What kind of clothes should we bring on the trip?
A: For traveling, loose fitting, casual clothes are recommended. Light, inexpensive rain gear is encouraged on all trips. If your tip includes a floating lab experience, bring clothes appropriate for very cold weather.
What happens if our trip schedule changes due to situations such as Sea World closing because of bad weather, the bus having mechanical problems, or some other unforeseen problem?
A: Project Exploration’s policy on program changes is to repair, reschedule, or refund. Although we have no control over the weather, we have made provisions for alternate, exciting educational experiences in the event of inclement weather. Also, although the buses and boats are extremely well maintained, breakdowns can occur. Replacement equipment will be found when possible, and when replacements can’t be found, we will reschedule the trip or make refunds.
Can children on medication go on this field trip?
A: It is our desire that all students who would like to participate in the field trip experience have the opportunity. Students on medication must outline their needs to Project Exploration via the parental consent form. They must also inform the appropriate teachers and other adult supervisors who will be responsible for distributing medication.
Can we bring cameras, CD players, etc., on the trip?
A: Sand, salt water and bus travel is hard on delicate equipment. Binoculars are not appropriate on the trip and cameras should be taken only if the students are familiar with film size, loading procedure and has adequate extra film. Headsets are a must for any sound appliance. The bus will be reasonably quiet throughout the trip.
Are Project Exploration buses equipped with safety belts?
A: No, with the exception of the driver, the buses do not have safety belts. Buses are not equipped with safety belts because according to the National Transportation Safety Board, even without safety belts, buses are the safest mode of surface transportation in America.
What kinds of security precautions does Project Exploration employ?
A: The students are required to remain in small groups at all times (buddy system). No students shall be by themselves at any time during the trip, including public restroom visits. Additionally, we select a trip code word, which is to be requested by students if approached by an unrecognized person. On all overnight field trips, in addition to the motel night security guard, Project Exploration employs two adult night supervisors.
What is the procedure for calling participants or having participants call home from the motel?
A: The organizer of your trip will have the telephone number of the motel. You are free to call the motel, however, we encourage you not to. If you must talk with your child, it is preferable to instruct him/her to call you collect from the motel when he/she is settled in and comfortable. Reasons for parents not to call include early or late arrival of group to motel, possible encouragement of homesickness and hurt feeling of roommates whose parents don’t call.
Can students leave their rooms at night?
A: The only reason for a student to leave their rooms is in the event of an emergency. Students are to stay in their rooms at all times with the door closed and the drapes pulled shut. Questions about emergencies will be answered by phone with the adult security supervisors. Each room will have an instruction sheet describing emergency procedures, room behavior, emergency telephone numbers and telephone operation instructions.
How much luggage can we bring?
A: Students may bring as much luggage as they are able to carry by themselves in one load. The students will be escorted to their rooms, and will not be allowed to make more than one trip from bus to room. Adults may bring as much luggage as they wish.
What kinds of snacks are acceptable on the bus?
A: Water is recommended and snacks low in sugar, caffeine and chocolate are also good. Trail mix, pretzels and jerky are examples of good snacks.
Are gum, soda pop, or sunflower seeds permitted on the bus?
A: Gum, hair, clothes and upholstery doesn’t mix well. Soft drinks stain and damage upholstery and clothes. Sunflower husks are difficult to dispose of properly. Water is encouraged for drink and dry snacks for food.
Why do we eat at so many fast food restaurants?
A: Fast food restaurants consistently accommodate the number of students which we bring at one time. Also, the consistency in pricing and food selection makes planning meals and budgeting money easy.
Will there be any parts of Sea World that will be off limits on our free time?
A: At the conclusion of the educational program, participants are allowed to visit any portion of Sea World open to the public: Any rides requiring fees must be paid by participants. Special release time regulations per individual teacher must be followed.
Why can’t we swim, go barefoot, wade or go tidepooling at the beach?
A: Unforeseen hazards such as undertows, riptides, stingrays and jellyfish make swimming and wading potentially dangerous. Slippery rocks make tidepools off limits. We require shoes at the beach due to hazardous objects such as glass, pulltabs, sharp rocks and beach tar.
Should we take precautions against seasickness on the boat?
A: Motion sickness medication is acceptable, although not necessarily recommended. Patches are not allowed as they occasionally alter personality.