Group Coordinator Manual NatureBridge Yosemite National Park

 Group Coordinator Manual
NatureBridge
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 487
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
tel: 209-379-9511
fax: 209-379-9510
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Coordinator Manual
Page 1 of 14
Dear program coordinators,
At NatureBridge, we understand full well the El Capitan-sized effort it takes to bring a group to Yosemite. You are our
heroes. I know firsthand, because as a student in high school, my teachers made it possible for me to attend a Yosemite
program. It changed my life forever, and I know the effort you are putting into bringing your students has the power
to transform their lives as well.
The NatureBridge team in Yosemite has pulled together this helpful guide, brimming with information to prepare you
and your students for an exceptional trip. From how to make a reservation to what a typical program day covers to
dealing with food allergies, this manual addresses many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to give our incredible team a call.
Thank you for making the decision to bring your students to NatureBridge. We look forward to seeing your students
bound off of the bus and onto the trail to experience the wonder and science of nature in the incomparable Yosemite
National Park.
Kind regards,
Kristina Rylands
Yosemite Director, NatureBridge
©2014 NatureBridge. All Rights Reserved.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 2 of 14
How to Book a Program—New Groups
When you are ready to book your NatureBridge program, please contact our reservations coordinator for a list of
available dates. Our calendar fills quickly each year. To ensure that we are able to accommodate your group, please be
prepared with a range of dates that will work for you and your students. We are typically unable to book programs
fewer than 90 days in advance.
Once you have chosen dates for your Yosemite learning adventure, you will submit a signed contract and a 25%
deposit to hold the reservation.
• The contract is due within 14 days
• The 25% deposit is due within 60 days
If your program is approaching quickly, the reservations coordinator may ask that you submit your deposit sooner. If
your contract or deposit is not received by the due dates listed above, we will release your reservation. All deposits are
nonrefundable and nontransferable. Final payment for your program is due 30 days prior to arrival.
Once we’ve received your signed contract and deposit, your reservation will be confirmed. At that point, any questions
that you have about your program or changes that you need to make can be done through the director of operations,
who will be coordinating the logistics of your program.
If your program is scheduled for January to June, we will offer you the opportunity to make a reservation for the
following school year as a part of our returning school reservation process outlined below. We recognize that you and
your students will not have attended our program yet, but we have a feeling that you will want to come back! If you
choose not to participate in the returning school reservation process, we cannot guarantee that we will have equivalent
availability the following year.
How to Book a Program—Returning Groups
Returning groups are given first priority in date selection each year. We are typically able to offer equivalent dates in
our school year and summer calendars to schools that attended our program the previous year. We will also do our
best to accommodate returning groups that wish to move to a different week. Groups reserving for four- or five-day
programs will receive first priority in date selection followed by groups reserving for shorter programs.
Returning group reservation process timeline for school-year groups
• First week of January: A re-reservation email is sent to all groups booked in the current school year. This
email contains an offer of program dates and participant numbers for the following year. Your response is
required by February 1. You may respond with a confirmation of the dates and participant numbers or with
requests for changes to either of these.
• Month of February: Our reservations team reviews all of the requests for changes. We do our best to
accommodate these requests.
• First week of March: Contracts, invoices, and itineraries are emailed to returning groups.
• April 15: Contracts are due from all groups. Contracts should be sent to the San Francisco address listed on
your invoice.
• April 15: A 25% deposit is due from schools that attend September through January. All funds should be sent
to the San Francisco address listed on your invoice.
• October 15: A 25% deposit is due from schools that attend February through June. All funds should be sent
to the San Francisco address listed on your invoice.
If your contract or deposit are not received by the due dates listed above, we will need to release your reservation.
©2014 NatureBridge. All Rights Reserved.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 3 of 14
Returning group reservation process timeline for summer groups
• Early November: A re-reservation email is sent to all groups that attended the previous summer. This email
contains an offer of program dates and participant numbers for the following summer. Your response is
required by December 1. You may respond with a confirmation of the dates and participant numbers or with
requests for changes to either of these.
• First half of December: Our reservations team reviews all of the requests for changes. We do our best to
accommodate these requests.
• Mid-December: Contracts, invoices, and itineraries are emailed to returning groups.
