Grade 6 Residential Program
Handbook and
Planning Information
Spring 2016
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/
Table of Contents
Planning Timeline and Checklist .................................................................................................................. 3
Program Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Top 10 Things to Remember when Planning Outdoor Education ............................................................ 8
Instructional Program................................................................................................................................ 9
Content Standard Connections .................................................................................................................. 9
Areas of Study......................................................................................................................................... 10
Confidence Course Activities at Skycroft and Summit Lake ................................................................. 12
Organizing Your School’s Program ............................................................................................................ 13
Responsibilities During the Outdoor Environmental Education Program .............................................. 14
Evening Activity Suggestions ................................................................................................................. 16
Staffing.................................................................................................................................................... 18
Best Practices for Encouraging Participation.......................................................................................... 21
Instructional Reminders .......................................................................................................................... 22
Hike In .................................................................................................................................................... 22
Materials and Equipment ........................................................................................................................ 23
Meals, Dining, and Kitchen Patrol (KP) ................................................................................................. 24
Dormitories ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Health Information .................................................................................................................................. 26
Site Specific Information ............................................................................................................................ 27
Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center ............................................................................... 27
Skycroft Conference Center .................................................................................................................... 30
Summit Lake ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Emergency Protocol .................................................................................................................................... 37
Forms, Payment and Finances .................................................................................................................... 40
Overnight Chaperone Background Check Check List ............................................................................ 41
FAQ about Outdoor Education Chaperone Process ................................................................................ 42
Disclosure Forms for Chaperones ........................................................................................................... 44
Process for Communication of a Serious Situation at OEEP by On-Site Staff....................................... 46
2
Planning Timeline and Checklist
July of the New Academic Year
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Set OEEP parent meeting date, time and location and add to school’s master calendar
Identify staff for teaching confidence course – check PDO for spring and fall dates for
certification class and recertification sessions – communicate information to team teachers
Check PDO for schedule and registrations for fall preparation workshops: predator/prey, stream
study, Treasure Earth, exploring the watershed using map and compass, etc. – communicate
information to team teachers
Discuss student payment for the residential program with school administration – anything
charged above the county’s cost must be deposited into a separate IAF account. Can you
collect money online?
Three Months Prior
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Locate previous year’s resources and review last year’s program
Meet with school nurse to discuss timeline to review permission slips and medication forms.
Check website to make sure you have the most up to date forms.
Update parent letter and request translation(s)
Contact OEEP coordinator to confirm first team planning meeting date
Start contacting staff to determine coverage needs – particularly to hire subs
o See principal for present year’s sub allotment (The principal is the only one who may
request an increase in the sub allotment for unusual circumstances – ex. large number
of students with special needs.)
o Determine which teachers will spend the night for each session.
Complete bus reservations with field trip office (see financial secretary)
Discuss SSL requirement for students with science RT, Grade 6 science teachers and SSL school
coordinator
Two Months Prior
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Meet with OE coordinator – full team meeting
o review the OE packet and handbook
o discuss the curricular options and instructional objectives
o choose instructional units and match each with an instructor
o determine training needs of teachers on these outdoor lessons
o schedule trainings
o choose roles: night nurse(MCPS staff person), KP teacher, chaperone liason, etc.
Determine how student lists will be created
o team lists
o bus lists
o instructional groups – KP
o dorm/cabin assignments
o evening groups (if different)
Create schedule of lessons and events
o day schedule
o evening schedule
 Are outside performers going to be used?
 What food items are needed, if any? Quantities?
o KP rotation
o Integrate SSL
Determine how students will be notified of their grouping
3
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Meet with a representative from the high school to discuss your application process for high
school chaperones
□ Determine procedure for collecting permission forms and money
□ Prepare for parent meeting
o Collaborate with the Grade 6 administrator on planning and implementation of the
meeting
o Contact ESOL department for an interpreter
o Invite a 7th grade student from an underrepresented population (i.e. Latino) and his/her
parent to the meeting to talk about the program and address underlying concerns
o Arrange for school nurse to be present
o Print copies of permission forms in multiple languages
o Acquire OE power point, if desired – available in English and Spanish; show videos if
available
 Suggestion: Add own student pics to power point
Chaperone Tasks:
□ OEEP chaperones complete the appropriate disclosure form:
o Adult chaperones serving during the day only and high school student assistants complete
the Daytime Only Adult Chaperone/Student Assistant Disclosure Form.
o Adult chaperones serving overnight complete the Overnight Adult Chaperone Disclosure
Form. Police officers are required to provide a copy of their official law enforcement
agency issued police ID to verify exemption from the fingerprinting requirement.
o All forms must be stored in the principal’s office for 5 years.
□ School provides the OEEP Overnight Chaperone Background Check Requirements Overview to
overnight chaperones and guidance regarding the timeframe when they can begin scheduling
fingerprinting appointments.
□ School screens daytime adult chaperones and student assistants via the Visitor Management
System using driver’s licenses or the Maryland Sex Offender Registry website at
http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/.
□ School completes and submits the OEEP Overnight Chaperone Recommendation Form to MCPS
Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD). OHRD will accept reservations for
fingerprinting appointments from potential volunteers.
One Month Prior
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Copy and distribute permission forms and packet for each student
o Be sure that special education and ESOL classes receive all materials
o Ensure that ESOL teachers receive packets so that they can help facilitate student
comprehension of the material
□ Conduct OEEP parent meeting- School nurse should participate in this meeting
□ Determine procedure for distributing and collecting permission forms and money
□ Create the student lists
□ Finalize the schedule of instructional programs and teachers for each
□ Assure that teachers are trained for the lessons they will be teaching
Chaperone Tasks:
□ OEEP overnight chaperone schedules appointment one month prior to OEEP session with MCPS
OHRD or American Identity Solutions, Inc.
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OHRD reviews criminal background results and informs the principal of authorized and nonauthorized OEEP overnight chaperones.
4
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OHRD contacts an OEEP overnight chaperone if any information identified in the criminal
background check warrants further explanation.
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Create plans for school coverage for students that do not attend OE and plans for each group
while they are not at OE
Two Weeks Prior
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Forward schedules to OE coordinator with time allotments and teacher assignments
Send list of student participants to nurse
Organize schedule, coverage and materials for stay-back students
Create table assignments for meals (or number index cards for random assignments – 6 of each
number for Smith and Skycroft; 10 of each number for Summit Lake)
□ Copy and prepare instructional materials (journals, worksheets, etc.)
□ Have teachers highlight different aspects of OE in their classes
Chaperone Tasks:
□ School ensures that OEEP overnight chaperone completes the Recognizing, Reporting, and
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect volunteer training.
One Week Prior
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Contact school cafeteria for extra lunches for first lunch and remind the cafeteria manager
about the number of students that will be out of school
Finalize numbers and use the Organizer Meal Count Form to send the following to Chris
Rogewitz ([email protected])
o Numbers of students, teachers, parents, high school counselors
o Number of vegetarians (students and adults)
See the school nurse to for updates on students with special medical situations/emergency meds,
etc.
Gather materials for transportation to the site(bus slips, signs, etc.)
Decide how to organize students for departure: location, order for loading buses
Reserve any media or PE equipment needed.
Determine where students will put luggage and lunches when they arrive at school – assign
monitor to safeguard student belongings
Distribute stay-back plans and student lists (going and not-going) to entire staff
Prepare student lists and permission slips: alphabetized with an alphabetized list of names.
Mark day-only students. All student permission forms must be reviewed by the school nurse
Create a staff emergency contact list including cell phone number, emergency contact name and
phone number for every teacher, parent, and chaperone.
Complete and bring a copy of the “Process for Communication of a Serious Situation at OEEP
On-Site Staff After the Situation is Under Control”.
Day of Departure
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Pick up lunches from cafeteria
Attendance – take it before getting on the bus and on the bus; report absentees to school
secretary and cross off students on lists.
Pack buses with luggage and lunches – keep out supplies needed for hike and assign adults or
chaperones not on the hike in to unload the buses
Pick up medications – assign someone not going on the hike to carry meds and permission slips
directly to site nurse (Hike in Teacher carries emergency medications)
Bring permission slips, student lists, and medications to nurse’s office before the hike starts
5
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Call the Smith Center upon departure to confirm time to meet for the hike and how many adults
need a ride to the trailhead.
Bring, email, or fax the financial assistance form (separate form for each session)
Upon Arrival
Arrange for teachers who do not plan to participate in the hike to do the following:
□ Carry meds, student lists (separate lists for boys and girls and both alphabetized) and permission
forms (organized into two piles by gender and each stack alphabetized) to site nurse
□ Set out lunches
□ Unload luggage buses
□ Get materials ready for afternoon instruction
□ Move personal belongings to dorm/cabin
□ Meet with the chaperones to review their roles and expectations
□ Assign one teacher to bring the meds back to school on Wednesday and one teacher to bring
the next set of meds to the Smith Center.
