OMSI Outdoorsblogs.4j.lane.edu/chunn_k/files/2019/03/Camp-Meriwether.pdf · 2019. 3. 1. · 3 OMSI...

OMSI Outdoors at Camp Meriwether

Outdoor Science School

Group Leader Planning Packet

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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OMSI Outdoors [email protected]

Group Leader Packet

Group Leader Information Packet

WELCOME! We are excited that you will be participating in an OMSI Outdoor Science School

Program. The purpose of this packet is to provide you with all of the information you will need to

make your OMSI Outdoor Science School experience as rewarding and successful as possible.

Please read this packet carefully and refer to it throughout your planning process.

Who to contact for help:

In mid-January, the Camp Meriwether Program Coordinator will reach out to you to start planning

your trip. They will interpret the checklist according to your specific needs, emphasize specific

tasks, and walk you through the more complicated logistics. If you want to talk to someone before

then, you can email [email protected] or call the office at OMSI’s Coastal Discovery

Center at Camp Gray. That office is open year round, and will be able to help you in the off season.

541-819-0030.

Planning Checklist and Table of Contents

ASAP

Read over your confirmation contract to ensure all the information is correct. If any

information is in question, contact OMSI Sales and Registration at 503.797.4661 or

[email protected].

o Expectations of the Group Leader Page 4

Arrange for chaperones or counselors at a 1:7 ratio per gender.

o Notes on Assigning Chaperones/Counselors Page 4

Choose a Health Officer to be responsible for all medical concerns during the program.

o OMSI Outdoors Health and Safety Policy Page 5

o OMSI Outdoors Health and Medical Form Page 7

Arrange transportation to the site for your group.

o Directions to the Camp Meriwether Page 8

Eight Weeks Prior

Email [email protected] with your 60-day group numbers. Please see your contract for the

policies regarding requests for cancellations/ or drops in attendance after this date.

Read the program descriptions and talk to the Program Coordinator.

o Sample Schedule Page 8

o Curriculum Options Page 9

o Scheduling Off-site Activities Page 11

o Pre-program and Post-program Activities Page 12

o Field Notebook Options Page 12

Copy the Student Packet and send one home with each student.

Copy the Chaperone Packet and send one home with each chaperone/counselor.

o Expectations of Being a Chaperone Page 13



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Group Leader Packet

Six Weeks Prior

Host an OMSI Outdoor Science School Informational Night meeting with all participants to

review transportation arrangements, onsite behavior expectations, packing lists and specific

dietary or medical requirements.

o Background and Site Information Page 13

o OMSI Outdoors Program Rules and Policies Page 14

o OMSI Outdoors Health, Safety and Emergency Procedures Page 15

o Packing List Page 16

o Receiving Mail Page 17

o Notes about the Weather Page 17

o OMSI Outdoors Kitchen Notes Page 17

o OMSI Outdoors Store Notes Page 17

Four Weeks Prior

Finalize the program schedule with the Program Coordinator.

Print/make field notebooks and begin pre-program activities, if applicable.

Two Weeks Prior

Ensure that all OMSI Outdoors Health and Medical Forms have been signed and returned to

you. (Reminder: a form is needed from every student, chaperone/counselor and

teacher/staff member staying overnight on site.)

Email the Program Coordinator the list of specific dietary restrictions/food allergies for all

participants (teachers and chaperones too).

Email the cabin group arrangements to the Program Coordinator.

o Map of Site Page 18

Email the instructional group arrangements to the Program Coordinator.

Make a waterproof name tag for each participant. (Strongly recommended).

Print final schedule and group lists for chaperones.

Day Before Arrival

Remind all participants of departure time.

Remind all participants to bring a lunch for the first day.

Day of Arrival

Collect all medications and electronics from participants (all medications must be in the

original containers).

Check that all participants have a lunch for the first day of the program.

Confirm actual student and adult numbers with the Program Coordinator.

Connect your groups’ designated health officer to the Assistant Manager to turn over the

OMSI Outdoors Health and Medical Forms and tour the infirmary.

Post-Program

Use post-program activities with students to help them reflect on Outdoor Science School. Complete post-program evaluation forms (if applicable).


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Group Leader Packet

Expectations of the Group Leader:

Though many teachers and school staff might be involved in the planning of the trip, please

designate one person to be the group leader. This person will:

• Be the designated contact for the OMSI Outdoors Program Coordinator.