• January 15: Contracts and 25% deposits are due. Please send contracts and deposit funds to the San Francisco
address listed on your invoice.
If your contract and deposit are not received by the due dates listed above, we will need to release your reservation.
Group Coordinator Mentorship Program
Your role as the group coordinator is critical to the success of a NatureBridge program. At NatureBridge, we recognize
that you have taken on a gargantuan task. The group coordinator mentorship program is a new effort aimed at
connecting experienced group coordinators with new group coordinators to share systems and best practices for
making it all work.
• Volunteer to mentor a new group coordinator. We are seeking experienced group coordinators wishing
to help new group coordinators set up systems to launch a successful NatureBridge tradition at their school.
• Request a mentor. Whether you are a brand-new group coordinator or just seeking new ideas or
inspiration, get in touch with us and we'll match you with a mentor.
To volunteer or request a mentor, contact our reservations coordinator at yosemitereservations@naturebridge.org or
209-379-9511 ext 25.
Logistics
It is important that you read and understand the information provided in our logistical checklist. This and other
important planning documents can be found in the "Information for Teacher and Group Leaders "drawer" of the
Plan Your Program page of our website: http://www.naturebridge.org/your-naturebridge-program-yosemite. Online,
you can also find all paperwork you’ll need for participants.
Lodging
Our groups generally stay in one of two main locations, Curry Village or Crane Flat. Descriptions of both areas
follow. Look on your itinerary for your lodging information.
Curry Village
For groups staying in Yosemite Valley, lodging is at Curry Village. NatureBridge tent cabins are clustered in an area of
Curry Village called Boystown. The cabins in Boystown are heated tent cabins, which have wooden floors and frames
with walls and ceilings of heavy-duty, waterproof canvas. Each morning, participants meet their NatureBridge field
educator near their tent cabins.
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Coordinator Manual
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Curry Village FAQs
Q: How are the tent cabins heated?
A: The cabins are heated by propane heaters. They are still chilly in the winter, so please ask each student/adult to
bring their own sleeping bag.
Q: Do tent cabins have electricity?
A: Yes. Each of these cabins is equipped with a light and an electrical outlet.
Q: How many people are accommodated in each tent cabin?
A: Tent cabins accommodate either four students or three adults and are separated by gender. Each tent cabin has two
single beds and one double bed. Your school may opt to include an adult chaperone in each student cabin, but you are
not required to do so.
Q: W hat about hard-sided cabins?
A: NatureBridge has access to a very limited number of hard-sided cabins (referred to as WOBs). Each WOB has two
double beds and one rollaway single. Please assume that you are in tent cabins unless your itinerary specifically states
WOBs.
Q: W here are personal items stored?
A: Luggage is stored inside the tent cabins, which can be locked. Outside of each tent cabin is a “bear box”: a metal,
bear-proof storage container in which all “smelly items” should be stored. These include food, shampoo, soap,
deodorant, etc.
Q: W here will we eat while staying in Boystown?
A: While staying in Boystown, NatureBridge participants eat breakfast and dinner in the Curry Village Dining
Pavilion. The food is cooked and served by Yosemite National Park’s concessionaire, Delaware North Company
(DNC). Lunches are provided by NatureBridge and eaten on trail with your field educators.
Q: W here are the nearest restrooms and showers?
A: Restrooms and showers are available at central locations in Curry Village and are cleaned regularly by Delaware
North Company staff. Generally, restrooms are no more than a two-minute walk from any cabin.
Q: W ill we be housed with other NatureBridge groups from different schools?
A: Yes. While your group is staying at Boystown you will be there with other NatureBridge groups. We ask the adults
in your group to set a helpful example by encouraging positive interactions between your group and others, and
maintaining a reasonable noise level. You may also have other park visitors housed in cabins near yours, so please be
respectful.
Q: W hat about late at night?
A: NatureBridge has a safety officer who patrols Boystown from 7–11 p.m. each night and is available on call all night
for emergencies. Our safety officer can help you call for additional resources such as medical or law enforcement.
Q: W ill there be cell phone reception in Yosemite Valley?
