Parent Info
As parents of our sixth grade students we want to assure you that we desire your child is given a wonderful opportunity to learn in this unique setting and that they have a safe enjoyable experience. We know that sending your child away with the school group requires trust on your part. Trust that your child is capable of handling this experience, trust that the staff will care for each child's well being, and trust that they will come home better for having had the experience.
Below you will find some basic information that we hope helps you understand the program. If you have further questions please contact your child's teacher or the Outdoor Education office 720-972-5920.
Parent Information Brochure-english (PDF)
WHERE DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE?
School District 12 leases 2 sites for Outdoor Education. The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center is located on the east side of the Continental Divide, near the town of Estes Park. The second site, High Peak Camp, is also located near Estes Park.
WHAT ARE THE LIVING QUARTERS LIKE?
Student dorms are well maintained by the host facility. Each bed has its own sheets, pillow and blankets. Towels and washcloths are also provided by the conference center. Dormitories are in good shape and are used by other groups during the summer months. Any maintenance or repair requests are taken care of in a timely manner by the camp's buildings and grounds staff.
WHAT IS THE STUDENT TO STAFF RATIO?
Our program operates by the same standards as those recommended by the American Camping Association. Our staff to student ratio is always 1/10 or lower. Staff that attend the program include sixth grade teachers, school administrators, school classified staff members, and paraprofessionals who help with special needs students. High School Leaders are also a great help.
WHAT ABOUT HEALTH CARE DURING THE PROGRAM?
A health care professional is on staff with the Outdoor Education Program. The camp nurse dispenses all medications and cares for students who feel ill or have a minor injury. The nurse also has standing orders from a local physician for the care of the students. If the nurse was unavailable, the conference center has trained and current EMT's available on call. If a parent has a particular concern over their child's health or safety, they may call and speak with the nurse prior to the resident experience.
Nurse when O.E. is in session at YMCA (303) 448-1616 x4132 (nurses cabin)
Nurse when O.E. is in session at High Peak (970) 586-3331
WHY IS THIS A PART OF SIXTH GRADE STUDIES?
The Outdoor Education Program has been successfully integrated into sixth grade studies to tie into many of the subject areas taught in the sixth grade. Students who do not participate in this experience will miss a vital part of the curriculum. Make up assignments have been defined for students who miss the resident experience due to reasons other than health concerns.
HOW IS THE RESIDENT PROGRAM FUNDED?
The school district is able to support about 60% of the Outdoor Education costs per student. The remaining costs are passed along to the students in the form of a $75.00 fee. This fee covers the cost of room and board for the student. The cost is comparable to other Outdoor Education Programs within the state on a per day basis. Many schools hold fundraisers to help defray the cost of the resident program. Each school handles this differently, so please check with your student's teacher about fundraisers.
Parents are welcome to visit during our Open House or for short time blocks during the resident program. We encourage parents to make this an opportunity for students to begin to be responsible for themselves under well supervised conditions. Parent participation often takes focus off the student and puts it onto the parent.