• Screen, choose, train, and monitor the group’s chaperones/counselors.

• Act as, or assign a designated Health Officer.

• Make all final decisions and plans for the group, including mid-program schedule changes.

• Arrange participants in cabins and teaching groups.

• Plan, or designate planning of school-led campfire(s).

• Set clear academic and behavioral goals prior to the program to ensure the students and

chaperones are prepared to benefit as fully as possible from the program.

• Meet at least once with all participants prior to the program to clarify any questions or

concerns about the packing list, goals, and other aspects of the program.

• Remain on site at all times, and be visible and available during all aspects of the program.

• Sign paperwork to confirm adult and student counts for final billing.

Notes on Assigning Chaperones/Counselors

The role of OMSI Outdoors is primarily instructional; student supervision is primarily the

responsibility of the group. The group is responsible for student actions, and the consequences of

those actions, throughout the program.

• Bedtime/ cabin time

• Meals

• Recreation time and transition times

• Instructional activities

Please choose chaperones who are prepared to:

• Hike 4-5 miles a day.

• Be on-duty 24 hours a day, unless given time off by the group leader.

• Motivate students to be prepared for activities and to arrive at designated locations on time.

• Actively participate in activities to learn alongside students.

• Help assemble packed lunches and hand out snacks.

• Forego internet and cell usage in sight of students (e.g. during instructional activities, meals

and cabin/recreation time).

• Stay on site regardless of whether they brought their own transportation or are off duty.

• Be prepared to listen to directions from OMSI staff and help direct students to safety in case

of an emergency.

• Abide by OMSI Outdoors no alcohol/drugs policy, and smoke tobacco only in designated

areas.


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Group Leader Packet

Chaperone ratios:

• Each cabin needs at least 1 teacher/chaperone/counselor; a ratio of 1 adult to 7 students

is ideal.

• Each teaching group needs at least 2 teachers/chaperones/counselors; a ratio of 2 adults

to 14 students is ideal. (If there are more adults, the group leader should create a schedule

for adults to have some off-time.)

• Sometimes it is difficult to get chaperones/counselors; please talk to the Program

Coordinator about what minimum number will be adequate if you are struggling.

• Sometimes far more chaperones want to attend. Even if there is room in cabins for more

adults, keep in mind that a large number of chaperones can become a distraction for the

students. Talk to the Program Coordinator about what it means to bring a larger ratio of

adults to students.

If there are any students with special physical, medical, or learning needs please let the Program

Coordinator know as soon as possible, so that OMSI staff may be best prepared to aid in their

success. One on one student aides may attend the program free of charge.

OMSI Outdoors Health and Safety Policy

Parents release their students to your school during OMSI programs. As a result, teachers/group

leaders and chaperones/counselors are responsible for responding to all medical concerns.

OMSI Instructors have Wilderness First Responder and adult/child CPR certifications. They carry

first aid kits in the field and are available for advice. However, they are not authorized to perform or

assist in procedures beyond basic first aid. This section describes in detail how to handle different

situations.

One teacher/adult must be designated as the “Health Officer” who is responsible for:

• Collecting and reviewing the OMSI Outdoors Health and Medical Forms, and clarifying any medical

issues and concerns.

• Making a list of issues and concerns for OMSI, and discussing them with the Program Coordinator.

• Dispensing medications during the program.

• Making decisions regarding emergency medical services and transporting participants to medical

facilities, if necessary.

• Contacting guardians for permission to give medical care, and for updating guardians of sick or

injured students regularly for the duration of the program.

If a student’s parent/guardian is on site (e.g. as a chaperone), they will assume primary

responsibility for the health and safety of that student in lieu of the Health Officer.

Dispensing Medications: The Health Officer makes a list of which students are taking which medications at which times. They

keep all medications in their possession (ideally in a locked box) or the infirmary at all times.

They assume responsibility for dispensing medications to students when needed. In the event

that medications are needed when a student is off site or in the field, the Health Officer either

dispenses or designates a chaperone to dispense the medications to the correct students at the

proper time(s). If an over-the-counter (OTC) medication is deemed necessary (e.g. a student has a

headache, upset stomach, or diarrhea), the Health Officer is responsible for dispensing the

medication and informing the parents of the situation. OMSI Outdoors may have limited quantities of

common OTC medications, but we strongly suggest you bring a supply.


