TEACHER'S OUTDOOR CLASSROOM GUIDE

WELCOME Teachers!

CLICK HERE TO SEE COSBY’S MAP, CABIN LAYOUT AND FACILITY PHOTOS

FORMS AND DOCUMENTS (CLICK ON THE FORM YOU NEED)

PACKING LIST

PHOTO RELEASE AND LIABILITY WAIVER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I PLAN A TRIP TO CAMP COSBY’S OUTDOOR CLASSROOM?
To begin planning your next adventure please our office, at 256-268-2007 or cosby@ymcabham.org . Be prepared for questions regarding the estimated size of your group and preferred dates or time of the year. You can review the curriculum planning document on our website and decide on what exciting activities and classes your students will experience.

The way the new Teacher Led format would work is upon arrival to camp you will be greeted and do an orientation with the students and parents. Then the teachers would take over and be responsible for any class instruction. We have limited the class options to make it easier for the teachers. Teacher led classes offered are Tree ID, Maps, Predator/Prey, Aquatic Habitats, Survival, Sensory Trail, Invertebrates Study. Teacher led activities include Cosby Slide and Gold panning. If you selected one of the activities that would require a camp staff member to facilitate then that staff member would run that portion of the class. The activities offered are Alpine Tower/Giant Swing, Low ropes, Archery, and canoeing. YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED 2 SELECTIONS FROM THE COSBY STAFF LED ACTIVITIES. We are looking forward to having you and your students back with us at Camp Cosby soon!

WHEN DO I GIVE MY FINAL NUMBER?
The number of people served on the contract is an estimate. You will need to provide Camp Cosby with a final, guaranteed number one week prior to your arrival. This guaranteed number will be used for ordering the food, scheduling activities, reserving accommodations, and staff hiring purposes. Camp Cosby will bill for whichever number is higher, the guaranteed number a week prior or the actual number in attendance.

ARE THE BATHROOMS INSIDE THE CABINS?
Yes.

HOW CAN PARENTS COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR CHILD(REN) DURING THEIR STAY AT CAMP?
This will be handled by the school. Your Lead Teacher will decide if and how parents can be in contact with students during their stay. If the Camp Office is contacted by parents they will give this information to the Lead Teacher. Please establish how your school will handle this and communicate it with your parents before the trip.

WHO DECIDES WHERE THE STUDENTS SLEEP?
The Lead Teacher. After coordinating the trip with a representative from Camp Cosby, you will be told what cabins will be made available for your school group. It is up to the Lead Teacher to assign students with their cabins. Remember, no boys in girl’s cabins and no girls in boy’s cabins! Moms can’t sleep in the same cabin as their son, and Dads can’t sleep in the same cabin as their daughter.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
Almost all of The Outdoor Classroom classes occur outside, rain or shine! It is important that students be prepared and pack accordingly. At the first sign of hazardous weather, we move students to safety. Safety has to be our top priority!

WHO WATCHES OVER THE STUDENTS?
The school is ultimately responsible for the students at Camp Cosby. The Outdoor Classroom staff will lead students in their educational experience, but student management and discipline is at the discretion of the school. Often the school allows Chaperones to help with student management. Teachers are encouraged to stay with a Trail Group, or move from one Trail Group to another, observing as many Trail Groups as possible. At no time is a child allowed to be without an adult while at Camp Cosby.

WHAT CLOTHING IS REQUIRED HIGH ROPES OR THE CLIMBING TOWER?
Tennis shoes (Closed toe shoes). No jewelry is allowed.

WHAT HEALTHCARE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE CAMP?
The school is required to bring a health care professional who will handle all health concerns. Camp Cosby is 20 minutes from St. Vincent’s Pell City Hospital. Camp Cosby has 911 service. All staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid. Camp Cosby has basic First Aid Supplies and AED on hand.

HOW IS LOST AND FOUND HANDLED?
Lost and Found is collected and presented daily to children. At the end of their stay lost and found is sent back with the school. On occasion, remaining items are left behind. Those are kept at camp for one month and then if not claimed sent to a local donation center. If you believe your child left something at camp please call your school first and then camp with a full description.

DO OUR STUDENTS NEED TO BRING SPENDING MONEY?
Yes, we have the following items available at the camp store – drinks, chips, fruit, water and limited T-shirts

IS CAMP COSBY ACA ACCREDITED?
Yes, Camp Cosby is a member of the American Camp Association. Every 5 years, accredited camps go through a visitation and accreditation process that reviews every part of the camp operation.

WHO STAYS IN THE CABINS WITH THE STUDENTS?
Student supervision at night in the lodges is conducted by chaperones. Teachers are provided separate housing if wanted. We recommend one chaperone for every five students.

WHAT ARE THE CABINS LIKE?
They are modern, heated, and air conditioned with the bathrooms located inside each cabin.

WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR THE CAMP?
The camp number is (256) 268-2007.

CAN MY CHILD BRING A CELL PHONE?
No. This is not advised. Camp Cosby is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Children will not be allowed to use their phones while at camp.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CASE OF SEVERE WEATHER?
Camp Cosby has a designated weather plan for all types of severe weather and is monitored closely by camp staff. The camp has designated storm shelters and has developed emergency action plans.

ARE THE CABINS HEATED AND AIR CONDITIONED?
Yes.

MY CHILD IS A VEGETARIAN, WILL THERE BE OPTIONS FOR HIM/HER?
Yes, there is a full salad bar and non-meat options at every meal.

DO WE NEED TO HAVE A WAIVER SIGNED FOR EVERY PARTICIPANT?
Yes, please. It must be signed by a parent or guardian for all participants under 18.

WHAT DO WE NEED FOR A CAMPFIRE?
Just schedule it with our staff. We will build and light the fire for you. All you need is your singing voice and optional s’more makings.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING FOR OVERNIGHTS?
A bed and mattress are provided. You will need bedding (blanket and sheets or a sleeping bag), a towel, and toiletries

CONTACT

Address: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd, Alpine, AL 35014
Phone: 1-256-268-2007
E-Mail: mmorriss@ymcabham.org