Oregon Trail Overnight

The Oregon Trail Overnight is Thursday, and I couldn't be more excited!  This trip has always stood out as two of the most amazing days for our fourths graders.  I'm sure that this year will be no exception.  As you help your child prepare for the trip, please use the packing list that went last week as a guide for what to bring as well as what not to bring. 

A few things to keep in mind...

1.  Eating a good breakfast on Thursday morning:
Please make sure that your child eats a good breakfast.  They may not have a snack until lunch as we'll be traveling and getting situated at camp.  They will be busy, mentally and physically, for two days and must have enough fuel to keep going.

2.  Dress with layers:
Please make sure that your child wears layers.  The weather can change quickly, and we are outside for most of our time at camp.  There are only certain times that students can access their clothing items, so they should be able to add and subtract layers on the go.  For example, upon arrival they will be outside without access to their clothing for the first hour or so.  I think we'll be pretty lucky this year with the weather, but it's always better to be prepared and comfortable!  Although it likely won't be raining, the ground may still be muddy from past rain, so wear appropriate shoes.

3.  Medications:
Be sure to bring medications to Ms. Brown when you drop your child off tomorrow morning.  MEDICATIONS MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINER OR THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TRIP AND WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO YOUR CHILD.

4.  Packing with large plastic bags:
The kids are instructed to pack their belongings in large plastic bags.  The main reason for this is that upon arriving our bags are unloaded and left outside until for awhile.   If it's raining (or if the ground is still muddy from past rains) the bags will protect our clothes and sleeping supplies from getting soaked.  Both bags should be labeled with masking or duct tape that states your child's name (first and last) and ALAMEDA.  Bags sometimes get ripped, so please pack an extra bag or two. 

5.  Lunch for Thursday:
Please make sure your child packs a lunch for Thursday, labeled with their first and last name.  Do not pack their lunch with other belongings.  We'll transport our lunches in our regular lunch tubs to and from the camp.  If your child is getting a sack lunch from the cafeteria, please remind them to grab that before coming to class Thursday morning.

6.  Pick-Up on Friday:
We are scheduled to return to Alameda around 1:30pm.  Once we unload the bus and bring all bags back to the classroom we'll have a recess.  The kids normally need this time, especially after being crammed on a bus.  Also, it gives them time to socialize and talk about their fun experience.  If you'd like to pick your child up early, you are welcome to do so.  However, you must check your child out of school in the office before getting them from the classroom or playground.  If you're not planning on picking up early, school will let out at 3:00pm as normal.  Students who normally ride the bus will need other arrangements as their bags will be too much to carry and fit on the buses.

This is all that I can think of right now.  If anything else pops in my head, I'll let you know.  Feel free to email for any last minute questions as you're packing. 

thanks,

Julie Brown
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