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Group Leader Packet

Minor Injury or Illness: If a minor injury or illness occurs on site, the Health Officer is responsible for treating and

monitoring the situation. Examples include cuts, scrapes, blisters, slivers, headaches, vomiting, and

other common first aid situations. OMSI staff can advise and provide materials. If a student cannot

participate in an activity, the Health Officer will arrange for the monitoring and care for the student

during the activity.

If a minor injury or illness occurs off site or in the field, OMSI staff will preliminarily treat and stabilize

the situation. Upon returning to the site, the Health Officer will be given full responsibility to further

treat or monitor the student’s condition.

Emergency: If an emergency occurs on site, the Health Officer is responsible for making decisions regarding

emergency medical services (e.g. whether to call an ambulance/air transportation or to transport

the student to the hospital). If the group does not have a member who is adequately trained to

stabilize an injured participant, OMSI staff will stabilize the patient while the Health Officer

determines the emergency medical service plan. OMSI staff will advise and provide materials.

If an emergency occurs off site or in the field, OMSI staff will preliminarily treat and stabilize the

situation. They will determine if the patient can be moved or return to the site. They will relay this

and all other pertinent information to the Health Officer, who will determine the emergency medical

service plan.

Transportation to a Medical Facility If a student must be transported to a medical facility and an ambulance/air transportation is not

used, it is the Health Officer’s responsibility to transport or to arrange transport for the student.

For this reason, we strongly suggest that a separate vehicle is brought to site if buses or other

transportation is not scheduled to remain on site for the duration of the program. If a separate

vehicle is not available and OMSI Outdoors vehicles must be used, the group will be charged for use

of the vehicles at $0.75 per mile.

Diabetes or Other Serious Conditions Guardians of children with diabetes or other serious conditions needing medication or special care

must provide to OMSI Outdoors, at the time of registration, a Physician's Treatment Orders or other

medical management plan, that addresses both usual daily needs and treatment and care orders

and those applicable to emergency situations in remote areas. OMSI's programs are offered to all

children, regardless of disability, provided there is a reasonable accommodation that would address

their needs.

It is the Health Officer’s responsibility to provide care or arrange for caregivers to accompany

students with diabetes or other serious conditions needing medication or special care and to

regularly check to see that the directions given by their physician are being followed and that the

child is safe. If a caregiver is needed, they are required to be present at all activities in which the

student is participating; if a student cannot participate in certain activities, the caregiver is

responsible for supervising the student. The Program Coordinator or OMSI Instructor can suggest

alternate activities or projects related to the program for the caregiver to perform with the student.

If you have any questions or concerns about these or any other health, safety, and emergency

procedures, or if you need advice about specific situations, contact Camp Meriwether at least two

weeks before the program.


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Group Leader Packet

OMSI Outdoors Health and Medical Form

All students and adults participating in OMSI Outdoors programs must fill out this form completely. Return this form to your

teacher/group leader as early as possible. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLUE OR BLACK INK. Note: teachers and chaperones are

responsible for all medical issues at Outdoor Science School. A "Health Officer" (usually the teacher) is responsible for all medical

and insurance information for each student and adult, collecting all medication and ensuring that each student receives medications as prescribed.

Participant Information

Participant Name: DOB and Age:

Parent/Guardian: Home Phone:

Street Address: Work Phone:

City, State, Zip: Home Email:

Work Email:

Emergency Contact: Home Phone:

Relationship: Work Phone:

Health and Medical History Please check if participant is subject to the following and include explanation.

ADD/ADHD Asthma Autism Allergy Bed Wetting

Bee Sting Blindness Deafness Depression Diabetes

Dyslexia Heart Trouble High Blood Pressure Seizures Sleep Walking

Other Explanation:

List all current medications, time(s) taken, and for what condition(s):

List any allergies to medications, the reaction, and the severity:

List any past medical conditions, injuries, or medial illnesses that might affect the program, including any restrictions of activity for

medical reasons:

Date of last tetanus inoculation. MUST BE WITHIN LAST 10 YEARS. (If your child was immunized before attending school, he or she

received a tetanus shot at age 5.):

Describe any behavior problems or habits that would be disruptive to group learning:

List any dietary restrictions (please be specific e.g., vegetarian, no pork, etc.):

List allergies to any foods, the reaction, the severity, and the amount tolerated (e.g., “no raw milk/cheese but ok in baked goods”):

Do you authorize the Health Officer to dispense over the counter drugs, such as Tylenol, Advil, or Benadryl if you are not reachable to

give immediate permission? Yes No

Provider Information: Doctor’s Name: Phone:

Insurance Company: Agent name:

Insurance Address: Policy Number:

City, State, Zip:

My child has my permission to participate in all sessions and field trip activities. I am this child’s parent or legal guardian, who is

under the age of 18 years and who wants to participate in OMSI’s programs. In consideration of my child’s or ward’s participations in

the programs, I hereby release, waive, and discharge OMSI, and all of its instructors, employees, officers, directors, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability to me, to my child or ward, and to all my legal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for

damage and injury to my child or ward or to any person or property arising out of participation in the program, whether on OMSI’s

premises or elsewhere. This agreement includes but is not limited to claims or demands on account of injury or damage caused or

allegedly caused by the negligence of OMSI or any of the individuals listed above.

Adult Participant or Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:


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Group Leader Packet

Directions to Camp Meriwether

The address for the Camp Meriwether is

17500 Cape Lookout Rd, Cloverdale, OR

97112.

From US-101:

Just north of the community of Hemlock,

Oregon, turn right (west) on to Sandlake

Road, towards Cape Kiwanda and Pacific

City

Continue straight onto Cape Lookout road,

towards Cape Lookout State Park.

After passing the open sand of sand lake,

look for the Meriwether-Clark and turn

west, into the property.

Follow the signs to Camp Meriwether.

Sample Schedule

Below are generic schedules for the program. Activities that are in bold indicate OMSI Outdoors-led

programs. Read through the curriculum options and talk to the Program Coordinator to choose the

best programming for your group.

Arrival Day

12:00 Lunch & Orientation

2:00 Introduction Hike

3:00 Snack

3:30 Interest Groups

5:00 Recreation Time

6:00 Dinner

7:15 Evening Program

8:30 Campfire

Full Day

7:30 Breakfast

8:30 Pack Lunches

9:00 Field Study

2:00 Cabin time

3:00 Snack


5:00 Recreation Time

6:00 Dinner

7:15 Evening Program

8:30 Campfire

Departure Day

7:30 Breakfast

8:00 Pack & Clean

9:00 Pack lunches


11:00 OMSI Closing

12:00 Bus drives away


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Group Leader Packet

Curriculum Options OMSI Outdoors takes pride in being a provider of quality concept-based environmental education.

The goal of each lesson is the understanding of one or more scientific concepts, rather than the

memorization of facts. These concepts usually revolve around natural processes, cycles, and

relationships. Each OMSI instructor has their own teaching style, and though their style and certain

activities may differ, the concept that each student walks away with will be the same. Many of these

concepts align closely with Next Generation Science Standards. Talk to the Program Coordinator

about what concepts or standards you would like the OMSI instructors to emphasize. The Program

Coordinator can suggest classes that will address those best, and make sure OMSI instructors are

prepared to adapt their lessons accordingly.

Field Studies

Field studies are the bulk of the programming you will do each full day you are on site (five hours

per day). Any of the following disciplines can become the focus of a field study. Choose one field

study for each full day you will be on site.

Coastal Ecology Learn the many aspects of how coastal plants and animals adapt and thrive on the Oregon coast.

Study the nutrient cycle by looking for producers, consumers, and decomposers, and discuss soil

formation processes. Recognize that forests have multiple growth layers, identify the stages of forest

succession, and identify plants associated with each layer/stage. Discuss non-native species and

identify a few of the more common plants in this area. Learn the importance and process of

photosynthesis. If tides and weather permit, explore some tide pools too!

Student-Driven Research Projects Students, working in small groups, create their own research question and use their own ingenuity to

answer that question. They go step by step through the entire scientific method, from initial

observations through presenting their results in poster form. Often, group leaders choose to use an

evening program time slot for project presentations so that students can present their research.

(Activity recommended for middle school students and older).

Wind, Water and Waves Investigate the ways that wind and water shape our land. Walk the high tide line searching for

treasures from the sea. Hypothesize how everything from the sand to the flotsam made it to the

shore and extrapolate the local off-shore currents. Investigate how sand dunes form and what

processes stabilize them. Discuss the human desire for dune stabilization. Build a three-dimensional

model of the state of Oregon in the sand. Students will then make connections between inland

watersheds and the ocean as well as connections between the geography of our area and the

weather and climate of Oregon.


