Hargis

Hargis

HARGIS RETREAT

October 23-26, 2007

We are getting excited about our plans to travel to the Hargis Camp facilities in Chelsea , Alabama, on October 23-26, 2007, for our 6^th grade trip!

We plan to leave by 8:15 a.m. or so on Tuesday, October 23, and return close 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26. We plan to take the WCA bus on both the trip down and the trip back, but we will need extra parent drivers who are willing to make a trip down and back to transport children. WCA teachers, including Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Harris, will be going as teacher chaperones. We also will have parent chaperones.

One or more camp staff and/or members of our group of chaperones/teachers will supervise activities we attend. The students are very well chaperoned in small groups.

Meals are served in a cafeteria; students have given the food two thumbs up in past years!

We will need students to bring their own bedding supplies for the bunks/cots provided. A complete list of supplies is included with the permission slip. In general, plan to follow school rules concerning appropriate dress and electronics. Please remember to send clothes appropriate to the weather. Many of the camp activities are held outside.

Our daily schedule includes devotions once in the morning and in the evening, meals, and planned group activities. There will be very little free time and “lights-out” is usually in the neighborhood of 9:00 p.m. Guys and their male chaperones usually sleep in the downstairs and girls and their female chaperones are upstairs.

Our contact person for this trip is Dawn.Baker@wca-hsv.org if you have any questions.

Please pray for the teachers, students and chaperones as we prepare for this trip.

Permission Slip

Please fill out and return by 9/14/07

Project American Life, the Ultimate Educational Adventure

Registration and Medical Information Form

Child's Name ______________________________________________ Age ________ M / F

Parent's Name _________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

Home Phone __________________ Work __________________ Cell __________________

Child’s Insurance Company and Policy Number (if available) ____________________________

Parent must complete the following:

Does your child have any physical or mental limitations that restrict his/her participation in specific types of activities? If yes, please explain. Use back if necessary.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Does your child have any medical problems or limitations that we should be aware of? If so, please give details and any specific instruction regarding his/her dietary restrictions, special needs, etc. Please use the back of this sheet if you need more room.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Prescribed medications will be turned over to the Project American Life medical professional who will distribute the medication as per your instructions. Please place the medication in a zip-lock bag with your child's name and instructions. All prescription medication must be prescribed to your child and in original bottle with label intact. Please list medications and instructions below or on the back.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

We have over-the-counter medications for aches, pains, stings, upset stomach, and diarrhea. May we treat your child according to age-specific dosage guidelines?

Please circle: Yes No

Please check which medications your child may receive:

I hereby give my permission for my child to attend Project American Life. In case of an accident or illness that requires medical care, I give permission to the Project American Life medical staff and/or school personnel to order such medical attention as may be deemed necessary for the health and safety of my child. I have provided phone numbers and other pertinent information on this form so that I can be notified immediately in case of an emergency. The medical information provided above is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I give permission to the Project American Life medical professional to administer my child's medication per my instructions.

Parent’s signature _________________________________________ Date ________________

Project American Life

Guide for Parents

What is Project American Life?

Project American Life is an outdoor civics education program held at the YMCA Hargis Retreat in Chelsea, Alabama. The program uses exciting, hands-on activities to teach children about civics, citizenship, and character. The Project American Life curriculum is centered upon the founding principles contained in the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the week your child will develop an understanding and an appreciation of what it means to be an American.

In addition, your child will participate in team building activities, hikes, and many other outdoor games and activities. Project American Life is a wonderful opportunity for your child to build and strengthen relationships with other students as well as teachers.

Who is responsible for my child during the trip?

Your child’s teachers will accompany the children on the bus ride to and from Project American Life, as well as chaperoning them in the evenings. During the day your child will be in a small group under the supervision of a Project American Life teacher. We are extremely proud of the individuals that comprise the Project American Life staff. They are highly competent and dedicated to the children as well as the Project American Life curriculum.

What if there is an emergency or my child needs daily medication?

There is a medical professional on staff at all times to administer medications and treat any injuries that may arise. Project American Life maintains a well stocked infirmary. There is no need to send typical over-the-counter products such as Band-Aids, Tylenol, etc. If your student needs daily medication, you will need to fill out the medical information sheet and send the amount of medication needed plus one or two extras. Please have all prescription medicine in original prescription bottles with your child’s name and dosage instructions. If you have more than one medication, please put them all in a labeled zip-lock bag or other suitable container. All medications should be given to school prior to trip, and not packed in your child’s luggage.

In the unlikely event that an emergency occurs, emergency service is two minutes from Hargis. Parents will be notified of any problems immediately.

What are the facilities like where my child will be staying?

YMCA Hargis Retreat is located on 200 wooded acres and can sleep 250 people in bunk bed style sleeping arrangements. All facilities have central heat and air, indoor restrooms, and large meeting areas. The dining facilities are well-equipped, offering a variety of wholesome food options at every meal.

What should I send and not send with my child for the trip?

Please send enough clothes (weather appropriate) and toiletries to last four days and three nights. Your child will also need a sleeping bag and pillow or other bed linens. Please do not send new clothes as your child will get dirty and we would not want to ruin any new clothes. Please do not allow your child to pack any electronic games or devices (i.e. GameBoys, headsets, etc.). The goal of the week is for your child to have a great time and learn, please only send items that will aid in achieving this goal.

When do the students leave and when will they return? We plan on leaving at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, and we will return around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26.

What is the cost of the trip? The cost for this trip was included with your child’s tuition. There is no need to send any money with your child.

How do I contact my child in the case of an emergency?

In the case of an emergency, call the office at YMCA Hargis Retreat, 205-678-6512 or 256-454-2204. Messages are checked often.

It's time for the Ultimate Educational Adventure!

This is the Official Suggested Supply List.

Items should be appropriate for time of year. Please write your child’s name on all belongings that he or she brings to Project American Life to help ensure that all items return home with your child.

______ sleeping bag or bedroll

(or sheets and blanket)

______ pillow and pillow case

______ towel and washcloth

______ shirts (appropriate to weather)

______ jeans or pants

______ sweatshirt or sweater

______ warm jacket

______ pajamas

(or other sleep attire)

______ 4 pair underwear

______ 4 pair socks

______ comfortable closed-toe shoes

(preferably old)

______ raincoat or poncho

______ long underwear (if appropriate)

______ shorts (during warm weather)

______ toilet kit (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb or brush, etc.)

OPTIONAL:

______ laundry bag or extra pillow case

(quite handy for dirty clothes)

______ camera and film

MEDICAL

______ medications

(to be given to Project American Life medical professional)

Note: Project American Life maintains a well stocked infirmary. There is no need to bring typical over-the-counter products such as Band-Aids, Tylenol, etc. If your student needs daily medication, you will need to fill out the medical information sheet and send the amount of medication needed plus one or two extras. Please have all prescription medicine in original prescription bottles with your child’s name and dosage instructions. Only send the amount of medication needed plus one or two extra. If you have more than one medication, please put them all in a labeled zip-lock bag or other suitable container. All medications should be given to school prior to trip, and not packed in your child’s luggage.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND:

Cell phones, knives, radios, walkmans, electronic games, toys, money, candy, gum, food, or anything that might serve as a distraction for your child or others.