During the Program
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Continue to communicate with the OEEP coordinator about schedule changes, facilities and
equipment needs
Ensure teachers and chaperones are supervising and actively engaging students during class
time, transitions, meals, and dormitory time
Keep a list of adjustments you’d like to make for next year’s program
After the Program
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Conduct an evaluation of the program with school staff to get ideas about how to adjust things
for next year (invite the OEEP coordinator if possible)
6
Program Overview
The staff at Outdoor Environmental Education Programs is committed to:
 providing outdoor learning experiences through the MCPS curriculum that
increase all 6th grade students ’ content and process knowledge
 nurturing awareness, appreciation, and stewardship for the natural
environment
 building the capacity of MCPS educators to teach environmental education
using the outdoors as a classroom
Outcomes
The current focus for outdoor environmental education is to create a learning
environment where students can use scientific inquiry as a basis for their
observations, investigations and explanations that is a part of the 6th grade
curriculum. To aid this process, lessons have been created to support the
residential program outcomes and the MCPS sixth grade instructional outcomes.
We value continuous improvement, and will continue to evaluate all aspects of our
program. The general outcomes, as currently stated, are to:
 Provide opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills
acquired in the classroom to authentic outdoor situations
 Provide students with direct experiences using science as inquiry, such as
identifying an authentic problem, questioning to clarify understanding,
formulating and modifying hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, using
evidence to support decisions, and creating action plans
 Cultivate students' awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and stewardship
for the natural environment and the effect of people’s actions upon it
 Instill a sense of understanding and responsibility of environmental problems
and the difficulties that exist in seeking solutions while promoting positive
actions toward a solution
 Motivate students to develop positive attitudes toward learning through
varied experiences in the natural environment
 Help students learn to live democratically and responsibly for the welfare of
the total group
 Help students develop, enhance and maintain good human relations among
themselves and with their teachers
 Promote students’ physical fitness and enjoyment of the outdoors
7
Top 10 Things to Remember when Planning Outdoor Education
1. Use your coordinator, the OEEP Handbook, and the OEEP Website
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored and the
MyMCPS Outdoor Ed Collaboration Site (Share Point) as resources.
2. Make connections to your curriculum before, during and after your
Outdoor Education experience.
3. Use the outdoors, even at night!
4. Utilize the OEEP coordinator to help you during your instruction,
including the first night of each session.
5. Check all forms for parent signatures and emergency info before
you leave your school. Then organize your health forms in
alphabetical order. Turn in to the on-site nurse before the hike-in.
6. Check to make sure that all of the teachers have a copy of the
lessons from the OE website including inclement weather lessons.
This will allow your staff to review the lesson, check on
modifications of lessons and see if there are changes in equipment
at each site.
7. Send your schedule, including staff assignments, to the OEEP
coordinator before you attend OE.
8. We have a Likert Survey available for your use and to provide us
with feedback and data on the curriculum. We also have exit cards
created for each lesson.
9. Model lessons are also available on the OEEP Website
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored.
Teachers are asked to attend our fall and spring trainings and then
use the videos as refreshers. They do not take the place of
attending initial in-person trainings.
10. Check to make sure that your staff is certified for Confidence
Course. It is a 1 to 10 ratio for groups. The handbook is available
online.
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Instructional Program
One of the strengths of the Montgomery County Outdoor Environmental Education
Residential Program is the fact that classroom teachers have assumed the major role in
the instructional program at the residential environmental education centers just as in
regular classrooms. Consequently, the program varies from session to session depending
on the needs and interests of students from different schools, as well as the skills and
interests of the participating teachers.
The residential outdoor environmental program provides various lessons that deliver
environmental, life, and earth science instruction focused on field experiences in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed and helps students attain mastery of the associated MSDE
standards. In a typical session, a school may include in its program several different
classes and activities. All schools are expected to schedule lessons that deliver sixth grade
curricular outcomes, and are strongly encouraged to make trans-disciplinary connections.
In addition to the science lessons, there are other class offerings that teach grade 6
geography standards and the “Confidence Course,” which emphasizes team-building,
effective interpersonal communication through collaborative problem solving, and
individual confidence building. In all instructional units, there are rich opportunities for
trans-discipline teaching of the common core standards.
Content Standard Connections
In addition to infusing standards from the Common Core State Standards in English
Language Arts and the Standards for Mathematical Practice, the following is a list of the
selected middle school content standards that are the foundation for the outdoor
environmental education curricula:
Standard 6.0 Environmental Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to
explain the interactions of environmental factors (living and non-living) and analyze their
impact from a local to a global perspective.
Standard 3.0 Life Science: The students will use scientific skills and processes to explain
the dynamic nature of living things, their interactions, and the results from the
interactions that occur over time.
Standard 2.0 Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to
explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of
energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.
Standard 3.0 Geography: Students will use geographic concepts and processes to
examine the role of culture, technology, and the environment in the location and
distribution of human activities and spatial connections throughout time.
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Areas of Study
The brief summaries that follow include potential areas of study common to all outdoor
education centers as well as those unique to one locality. These areas of study are not meant
to limit the possibilities, but do include topics that have considerable instructional potential,
have been used successfully, and are connected to the state curriculum. The program
possibilities are varied enough to fit the particular school's needs or interests and to take
advantage of the ongoing curriculum in that school.
Instructional outcomes from the State Curriculum, lesson plans, and resources needed can be
found on the website or can be obtained from your outdoor education coordinator.
Stream/Pond Study
Students investigate the local watershed and work in groups to assess
the health of a nearby stream or pond. Students learn techniques for
collection biotic and abiotic data of an aquatic ecosystem using a
macro-invertebrate survey, chemical analyses, and stream buffer
analysis. Food web and food chain concepts are reinforced through
identification of the organisms in a stream ecosystem and the
environmental impact of various pollutants are discussed.
Predator/Prey
Relationships
Predator/Prey is a guided simulation designed to increase
understanding of the predator/prey relationship that animals exhibit
in our local ecosystem. Participants are assigned a role in the food
chain, participate in the simulation, collect and analyze results, and
assess factors affecting their survival. Evaluation includes a discussion
noting that changes in the environment that may be helpful to some
populations and harmful to others.
Exploring the
Watershed Using Map
and Compass
Students investigate the connection between forest health and water
quality. Working in groups, the students observe the land of local
watershed by conducting a field survey of the surrounding forest and
riparian buffers. Students use a map and compass to navigate
through the watershed to their assigned survey locations. At the end
of the lesson, students analyze their data to determine if the forest is
in good condition to protect the
Patterns of Settlement Students assess settlement potential of a variety of locations and
Using GPS
learn to use hand-held global positioning system (GPS) units. Working
in groups, students use the GPS units to navigate to several assigned
locations and collect environmental and geographic data. At the end
of the lesson, students analyze their data and use their knowledge
from grade six world studies to determine which location is best to
settle and establish a community.
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Local History
Students use inquiry skills to explore evidence of past history of the
area. Historical lessons depend on the site, but can include visiting
the ruins of an old home site, the stonework of an old mill, a local
graveyard or civil war history. Careful observation and group
discussions can give students a glimpse of past customs and ways of
life. A hike to the original Washington Monument which incorporates
the local history is available at Skycroft.
Student Service
Learning (SSL)
All Grade 6 students must participate in Service Learning as part of
their instructional day. (Part of the Grade 6 science curriculum – the
SSL must be have an environmental focus) Schools may choose to
integrate a SSL activity into their outdoor environmental education
program. Topics include habitat restoration, energy conservation,
and protecting the water of the Chesapeake Bay. OEEP provides
lessons (background knowledge and action), equipment, and
guidance to assist schools in this important work.
Treasure Earth
The class formally known as Amazing Race. A STEM lesson that
focuses on natural resources in the local environment through
geocaching. Students will collect data to determine the presence and
health of water in the geosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and
hydrosphere. Students will navigate to predetermined locations
based upon varying habitats where they will use testing equipment
and make observations to determine the. This curriculum was
written in partnership with NASA as part of the Global Precipitation
Measurement (GPM) mission.
Evening Activities
Instruction does not end when the sun goes down! After dinner
students may go on a night hike and conduct some science
experiments in the dark, attend a planetarium presentation (Smith
Center only), do student service learning, and roast a marshmallow at
the campfire. Or students may continue bonding with their fellow
sixth graders by writing cabin/dorm songs, playing nature games, or
doing arts and crafts. Whichever activities the school plans, students
are busy right up until bedtime.
Tree ID using GPS is available.
The Outdoor Environmental Education Journal/Notebook is a highly recommended tool for
connecting students’ learning as they move from one class to another. It provides a place to
facilitate the integration of math into the field experiences and writing into explanations and
reflections on learning. Contact your coordinator to discuss model journals and the mechanics
that work best for successfully using student notebooks during the residential experience. A
template of a notebook is available on our website for you to tailor to your own program.
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Confidence Course Activities at Skycroft and Summit Lake
Teachers are only permitted to use confidence course activities that were covered in
MCPS’ Confidence Course Certification Course (EE-06). If a teacher uses a piece of
equipment that is not on this list and a student is injured, the teacher is liable.