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Group Leader Packet

Interest Groups

Interest groups are one hour and thirty minute classes focusing on one topic. There is typically one

interest group per day. Some interest groups are limited to one or two teaching groups at a time, so

several interest groups are usually offered per day. Talk with the Program Coordinator about the

best arrangement of interest groups for your students.

Early Oregon Skills Learn how to make your own rope, build fires, and when in season, learn how to identify and prepare

wild edibles.

Marine Mammals Students will learn to identity common marine mammals of the Northwest coast and discover the

adaptations of these mammals.

Orienteering Learn how to use a compass to help find your way in the woods! After basic instructions, students

use their skills to take bearings and create an orienteering course.

Skulls Skins and Bones Students learn to identify common Oregon mammals and discover the adaptations of this diverse

class of animals. This activity enables students to touch, observe, and ask questions about the

skulls, skins, and bones of animals. All of our study skins were either donated or obtained from

natural or road kills and have been properly prepared and preserved.

Squid Dissection Learn fascinating things about the world’s largest invertebrate. Squid species are found in many

different sizes and at all depths of the ocean. What makes them so unique? How have they adapted

to survive? Use instruments to dissect a squid and explore some specific key adaptations.

Tsunami Survival Participants will learn about individual and community-level emergency preparation and disaster

relief. Follow a scavenger hunt, learn to pack a go-bag, and practice knots to build a temporary

shelter.

Team Challenge Students work together to solve clearly defined, often physical, problems. The activities are designed

so that the group can work out its own solutions to the problems. This fun, energetic class allows

your students the chance to practice teamwork, cooperation, and creativity!

Weather and Climate Students will learn how the ocean is like heart of Earth’s climate. A collection of observations and

activities will outline the relationships between the ocean and land in the energy, water and carbon

systems.


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Group Leader Packet

Evening Programs

Evening programs are one hour, fifteen minutes long and usually take place between dinner

and campfire, though they may also be scheduled after campfire. For some evening

programs, students are all together, not divided into study groups. Chaperones/counselors

must be present at a one to ten ratio to student (1; 10) to assist OMSI staff. Please select

one evening program for each night of your stay.

Eco-Jeopardy! Students participate in a fast-paced gameshow style review of information from the lessons.

Activities are hosted by a zany cast of characters somewhat resembling the OMSI staff.

Environmental Forum Students act as a community faced with an ecological problem. Students are separated into groups

and take on the personas of a variety of stakeholders. Working within the parameters of the activity,

based on a realistic land-use issue, each group debates why their group plan will work. The activity

demonstrates the complexity of land-use issues and the importance of compromise. This is a non-

advocacy activity with no one right answer.

Night Hike (available, weather permitting, March-April and September-November) Discover the night! Test your senses of hearing, smell, sight, and touch through outdoor sensory

activities while learning about adaptations of nocturnal organisms. This is a “No lights” hike!

Predator/Prey (available, weather permitting, late April-June) In this large format tag game, students learn how trophic levels support a healthy ecosystem as they

act out different parts of a food chain. Concepts of dynamic equilibrium and bioaccumulation are

emphasized. Teachers and Chaperones are highly encouraged to participate in the game.

Shark Trivia Students learn about sharks’ hunting skills, evolution, teeth, reproduction methods, and other

adaptations through a slide show with trivia questions. The activities highlight shark adaptations, de-

bunk common misconceptions and myths, and identify their essential role in the ocean ecosystem.

Tide Pool Slide Show Students are introduced to creatures that live in the rocky intertidal zone and the behaviors we

expect out of them during their visit. You do not need to have Tide Pool trip planned to participate in

this program.

Tsunamis in Cascadia Students learn about proper emergency preparation and the science behind how tsunamis occur in

this choose-your-own-adventure style evening program. The group will seek more and more

information about the Cascadia Subduction Zone through demonstrations, images, and video clips

that are sourced from local scientists and professionals.


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Group Leader Packet

Pre-Program and Post-Program Activities

All students will require physical and mental preparation to be successful at OMSI Outdoor Science

School. Your group will need reminders about being properly prepared but, depending on your

particular students, they could also benefit from practicing that preparation. This could be a day

where everyone wears standard field gear to school, bringing fully packed bags to double check

that everyone has everything on the packing list. Younger students may benefit from, having a

sleepover with friends/family or at school. Be aware that even some fifth and sixth graders have

never slept away from home.