A: Availability of cell phone service is spotty in Yosemite because of the mountainous terrain, but it may be available
depending on your location. You will likely find connectivity in Yosemite Valley, including the Curry Village area, if
you have AT&T, Verizon Wireless, or Sprint. Please remember to turn off cell phones while you are on trail.
©2014 NatureBridge. All Rights Reserved.
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Coordinator Manual
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Q: Is wireless available for adult chaperones?
A: Yes. Wireless access to the internet is usually available in the Curry Village historic lounge, across from the dining
pavilion; however, availability of wireless can be variable.
Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Sample Day
6:30–7:15 a.m. W ake up
Participants rise each morning and walk out of their cabins into one of the most stunning natural environments on the
continent. They will use this time to shower, dress, and prepare for their day.
7:15–8 a.m. Breakfast
While staying in Yosemite Valley, participants are served breakfast in the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. The site
manager will assign each group a unique breakfast time. Meals are served buffet style with numerous options to satisfy
even the pickiest of eaters! More on food service follows.
8:30 or 9 a.m. M orning meeting
Group coordinators can opt to begin their day of hiking and learning at either 8:30 or 9 a.m. At this time, participants
meet their NatureBridge field educator in the cabin area, prepared for the instructional day. On your first full day,
adult chaperones will meet field educators 15 minutes early to discuss goals and expectations for the week.
8:30/9 a.m.–4 p.m. Instructional day
During the instructional day, your school splits into trail groups that average 12–15 students per group plus up to two
adults from your group. The NatureBridge field educator assigned to your trail group will work with the same group
every day. Our field educators provide the activities and curriculum, and chaperones assist in group management and
with the behavioral needs of individual students. Lunch is typically eaten out on the trail. Each day’s learning
adventures are customized to meet the academic and social goals your group has set. Your field educator will return
your group to Boystown between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
4–6 p.m. Recreation time
Participants can use this time to shower and change, work on journals, or play outside. A school may also use this time
for structured learning activities. Your group’s chaperones supervise during recreation time.
5–6 p.m. Dinner
Your group will be assigned a dinner time close to 5 p.m. Dinner is served in the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. More
on food service follows.
7–8 p.m. or 8–9 p.m. Evening program
Evening programs presented by NatureBridge or park service staff complement the material being taught during your
field day. These large-group programs are designed to be engaging, educational, and inspiring. Participants might
engage in a town-hall style debate about the Hetch Hetchy Dam, learn about the history of art in Yosemite, take a
night hike, or have a campfire-style closing.
9–10 p.m. Off to bed
This is the time for participants to use bathrooms, change clothes, brush their teeth, etc. Chaperones supervise
students during this time. The NatureBridge field safety officer is available to assist chaperones with any issues that
arise. Lights-out is at 10 p.m.
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Coordinator Manual
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Curry Village Arrival and Departure Procedures
Arrival:
• Upon arrival: You will be greeted by the Curry Village site manager. Our site manager is responsible for being
your go-to facilities, program, and logistics person during your stay. Your students will unload luggage and
use the restrooms while the lead chaperone meets with the site manager.
• Lead chaperone meets with site manager: Registration forms, trail group lists, and rooming assignments will
be checked for completeness.
• Student orientation: Students will receive an orientation to Curry Village; safety, animals, health, and the
students’ first 12 hours will be covered. This orientation will take place outside, so please remind students to
have their jackets and rain gear ready when they arrive.
• Move-in: Participants will move into their cabins and unpack luggage.
• Pre-dinner: The school will meet in their designated meeting spot 15 minutes before dinner and walk over as
a group.
• Dinner: Participants will find tables with school names on them and sit. The Curry Village dining staff will
give the participants a short orientation and will dismiss them for meals.
• Post-dinner: Groups will walk back to their cabins, where the NatureBridge safety officer will meet them and
walk them to the “Spirit of Yosemite” presentation. The auditorium and theater, where many evening
programs will be held, is approximately one and a half miles from Curry Village and is generally about a 30
minute walk. We recommend flashlights for the walk.
• Post-presentation: Participants will walk back to Curry Village. Remember to ask students to be in their
cabins by 9:30 p.m. Lights-out is 10 p.m.
