Frequently Asked Questions (and Their Answers)

Following are answers to many common questions about our Field Trip program.

Our Program and Mission

How can I learn more about your program?

Read the Questions and Answers about our general program.

Can you provide references for other organizations that have used your program?

Yes. Feel free to contact us for references or any other questions.


Playing Field Musick during dropoff.

Program Content

What is the program itinerary?

We play fife and drum field musick while students arrive at school in the morning.

We provide an orientation for parent volunteers before the program begins.

We provide a schedule and rotation of stations. It will be ready for you when you come out at the beginning of the program.


Musket fire during the introduction.

We provide an introduction with all the students. During the introduction, we explain the program to the students. We get them even more excited about the program. We perform some brief demonstrations of Colonial history.

Immediately after the introduction, we move right into the stations. Each class goes to a different station. Each class completes the activity, then moves to the next station when we signal. We play fife and drum musick when it is time to rotate. Each class follows the rotation that we provide until they have completed the entire circuit of stations. Each class is at a different station simultaneously.

At the end of the program, we provide a conclusion. During the conclusion, we draw the entire experience together. We provide a pop quiz, with prizes for correct answers. We make some concluding remarks that summarize and connect the value of history to modern life.


Activities are conducted in a large marquis tent.

Is it possible to make a modification to the program?

We have designed our program to make it easy for you to register. However, we are happy to modify the program to meet your objectives. We do so frequently. The fee structure may be modified depending on the modifications. I think that you will find us reasonable.

What are the most popular stations in the program?

All of our activities are highly popular and relevant. The one selected most often is clearly candle-making. Other popular activities are quill and ink, colonial games, ice cream making, rounders, tomahawk throw, necklace making, bracelet making, and indian games.

What do you do about inclement weather?

We conduct the program rain or shine. If there is inclement weather, we may suggest moving some of the activities indoors into the classrooms your students have vacated. We try to conduct as much of the program outside in our tents as possible. We work closely with you to adjust to the actual weather on the day of the event. The program is never canceled because of weather as long as the school is open.


Hoop racing during the Colonial games.

Which activities should I pick?

This depends on your academic objectives, your student profile, and the age of the participants. Feel free to contact us if you want us to consult on which activities are appropriate for your group.

For more information about our activities, consult the Activities page.

How many activities are included in the program?

For groups under 125 participants, the program includes five stations. One of these is the automatic station: the Colonial Trading Post and Dressup station. You pick the other four. If your group is larger than 125, you may be entitled to more stations. Contact us for the appropriate number.

Why do some activities have an additional fee?

Some stations have an additional materials fee. Our costs to conduct these stations necessitate an additional fee. These stations are optional and are only selected at your discretion.
The standard program fee includes all activities that do no have an additional fee.

How does the lunch break fit into the program?

You eat during the normal lunch period. You can eat in the lunchroom, your classroom, or outside picnic style. Or, you can have us cook a Colonial meal over an open fire.

When should the parent volunteers arrive?

They should arrive about 30 minutes before the program begins for an orientation. Review the information packet for the exact time.


This is a sample schedule.

How much time does a program consume?

Our typical program consumes about four hours of the day, not including time for lunch. It is designed to consume the majority of the school day, with some time at the beginning and end for transition for the bus routes.

When does the program begin?

We design our program to fit within your schedule. You indicate when to begin and end on the registration form. We make a schedule within those parameters. Review your information packet for the exact schedule. If you want us to make any changes, just let us know.

How do you know when the stations switch?

Our schedule is approximate. We usually complete the activities a few minutes ahead during each station. We play Colonial musick when it is time to rotate. That way each group rotates at the same time.

Should I create a schedule for the program?

There is no need for you to make a schedule. The Colonial Camp will produce a schedule and rotation for the event for you.

How many parent volunteers will we need to provide?

Typically, we suggest about two parent volunteers for each station. The number of students and the number of classes also are factors. After you register, we will provide a suggested minimum number in your information packet. You may bring as many as you wish.

How much money should participants bring for the store?

We suggest about $5-10 per participant. Many of the items in the store are only $1. There are many items that are relatively inexpensive, and a few things that cost more than $10.

What happens to the things that participants make?

Participants keep all work products created during the program.


High quality, professionally developed photographs.

Can you take pictures of the students wearing the Colonial clothing?

Yes. For an extra fee, we take high-quality photographs and have them professionally developed. We then mail them to you after the Field Trip is complete.

Registration

Is the date that we preregistered still held for us?

Your date is held until you tell us otherwise.


You receive an information packet after registration.

What happens after I send in the registration form?

We then send you an information packet, with various materials and information included. Please review it carefully. There are some things that you should do in advance, such as get parent volunteers, contact the media, etcetera. Otherwise, we show up the day beforehand, conduct a great program, and then depart. It is our hope to meet and exceed your greatest expectations.

What dates do you have available to come to our campus?

Contact us for available dates. These dates are first-come, first-serve. Dates typically get filled far in advance, so don't delay if you want your preferred date.

What are the maximum number of participants for the program?

We can handle over 300 participants in one day. With much larger groups, we may suggest that we conduct the program in multiple days.

Will you hold a date for us while we get approvals?

We know that there are many things that you must do to get approval for this program. We are happy to hold your date for you without obligation while you get these approvals. Just let us know if you want to release the date. There is no financial obligation until you complete the registration form, sign it, and send it in.

What times of the year do you conduct the program?