Permanent Installations
Skycroft
Summit Lake
Wall
Wall
All Aboard
All Aboard
Up and Over
Welcome Aboard
Whale Watch
Up and Over
Fidget Ladder
Whale Watch
Spider Web
Spider Web
Welcome Aboard
Triangle Traverse
Swinging Balance Beam
Activities Available at All Sites
Trust Circle
Hand Scramble
Alligator Crossing
Marching Machine
Traffic Jam
Reactor Reload
Team Juggle
Mail Call
Turnstiles
Hula Hoop Pass
Name Game
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Organizing Your School’s Program
(The following information taken from the memorandum to middle school principals from Mr. Larry
Bowers, dated June 5, 2013, “ACTION—Extracurricular Activity (ECA) Allocations and Planning Process
for Fiscal Year 2014”
Description:
The outdoor environmental education organizer will take the lead on organizing the school’s residential
outdoor education program for Grade 6 students, which includes finalizing the three-day schedule of
classes and activities, assigning staff, ensuring substitute coverage and plans for stay-back students,
spearheading student recruitment, maintaining parent communication, facilitating the distribution and
collection of permission and medical forms, payment and finances, and creating the dormitory sleeping
arrangements. All of this will occur in coordination with the Outdoor Environmental Educator at Outdoor
Environmental Education Programs. At middle schools, the stipend may be split between two teachers.
Stipend information:
The agreement states that the team member who organizes the Outdoor Education Program for their
school shall be compensated at the stipend rate of $14.00 per hour for up to 40 hours for organizing and
planning based on hours worked.
 The stipend is a Class 3 non-athletic stipend (Class 3 position code E3L202). The Class 1 position
code previously used for the activity has been deleted. MCPS Form 430-60: Middle School
Extracurricular Activities Annual Plan, was revised, June 2012, to include the Outdoor
Environmental Education Organizer Class 3 nonathletic stipend activity code in Part I, Section A.
 The Extracurricular Activity Handbook was revised to include this new position code and an
outline of responsibilities of the stipend activity.
 The Local School Organizers’ Meeting (in August or January) is three of the 40 hours.
Stipend - Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can the stipend be split?
Yes, the stipend can be split. There have been several schools that have used two organizers.
2. Is school size a determinant in the amount of stipend?
No, each school will receive 40 hours at the rate of $14.00 per hour for a total of $560.00. The
hours worked will be paid, only.
3. Can an RT or team leader receive this stipend?
RT and team leaders…may lead stipend ECA activities provided that the following guidelines are
met: (Memo: June 5, 2013; From Larry A. Bowers, COO)
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The stipend has been offered to other unit members and none have expressed interest
in the stipend.
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The activity does not conflict with normal teacher or resource teachers duties including
required after school meetings.
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Such appointments shall be temporary…..and only be renewed if the above conditions
are met again.
Allocation for Outdoor Education Substitutes and Overnight Stipends:
This information will be sent to your school principal by a memo from the office of the Associate
Superintendent. Questions related to these numbers should be referred to Mrs. Ivon Alfonso-Windsor,
fiscal specialist, K-12 Operations. The supervisor of OEEP may be able to assist, but the allocations are not
made by OEEP.
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Responsibilities During the Outdoor Environmental Education Program
Environmental Educator/
OEEP Staff
School Team
At all times: liaison between the site and the school
staff
At all times: supervise students—cabins, dining hall,
lining up, transition time, classes, rec time, etc.
Day 1
Day 1
Introduction and Orientation
 Hike In with Watershed and Safety Information
along the way
 Site Orientation before lunch and continued
through lunch
 Cabin Cleaning and Health Room Information by
nurse after first lunch
Introduction and Orientation
 Permission Forms and Meds to Nurse
 Hike In
 Unload luggage
 Set out lunches
Afternoon and Dinner
 Teach afternoon class
 Model Kitchen Patrol (KP) process for KP teacher
 Pre-dinner announcements about meal procedures
 Clean-up procedures and reminders
Afternoon and Dinner
 Teach classes
 Night Nurse starts duty at 4 pm
 KP at 4:30 – KP teacher will shadow
 Sit with students throughout meal and help with
clean-up
 Silver Spoon
Evening
 Teach evening class
 Snack assistance
 Spend the night
Evening
 Lead evening activities
 Snack
 Spend the night
Day 2
Day 2
Breakfast and Morning
 Clean-up procedures reminders
 Teach morning class
Breakfast and Morning
 KP at 7:30 a.m. – KP teacher will lead
 Monitor cabin cleaning
 Pre-breakfast announcements with meal
procedures reminders
 Sit with students throughout meal and help with
clean-up
 Silver spoon and post-meal announcements
 Teach classes
Lunch and Afternoon
 Cabin Inspection reports at the end of lunch (nurse)
 Teach afternoon class – leave at 4 p.m.
Lunch and Afternoon
 KP at 11:30 a.m. – KP teacher will lead
 Pre- and post-meal announcements
14

Sit with students throughout meal and help with cleanup
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
Silver spoon
Teach classes
Day 2 Continued
Day 2 Continued
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Dinner and Evening
NONE – Gone Home!
Night Nurse starts duty at 4 p.m.
Dinner and Evening
 KP at 4:30 p.m.—KP teacher will lead
 Pre- and post-meal announcements
 Sit with students throughout meal and help with
clean-up
 Silver Spoon
 Lead evening activities
 Snack
Day 3
Day 3
Breakfast and Morning
 Teach morning class (by a crossover substitute
provided by OEEP)
 Write bill for services
 Hike in for incoming group (environmental
educator)
Breakfast and Morning
 KP at 7:30 a.m.—KP teacher will lead
 Monitor cabin cleaning
 Pre- and post-meal announcements
 Sit with students throughout meal and help with
clean-up
 Silver spoon
 Teach classes
 Hike with incoming students
 Unload incoming luggage
 Load outgoing luggage
Lunch
 Final cabin inspection report (nurse)
Lunch
 KP at 11:00 a.m. (10:30 at Skycroft and Summit
Lake)
 Pre and post-meal announcements
 Silver spoon
Last Day
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Last Day
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Collect and account for all OEEP materials
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Return all OEEP materials
Remove school and student items from all spaces,
classrooms, and cabins
Evening Activity Suggestions
The following is a list of activities suitable for the evenings at Outdoor Environmental Education.
The Outdoor Environmental Educator will only will be available on the first night of each session.
Keep in mind the amount of daylight left for the evening, the amount of space you will have, and
the staff available to coordinate activities and supervise students. The Smith Center’s main
building (White Oak Hall) must be vacated by no later than 9:30 pm for cleaning.
 Journal writing—reflection
 Student service learning experiences
 Night hike, Tower climb, Observation Hike
 Campfire (with S’mores) with camp songs (can be moved indoors, if necessary)
 Astronomy/star-gazing—star/planet/constellation ID/stories; telescopes are available
 Planetarium (Smith Center only; requires OE coordinator and a total capacity of 25
people in one sitting)
 Expressions in Art—t-shirt painting, god’s eyes, medallions, leaf/fish printing, origami,
gimp, quilt making
 Instructional Games—Nature Bingo, Nature Pictionary, Nature Charades, Nature
Scavenger Hunt
 Silent Structures—group cooperation and team building
 Carnival/Camp Olympics/Minute to Win it!
 Skits/Songs/Outdoor Ed Idol
 Story Telling/Read aloud
 Relay Races/Games
 Nature scavenger hunt
 Outdoor movie (supplies provided by the school)
Professional Presentations: These presenters are not endorsed by OEEP, but they have been
used by many schools. Any fees charged for these guest performers must be provided by the
school.
 Reptile World—Michael Shwedick; 301-464-5600
 Reptile Wonders—Brian Krystal; 410-374-0336
 Scales and Tails— Dept. of Natural Resources; 301-271-7574
 Live Music: Late Night with Kenny and Joel: MCPS teachers—Kenny Reddington and Joel
Niswander (available on Outlook)
 Under The Sea—Andrew S. Wilson; 800-986-3732
 Square Dancing—Paul Phillips; 301-293-2467
 Bruce Hutton–folk/old time music & instruments; 301-779-5901
 Square dancing/old time music—Slim Harrison; 301-271-7928
 Singer/Songwriter—John Mornini’s Acoustic Favorites; 301-540-8096
 Adventures with Raptors – Deron Meador 240-405-8628
 Mad Science of Washington DC – 301-593-4777
 Lance “Claysmith” Smith-Motivational Speaker and Zumba Instructor; 301-325-2379
Link to MCPS’s Performing Arts catalog of approved performers:
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/publishingservices/PDF/performingartscatalog.pdf
16
Updates for each site
Smith Center
 Stephanie Lee has joined us as our new 6th grade outdoor environmental
educator!!
 Chris Rogewitz is our new Administrative Secretary for the OEEP.
 You will see new faces and products in the dining hall this year. Enjoy and
continue to provide us with your feedback!
Skycroft
 A stream site is available for your use.
 Welcome Aboard is now available in the Confidence Course.
 The Back Dining Hall is now our dining hall. It is also open throughout the
day which replaces the use of classrooms in the Nelson Hall (gym).
 Dinner will start at 5:30 p.m. Please update your schedule accordingly and
talk with your coordinator about scheduling suggestions at Skycroft.
 Students and their luggage must be out of the dorms before breakfast on
Wednesday and Friday.