Departure:
• The night before departure: The lead chaperone should call their transportation company to confirm
departure time and place (in the winter months, remind bus companies to carry snow chains). Participants
should pack all of their belongings, while making sure to leave their things for their daypack out for the next
day.
• Before breakfast: Participants will load their luggage into a designated luggage cabin with “smelly” items in
the bear boxes.
• Pre-departure: Arrive back to Curry Village 30 minutes before departure time to use the restrooms, load
luggage, and ensure an on-time departure.
• If pre-arranged, pick up your meal-to-go from the NatureBridge kitchen in Boystown.
• Return the Lead Teacher Folder, evaluations, keys, and placards to the Curry Village front office.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 7 of 14
Crane Flat
Crane Flat is located on Tioga Road (SR 120). The site is about 15 miles (usually 45–60 minutes by car or bus) from
Yosemite Valley. Crane Flat is at an elevation of 6,200 feet and is a picturesque example of an upper montane
environment, including shady red fir forests, beautiful meadows, and a nearby Giant Sequoia forest. Accommodations
at Crane Flat are rustic; groups stay in dormitory-style lodging and use a common dining hall and bathhouse. Crane
Flat is peaceful and quiet, away from the stores, large numbers of visitors, and other distractions of Yosemite Valley.
Crane Flat FAQs
Q: W hat are weather conditions like at Crane Flat?
A: Because of the altitude and surrounding trees, it is about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. You can
expect cold nights year round and snow cover throughout the winter season.
Q: W hat activities are available near Crane Flat?
A: Crane Flat provides opportunities for participants to see big trees up close at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant
Sequoias and breathtaking views across the mountains from the Crane Flat fire lookout. During the winter, Crane Flat
turns into a winter wonderland. Skis or snowshoes may be used for participants to explore the area. Your
NatureBridge field educator will assess whether conditions are appropriate for integrating skiing or snowshoeing into
your program and provide instruction.
Q: W hat are the dorms like at Crane Flat?
A: Crane Flat has two dormitory-style accommodations, which are furnished with bunk beds and are divided to help
separate groups by gender. The layout does not provide separate dorms for group leaders, who stay in the dorms with
participants. Dorms are equipped with electricity and electrical outlets (additional outlets are available in the dining
hall). During the winter, the dorms are heated by wood-burning stoves, creating a cozy environment and a new
experience for many participants.
Q: Are linens provided?
A: No, linens are not provided. Be sure to pack the following: sleeping bag, pillow, towel, personal toiletries, and a
fitted sheet (twin size).
Q: W ill we be sharing the Crane Flat campus with other NatureBridge groups from different
schools?
A: Yes. Dormitories and other common areas may be shared by other NatureBridge groups.
Q: W here will we eat while staying at Crane Flat?
A: Family-style meals are served in the Crane Flat dining hall along with a salad bar at dinners. Meals are prepared by
NatureBridge staff.
Q: W here are the nearest restrooms and showers?
A: Restrooms with showers are located in a central bathhouse on campus.
Q: W ill there be cell phone reception at Crane Flat?
A: Availability of cell phone service is spotty in Yosemite because of the mountainous terrain, but it may be available
depending on your location. You will likely find connectivity at Crane Flat if you have Verizon Wireless or Sprint.
AT&T does not have service at Crane Flat.
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Coordinator Manual
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Q: Is wireless available for adult chaperones?
A: The dining hall has intermittent satellite internet, which is severely limited and varies depending on weather and
service availability. Satellite internet cannot be used for downloading.
Crane Flat Area Sample Day
6:30–7:15 a.m. W ake up
Participants rise each morning and walk out of their cabins into a beautiful natural environment. They will use this
time to shower, dress, and prepare for their day. Please ask students not to shower before 7 a.m.
7:15–8 a.m. Breakfast
Participants are served breakfast in the Crane Flat dining hall. Meals at Crane Flat are served family style, and
education on food and natural resources are integrated into meals in fun and engaging ways. More on food services
follows.
9 a.m. M orning meeting
Participants meet their NatureBridge field educator in the dining hall area prepared for the instructional day. On your
first full day, adult chaperones will meet field educators 15 minutes early to discuss goals and expectations for the
week.