The OMSI Outdoor Science School experience can be heightened by mentally preparing the

students for the trip, and giving them focused activities for reflection. The Field Notebook include

pre-program activities and post-program activities, as well as a place to take notes during OMSI

Outdoor Science School. More information about the Field Notebook is below. Pre-program

activities will give students opportunities to envision what the experience will be like, and practice

some skills they will need for learning with all their senses in the outdoors.

After returning to school, there are many opportunities for reflection, particularly in written and

artistic forms. This is a great opportunity to do cross disciplinary work. These projects can be great

for addressing some NGSS cross-cutting concepts, and presenting administrators and funders with

tangible, scholastic impacts of attending OMSI Outdoor Science School. Student work from the

program could be shown at an open house or parents' night. Students could draw a large mural

depicting their experiences or publish a newspaper covering events and classes.

Field Notebook Options

Use of the OMSI Outdoors Field Notebook is optional. We do request that students have, at

minimum, a writing utensil and some sort of blank place to take notes or do drawings, for which any

notebook would suffice. The Program Coordinator will email you the Field Notebook file separately

for you to peruse and evaluate. You can assess if those activities seem appropriate for your class. If

you choose to use them, please print and staple/bind a copy for each student. Inform the Program

Coordinator about your decision.

The notebook is a 10-page document which, when printed onto 5 sheets, front and back, then

folded in half and stapled down the middle forms a 5 ½” x 8 ½” notebook. The first few pages are

pre-program activities where students use their experience and imagination to brainstorm some

expectations of the trip. The middle section is for notes, observations, and data collection during

their field study. The last few pages are prompts for written and artistic reflection. We recommend

the use of the entire journal but it is easy to print just the cover and center pages to omit the pre-

and post-programming activities. Groups are responsible for printing their own Field Notebooks.


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Group Leader Packet

Expectations of being a Chaperone We look forward to having you as a part of the OMSI Outdoor Science School experience. The program offers

many exciting activities, new experiences, and fun times. As a chaperone, you are a role model for the

students. Please, give all of the attention, respect, and enthusiasm that you hope for them to display. Note:

Anyone possessing alcohol or illicit drugs of any kind will be asked to leave immediately. Tobacco products

can be used only in specified areas within the site and only by persons older than 21 years of age.

Direct Supervision:

• Responsible for the cabin group during rest time, transition times and throughout the night.

• Enforce cabin boundaries: students should only be in, or near, their assigned cabin.

• Supervise and participate in games during free times.

• Fairly and efficiently rotate the cabin group through a shower schedule.

• Ensure that everybody is equipped with Standard Field Gear and arrives on time to each activity.

• Check in with the Health Officer to know when to send students for medications.

• Support the cabin during assigned cleaning activities: such as Kitchen Party (setting tables, and

washing dishes under the supervision of OMSI staff), sweeping bathrooms and wiping down

counters, and cleaning the cabin on departure day.

Community Building

• Include all students in activities.

• Sit at and supervise a table with students during meals.

• Hand out snacks and help students make lunches.

• Discourage rough play, rude and exclusive behavior, and excessive competition.

• Preview students’ campfire skits/songs for appropriateness, tastefulness, language, etc.

• Support OMSI Instructors in the field by modeling ideal student behavior. Refrain from using mobile

devices in sight of students and during activities and meals.

• Stay onsite, even during assigned off times to support the group in case of emergency.

Upon your arrival, the Program Coordinator will meet with you to review this information. Please bring along

any questions, concerns, or suggestions you have. We look forward to meeting and working with you!


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Group Leader Packet

OMSI Outdoors Program Rules and Policies

Teachers and parents, please read through the following policies with your student(s) so that everybody

arrives on site already familiar with the expected community behaviors.

During your trip, you will be away from your family and school. You will be living and studying in a completely

new area. It is important that you have a safe and enjoyable visit. The goal of these policies is to ensure you

have the opportunity to build academic and social skills in a safe environment.

1. All policies maintained by school administration apply while participating in OMSI programs. If a rule is not stated,

common sense, good judgment, courtesy, respect and safety apply.

2. As good citizens, we obey all city, county, state and federal laws.

3. All living creatures, including people, are to be treated with courtesy and respect. This precludes the use of

obscenities, jokes or slurs relating to another's race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental

abilities. It also means that plants, creatures and all of nature deserve your respect and should not be damaged,

injured, or harassed.

