Arlington Echo Grade 4
Every AACPS fourth grade class visits Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center in Millersville, MD, for a one-day or overnight field experience as part of their environmental literacy learning. Arlington Echo programs are linked to the science curriculum throughout the school year. Through exciting, hands-on activities, students investigate the human impact on climate, land, water and living things in the Chesapeake Bay in its watershed. They are challenged to put environmental ideals into action.
Students travel to different learning stations on site, gathering information to develop an educated and environmentally responsible answer to an overarching question: How can we help the Chesapeake Bay? Activities include canoeing, seining, stormwater investigation and more.
Supervision and instruction are provided by Arlington Echo staff and Chaperones recruited by classroom teachers. All Chaperones undergo background checks.
Meals are provided in the dining hall. We challenge students to minimize their food waste by following the philosophy “Take what you like; Eat what you take” and by participating in our on-site composting program. Students aim for a “Zero Waste” meal.
Climate controlled cabins with bunk beds and bathroom facilities provide overnight accommodations. Arlington Echo is a 24-acre outdoor education site owned by AACPS. It includes forest, stream and wetland habitats and is located on the Severn River.
Group Chaperones
Students should have adult supervision at all times. Group Chaperones escort students to their activities, meals, rest rooms and any other locations. Group Chaperones support Activity Chaperones by encouraging student participation and by helping out as needed. Check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Closed-toed shoes are required. Check in at school and get a badge.
For more information regarding background checks and fingerprinting, visit https://www.aacps.org/chaperone
Tips for Group Chaperones
1. Smile and introduce yourself.
2. Review expectations with each group: walk, stay together, and follow instructions.
3. Praise good behavior whenever you see it.
4. Don’t hesitate to address unsafe or inappropriate student behavior when necessary. You are in charge! Address behavior in a positive and calm way.
5. Get involved with the students and the activity. Assist the instructor.
6. Turn cell phones and other electronic devices to “OFF” or “VIBRATE.”
7. Make bathroom stops between activities.
8. If necessary, take students to health room or office for first aid.
9. Try to stay on schedule.
10. Help students treat the environment and facilities with care.
Activity Chaperones & Lessons
For adults without a teaching background, the idea of leading an activity with a group of students in the outdoors can be daunting! Relax! We will prepare you when you arrive early on the day of the trip. If you have time, review your lesson in advance. Check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Closed-toed shoes are required.
For more information regarding background checks and fingerprinting, visit https://www.aacps.org/chaperone
Lessons
Q1
Q2
Q3&4
Here are some tips to ensure your success:
Tips for Activity Chaperones
1. Gather students and gain their attention.
2. Smile, introduce yourself and the lesson according to the lesson plan.
3. Get students involved! Have them mix, measure, write on charts, etc. Give students jobs to assist with equipment clean-up, etc. For example, ask, “Who wants to collect the compasses?”
4. Use questions to keep students thinking and to promote discussion. Avoid lecturing. Encourage all students to participate.
5. Pace the activity in order to stay on schedule.
6. When outdoors, speak clearly and at an appropriate volume. If possible, stand with your back to the wind so that it carries your voice to students.
7. Gather students in a small group, not in a line, to speak to them. Avoid walking and teaching at the same time.
8. Stand so that the sun is not in students’ eyes. Sunglasses prevent eye contact, so do not wear them while you are speaking to the students.
9. Use sun or shade to keep students comfortable.
10. Turn cell phones and other electronic devices to “OFF” or “VIBRATE.”
11. Help students treat the environment and facilities with care.
12. Have fun and show enthusiasm. It’s contagious!
What to Bring
Day Trips:
Please wear closed-toed, closed-heel shoes and dress for the weather.
Please do not allow students to bring any form of electronics.
Meals and snacks are provided for the duration of your child’s visit to our campus.
Sustainability practices start with us:
- We support the 4 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle.
- Please do not bring food items (except pre-approved specialty diets/medical needs) single-use containers or packaged snacks.
- Bring a Refillable Water Bottle. Guests will have access to drinking water and bottle refill stations at multiple locations on site.
Overnight Trips:
The above guidelines still apply and below is a more comprehensive checklist
Overnight What to Bring Checklist
Schedule
Depending on which school your child attends, trips to Arlington Echo are scheduled as either day or overnight programs. Unsure of which your child will be participating in? Check their permission form or contact your child’s teacher.
Day Trips typically run from the school’s arrival at 10:00 a.m. to departure at 5:00 p.m. Lunch and snack are included. Sample day schedule.
Overnight Trips typically run from the school’s arrival on Day 1 at 10:00 a.m. to departure on Day 2 at 2:00 p.m. Lunch, snack, and dinner are provided the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day. Sample overnight schedule.
Menu
Arlington Echo 2021 Menu
- Cheese Pizza
- Baked Fruit
- Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
- Milk
- Vegetarian Option – Cheese Pizza / Vegetarian Nuggets
- Allergen option – Chicken Tenders or Hot Dog
Please Contact Food & Nutrition Services at 410-222-5900 with any dietary concerns.
Directions & Map
Please insert Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center (975 Indian Landing Road, Millersville, MD 21108) into your GPS.
Contact
Ted Hall ehall@aacps.org
Jason Toraldo jtoraldo@aacps.org
Arlington Echo 410-222-3822