9–9:30 a.m. Campus care
Your field educator will lead you in cleaning tasks around the campus. All participants are expected to help keep the
facilities tidy and clean. Tasks in the kitchen, dorms, bathhouse, and grounds areas are equally divided among
teaching groups.
9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Instructional day
During the instructional day, your group splits into trail groups that average 12–15 students per group, plus one or
two adult chaperones. The NatureBridge field educator assigned to your trail group will work with the same group
every day. Our educators provide the activities and curriculum, and chaperones assist in group management and with
the behavioral needs of individual participants. Lunch is typically eaten out on the trail. Each day’s learning
adventures are customized to meet the academic and social goals your school has set. Your field educator will return
your group to the dormitory area around 4 p.m.
4–6 p.m. Recreation time
Participants can use this time to shower and change, work on journals, or play outside. A school may also use this time
for structured learning activities. Chaperones supervise during recreation time.
5–6 p.m. Dinner
Your group will be assigned a dinner time close to 5 p.m. Dinner, prepared by NatureBridge staff, is served in the
dining hall.
7–8 p.m. or 8–9 p.m. Evening program
Evening programs, presented by NatureBridge staff, complement the material being taught during your field day.
These large-group programs are designed to be engaging, educational, and inspiring. Participants may engage in a
town-hall style debate about the Hetch Hetchy Dam, learn about the history of art in Yosemite, or take a night hike.
©2014 NatureBridge. All Rights Reserved.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 9 of 14
9–10 p.m. Off to bed
This is the time for participants to use bathrooms, change clothes, brush their teeth, etc. Chaperones supervise
participants during this time. The NatureBridge site manager is available to assist chaperones with any issues that arise.
Lights-out is at 10 p.m.
Crane Flat Arrival and Departure Procedures
Arrival:
• Upon arrival: You will be greeted by the Crane Flat site manager. Participants will unload luggage into their
dormitories.
• Student orientation: Students will receive an orientation to the Crane Flat campus in the dining hall. This
will cover the schedule for the week, campus layout, and basic safety and health rules. As well, there will be a
practice emergency drill.
• Following the orientation and practice drill, participants will be given time to move into cabins while the site
manager leads a chaperone orientation in the dining hall.
• Pre-dinner: Participants will be given free time to explore the campus, play, or relax in their dorm or the
dining hall. Please remember that your chaperones are responsible for supervising all free time.
• Dinner: Participants will come into the dining hall. Dinner procedures, as well as clean-up procedures, will be
explained then.
• Post-dinner: Participants will have chaperone-supervised free time until their evening program, the “Spirit of
Yosemite.”
• Post-presentation: Participants will have free time until lights-out at 10 p.m.
Departure:
• The night before departure: Lead chaperones should call their transportation company to confirm departure
time and place (in the winter months, remind bus companies to carry snow chains). Participants should pack
all of their belongings, while making sure to leave their things for their daypack out for the next day.
• Before breakfast: Participants will load their luggage into the luggage shed.
• Pre-departure: Arrive back to the Crane Flat campus 30 minutes before departure time to use the restrooms,
load luggage, and ensure an on-time departure.
• If necessary, pick up your meal-to-go from the Crane Flat kitchen.
• Return the Lead Teacher folder and evaluations to the lead field educator.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 10 of 14
Food Service and Allergies
NatureBridge strives to provide healthy meals appropriate for high-activity days. We try to keep all of our foods kid
friendly while still making the adults happy as well. When possible, we use local and organic sources for our food
service.
Food allergies can be life threatening. NatureBridge understands this and takes many precautions to keep our
participants safe. In any camp setting there is a risk of accidental exposure. We work diligently with families, our staff,
and our contracted food service provider at Curry Village to reduce the risk of exposure. If you have specific questions
or concerns, feel free to contact the NatureBridge food service department at 209-379-9514 ext 20 or
syager@naturebridge.org.
Q: How are allergies communicated to staff working with participants?
A: Every participant must fill out a registration form. When a participant has a food allergy or dietary restriction, it
must be noted on the registration form as well as the trail group list. Additional information can be attached to the
form if additional details are necessary. Groups send in these forms weeks before the group arrives. NatureBridge then
routes this information to NatureBridge staff and contracted food service providers. Meals that will be provided by
NatureBridge are modified, if possible, to meet the participants’ needs. If a family desires to provide meals during a
participant’s stay, they may be allowed to do so. Please organize this with the NatureBridge food service director at
least two weeks prior to arrival.