4. No adult may ever be alone with a child in a one-on-one situation.

5. Handling or harassing potentially dangerous organisms (animals, plants, insects, etc.) is prohibited.

6. No type of firearm, explosive, or firework is allowed. Sharp tools will be provided as needed and are to be used in

a manner that will not injure one’s self or others. Do not bring any of these things with you.

7. Smoking or the use of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana) is not allowed. The use of any illegal substance, or

marijuana, will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

8. Quiet hours are observed between 10 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except under special circumstances (e.g. morning

walk). During this time, participants should be in their cabins, in their bunks, and quiet.

9. Separate sleeping areas for male and female students will be strictly maintained. Displays of physical affection

are not allowed.

10. Students should not visit others' sleeping areas. This is to prevent problems relating to personal possessions and

bullying.

11. All personal and museum property should be used only with permission and treated with care.

12. OMSI reserves the right to enter, inspect, and/or repair any cabin or OMSI-owned building at any time. A courtesy

notification will be given when possible, but is not required for OMSI staff to enter any OMSI building.

13. Unsafe activities must be avoided at all times (e.g. no climbing trees or running, sliding, or jumping on rough,

slick areas).

14. Violations of these policies, particularly those relating to an individual's physical or mental health and well-being,

will result in the disciplinary action below.

Discipline Actions: Step one: The OMSI Instructor/chaperone talks to the student to determine if he/she understands

the rules and is capable of adhering to them, with the student receiving a time out if it is

deemed appropriate.

Step two: If the action continues, the student meets with the teacher and Manager. A verbal

behavior contract may be agreed upon, with time out observed.

Step three: If the action continues, the student meets with the teacher and Manager. A contract is

written and signed by the student, the teacher and the Manager. The parents are notified

about the situation and the consequences if the behavior continues.

Step four: If the action continues, further disciplinary action will be determined by the teacher which

may include asking the parent/guardian to remove the student from the program.

Actions Which Justify Immediate Removal of Student from Programs: All transportation, costs, and logistics for a student’s removal are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

1. Violent acts or threats of violence against students or staff.

2. Possession of alcohol, narcotics, marijuana, or tobacco products.

3. Theft or vandalism.

4. Possession of a weapon.

5. Offensive behavior or remarks toward students or staff, including use of racial, religious, or sexual

slurs or intimidation.


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Group Leader Packet

OMSI Outdoors Health, Safety and Emergency Procedures Emergency phone numbers and procedures are posted near each phone on site, and detailed procedures

concerning OMSI Outdoors’ emergency plans are available upon request.

Medications:

• All medications must be in their original containers, and stored in a locked container.

• The Health Officer dispenses all medications, unless that responsibility has been delegated to

another adult when the student is in the field.

• Each student must be told it is his/her responsibility to report to the Health Officer at the proper time

to receive medications.

Minor Illness or Injury:

Report any illness or injuries to a teacher or the designated Health Officer.

Serious Injury or Illness:

• DO NOT MOVE the injured/ ill person(s). Contact the designated Health Officer, a teacher, or an OMSI

staff member immediately. Send one adult (or two students) with the following information:

o WHERE to find the injured person(s)

o WHO is injured

o WHAT happened

o WHO is staying with the injured person(s)

• The emergency phone number for Camp Meriwether is 911. Only the designated Health Officer or

group leader may initiate calling for emergency medical services, unless another person is the ONLY

one able to call. When appropriate, please notify OMSI Management before calling for emergency

medical services.

Missing Participant: Notify the Manager immediately. They will coordinate a search effort with the help of other trained

OMSI staff.

Fire or Other Need for Evacuation: Everyone is required to gather in front of the dining hall for instructions. Please travel and line up in

cabin groups, in front of the dining hall. Each cabin chaperone should count to ensure all members

of the cabin are present.

Earthquake: If indoors, drop, cover your head, and hold on to what is around you, then immediately exit the

building and head to the designate high point. More instructions will be given there.

Random Guests and Arrivals: If at any time unfamiliar people arrive on site, greet them immediately and introduce them to OMSI

staff members. Please help us ensure that nobody walks around the site without being greeted and

escorted by an OMSI staff member. If a stranger becomes belligerent, will not leave, or becomes

threatening, call local law enforcement immediately.

Power Outage: Activity will continue as scheduled. The Manager will inform the OMSI staff via radio of any

instructions for the group and communicate with the group leader if there is reason to adapt the

program or evacuate the site.


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Group Leader Packet

Packing list

Standard Field Gear

Standard Field Gear is what we ask all students, chaperones, teachers and OMSI staff to wear

during activities. Please keep this list in mind when packing for OMSI Outdoor Science School.