We operate year-round. We can make adjustments for all weather conditions.

How early should I select the date that I want?

Dates fill early, so contact as soon as you can. We are happy to hold your date for you while you get final approvals.

How far in advance do you accept reservations?

We make reservations far into the future, including years in advance.

Standards of Learning (SOL)

Do you teach to state standards of instruction?

Yes. Reference our activities to determine the standards for each activity in your state.

Arrival and Setup

Do you really sleep outside?

Yes. Sleeping outside is not what you think. We stay quite comfortable and happy. In fact, we quite enjoy it. We know what you're thinking (that we are crazy). We are not crazy; you would enjoy sleeping outside too if you had someone to show you how.

We know. Your idea of camping is "staying at the Holiday Inn." You would never, ever think of sleeping outside on the ground. Well, you underestimate yourself. You are capable of far more than you give yourself credit.

Aren't you cold (hot/wet/worried/uncomfortable/sleepy) sleeping outside?

No.

We have everything that we need to take care of ourselves while sleeping outside.

When will you arrive at our campus?

We may be coming from another program, so the arrival time may vary. We arrive the day before the program to setup our tents. Sometimes we arrive before the end of your school day, but that depends on where we're coming from and other variables beyond our control. The setup is too extensive to execute on the day of the event. We then spend the night on your campus.

Do you need us to meet you when you setup?

No, but if you want us to, just give us a contact number and we'll call when we're on the way.

Do you need access to the facilities overnight?

No, not at all. We come completely self sufficient.

How much room do you need to setup?

We need an area about 35 feet by 45 feet. This area must be relatively flat and grassy. We cannot setup our tents on a steep slope. We cannot setup our tents on asphalt or concrete. We must drive stakes in the ground to attach to poles which hold up our tent.

Where would you like to setup?

We prefer to setup in the front of your campus where the public will see us. However, we will setup where you direct, when possible. We pull a large truck and trailer; it is not possible to setup in areas which may not be accessible with our vehicle. We cannot setup in areas where we would get stuck in the event of rain.

Safety

What are your safety procedures for firing the musket on campus?

We are nationally certified instructors with the National Muzzleloader Rifle Association (NMLRA). We have detailed procedures for handling, teaching, and shooting the firearms. We take safety seriously. We also carry general liability insurance.

Most states permit the display and firing of firearms on school property for educational purposes.

Georgia General Statutes Section 16-11-127.1.

(c) The provisions of this Code section shall not apply to: (6) A person who has been authorized in writing by a duly authorized official of the school to have in such person´s possession or use as part of any activity being conducted at a school building, school property, or school function a weapon which would otherwise be prohibited by this Code section. Such authorization shall specify the weapon or weapons which have been authorized and the time period during which the authorization is valid;

Annotated Code of Maryland Article 27. Title 4. Weapons Crimes. Subtitle 1. General Provisions.

4-102. Deadly weapons on school property. (a) Exceptions.- This section does not apply to: (3) a person engaged in organized shooting activity for educational purposes; or (4) a person who, with a written invitation from the school principal, displays or engages in a historical demonstration using a weapon or a replica of a weapon for educational purposes.

North Carolina General Statutes 14-269.2. Weapons on campus or other educational property.

(g) This section shall not apply to any of the following: (1) A weapon used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or used in a school-approved program conducted under the supervision of an adult whose supervision has been approved by the school authority.

South Carolina General Statutes Section 16-23-420. Carrying or displaying firearms in public buildings or areas adjacent thereto.

A) It is unlawful for a person to possess a firearm of any kind on any premises or property owned, operated, or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, other post-secondary institution, or in any publicly-owned building, without the express permission of the authorities in charge of the premises or property.

Code of Virginia 18.2-308.1. Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited.

(B) The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as a part of the school's curriculum or activities; (ii) a person possessing a knife customarily used for food preparation or service and using it for such purpose; (iii) persons who possess such weapon or weapons as a part of any program sponsored or facilitated by either the school or any organization authorized by the school to conduct its programs either on or off the school premises;

What are your safety procedures for other activities?

We are instructors in the National Archery Association (NAA). We have detailed procedures for handling, teaching, and doing archery. We have similar procedures for every activity. We take safety seriously. We also carry general liability insurance.

Payment

When do you require payment?

No advance payment is required. We do request that payment in full is made on the day of the program.

Is there a deposit required?

No deposit is typically required.

What if we cancel the program?

Once you have registered, there is a minimum fee of $500.00. You are responsible for the $500.00 minimum fee once you have registered, even if you cancel the event. There is no cancellation fee if schools are canceled on the day of the event.

How much do teachers and parent volunteers pay?

There is no fee for teachers or parent volunteers. The only exception is when you select the Colonial meal. Each person who eats the meal should pay the fee for the meal.


A delicious, homemade Colonial meal.

The Meal

What is the meal like?

The meal is delicious. This is a typical menu:

Do teachers and parent volunteers pay for the meal?

Yes. Each person who eats the meal should pay the fee for the meal.

How is the meal cooked?

We cook the meal outside over an open fire. We use all fresh ingredients from scratch. There are no prepared foods. We use primitive cookware and methods, but with modern sanitation modifications.

How do you deal with food allergies?

We use no nut or peanuts products in our food. The bread contains glutens. Since the meal is cooked from scratch, we know the ingredients in our meal. Inquire for more detail specific to your situation.

How do you build a fire?

We build a small fire on the ground. We cook everything over this fire.