Q: How do participants receive the modified meals on trail?
A: All lunches are provided by NatureBridge and are eaten while out on trail. If a participant in a trail group has an
allergy there is a separate bag of supplemental food items sent out that day to accommodate their needs. If the family
wishes to provide their own lunches, the family must work out the details with our food service director before arrival.
Q: How do participants receive the modified meals from the contracted food service provider in
Curry Village?
A: Curry Village meals are served buffet style. All items on the buffet are labeled. On these labels all major allergens are
listed. If the participant requires a special, individually prepared meal, the group’s lead chaperone will work with
NatureBridge and Curry Village to have the participant receive the meal directly from the kitchen instead of going
through the regular meal line. If a specially prepared meal is required or if the family wishes to provide their own
meals, the family must work out these details at least two weeks prior to arrival. The Curry Village Dining Pavilion
contact phone number is 209-372-8307.
Q: How do participants receive the modified meals at Crane Flat?
A: At Crane Flat the meals are served family style with a small buffet of side dishes. Any participant who requires a
special meal substitution has their meal individually prepared by our staff. If the family wishes to provide their own
meals, the family must work out the details with NatureBridge’s director of food service at least two weeks before
arrival.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 11 of 14
Risk Management
Risk Management is a shared responsibility with your group. From approximately 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
(although times will vary slightly), NatureBridge field educators supervise your participants with additional support
from you, your staff, and chaperones. From approximately 4 p.m. until the following morning, you and your staff
and/or chaperones will be directly responsible for your participants’ well-being. NatureBridge field educators have
advanced medical training and can deal with emergencies and injuries that occur during the trail day. A NatureBridge
site manager and field safety officer are on site to help support you until approximately 11 p.m. Dialing 911 activates
the National Park Service law enforcement and ambulance-based paramedic support. A medical and dental clinic in
Yosemite Valley is open during the day and can handle minor emergencies. You will receive additional information
regarding specific safety procedures and emergency medical services when you arrive on site. Please make sure your
chaperones are directly aware of their supervision responsibilities before your program begins. NatureBridge provides
both a chaperone manual and a chaperone agreement to help you communicate responsibilities; you can find both of
these on our website.
NatureBridge expects that each group will bring at least one vehicle that remains on site. This vehicle may be used to
transport students back from the hospital or to the clinic.
All student medications should be administered directly by adult chaperones. NatureBridge has limited first aid
supplies available, so you may choose to bring some of your own, such as extra Tylenol.
Education
Participants may be challenged physically, mentally, and socially during their NatureBridge program. Set the
expectation with your participants that their time at NatureBridge is school time and that they should be prepared to
learn, explore, share, and challenge themselves while they are with us.
Each trail group will have unique experiences based on the locations they visit, activities they participate in, individuals
in the group, and style of the field educator. Please prepare participants (including adults) for these differences and
encourage them to celebrate the diversity of experiences that they will have.
Please make sure that participants are prepared with the proper clothing and gear for variable weather (see packing
list). Having and properly using the appropriate gear can enhance their ability to focus, participate, and have a more
positive learning experience.
Most groups use journals to record observations, thoughts, and experiences. Please help prepare participants by
explaining the importance of their journals, how to best care for them (using sealable bags), and how they will be used
in the future at school.
Groups will likely be scheduled for evening programs with other school groups. Please prepare your participants to be
respectful of the diversity of participants we work with (age, culture, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc.) and to
celebrate opportunities to get to know other people.
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Coordinator Manual
Page 12 of 14
Chaperone Responsibilities
Chaperones with NatureBridge in Yosemite have a significant role in our program, which can be both demanding and
rewarding. We ask for chaperone assistance in two main areas: safety and logistics. Chaperones are responsible at all
times for oversight of students, especially during hours when students are not directly supervised by NatureBridge
staff; they help organize students and keep the group on schedule for events such as meals and evening programs.