 Theater use is an extra charge.
Summit Lake
 The school will receive one adult meal included for every 12 students in
attendance
 Dormitories 1-16 are available for your use. Due to some renovations, bed
numbers will be 14 per dorm.
 Consistent with last year, each table in the dining hall will seat 10 people.
That means at least 1 adult, 1 KP and seats for 8 students. To determine how
many tables you are given, divide your total number of people (students,
staff, parents, counselors) by 10.
 Meal costs: $7 for breakfast; $9 for lunch and dinner.
17
Staffing
Outdoor Environmental Educator (Coordinator):
The educator/coordinator serves as a
liaison between the school’s staff and the outdoor education center’s staff and site. He/she works
with the school to plan and deliver the program and curriculum that best suits the needs of the
students. Before the program, the educator meets with the team to review the program and
assists the organizer in the planning process. The educator is also available to train teachers and
help them plan their lessons. During the program, the educator leads the hike on the first day,
teaches one of the environmental science classes during instructional time, instructs the KP
teacher during the first meal, and helps with the evening instructional activities on the first night.
The educator also stays overnight the first night of each session. A “Night Facilitator” may replace
the coordinator for the overnight; if so; the night facilitator will arrive before dinner and leave at
6:30 a.m.
Outdoor Environmental Educator Contact Information

Mark Granger
[email protected]

Courtney Hebert
[email protected]

Stephanie Lee
Stephanie_ [email protected]

Brian Shilling
[email protected]
Teachers/Instructors:
Schools must have a sufficient number of teachers to teach the
instructional classes that are presented to students. At least two school staff members who are
familiar with your students must be present at each instructional session including evening
rotations. If extra teachers are needed, a list of substitutes knowledgeable of the lessons can be
obtained from the coordinator. Use parents and high school assistants for extra supervision.
Instructors need to be prepared to teach the classes when they arrive on site. Contact your
coordinator for a list of training dates or plan to meet with the coordinator in advance to review
lessons or the site. There are lesson plans for each lesson on the OEEP website that should be
reviewed. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/programs/
On-Site Teacher in Charge: One teacher should be identified as the teacher in charge on site to
give announcements and ensure that the schedule is followed. In most cases this person is either
a team leader or the organizer.
Special Teacher Roles: Teachers (generally not the organizer) need to be assigned to these roles
- KP teacher, Night Nurse, Chaperone/High School Assistant Liaison, Meal Preparation for
students who bring their own food.
Overnight and Substitute Allocations: Schools will receive allocations for overnight stipends
and substitutes from the Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI). Questions about
the allocations should be addressed by the principal to the community superintendent,
including petitions to increase your allocations. The allocation ratio for the overnight stipend is:
1 teacher for every 15 students. Administrators are eligible to receive the overnight stipend:
School timekeepers will post overnight stipends for administrators using the online Outdoor Education
screen of PACS. For each administrator who is to receive a stipend, timekeepers will enter the employee’s
identification number, use attendance code “AOE”, and enter a “1” in the appropriate date for each
overnight stay.
18
Adult Chaperones:
Each adult chaperone must complete and submit a disclosure form, which allows chaperones to
voluntarily disclose prior or pending convictions. These completed forms must be stored in the
principal’s office for five years. All MCPS documents are found on our website and at the end of
this handbook. Additional chaperone resources are available to support your program.
MCPS has a set of required chaperone practices for schools that include—
a. providing chaperones with the brochure, Chaperoning at the Residential Outdoor
Environmental Education Program;
b. completing either disclosure: Daytime Only Adult Chaperone/Student Assistant
Disclosure Form or the Overnight Adult Chaperone Disclosure Form
c. screening the daytime adult chaperones via the MD Sex Offender Registry website
at www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/
d. having all overnight chaperones fingerprinted through OHRD
e. holding an orientation meeting for chaperones once they are chosen to clarify
duties and expectations.
f. ensuring that two chaperones be assigned to each sleeping area—the buddy
system
High School Assistants: Interested students must have permission from their high school
teachers and administrators to participate as a monitor. All student monitors must have a signed
outdoor education permission slip, and a bag lunch for the first day. They must also be given a 2
hour study time per day. High School Assistants are students and must be supervised by an MCPS
staff member. A teacher must be assigned to coordinate the adult chaperones/high school
assistants both before and during the program. The teacher most also hold an orientation
meeting for assistants once they are chosen to clarify duties and expectations. Additional high
school assistant resources are available to support your program.
Identification: All non-sixth graders should wear identification. Staff member should wear an ID
badge or clothing that reflects the name of the school/MCPS/ while at outdoor ed. Chaperones
and high school monitors need to wear a generic guest badge. OEEP will provide badges at each
site if you do not hand out your own.
Security Talking Points:
 Dorms/cabins are locked at night from the inside by an adult (occupants can get out in
case of emergency).
 Students are not allowed in dorms/cabins without an adult and will typically only be in
dorms when the group is scheduled to be in the dorm. There is no “free” time.
 Students are supervised at all times – the ratio of teacher to student is 1:15. The
addition of chaperones brings the ratio of adult to student to about 1:6 or 8.
 Students are always in groups for instruction, eating, and sleeping. Restrooms and
showers are private.
19


Skycroft and Summit Lake are privately owned property; only renters of those facilities
and employees of the site have permission to be on the property.
The Smith Center is school property adjacent to park property. The Smith Center
buildings have alarms consistent with all MCPS school buildings and OSET plans
consistent with all MCPS schools. The park police patrol the property regularly.
20
Best Practices for Encouraging Participation
It is an expectation that all 6th grade students attend their outdoor environmental education
program. The following list of strategies has been compiled over many years with continuous
input from schools. One, some, or all of the strategies may work for your school. If you have any
to add, please let your coordinator know.










Make personal phone calls to parents of students who have not returned permission forms. Gently
ask if there are any questions or concerns that might be the issue, and attempt to address them.
Callers who speak the native language of the parents are highly recommended; the Language Line is
another option.
Conduct a Parent Outdoor and Environmental Education meeting one week prior to handing out
permission forms. If possible, offer two meetings to meet the needs of parents who work nights.
o Suggested presenters include: 6th grade team leaders, Grade 6 science teachers, the school
nurse, and two Grade 7 students and their parents who attended during the previous year
(very effective in the Latino communities when the invited students and parents are Spanish
speaking).
o Consider running a parallel meeting for Spanish-speaking parents. Arrange for an interpreter
to be present at the Parent Meeting. (Ask OEEP coordinator for the power point overview of
the program in Spanish.)
o Use ConnectEd to announce the date of the Parent Outdoor Environmental Education
meeting and important dates in English and Spanish.
Involve the ESOL and Special Education departments to ensure that the program is inclusive. Have
outdoor environmental education information or flyers available at ESOL or SPED parent nights.
Ensure that ESOL teachers have a packet of information and some understanding of the program so
that they can facilitate student comprehension in their classes.
Involve counselors, ESOL teachers, and parent community liaisons in advertising the parent meeting
and encouraging families to allow their children to attend Outdoor Environmental Education. Make
parents aware of the new video in Spanish, “Parents to Parents” on our website.
Create a competition for forms and fees between classes and provide a reward like pizza or treats.
Use data boards as a visual to track the number of students participating.
Entice students with a fun motivator. Leadership staff at one school said they would shave their
heads if student numbers got to a certain level, and they did!
Remind students daily about due dates – use the morning news show, Edline, and Connect Ed.
Assess participation numbers two weeks before the trip. If below expectations, have students
complete a survey with the following choices: A. I have returned by forms. B. I have not returned my
forms, but plan to. C. A teacher needs to call my house about Outdoor Education. D. I am not going.
Alternatively, conference with each student who has not returned a form.
Arrange for an Outdoor Environmental Educator (Coordinator) to speak to student groups, if
schedules permit.
Communicate with parents and students:
o Translated versions of the permission form and health form are available. Translated forms
are only for reference only as the parents complete the English version to hand in.
o Financial support, in the form of waivers, is available for families in need. If possible, families
are requested to contribute some amount – from $5.00 - $30.00. Include a financial
assistance request form with the information packet.
o Families should not have to purchase special supplies for the trip; the Smith Center can
provide supplies like clothing, coats, and bedding for students in need. Also, consider asking
your PTSA to donate items. NOTIFY THE SMITH CENTER BEFORE YOUR PROGRAM IF YOU
HAVE A STUDENT IN NEED OF THESE ITEMS—WE WILL HAVE THEM READY!
21
Instructional Reminders
Confidence Course: Each center has a confidence course comprised of a series of mentally and
physically challenging events designed for groups of eight to ten students. The focus is on
students using communication and cooperation to overcome obstacles or to solve problems. All
activities are designed to increase confidence, promote teamwork, and improve human relations.
To ensure that events are conducted safely, instructors must participate in the MCPS training
Confidence Course Instructor’s Workshop (EE-06) and take a recertification workshop every three
years before they can lead students in these activities. The instructor to student ratio should be
kept to no more than 1 to 10. Instructors are only permitted to use confidence course activities
that were covered in MCPS’ Confidence Course Instructor’s Workshop (EE-06). If a teacher uses
a piece of equipment that is not on this list and a student is injured, the teacher is liable.
