Planning Your Expedition

• Become familiar with emergency contact information. Prepare a list of emergency contacts to carry with you while on island. Contact information should include the bus driver on mainland. Cell phone reception is available on several islands.
• Plan for emergencies by:
• • Designating a predetermined meeting place should a student become separated the from group.
  • Bring a well stocked first aid kit.
  • Inform the students about the importance of bringing drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellant, etc.
  • Remind students footwear is required at all times while on the island, including when walking on the beach or in tidepools.
  • Remind students that swimming or wading is not allowed due to currents.
• Prepare and review a list of what students should wear. List should be seasonally appropriate. If you are unsure of what type of clothing to bring, please call NPS staff for assistance.
• If appropriate, remind students to bring a lunch, and don’t forget to factor lunchtime into the overall expedition timeframe.

Day of the Expedition

• Make final check of the weather and confirm that the expedition has not been canceled for a weather related reason.
• Confirm vessel departure time and location with company representative on telephone.
• Schedule arrival time at departure location one half-hour prior to scheduled departure time. Inform the vessel operator and captain of your arrival time, and review any last minute changes to the itinerary.  
• Confirm arrival time on mainland with bus driver and ensure pickup in a timely fashion.

Arriving at the Site Location

• Introduce yourself to the DCR or National Park Service ranger to ask any questions you may have. The ranger will also:
• • Address safety issues such as the importance of staying on designated trails.
  • Highlight the island environment and habitat.
  • Discuss island etiquette and environmental stewardship, such as Leave No Trace. 
  • Describe how to use the Clivus compost toilets (applicable only on Spectacle and Georges Island)
  • Confirm meeting and departure time and location with teachers and chaperones. 
  • Have a copy of your DCR Recreational Use Permit available at all times.