Chaperones support field educators with discipline when necessary, enforce quiet hours, and support their group’s
lead chaperone, school, and students in any way they can.
Chaperones should be teachers or other adults who are comfortable interacting with children and enforcing policies or
expectations set forth by the school or NatureBridge staff. If parents are chosen as chaperones, we ask that they treat
all students equally and that parents and their children are not in the same trail groups. We ask this in an effort to
provide students with the opportunity to learn independence and self-reliance. In addition, we allow no more than two
chaperones per trail group. This allows our field educators to keep the program focused on students and allows us to
have intimate groups of manageable size.
Please visit our website at NatureBridge.org. Go to School & Group Field Science, then choose Yosemite, then Plan
Your Program, and then Information for Chaperones, where you’ll find Chaperone Manual and Chaperone
Agreement. All chaperones are expected to review and understand these two documents and should bring a hard copy
of each with them to Yosemite.
Other Extras
Day Trips
You are welcome to add day trips to places such as a Giant Sequoia grove, Tuolumne Meadows, or Glacier Point,
depending on the time of year. NatureBridge will either charge you for the cost of bus transportation or you may
choose to use your own vehicles. Please contact our director of operations or operations manager to add a day trip to
your program.
Cross-Country Skiing
NatureBridge field educators are trained to teach your participants to cross-country ski if you’d like to have this be a
portion of your program. Ski season generally runs from January through March, dependent on snow levels. If you are
staying at our Crane Flat campus, skis are available for loan; please let us know in advance if you are interested. If you
are staying in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village, a public shuttle is available for transportation to Yosemite’s ski area,
Badger Pass (it picks up at 8 a.m. and leaves Badger at 2 p.m.). The cost of ski rental is directly added to your invoice
and you are responsible to pay for all your participants and field educators. Due to the limited number of skis
available, we may need to split your group between multiple days. If you’d like to add a cross-country ski component
to your trip, please contact our operations team. Downhill skiing is not a part of NatureBridge programming.
Ice Skating
Curry Village maintains an open air ice skating rink. NatureBridge programming does not include ice skating, but if
you’d like to schedule this and pay directly to the rink, they offer either afternoon or evening sessions. Please contact
our operations team to schedule this.
©2014 NatureBridge. All Rights Reserved.
naturebridge.org
Coordinator Manual
Page 13 of 14
Backcountry Experiences
NatureBridge offers two types of backcountry experiences: two- to four-night backpacking trips in Yosemite National
Park’s Wilderness, and one- to two-night visits to the historic Merced Grove Cabin.
There are specific packing lists for both backpacking and for the Merced Grove Cabin. NatureBridge has very limited
gear to loan for both experiences, but cannot provide everything. Group coordinators should work with the director of
operations to determine what gear might be available to loan to participants in need.
Participants who take part in a backpacking experience should be prepared to hike 5–10 miles with a 30–40 pound
backpack at elevations of up to 10,000 feet.
Backpacking groups are required to have one evacuation support chaperone who stays in NatureBridge lodging in the
“frontcountry” for the duration of the backpacking trip. They need to have access to a cellular phone and vehicle in
case of a participant evacuation due to behavioral or health concerns.
Due to Yosemite Wilderness permit limitations, backpacking groups are limited to 15 participants each(12 students
and one adult chaperone or 11 students and two adult chaperones, plus two NatureBridge field educators).
Groups that are interested in backcountry experiences should discuss opportunities with the NatureBridge reservations
coordinator before booking next year’s program. Groups may request certain routes, but these are subject to change
due to weather conditions, road closures, permit availability, and feasibility.
Questions?
Please contact us with questions regarding any of the following:
Reservations
Reservation Coordinator
209-379-9511 ext 25
yosemitereservations@naturebridge.org
Program Logistics
Director of Operations
Operations Manager
209-379-9511 ext 11
209-379-9511 ext 13
rdunn@naturebridge.org
zsincerny@naturebridge.org
Food Services
Director of Food Services
209-379-9511 ext 20
syager@naturebridge.org
Yosemite Office Front Desk
Office Manager
209-379-9511 ext 10
©2014 NatureBridge. All Rights Reserved.
naturebridge.org
yosemite@naturebridge.org
Coordinator Manual
Page 14 of 14