Predator/Prey Relationships: Instructors for this lesson must be certified. Training workshops
are offered in the fall and spring. Instructors must also be recertified annually by
observing/reviewing the lesson with a Smith Center staff member. Contact your coordinator to
discuss recertification opportunities.
Lesson Planning: Teachers should obtain all training and curricula prior to arrival. Teachers are
encouraged to attend the training workshops that are scheduled in the fall and the spring. If
needed, the coordinator can provide lesson plans, materials, and assistance planning lessons
before the program. Please save arts, crafts, games and sports for evening or special interest
groups.
Evening Activities: Schools plan a variety of evening and night activities for their students. The
Outdoor Education Coordinator is available for the first night of your session. The Planetarium
(Smith Center only) is available in the evenings and is only run by the OEEP coordinator or a
trained teacher. The total capacity for the planetarium is 25 people including adults. A staff
member or chaperone from the school must be present with each group. Review the Evening
Activity Suggestions sheet for more details.
Hike In
All hikers should wear long pants and weather appropriate clothing and shoes and carry nothing
more than water. At all sites, a staff member from the school will carry the emergency
medications for students who have prescribed glucagon (glucose), EpiPens, or inhalers. (See page
11.)
All available teachers should hike with the students to assist with management and emergencies.
If necessary, the Outdoor Environmental Education coordinator can provide transportation to
the trailhead. Please call the Smith Center when you leave school so the coordinator knows
approximately what time to meet the hikers. The meeting locations for the hikes are listed
below.



Smith Center—Lake Frank parking lot off of Avery Road in Rockville
Skycroft—Michael’s Road entrance to Skycroft
Summit Lake—Eyler’s Valley Chapel parking lot
22
Materials and Equipment
Instructional Materials: The OEEP provides the basic equipment and materials for each
instruction session. Television and DVD/VCR are available at Smith Center and Skycroft. Only
Smith Center has a Promethean Board. Schools should bring their own recreational equipment,
craft supplies, and materials for evening activities.
Supplies for students in need: We have new clothing, jackets, toiletries and bedding available for
students in need. Please let the coordinator know in advance the sizes and items that are
needed.
Computers and Internet: There are computers available at the Smith Center for teacher, parent,
and high school counselor use. Wireless internet connection is available at the Smith Center and
Skycroft Conference Center.
Facilities
Use of Facilities: At each site, please use only the specific rooms/space you have been assigned.
Please remind students and staff to respect all areas of the site by leaving them clean and in the
condition you found them in. Leave doors closed and lights off when rooms are not in use.
Outdoor fires: Permitted only in designated fire rings. Check with your coordinator about
availability of firewood; it may be necessary for the school to provide their own firewood.
Damage: Schools will be held responsible for any damage/vandalism to property and billed
separately for any necessary repairs. Promptly notify staff of any damages.
Tobacco and Alcohol: The state law banning the use or sale of tobacco on public school property
is in effect at the Smith Center. Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the premises at any
location.
Site Details
Summit Lake
 Eyler’s Valley Chapel – special consideration must be followed if using the historic chapel
and cemetery area. Students must be supervised by at least one teacher and one support
person, the gate should be used for entering and exiting, and gravestone rubbings are not
permitted.
 Dock – students may only be on the dock if under the direct supervision of a teacher.
Smith Center
 Meadowside Nature Center – visits to the nature center are encouraged and can be
scheduled by calling the nature center or through your coordinator.
 Teacher Prep Room – may be used by adults and high school monitors for study time.
There are computers and a printer available, as well as a refrigerator and microwave for
the school’s use.
23


Library and Conference Room – is for special program meetings so it may not be used as
a meeting location or to store equipment. However, teachers are encouraged to utilize
the resources in the library and can sign out books and materials using the card catalog.
Planetarium – holds a maximum of 25 people and can only be operated by Smith Center
staff or a trained teacher.
Skycroft
 Motel Rooms – in addition to the dormitories, each school may use two motel rooms for
teachers like the night nurse or administrator. Motel rooms have two double beds and a
private bathroom. You must provide your own bedding.
 Students still need to be out of their dorms before breakfast on Wednesday and Friday.
 Theater use is an extra charge.
Meals, Dining, and Kitchen Patrol (KP)
First Lunch: Students, staff, and counselors must provide their own bag lunch on the first day.
Water is provided at the site. The staff must request extra cafeteria bag lunches from their school
cafeteria for students who are eligible for free and/or reduced lunch. It is suggested that lunches
travel to the site in a personal vehicle or on the student buses in the event that the luggage buses
arrive late.
Kitchen Patrol Teacher: One teacher must be in charge of KP throughout the program. It is also
recommended to name a backup teacher. This teacher should be present at all meals and
available 30 minutes prior to the meal to instruct and supervise setup and after the meal for
cleanup.
Kitchen Patrol Students: All students should be assigned KP duty for at least one meal. There
should be at least enough KPs assigned to each meal so each table has one KP. Students will
report to the dining hall 30 minutes prior to each meal. (It is recommended that the KP groups
are scheduled by instructional group to report for duty when they have the class taught by the
KP teacher.)
Table Assignments: Please make table and KP assignments based on the following numbers—8
people per table at Smith Center and Skycroft and 10 per table at Summit Lake. Each table should
have at least one KP and one adult/chaperone. Use the fewest number of tables possible.
Meal Times: Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., lunch is at 12:00 p.m., and dinner is at 5:00 p.m. (5:30 at
Skycroft). Day of departure lunch is 11 a.m. at Summit Lake and Skycroft and at 11:30 a.m. at the
Smith Center. KPs should report 30 minutes prior to each meal. Schools are expected to arrive on
time for meals and finish and clean up in a timely manner.
Meal Costs: Schools are allocated 1 adult/chaperone meal per 6 sixth graders attending the
program at the Smith Center or Skycroft. At Summit Lake, schools are allocated 1
adult/chaperone meal per 12 sixth graders attending the program. The school will be charged for
extra full time chaperones and high school assistants, extra meals and for day students according
to the information below.
24
Site
Smith
Center
Adult Meals Included
1 chaperone meal
per 6 students
Skycroft
1 chaperone meal per
6 students
Cost
$4.40/breakfast
$5.90/lunch
$6.90/dinner
Adults $5.55
$6.90
$7.90
$5.00/breakfast
$6.00/lunch
$7.00/dinner
Summit
1 chaperone meal per
$7.00/breakfast
Lake
12 students
$9.00/lunch and dinner
Contact your coordinator at the Smith Center for more specific details.
Vegetarian Meals: The sites can provide a separate vegetarian meal when vegetarian options are
not already available. Please provide a number of vegetarian meals needed by the first day of the
trip—this should include parents, teachers, and students.
Allergies and dietary concerns: The dining facilities cannot accommodate dietary concerns
other than vegetarians; nor can they ensure that the food is allergen-free. Therefore, students
with food allergies or other special dietary concerns are encouraged to bring their own food. All
sites have refrigerators and microwaves for storing, cooking or reheating food. An adult should
be responsible for helping the student store and heat their food. At the Smith Center, which is
an MCPS facility served by MCPS Food Services, information about possible food allergens is
available at
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv/menus/sec_lunch_allergens.p
df.
Trash and Recycling: If the school would like to weigh trash and recycling, please select a teacher
other than the KP teacher to organize this. Summit Lake and Skycroft do not recycle but schools
are encouraged to collect recyclables and bring them back to school.
Dormitories
Dormitory Rules: Students are only allowed in the dorm they are assigned and are not allowed
to go into the dorm unless there is an adult or high school counselor present. There is no food,
candy, gum, or drinks allowed in the dorms (except water). Turn lights off when the dorm is not
in use. On the day of departure students are not permitted back into the dorms to use the
bathroom after they have moved out. Schools will be held responsible for any damage or
vandalism and billed separately for repairs.
Heating and Cooling: Heat is available in the dorms at all sites. It should be adjusted by
chaperones only and efforts should be made to conserve heat.
Dormitory Assignments: Please use the minimum number of dormitories required according to
the capacities below. It is strongly advised that at least one adult or high school counselor sleep
in the room with the students.
See the Site Information Section for more detailed dormitory information.
25
Health Information
On-Site Nurse/Health Tech : Available from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
Skycroft and Summit Lake).
Night Nurse: An MCPS staff person must be chosen as a “night nurse” prior to arriving at the
Outdoor Education Center. This person must be a current staff member. If possible, this person
should be trained in basic first aid. A back-up “night nurse” should also be named in case the
primary “night nurse” has to leave unexpectedly. It is necessary for the “night nurse” to meet
with the on-site nurse before 3:30 p.m. on the first day. Basic responsibilities of the “night nurse”
include administering first aid and medication after the on-site nurse has left for the day. Please
review the night nurse guide for further details.
Medications: The school’s nurse must pack medications. Medications and permission slips must
be delivered directly to the site health tech/nurse by 10:30 a.m. on the first day of each session.
An exception to this is emergency medications, such as EpiPens, glucose, and inhalers. The
hike-in leader will carry all emergency mediations to the site health tech/nurse.
