Parent Volunteer Information

THANK YOU for taking the time to join us on the Farm & Wilderness Exploration (F&W) field trip to Hidden Villa. Your participation can greatly enhance the quality of the field trip for the students. The guidelines below will help you make the most of the day, while keeping the focus on providing a safe and fulfilling experience for the children.

Parent/Chaperone guidelines:

• Hidden Villa's policy isthat parents and their children be in separate groups. A few exceptions may be made in special circumstances.
• Infants and siblings are not allowed to accompany you.
• Smoking is not permitted.
• Feel free to be a hands-on participant and enjoy yourself. Participation in games and activities is important and adds to the fun.
• Support children’s discoveries by trying not to share your fears and/or dislikes (spiders, getting wet or dirty, etc.).
• Let the children take the lead in asking and answering questions. You can ask and answer too, as long as the children come first.
• Set an example by bringing a “No Garbage Lunch” emphasizing reusable containers and things that will compost (see HV handout).
• Be prepared to carry all your trash out - there are no garbage cans at Hidden Villa.
• Dress in layers, as weather conditions change frequently. Wear sturdy shoes with a good tread (not sandals or Tevas) for hiking.
• Bring your own rain gear, if possible. A limited amount of rain gear may be available on loan.
• Bring about one quart of water (per person). Water from faucets is safe for drinking unless clearly marked “Do Not Drink.” It is not safe to drink creek water.

Parent/Chaperone responsibilities:

• Provide general supervision of student participation and remind children of Hidden Villa’s rules as necessary.
• Allow the guide to set behavioral boundaries and provide discipline, assisting as requested. Help children to remain focused when their guide is teaching.
• Limit conversations between adult participants. (Note that cellphones do not work at Hidden Villa.)
• Accompany children to restrooms while on the farm. There are no toilets along Hidden Villa’s trail system.

Once again, THANKS so much for sharing this outdoor learning experience with the children.