The presentation for 2011-2012 school-hosted parent-teacher meetings in preparation for the Ozark Natural Science Center field excursion. For questions, please contact ONSC at 479-789-2754 or visit www.onsc.us Executive Director: Beth Stephens (479-633-7619 or beth@onsc.us) Program Manager: Rob Seal (rob@onsc.us) Office Manager: Sonja Rodden (sonja@onsc.us) School Program Coordinator: Maggie Bailey (maggie@onsc.us)

1. A Guide For Parents and Families Residential Field Science Programs at the Ozark Natural Science Center

3. NOT a field trip – aligns with state benchmark exams

4. Overnight – typically 2 days, 1 night (sometimes 3/2)

5. Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Siloam

6. Springs, Berryville, Little Rock, Mounds, Tahlequah

8. Field science and environmental education.

9. Founded in 1990 by Ken and RuAnn Ewing.

10. Has served more than 40,000 children overall.

11. Will host more than 4,000 children this year.

12. Overnight programs for school children.

13. Summer camps, adult and family programming.

14. Corporate retreats, family reunions, private groups .

16. Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission – Bear Hollow Natural Area

18. Indoor and outdoor classrooms

19. Observation deck, eight miles of hiking trails

20. SAFETY Direct adult supervision at all times Wilderness First Aid, CPR Training Member NWA Air Evac LifeTeam On-site helipad Constant field group contact: 2-way radio Wilderness First-Aid kits with each field instructor

21. Ewing Centre Dining, library, administrative offices

22. Ewing Centre Library and Commons Area Dining Hall

23. Education Building Indoor classrooms and lab

24. Lewis Pavilion

25. Other Teaching Facilities Observation Deck Stewart Springfield Memorial Outdoor Classroom

26. Bear Hollow Natural Area

27. Lodges

29. Heated/Air-conditioned

30. Handicap accessible

31. Gender-appropriate adult chaperones

32. Kitchen and Dining All meals are prepared in a clean, professionally run kitchen facility and include a balance of freshly prepared hot food and a delicious salad bar. Please communicate food allergies!

33. Approach Hands-on, experiential learning in a natural setting

34. Sample 2-Day Schedule Day 1 10:00am Arrival, lodge move-in 11:00 Field Group Orientation & “Mini-hike” 12:00 Lunch 12:45 Natural History Field Investigation 5:00 Dinner 6:00 1 st Evening Class 7:00 2 nd Evening Class 8:00 Campfire Activities / Night Discoveries 9:30 Return to Lodges Day 2 7:30 Breakfast 8:00 Morning Field Investigation 10:00 Art on the trail, conservation discussion 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Group photo 12:30 Load Bus, Return to Civilization

35. Field Investigations ~1 mile trail hikes Topics include cultural history, mammals, tracks and scat, plants of the Ozarks, hydrology, geology, and trail art. Staffing: 1 ONSC Teacher Naturalist: ~10 campers: 1 extra adult from school

36. Campfire and Night Discoveries Songs, stories, and discussions around a crackling campfire followed by a moonlight forest investigation – the highlight of most campers’ trip!

39. Undergo full background checks

41. Includes Teacher Naturalists, or field staff

42. Background: aquatic resources to zoology

43. “ Teachers in an outdoor classroom”

44. Training and certifications in first aid, CPR, wilderness first aid, swift water rescue

45. Specialty areas, research and publications

46. Unique teaching styles and approach

47. Preparing for Your Child’s Visit

49. Reusable water bottle (no bottled water – we can provide a water bottle if you don’t have one)

50. Poncho or rain gear

51. Weather appropriate clothing (Layers!)

52. Long pants (no shorts allowed)

53. Closed toed, closed heeled shoes

54. Hats and gloves ( cheaper than hand warmers! )

55. Sleeping bag & pillow or sheets and blankets

56. Towel and washcloth, toiletries List is included in parent handouts from teachers.

57. Optional Items Cameras ( labeled with camper’s name ) Lip balm / chap stick

59. Electronic devices ( of any kind ).

60. Knives of any kind

61. Candy, gum, soft drinks, or snacks

62. Flashlights or headlamps

63. Jewelry, makeup, or aerosols

64. Rolling luggage is discouraged

65. Chemical hand warmers are discouraged List is included in parent handouts from teachers.

68. Media Release Statement – please sign so your child can be included in the group photo Please complete and sign all forms in full! Forms must be complete before campers can participate in any ONSC activity.

70. Carefully write name of medication with detailed dosage instructions on a card and place it in the bag.

71. Please label the bag with the child’s name.

72. Please ensure that your child is familiar with their medications and routine.

74. Membership/Gifts ( www.onsc.us )

75. Corporate retreats & partnerships

76. Summer camps a nd family programs

77. Volunteer through O NSC Corps

78. Speaking engagements

79. New schools!

80. Needs list o n website

81. “ Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” (Dr. Seuss – The Lorax)

82. Contact the Ozark Natural Science Center Ozark Natural Science Center 479.789.2754 • www.o nsc.us 1905 Madiso n 1305 • Huntsville, AR 72740 479-789-2754 • www.onsc.us Website ( www.onsc.us )and blog Facebook: Ozark Natural Science Center Group: Ozark Natural Science Center @OzarkNatSci