Information for Parents

Dear Parent or Guardian

We are excited about having your child attend American Outdoor Education's programs. Our staff desires that each student feels welcome and involved with the program to gain the most out of their trip so that they can learn, grow, and experience the outdoors.

Following are a few items that will help to make your child's time with American Outdoor Education the most beneficial.

Preparation for an outdoor education trip can be started at home as well as at school. Encouraging a mindset that this field trip is an extension of school instead of a summer camp experience will be helpful for your student and their teacher. Attention to forms, deadlines, or meetings set up by your school will make the planning process run more smoothly.

Proper clothing and shoes will make a huge difference in your child's comfort while attending their trip. Please refer to the Equipment checklist. Keep in mind that layering clothes is essential. A rain poncho is a great idea, just in case, and closed-toe shoes help keep your child's feet safe on the hiking trails and are required for most activities. Check with your child's teacher for any school dress codes that will be extended to this trip.

Most of our locations can distribute mail to students during their stay. We request that you do not send candy and junk food. All mail should be sent the week before your student's trip and addressed as follows:

Program Site
Student name, school name
Site Address

Phone calls home by students are reserved for emergencies. Years of experience have shown that calling home will usually aggravate homesickness. Many schools set up a communication system to relay safe arrival and any emergencies. By the end of their trip, students are eager to share everything they have learned when they return home.

We aim to maintain an atmosphere of learning and fun, emphasizing respect for others. If students show a lack of respect and do not follow camp guidelines, a discipline policy will be followed in cooperation with the school. Your student's teacher can provide you with information about the discipline procedures.

Thank you for allowing your child to participate in American Outdoor Education. We look forward to providing many memorable opportunities and learning experiences.

Serving you and your children,
American Outdoor Education Staff

Dietary Needs

We are glad to accommodate any dietary needs you or your student might have. Please indicate any food allergies or special needs on your registration form.

If your student has dietary needs requiring you to send food with them, we are glad to store it near the kitchen. It will be available during meals.

We understand that diet is an essential part of your trip. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

Cell Phones

We ask that students leave cell phones at home or with their teacher.

One of the benefits of outdoor education is allowing students to emerge in the subject matter. We believe disconnecting from technology will enable participants to connect more deeply with nature.

Public use phones are available in the camp office for emergencies. You are encouraged to send students mail and ask your school official for the address.

Student Housing Information

Our affiliated outdoor education programs serve private, faith-based, and public schools, often simultaneously. Therefore, if you utilize our staff as cabin leaders, they will fit the gender demographic of the student campers.

Biological women will be cabin leaders in female student cabins, and biological men will be cabin leaders in male student cabins.

Schools will decide which gender cabins are appropriate for their students or school-selected chaperones. Other special accommodations are available upon request.

American Outdoor Education serves all our customers with the utmost respect and excellence in hospitality, as is expected by our growing and diverse clientele.