Teachers
The teachers and cabin leaders who come to our program get to share a special week with the students. We are so grateful for their help and commitment to the students! Please see our FAQ section for more.
Teachers are the behind-the-scenes heroes who support students during their special week here. During their stay, teachers occupy the Teachers’ Lodge where they share rooms. Each morning and evening, teachers administer medicine to students, and make sure the health center has support during trail time. Teachers come to each meal too, as one way to hear about student’s weeks, share a meal together, and help dismiss students afterwards. Every evening, teachers have one hour with their classroom to share stories and lessons from the week thus far. Before bed, teachers make “the rounds” around cabins to make sure students are getting ready for the 9:30 PM bedtime. We couldn’t run our program without the amazing support from the Teachers!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Teachers stay in the Teachers’ Lodge, where they begin and end each day. Mornings begin around 7:00 AM with students visiting the health center for medication, followed by attending breakfast at 8:00 AM. During morning and afternoon trail time, teachers are invited and encouraged to join various groups outside, as well as take turns staffing the health counter. After lunch, teachers supervise students on the ball field from 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM. After dinner, students go with their teacher to Teacher Time, where peers reconnect with classmates. Teachers are always welcome on night programs as well, and then they end their day administering medication in the health center.
a day in the life
Frequently asked questions
Where are you located?
Who supervises the students?
Can I contact my child during their program?
Students here get a chance to grow their independence and have some distance from their normal routine and home. Teachers, Naturalists, and cabin leaders are with students at all times, and students are quite busy during their week here. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to send mail to their child. Unless under extenuating circumstances, we ask that parents and guardians do not call or expect to speak with their child. We understand that this can be difficult! We also believe it is in the students’ best interest to gain self-reliance and confidence here, and phone calls distract from the flow of the week.
How far is the health center from the teacher’s lodge?
These two facilities are in the same building. This makes it easy for teachers to be available 24/7 for visiting students who need medication and additional support.
Is there wifi on campus?
Yes. We ask for everyone here to make sure their phone is not used in front of students, besides for taking the occasional photo. During breaks, teachers and cabin leaders are welcome to use their phone in select areas, if needed.
What is the emergency protocol?
Hicks Valley Fire Department would be called in the event of an emergency. Our staff are well-trained in incident-command systems and there are four certified EMTs who are “on call” if needed.
What’s the food like?
What about students with allergies?
Our kitchen staff are well-versed in allergy and food safety, especially regarding tree and peanut allergies. Because of the increasing prevalence of nut allergies, we are a nut-free facility. We can also accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. If you have further questions, please contact our food service manager, Eric Briggs.
How do showers work?
How much “off time” do I have?
What are the hikes like?
Will other schools be there?
Who makes the groups of students for cabins?
What if it’s raining?
If I’m not a cabin leader, can I come during the week?
sample teacher schedule
Teachers have a flexible and shifting role while their students are here, since each week largely depends on student needs and occurrences. You can look at a typical teacher schedule HERE.
sample cabin leader schedule
The cabin leader schedule follows the student schedule, with the exception of evening breaks that occur while students are with teachers. You can look at a typical Cabin Leader schedule HERE.
