What to bring: Helpful tips and information
Pre-trip lessons: The OSO experience can build upon lessons and vocabulary introduced prior to the field experience. We encourage teachers to help orient and prepare their students with the lessons included in the Teacher Packet and Expand Your Knowledge section of our website.
Select your chaperones: Chaperones are critical to the overall success of the OSO experience. We require a minimum of 3 chaperones to rotate with their assigned group through each learning station. We ask that there be no more than 8 adult chaperones (including the teacher, aide, group leader). If more than 8 adults arrive on the day of your trip, we will ask for volunteers to remain dockside. This process can take away time from the students participating in the boat program. For a list of chaperone expectations, visit the Safety Information webpage.
Special education trips: Please notify our staff of the number of wheelchairs, the spectrum of student needs, and any special requests. There is a maximum capacity of 12 students per trip and we kindly request that each student bring a one-on-one aide/adult. For trip planning support, visit the Special Education Program webpage.
Seasickness: While the boat is quite stable, there is always the chance that students may get seasick. Students should hydrate well the night before and the morning of their trip. Parents/guardians should consult their pediatrician regarding seasickness medications and side effects. Please note that instructors are not permitted to carry or administer student medications. Instructors will utilize chaperones to assist with seasick students.
Lunch locations: There is no snack or lunch break during our packed three hour program. Please plan on eating before or after your scheduled trip. There are a number of lunch spots at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Students can eat directly on Twin Lakes Beach or the public benches outside of Java Junction, El Palomar, or the Crow’s Nest Beach Market. Please avoid sitting at tables designated for patrons. Chaperones are asked to supervise students at all times and to keep their voices low to not disturb other businesses.
Photo release: Teachers may be contacted prior to their trip to distribute youth photo release forms for parents/guardians to sign. OSO utilizes photography to help promote the program for fund development purposes. Photos are not saved or shared on personal devices.
Formulario de publicación de fotos para jóvene
Weather: The OSO program operates rain or shine. In light rain and low swell conditions, Captains will determine whether an ocean, harbor, or dockside program will be offered. OSO provides ponchos for all students and adults. We recommend that every participant bring layers (and rain gear, if possible) since the ponchos are not well-insulated. Weather conditions may shift up until the day before a scheduled trip. OSO staff will be in close communication with the Captains to assess the ocean/weather conditions and relay important information to the teacher. We do our best to reschedule canceled trips for later in the season. For local weather resources, check out the Harbor Entrance Sounding, OSO Weather Station, and NOAA Marine Forecast
COVID-19: Participating teachers are required to perform a symptom check/health screen on participants before leaving their school campus. OSO is aligned with the California Department of Public Health. Should a teacher, student, or chaperone test positive following their field trip with OSO, we respectfully request you notify us ASAP. If there are students, teachers, or chaperones who are immunocompromised, please communicate any special COVID-19 requests to OSO staff before your trip date. We are committed to the health and safety of our community!
Cancellation Policy: Class cancellation due to poor weather conditions is at the discretion of the captain and will be communicated to teachers 24 hours before their OSO trip. The teacher will be responsible for communicating this information to their chaperones and class. If the teacher has to cancel their trip, please communicate this to our staff ASAP. We kindly request 30 days’ notice for cancellations.
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