Special Needs: Food allergies and special needs must be noted on permission slips. ALL
PERMISSION SLIPS MUST BE REVIEWED BY THE SCHOOL NURSE. Consult with your coordinator in
advance to discuss students with special needs/diets so arrangements can be made to ensure
the student(s) can participate to the fullest extent possible.
26
Site Specific Information
Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center
5110 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: 301-924-3123
Fax: 301-924-3149
This center, owned and operated by Montgomery County Public Schools, is located
approximately in the middle of Montgomery County and is included completely within the
boundaries of the Rock Creek Regional Park. The site is host to Grade six residential programs as
well as day programs.
Directions
From Washington
Beltway (I-495)
Take Exit 31 for Georgia Avenue
Travel North on Georgia Avenue past Leisure World
Turn left on Norbeck Road (Route 28)
At first light, turn right onto Muncaster Mill Road (Route 115)
Travel 1.5 miles and turn left onto Meadowside Lane.
Take the first right into the L.E. Smith Center parking lot
From I-270 North
Take exit 8 for Shady Grove Road
Bear Right onto Redland Blvd.
Cross Route 355
Turn right onto Needwood Road.
Turn right onto Muncaster Mill Road.
Cross Avery Road and turn right onto Meadowside Lane.
Take the first right into the L.E. Smith Center parking lot
From I-270 South
Take the exit for I-370 towards the Metro
Take the Shady Grove Road exit just before the Metro access
Turn left onto Shady Grove Road East
Pass Midcounty Highway and turn right onto Muncaster Mill Road.
Cross Avery Road and turn right onto Meadowside Lane.
Take the first right into the L.E. Smith Center parking lot
Lathrop E. Smith Center Dormitory Capacities and Details:
The Smith Center has 4 dormitories with 2 sleeping rooms per building. Each room has 10 bunk
beds (20 beds). Please assign at least 16 students per room. Each dormitory building has one staff
room with 2 bunk beds and a bathroom.
To avoid confusion, please use the building names when assigning dorms. Each dorm has a NW
and SE designation to identify the appropriate side. Generally, boys are assigned to dorms on
one side of the walkway—Baltimore Oriole and Striped Bass; and girls on the opposite side—
Baltimore Checkerspot and Black-eyed Susan. Baltimore Oriole, Striped Bass and Baltimore
Checkerspot dorms are handicap accessible with ramps to enter the building. All dorms have
handicap restrooms.
27
Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center Menu
(Subject to change- see website or coordinator for updates)
The dining hall at the L. E. Smith Center is operated by MCPS Food Services. For nutrition and allergen information,
please see the county’s menu information at
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv/menus/allergen.shtm WG =whole grain
GROUP ARRIVAL
LUNCH
Students bring lunch
Milk Ass't
Day 3
Egg Omelet
WG French Toast
& Syrup
Bacon
Sausage Link
WG Bagel
Milk Ass't
Juice
Fresh/Canned Fruit
WG Bagel
Milk Ass't
Juice
Fresh/Canned Fruit
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
WG Cereal
WG Cereal
Cookout
WG Pizza
Hamburgers & Hot
Dogs
Pepperoni or Cheese
French Fries
Veggie Bar
Milk Ass't
Lettuce, Tomato,
WG HB/HD Roll
Green Beans
Veggie Bar
Milk Ass't
Fresh/Canned
Fruit
Fresh/Canned
Fruit
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Spaghetti
Mashed
Potatoes/Gravy
Meat or Meatless
Sauce
Carrots
Broccoli
Salad Bar
Salad Bar
WG Dinner Roll
Milk Ass't
French Bread
Milk Ass't
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Morningstar
Nuggets (4)
Spaghetti &
Meatless Sauce
WG Choc Chip
Cookies
Milk
rev 7.31.14
Cream
cheese
Jelly
Cheese Pizza
GROUP
DEPARTURE
Salad Bar Lunch/Dinner
Salad mix
DINNER
Baked Barbeque
Chicken
SNACK
SNACK
DINNER
Morningstar
Nuggets (4)
Notes
BREAKFAST
Day 2
LUNCH
BREAKFAST
Day 1
WG Sugar Cookies
Milk
28
Tomatoes
Shredded
cheese
Baby
Carrots
Chick Peas
Romaine
Kidney
Beans
Dressings:
Ranch
Caesar
Salsa Ranch
29
Skycroft Conference Center
9621 Frostown Road
Middletown, MD 21769
301-293-2202

Linda Adams and Mary Muller are the nurses at Skycroft. Their contact information is:
o Phone: 301-676-3216 or 800-536-6759
o Fax: 301-293-3481
Skycroft is located on South Mountain near Middletown in Frederick County. It provides a
picturesque setting for the many exciting study areas of the Grade six residential programs.
Directions
From Montgomery County
I-270 North to Frederick
I-70 West to Hagerstown
Bear left onto I-70 West
Exit 49 US-ALT 40 Bear Left (West) 8.4 miles
Turn Right onto Washington Monument Road .9 miles
Turn Right onto Monument Road .5 miles
Turn Right onto Michael Road .5 miles
Turn Right into Skycroft Conference Center
Skycroft Dormitory Capacities and Details
Total Number Attending
Dormitories Used
Total Available Beds
Up to 100
Western, Poplar, Holly and Laurel
Western, Poplar, Holly and Laurel,
Valley View
Western, Pine Tree, Poplar, Holly
and Laurel
Western, Pine Tree, Poplar, Holly,
Valley View and Laurel
Western, Pine Tree, Poplar, Holly,
Valley View and Laurel, Hickory
Lodge
120
100 – 120
120 – 140
140 – 160
Over 160
Dormitory
Western Lodge
Poplar Lodge
Holly
Laurel
Valley View
Pine Tree
Hickory Lodge
Total Beds
48 beds
40 beds
14 beds
18 beds
20 beds
40 beds
20 beds
140
160
180
200
Layout
2 rooms w/4 beds; 4 rooms w/ 10 beds
10 rooms w/4 beds
One room
One room
2 rooms w/10 beds
2 buildings with 20 beds each
4 rooms
30
Please only use the assigned dormitories.
Skycroft Dormitory Layouts
Pine Tree Lodge – 40 beds total (2 rooms with 20 each)
Conference Room
Restrooms
Restrooms
Pine Tree 2
20 Beds
Poplar Lodge – 40 beds total (10 rooms with 4 beds each)
Room 2
Room 4
Restroom
Restroom
Room 6
Hallway
Room 1
Room 3
Lounge
Room 5
Pine Tree 1
20 Beds
Room 8
Room 10
Room 7
Room 9
Laurel and Holly (lower level of Poplar) – 32 beds total (one room of 14; one room of 18)
Holly
Restroom
Laurel
14 Beds
18
Beds
Restroom
Valley View Lodge – 20 Beds (2 rooms of 10 each)
Room 1
Room 2
10 Beds
10 Beds
Restroom
Western Lodge – 48 beds total (4 rooms with 10; 2 rooms with 4)
Room 2
Restroom Restroom
Room 4
10 Beds
4 Beds
Hallway
Room 1
Room 3
Lounge
10 Beds
4 Beds
Lounge
Restroom
Room 6
10 Beds
Room 5
10 Beds
Hickory Lodge – 19 total beds
Downstairs – 5 total beds - 1 double bed and 2 bunk beds
Upstairs – one room with 6 beds (3 bunks) and one room with 8 beds (4 bunks)
31
Skycroft Conference Center Menu
32
33
Summit Lake
7610 Hampton Valley Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
301-271-9880
Summit Lake is located in the Catoctin Mountains near Emmitsburg, Maryland.
With historic farm buildings and the lake, it provides a picturesque setting for the
many exciting study areas of the Grade six residential programs.
Directions
From Montgomery
County
I-270 North to Frederick
Route 15 North toward Gettysburg
Exit to Route 550 near Thurmont
Turn Left on Route 550 toward Sabillasville
After about 3 miles turn right onto Eylers Valley Flint
Road
Bear left at the stop sign
Pass Eylers Valley Chapel on your left and the camp
entrance is the next left
Summit Lake Dormitory Capacities and Details:
There are eight buildings, two dormitories per building. Rooms are not connecting.
Dormitories are numbered 1 through 16. Please assign at least 12 people per
dormitory. Usually boys are assigned 1-6 and girls are assigned 9-16. Cabins 5, 6, 9
and 10 are handicap accessible with ramps. The number of cabins available to the
school is based on a 1 cabin per 12 people ratio.
Beds are bunk bed style according to the following numbers:
 All dorms have 14 beds.