Comfortable, broken-in shoes, good for walking all day that cover the entire foot

Pants that cover the ankles

Warm layers

Rain jacket or poncho

Two reusable water bottles, filled at the start of each activity

Sunscreen

A sturdy day pack to hold water bottles, lunch, notebook, pencil, and other gear.

Note: All participants must bring a lunch for the first day of their program.

Sleeping/ Nighttime

Warm sleeping bag (pack an extra blanket if needed)

Pajamas

Pillow (can be as simple as a stuff sack that can be filled with clothing)

Flashlight/headlamp for in bunk reading and travelling around camp after dark

Clothing Two pairs of shoes that are well broken-in. One for out in the field, and a backup pair, if they get wet

Multiple pairs of socks (wool sock preferred, but not required)

Two pairs of pants, long enough to cover the ankles

Appropriate number of t-shirts

Warm layers for under rain gear (preferably not cotton)

warm hat/ gloves (optional)

Personal Gear Toiletries (toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, soap)

Washcloth and towel

Optional:

o Reusable lunch bag/containers

o Camera

o Cash or check to purchase goods in the OMSI Store

o For adults only: reusable travel mug

Please do not bring: ➢ Electrical equipment (cell phones, radios, computer games, blow dryers)

➢ Snacks or candy (it attracts rodents and they will damage your gear.)

All clothing and gear should be marked with the owner’s name. OMSI is not responsible for lost or broken

items. Found items will be kept on site for two weeks. Please call your group leader as soon as possible to

arrange for their return. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity.


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Group Leader Packet

Receiving Mail We recommend mail be sent at least a week before the program. This will ensure that the mail arrives while

the program is in progress. In the event that mail arrives late, mail with a return address will be sent back to

the sender.

Student Name,

School or Group Name

17500 Cape Lookout Rd,

Cloverdale, OR 97112.

Notes about the Weather

The Oregon coast is known for its diverse weather, meaning that in the same day we can have sunny skies

and pouring raining in the afternoon. You may be fortunate to have a week of clear skies, or you may

experience precipitation of any form, from hail to rain. When planning your trip, it is wise to plan for all kinds

of weather. For the health and safety of your participants, everyone must come prepared with waterproof

rain gear and warm clothes. In cases where extreme weather requires evacuation of Camp Meriwether,

schools/groups will be refunded the unused portion of fees. No other weather related refunds will be issued.

OMSI Outdoors Kitchen

OMSI Outdoors prides itself on having meals that are nutritious and homemade.

Vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and other diets can usually be accommodated as needed. OMSI Outdoors

can provide foods made without a given allergen, but our facility is not a dedicated allergen-free kitchen. We

take all possible measures to cook allergen-free foods on separate clean surfaces, but there is always a

slight risk of cross contamination. If any participate has a life-threatening allergy to a particular food, contact

the Program Coordinator immediately to discuss if the family should send supplementary food. All pertinent

dietary information should be delivered to the Program Coordinator at least two week in advance so the

kitchen staff can be prepared.

Nuts and nut oils are not used in cooking at Camp Meriwether, however, we may use foods that may contain

traces of nuts, or were processed in a factory that also processes nuts. Additionally, peanut butter is usually

an option during lunch-making. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are always made at a table that is

separate from all other lunch items to avoid cross contamination. If participants have an airborne allergy

they can be invited to make their sandwiches before the peanut butter is brought into the room. Depending

on the severity of the allergy, all peanut products can be removed from the kitchen entirely for the duration

of the week.

OMSI Outdoors Store OMSI Outdoors souvenirs are for sale on site. Commonly, these are T-shirts for $10, and hooded sweatshirts

for $25. Typically the store is open during cabin time on the final full day that a group is on site. Group

leaders may opt out of the store for their students. Please note if another school is on site the store may be

opened for them. The group leader may inform their group members that they are not authorized to make

purchases at the store. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you have any questions regarding the

OMSI Store.


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Group Leader Packet

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OMSI Outdoorsblogs.4j.lane.edu/chunn_k/files/2019/03/Camp-Meriwether.pdf · 2019. 3. 1. · 3 OMSI...

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Transcript of OMSI Outdoorsblogs.4j.lane.edu/chunn_k/files/2019/03/Camp-Meriwether.pdf · 2019. 3. 1. · 3 OMSI...