Am I required to pay my way?

A: No! We are happy to have you along as one of our hard-working chaperones. Your transportation, lodging, and meal fees are waived, though you are always free to donate, if you wish. Many companies will donate the value of your time as part of their matching-donation program.

Q: Can I be in my child's hiking group?

A: No. We want to ensure that your child is gaining self-reliance and independence, just like their parent-free peers. You will get to see your child at breakfast, dinner, play-time, and in the dorms (if you are the same gender as your child).

Q: What responsibilities will I have?

A: As a chaperone you will monitor showers, oversee play-time, and be a supportive supervisor on the trails. Since you are sleeping in the dorms, you will provide assistance with any nighttime student needs.