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Summit Lake Menu
Day 1
Breakfast
Students bring their
own lunch
Lunch
Day 2
Scrambled Eggs
Crumbled Bacon
Toast w/ Butter
Cold Cereal
Fresh Fruit
Apple Juice
Milk
Beef Macaroni
Homemade Bread
Corn
Applesauce
Jell-O
Milk, Ice Water
Vegetarian: Plain
macaroni with cheese
Dinner
Snacks
Pizza – cheese and
pepperoni
Potato Chips
Tossed Salad
Orange Slices
Fruit Punch
Milk by request
Rice Krispie Treats
Hamburgers
French Fries
Lettuce, Tomatoes,
Cheese
Pickle Slices
Fruit
Orange Punch
Milk by request
Pudding
Popcorn, Pretzels,
Juice
Vegetarian: Veggie
Burger
Popcorn, Pretzels,
Juice
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Day 3
French Toast w/ Syrup
Oatmeal
Cold Cereal
Fresh Fruit
Apple Juice
Milk
Sandwiches –
Ham and Turkey
Cheese, Tomato,
Lettuce
Potato Chips
Fruit
Homemade Cookies
Milk, Ice Water
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Emergency Protocol
Emergency Procedures
 An area is designated at each site as the emergency location. This location
and emergency procedures are explained to students, staff, and chaperones
during the orientation on the first day before lunch.
 Fire alarm: Everyone must exit the buildings and report to the emergency
location. Students line up (usually by instructional group), teachers take
attendance and report it to the person in charge, and everyone remains
outside until an OEEP staff member clears the building for re-entry.
 Shelter: All groups report to the designated emergency area, attendance is
taken, and all remain until the Shelter is lifted.
 Lockdown: All outside activity groups gather separately and move quietly in
a direction away (100–200 yards) from the main hall until communication is
re-established. Inside groups will follow regular Lockdown procedures.
Once a safer distance has been established, the leader needs to insure that
all students are sitting and quiet. Attendance should be taken.
 As with all schools, an emergency kit is located at each site.
 If 911 is called, or a serious situation occurs, the OEEP coordinator must be
informed and he/she will contact the OEEP supervisor and the site manager.
The teacher will inform the school administrator and call parents as needed.
Reunification
It is imperative that the school has a reunification plan and that reunification
information for each student be communicated to the Smith Center.
Identification
All non-sixth graders should wear identification. Staff member should wear an ID
badge or clothing that reflects the name of the school/MCPS/ while at outdoor ed.
Chaperones and high school monitors need to wear a generic guest badge. OEEP
will provide badges at each site if you do not hand out your own.
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Inclement Weather
Programs will run normally regardless of the weather, unless there is a two hour
delay or if school is closed. If inclement weather is forecast while students are in
residence, the OEEP supervisor, transportation, and the school administration will
determine the safest course of action, which could include transporting students
home early to avoid a major weather event.
NOAA weather radios are located at each site – one stays with the nurse, the
environmental educator carries one, and one is for the teacher in charge. If a
weather event is forecast during a program, the teacher in charge should carry the
weather radio to be alerted of approaching storms, tornadoes, etc.
If there is a thunderstorm or severe storm (hurricane/tornado) warning during the
program, outdoor activities are stopped and all students should report indoors to
continue instruction. Outdoor activities continue in the rain, although some classes
will need adjustment for safety reasons. Schools should have a rain plan in place
for day classes as well as evening activities. Contact your coordinator in advance of
the program for suggestions.
Please remind students to pack and dress for the weather.
Delayed opening on the first day of the program: Only students scheduled to
attend the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center will be transported
two hours late. Students scheduled to attend Summit Lake or Skycroft sites will be
rescheduled.
School cancellation on the first day of the program: The experience will be
rescheduled into available time lots.
School cancellation on the last day of the program: Students will be transported
from the sites as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Transportation and the OEEP
office will communicate with your school regarding all decisions.
Delayed opening or cancellation on the second day of the program: Students and
staff will normally continue the program, although the OEEP supervisor, school
administration and transportation office will decide on the safest course of action.
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Tornado Protocol
MCPS Outdoor Environmental Education Programs
1. Supervisor, all Outdoor Environmental Educators and night facility personnel
carry a cell phone (ringer on) with Alert Montgomery downloaded
2. If a tornado alert is called and it is a ‘Tornado Watch,’ the Supervisor and/or
Outdoor Environmental Educators /OEEP staff will communicate with the
visiting school’s staff (OE organizer)
 Supervisor/ Outdoor Environmental Educators /other staff will check and
continually monitor the computer or TV to track the tornado alert area
 School staff will match student groups to a designated Tornado Safety
Area (see below): This plan will be put into action in the event that a
‘Watch’ becomes a ‘Warning’
3. If a tornado alert becomes a ‘Warning‘ in Montgomery County for Smith
Center or Frederick County for Summit Lake and Skycroft:
 Supervisor/ Outdoor Environmental Educators /other staff will check and
continually monitor the computer or TV to see what part of the county is
targeted
 Tornado watches will be implemented: OEEP staff and school staff will
become “tornado watchers” on a rotating schedule until the danger has
passed
4. If tornado alert becomes a ‘Warning’ in the vicinity of the outdoor
education site (for example, Rockville, Olney for Smith; Middletown,
Boonsboro for Skycroft; Thurmont, Emmitsburg for Summit Lake), all
students and staff will move to the tornado safety areas and assume the
tornado emergency position against the wall until the Warning is lifted:





Tornado Safety Areas and Emergency Position
Smith Center
Skycroft
Summit Lake
Dorm bathrooms –
 Gresham Hall basement
 Dining Hall away from the
shower areas
interior hallway
sun porch
Dorms – internal walls
 Nelson Hall interior
hallway between
Bottom of the Solar School
classrooms
House
 Interior hallways or
Internal restrooms at
restrooms without
White Oak
windows in cabins
Planetarium
5. Outdoor Environmental Educator remains in residence (stipend) for the
second night if warnings are underway
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Forms, Payment and Finances
Permission Slips: Each student must complete MCPS form 345-7. Please visit the Outdoor Environmental
Education Program’s website for links to the most up to date forms. Translations are available in Spanish,
Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Permission slips must be signed and include an emergency
contact with phone number.
The permission slips, student lists, and medications must be given to the on-site nurse/SHRA before the
students begin the hike in on the first day. Alphabetical lists of student attendees, separated by gender,
must be provided for the site nurse (i.e. a list of boys and a separate list of girls, both arranged
alphabetically.) Also, permission slips and medical permission forms must be separated by gender and
alphabetized. DO NOT CARRY these items on the hike (only emergency medications like epi-pens and
inhalers are carried on the hike).
Cost: The full cost is $76 per student. A student who stays for day activities only is charged for insurance
($1.60) plus the cost for meals. Full payment is required for any student who stays overnight, regardless
of whether they eat the site provided food. Charges above the $76 should be approved by the principal
and a separate account set up to receive the additional money. The parent information should clearly
distinguish the $76 MCPS Outdoor Education cost from the amount the school is charging above that
amount. Please note that in FY 2014, all schools are working with a new chart of accounts that includes
an Outdoor Education Fees account #5030.0000 – this is the account that the $76 should be deposited
to. Also, all schools have an account 5031.0000, Outdoor Ed_Other Expenses, which should be used to
hold the additional funds collected from students for activities.
Financial Aid: It is an expectation that all 6th grade students participate in the residential program. No
child should miss this opportunity due to financial need. If a student cannot pay the full amount, please
ask the student to pay as much as they can. Then, record their name and amount paid on the Outdoor
Environmental Education Financial Assistance Request Form. This form should reflect the names and
amounts paid for students who did not pay the full $76. A separate form is needed for each session. This
can be sent to Chris Rogewitz ([email protected]) in advance or brought, emailed, or faxed
on the first day of the trip. Any adjustments to this Financial Assistance Request Form should be made
before the end of the school’s residential program. However, any additional funds collected after the
program must be remitted directly to MCPS Division of Controller with directions to credit the funds to
the Outdoor Education account. Please note: The funding for the students requesting partial or full
waivers does not come from the local school’s accounts.
Transportation: The school must complete the Field Trip Request Application on the MCPS website as
soon as possible. Call 301-444-8610 if you have questions.
Forms:
The following forms can be found on the Outdoor Environmental Education Programs website
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/ or the MCPS website.
 Outdoor Education Program Parent/Guardian Permission- MCPS Form 345-7
 Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication – MCPS Form 525-13
 Emergency Care for the Management of a Student with a Diagnosis of Anaphylaxis- MCPS Form
525-14
 Financial Assistance Request
 Adult Meal Count
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Overnight Chaperone Background Check Check List
Five weeks prior to OEEP session
□ OEEP chaperones complete the appropriate disclosure form:
o Adult chaperones serving during the day only and high school student assistants
complete the Daytime Only Adult Chaperone/Student Assistant Disclosure Form.
o Adult chaperones serving overnight complete the Overnight Adult Chaperone
Disclosure Form. Police officers are required to provide a copy of their official law
enforcement agency issued police ID to verify exemption from the fingerprinting
requirement.
□ School provides the OEEP Overnight Chaperone Background Check Requirements
Overview to overnight chaperones and guidance regarding the timeframe when they can
begin scheduling fingerprinting appointments.
□ School screens daytime adult chaperones and student assistants via the Visitor
Management System using driver’s licenses or the Maryland Sex Offender Registry
website at http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/.
□ School completes and submits the OEEP Overnight Chaperone Recommendation Form to
MCPS Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD). OHRD will accept
reservations for fingerprinting appointments from potential volunteers.
