2009+Camp+Out

Website link: [|Oxbow Regional Park]
Friday, September 18, 2009

Dear Parents of the Intermediate Classes,

We are going camping next week! As last year, we’ll visit Oxbow Regional Park near Troutdale. We have arranged to stay in a group campground. They have tent spaces for all of us, cooking shelters, picnic tables tables and indoor bathrooms. Outside there are huge fields, hiking trails through old growth forest and beaches along the Sandy River. IF YOU CAN DRIVE AND/OR BE A CHAPERONE PLEASE FILL OUT AND SEND ALONG THE ATTACHED FORM (at end of letter).

The focus of this trip is building community. Students will have free time and organized time.

This year all four advising groups will be going together. We will be leaving Leave on Wednesday Sept. 23rd at 9:15AM from school and returning on Friday Sept. 25th by 1:15PM.
 * Departures and Arrivals**

It may be chilly, especially at night. Be prepared by dressing in layers, and don’t forget a jacket of some sort that will cut the wind factor. (Please see the student-packing list attached.) On this trip, there will be required group activities led by parent volunteers and staff. This might include hiking, scavenger hunt, capture the flag and team building activities. There will be plenty of time to hang out with friends and have quiet time as well.


 * Emergency Contact Numbers: Oxbow Regional Park (503) 663-4708 **

Rob’s cell (503) 679-4235 Jeremy’s cell (503)951-8581 Jenny’s cell (503) 502-2332 Lyndsey's cell (541) 515-5437


 * Student Expectations:** There are some rules of course, and some things to leave behind.

- The Trillium Constitution applies to students on all field trips. Students have many rights, but also the very important responsibilities of being RESPECTFUL, SAFE, and SOLVING PROBLEMS USING NON-VIOLENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION. If students are confused they should talk to an advisor. Students who repeatedly violate the constitution may be asked to leave the campout.

-The advisors will help organize the sleeping arrangements after we arrive. Once this is done NOBODY may change tents. Lights out will be around 10:00 PM. This is the time to be very quiet. If students cannot settle down, they will be moved.

-Please DO NOT bring any electronic gaming devices. Feel free to bring an acoustic musical instrument, board games, cards, stories, songs and jokes!

-Snacks and meals will be provided, so please, NO soda, NO candy, and NO sugary snacks. If you have a student with blood sugar issues, let the staff know. There will be vegetarian, vegan, and omnivore options. People are welcome to bring additional healthy foods to meet their diets.

-The adults will be doing the cooking with the help of students, there is no need for the kids to bring matches, knives of any sort (even Swiss army or Leatherman tools), campfire hatches etc.

-Everyone will be assigned jobs at times. We expect people to be helpful and keep our camp clean and organized.

-There will be family member chaperones sleeping over and helping with carpools. Please consider every adult as a staff member of Trillium on this trip and give him/her the attention, gratitude, and respect that they deserve.


 * Info for our beloved chaperones and drivers:**

Directions from Portland: Take I-84 West to Oxbow Regional Park exit 17. Go past the truck stopto the light. Turn right on 257th, go 3 miles to Division St. Turn left onto Division. Follow Park signs 6.5 miles and turn left onto Oxbow Parkway. Follow road to the park. If you are just dropping students off, you shouldn't have to pay the "entrance fee" of $4. If you areonly staying for the day, you must leave before the gate closes at 7:30pm! If you will be joining us the next morning for activites, the gate opens at 6:30 am.


 * What’s expected of families:**

The beginning of the year activity fee covers the price for the camping trip. Please pay your activity fee at the front desk if you haven’t done so.

Allergies and medical concerns: Please notify your child’s advisor of any concerns. (Note, we will supply vegetarian, vegan, and wheat free options at meals. If your child needs gluten free foods, please send a supply of foods that are suitable for their tastes/needs, thanks.)

Physical and emotional safety are the priority. If students are acting in an unsafe or disrespectful way you need to step in or notify an advisor. There will be a variety of cooking, set-up, and cleaning jobs that we’ll need help with. We’ll also need some adults to lead some of the team building activity stations (we’ll provide directions). Each chaperone we’ll have a small group of students that check in with them about doing things. There will also be a sign-out for students and adults who want to go on hikes or to the beach. We’ll have some walkie talkies to help with communication. When we arrive we can have a question and answer session to fill in the gaps.

(cut here)-
 * Family Volunteer Options:**

__STAYING BOTH NIGHTS:__ I am planning on driving and staying both nights. I can bring kids in my car.

I have a tent for myself and my child. I am willing to host other kids in my tent.

I have an extra tent that holds kids.

__STAYING ONE NIGHT:__ I can only stay the first night. My car holds kids.

I can only stay the second night. My car holds kids.

I have a tent for myself and my child. I am willing to host other kids in my tent.

I have an extra tent that holds kids.

__CAN'T STAY BUT...__

I can’t stay, but I will drive there. My car holds kids.

I can’t stay, but I will pick up. My car holds kids.

__WANT TO STAY BUT...__

I would like to chaperone but I don’t have a car.

I would like to chaperone but I don't have a tent.

__EQUIPMENT TO LOAN...__

I can loan my tent that sleeps kids. If you family has extra gear to loan, please make a note of it here:


 * Your Name:

Your Child’s Name:

Your phone number:**

RETURN TO YOUR STUDENT'S ADVISOR ASAP!!!!! (Tuesday September 22nd at the latest.)


 * Campout Packing List**


 * Each Student Needs:**

- Tent - Sleeping bag - Sleeping pad (the ground is hard!) - Pillow - Flash light - Toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, sunscreen) - Warm hat - Rain gear - Water Bottle - 2 pairs of pants - 2 pairs of shorts - 3 t-shirts - 2 long sleeved shirts - 1 warm jacket - 2 pairs of shoes (at least one sneakers/hiking boots) - 4 pairs of socks - 4 pairs of underwear - 1 plastic bag (for dirty or wet clothes)


 * Optional Items:**

- Swim suit - Water Sandals - Book/Sketch Book(s) - Small backpack or fanny pack for hikes - Games such as cards, baseball mitts, paddleball etc. - Fishing Pole (License needed!) -Walkman or CD Player w/ headphones (for tent use) -bug spray -firewood


 * Things to Leave at Home:**

- Electronic Games -Knives -Explosives -Pets -Candy -Sugary Snacks -Money