For Teachers – Outdoor Education Programs

Successful Trip Planning in 7 Easy Steps:

1 - MAKE A RESERVATION. Call 610-670-2267 to reserve your preferred dates. We will discuss your programming needs and send out a Group Event Contract. This signed Group Event Contract and a non-refundable 15% deposit confirms your reservation.
2 - PICK CLASSES & ASSIGN ACTIVITY GROUPS & CABINS. Meet with your trip planning team to decide with activities best meet your goals (our staff are happy to help you during this process). Divide participants into groups of 12-15 youth and at least one adult for activities and 14 people for cabins. Use the forms in the Teacher Planning Guide and mail or fax to Audrey 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
3 - RECRUIT CHAPERONES. Check your school's policy on chaperones for day and overnight trips. You will want to recruit physically active adults, at least one for each Activity Group. Have these individuals background checked well ahead of time if required by your school. Decide who will be in charge of securing and administering medications (some schools require a nurse to accompany groups).
4 - PLAN A PARENT MEETING. This is the perfect opportunity to explain the purpose of the trip, hand out any pertinent information (such as schedule, permission slips, payment due dates) and collect deposits. You may want to have students pay monthly installments instead of one lump sum. This is also an opportunity to discuss fundraising plans. One of our friendly staff would be happy to attend and answer any questions. 
5 - ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION. Follow your school's transportation guidelines. You may want to reserve a charter bus, school bus, rent vans or use private vehicles to transport your group. Whatever your method you use, we recommend having one vehicle onsite throughout your stay in case of a non-life threatening emergency.
6 - COLLECT FORMS & FEES. Ask students to have all permission forms, health forms and final payments turned at at least 2 weeks prior to your trip. Request a check from your school for your trip balance.
7 - CONFIRM TRIP DETAILS WITH CAMP. Contact camp with any changes to your billable numbers, food allergies & special needs at least 10 days prior to your trip. Payment of your balance is due upon arrival.

Updated Teacher Planning Guide & Forms coming soon...

Not Quite Ready to Plan a Trip?

Contact us to schedule a site visit! Or, our Outdoor Center Director will be happy to come to you to discuss the benefits and details of an outdoor education program with teachers, school administrators and/or parents.

Financial Aid

At South Mountain YMCA Camps we believe that every individual and group should have the opportunity to experience the magic of the mountain regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to generous donations from individual supporters of camp, we are able to offer partial scholarships to groups in need. Please fill out a Financial Aid Application to request assistance.