Four weeks prior to OEEP session
□ OEEP overnight chaperone schedules appointment one month prior to OEEP session with
MCPS OHRD or American Identity Solutions, Inc.
□ OHRD reviews criminal background results and informs the principal of authorized and nonauthorized OEEP overnight chaperones.
□ OHRD contacts an OEEP overnight chaperone if any information identified in the criminal
background check warrants further explanation.
Two weeks prior to OEEP session
□ School ensures that OEEP overnight chaperone completes the Recognizing, Reporting, and
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect volunteer training.
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FAQ about Outdoor Education Chaperone Process
Who is going to tell potential OEEP chaperones what they need to know about OEEP overnight
chaperoning? When?
The school is responsible for scheduling a meeting to review the role and responsibilities of the OEEP
overnight chaperone. The OEEP Overnight Chaperone Background Check Requirements Overview
should be distributed to all parents interested in serving as an OEEP overnight chaperone. Due to the
new criminal background check requirement and processing time, it is recommended that schools
schedule this meeting at least 5 weeks prior to the session.
Do OEEP overnight chaperones have to pay for fingerprinting?
For completing the fingerprinting requirement, chaperones may use MCPS Office of Human Resources
and Development (OHRD) or American Identity Solutions, Inc. (AIS). During the 2015–2016 school
year, MCPS will pay the full cost of the fingerprinting fee if it is completed at the MCPS OHRD. OEEP
overnight chaperones who utilize AIS will be provided an American Identity Solutions Invoice and
have responsibility for paying the additional $20.00 at the time of appointment.
How far in advance will OEEP overnight chaperones need to be fingerprinted?
In order to allow sufficient processing time, all OEEP overnight chaperones must be fingerprinted at
least one month prior to the scheduled OEEP session.
Who collects and sends the list of potential OEEP overnight chaperones to HR? Who is it sent
to?
The school completes the OEEP Overnight Chaperone Recommendation Form using the names of
potential OEEP overnight chaperones. Each school submits this form via email at Andrea Gates, HR
Data Management Assessment Specialist, OHRD, at [email protected] so that overnight
chaperons can schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
Who is going to tell potential chaperones that they have been approved/not approved?
In reviewing an OEEP overnight chaperone’s criminal background check, OHRD will apply the same
case-by-case analysis that is utilized for MCPS staff, as well as employees of MCPS contractors who
work on school premises with direct, unsupervised, and controlled access to children.
OHRD must take appropriate steps to promptly follow up with OEEP overnight chaperones regarding
information identified in the criminal background check that is related to sexual offenses, child sexual
abuse offenses, and crimes of violence, as well as any information regarding offenses involving
distribution of drugs or other controlled substances, or any other criminal information identified by
OHRD as warranting further explanation if it may significantly affect the safety and security of MCPS
students. OHRD will not share any details regarding a potential volunteer’s criminal background check
with school-based staff.
If, after following up, OHRD concludes that the individual is qualified to serve as an OEEP overnight
chaperone, it will document the justification in a confidential file and notify the principal that the
individual is authorized for the volunteer assignment.
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Do current MCPS staff who serve as OEEP overnight chaperones in their child’s school have to
be fingerprinted?
MCPS staff who were hired after 1988 have already completed a criminal background check as a
requirement of employment. If an MCPS staff member was hired prior to 1988, they are required to
complete a background check.
Do high school student assistants who serve as OEEP overnight chaperones have to be
fingerprinted?
No. High School student assistants should be supervised by an MCPS staff member or an adult OEEP
overnight chaperone at all times. They should not have direct, unsupervised, uncontrolled access to
students.
Do individuals who serve in a law enforcement capacity (local, state, or federal level) and as an
OEEP overnight chaperone have to be fingerprinted?
No. Law enforcement employees have completed a criminal background check as a requirement of
employment. Police officers are required to provide a copy of their official law enforcement agency
issued police ID to verify exemption from the fingerprinting requirement.
Do daytime OEEP chaperones have to be fingerprinted? Why not?
During the 2015–2016 school year, the fingerprinting requirement is for volunteers that have direct,
unsupervised, uncontrolled access to students. Daytime chaperones should be supervised by an MCPS
staff member while working with students.
When and how will overnight chaperones complete the Recognizing, Reporting, and Preventing
volunteer training?
OEEP overnight chaperones can complete the training requirement in one of the following ways:
 Attend a school-based training for middle school OEEP volunteers and chaperones. The school
will notify parents/guardians regarding the training dates

Attend a systemwide face-to-face training opportunities held in various locations in
Montgomery County. Training registration is available on the Office of Community
Engagement and Partnerships website at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/communityengagement/.

Complete the online training module that will be available in February 2016 on the Office of
Community
Engagement
and
Partnerships
website
at
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/community-engagement/. The online volunteer
training will be translated into multiple languages.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
MCPS Outdoor Environmental Education Programs, 301-924-3123
MCPS Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, 301-279-3100
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Disclosure Forms for Chaperones
Overnight Adult Chaperone Disclosure Form
Outdoor Environmental Education Programs
Adult chaperones who are staying overnight should complete this disclosure form.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center
5110 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20855
Mr./Mrs./Ms.: _____________________________________________(Please print first, mi, and last name)
Child/Relative Name: ________________________________ School: ___________________
(If applicable)
Street: _______________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________State: __________ Zip: ______________________
Home Phone: _______________________Work Phone: _______________________________
Cell: ______________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________
I understand that I must complete a training on Recognizing, Reporting, and Preventing Child Abuse and
Neglect before serving as an overnight chaperone.
I have read and understand the Guide to Chaperoning in the Outdoor Education Program brochure and
understand the expectations of volunteering as a chaperone in the outdoor education program.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________
I ______________________________________, hereby under the penalty of perjury declare and affirm that I have ____ have
not ____ (please check one) been convicted of nor am I the subject of any pending criminal charges for the commission or
attempt to commit any crime(s) as defined by the Criminal Law Article, Code of Maryland.
If yes, please explain (use additional paper if necessary): _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
I further understand that I must complete a mandatory criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:
___________________
Current MCPS employees (hired after 1988) and local, state, and federal law enforcement officers are exempt from additional
fingerprinting checks. Please sign the statement below to verify your exemption status.
Daytime Only Adult Chaperone and Student Assistant Disclosure Form
I certify that I am a current MCPS employee (hired after 1988) or an active member of a local, State, or federal law
enforcement body that has received a criminal background check as a condition of employment.
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Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Daytime Only Adult Chaperone and Student Assistant Disclosure Form
Outdoor Environmental Education Programs
Adult chaperones who are not staying overnight and student assistants should complete this disclosure form.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center
5110 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20855
Mr./Mrs./Ms.: ___________________________________________(Please print first, mi, and last name)
Child’s Name: ________________________________ School: _________________________
(If applicable)
Street: ________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________State: __________ Zip: ______________________
Home Phone: _______________________Work Phone: _______________________________
Cell: ______________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________
I have read and understand the Guide to Chaperoning in the Outdoor Education Program brochure and
understand the expectations of volunteering as a chaperone in the outdoor education program.
Signature:_________________________________________________ Date: _______________
□ Please check if you are a high school assistant accompanying the school.
High School: _______________________________________________
I ______________________________________, hereby under the penalty of perjury declare and affirm that I have ____
have not ____ (please check one) been convicted of nor am I the subject of any pending criminal charges for the commission
or attempt to commit any crime(s) as defined by the Criminal Law Article, Code of Maryland.
If yes, please explain (use additional paper if necessary): _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
I further understand that I may be subject to a background check.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________
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Process for Communication of a Serious Situation at OEEP by On-Site Staff
After the Situation is Under Control
Emergency involving any 911
event* or any other serious
situation**
During the work day
Person Responsible
for the Reporting
Person to Contact as soon
as reasonably safe
OEEP coordinator
1. OEEP supervisor
2. Site Manager
______________________
1. Principal of school
2. Parent, as applicable
(usually nurse will call)
______________
Team teacher-incharge
OEEP coordinator
After school hours
________________
Team teacher-incharge
1. OEEP supervisor
2. Site Manager
______________________
1. School administrator
2. Parent, as applicable
3. OEEP supervisor if OE
coordinator is absent***
*
**
Examples that constitute an emergency include every time 911 is called or the fire alarms go off.
Examples of serious situations which need to be reported include electricity or plumbing failure, a large
number of people fall ill, a severe storm arrives, etc.
***
OEEP Supervisor’s name and numbers: Laurie Jenkins
Cell: 240-855-8653
Office: 301-924-3123
After 3:00 p.m. Office: 301-924-3280
Address and phone number of each site:
Smith Center
Summit Lake
5110 Meadowside Lane
7610 Hampton Valley Rd
Rockville, MD 20855
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
301-924-3123
301-271-9810 (health
room—phone outside of
kitchen)
Skycroft
9621 Frostown Road
Middletown, MD 21789
1-800-536-6759 (or 240466-1546 Linda AdamsSkycroft nurse)
Information needed in case of emergency situations after school hours:
Contact information for primary administrator: _________________________________
School administrator’s evening phone numbers: _______________________________
Contact information for second administrator: _________________________________
School administrator’s evening phone numbers: _______________________________
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