Chec

		Group Camping We have reserved the large group campsite in loop C at Westmoreland State Park. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland#cabins_camping Notes: There is room for 4-6 vehicles at the group site parking, though it's tight. Extra vehicles will need to park a short walk away in the overflow/trail parking at the entrance to the camp loop. The showerhouse is across the street--a very short walk and within sight. The group site has a very large tent pad, which all tents must stay on. There's a large central fire ring, some picnic tables, and a couple of grills adjacent to the tent pad. The state burn regulations are still in effect in April. If there is no campground host, only gas stoves are permitted until 4pm. No campfires or charcoal--even in the ring or grills. If there is a camp host, we will be permitted to have fires during the day. Participants should be able to prepare breakfast/lunch without wood fire/charcoal on the off chance that there is no camp host in the park.	Tue, Apr 25, 04:00PM - Fri, Apr 28, 01:00PM	Ages: 5-18	Participant: $15.00 Adult: $15.00 Sibling Under 5 $0.00	9/40	Log in to enroll
		Ranger-Guided Hike The ranger is still refining the program offerings, however, it is likely (but not set in stone) that this hike will include the fossil beach on the Potomac.	Wed, Apr 26, 10:30AM - Wed, Apr 26, 12:00PM	Ages: All ages	Participant: $3.00 Adult: $3.00 Sibling: $3.00	18/40	Log in to enroll

George Washington Birthplace
Just a short drive from Westmoreland State Park for those joining CHEC's camping trip, George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of the former Popes Creek Plantation, the American ancestral home of the Washington Family where George Washington was born. In addition to a Colonial Revival farm, burial ground, visitor center, and historic structures, the park also has picnic grounds and a public beach.

Registration closes: 2023-04-01

Thursday, Apr 27, 2023

1732 Popes Creek Road Colonial Beach, Virginia 22443

Guided and Self Guided Tours
Just a short drive from Westmoreland State Park for those joining CHEC's camping trip, join us for a ranger-led tour of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of the former Popes Creek Plantation, the American ancestral home of the Washington Family where George Washington was born. In addition to a Colonial Revival farm, burial ground, visitor center, and historic structures, the park also has picnic grounds and a public beach.
Notes: This is not a private tour, so we may be joined by other members of the community. The tour takes place at 2:30pm (and lasts 45 minutes), but it is recommend that everyone arrive 30 minutes early. We will also try to get there even earlier to enjoy lunch at the picnic area and some time at the beach first. After the tour, the remainder of the park is self-guided. The rangers also recommend picking up junior ranger books to work on during the visit.

02:00PM - 03:30PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant: $0.00
Adult: $0.00
Sibling: $0.00

17/50

Crozet Creamery
Reminiscent of a bygone era, Crozet Creamery makes your favorite ice cream flavors in small batches from scratch daily using the finest ingredients. Come enjoy our hand crafted flavors in the heart of Crozet—one of the most comfortable and beautiful spots in Albemarle County. Crozet Creamery's taste bud and diet inclusive menu features dairy-free options too.
Notes: Two tour times are be available. Both tours will be identical in content, so attendees will want to select 1.

Registration closes: 2023-04-15

Wednesday, May 03, 2023

2025 Library Avenue, Crozet VA 22932

		Shop Tour and Demonstration (Option 1) Student participants will tour the ice cream shop and talk about how ice cream is made. Our guide will make a gallon batch, and give a waffle cone demonstration. The trip includes student choice of ice cream scoop at the end. Notes: There is plenty of room for adults to wait and watch while students are behind the counter, and adults and younger/non-participant siblings may purchase scoops at the end of the trip for regular price if they wish. Children under age 5 should be registered as a sibling and will stay with parents during trip. 2 tour times are being offered to allow for more participants to attend. Attendees should register for only 1 tour as both will cover the same content.	10:00AM - 10:45AM	Ages: 5-18	Participant: $11.00 Adult: $0.00 Sibling under age 5 (non-participant) $0.00	8/23	Log in to enroll
		Shop Tour and Demonstration (Option 2) Student participants will tour the ice cream shop and talk about how ice cream is made. Our guide will make a gallon batch, and give a waffle cone demonstration. The trip includes student choice of ice cream scoop at the end. Notes: There is plenty of room for adults to wait and watch while students are behind the counter, and adults and younger/non-participant siblings may purchase scoops at the end of the trip for regular price if they wish. Children under age 5 should be registered as a sibling and will stay with parents during trip. 2 tour times are being offered to allow for more participants to attend. Attendees should register for only 1 tour as both will cover the same content.	11:00AM - 11:45AM	Ages: 5-18	Participant: $11.00 Adult: $0.00 Sibling under age 5 (non-participant) $0.00	18/23	Log in to enroll

Wildrock
ce in nature for family bonding, creative play, and quiet reflection. Wildrock creates joyful experiences that counteract the stresses of daily life and inspire a healing relationship with the natural wWildrock is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Nature Play for Health and Happiness.

Registration closes: 2023-04-05

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

6600 Blackwells Hollow Road Crozet, VA 22932

		Nature Playscape Free Play Geared toward PreK-6th graders, this program is for those wanting the maximum amount of time for free play and exploration on the three-acre nature playscape. Find over twelve play zones inviting imaginative play. Climb on a giant oak “Sally Mander,” discover an oversize nest with wooden eggs, make mud pies in nature’s kitchen, and wade in a spring-fed stream. The Playscape may be enjoyed by all ages, however, most play elements are geared to children three to twelve. Notes: Parking is limited to 26 spaces, so if CHEC ends up having a large number of participants, you may be asked to park at the nearby park (a 5 minute walk to WildRock) Pack a lunch if you wish to stay from 12:30-1pm and picnic. Wildrock asks that visitors pack out all garbage from snack and lunch. Rain or Shine! Wildrock does not cancel programs due to weather except in extreme conditions. A signed waiver is required for participants and will be distributed prior to the trip. Additional FAQs for what to bring/wear and parking will be distributed to participants prior to the trip.	10:00AM - 12:30PM	Ages: 3-10	Participant: $10.00 Adult: $10.00 Sibling babies in arms $0.00	19/50	Log in to enroll
		Eco-Escape Room: Mystery in the Meadow Geared toward grades 6 and up, students divide into small groups to tackle ecology-themed challenges all across Wildrock’s campus. Challenges introduce stewardship principles and some of the ecological processes unfolding at Wildrock every day. Each team brings back what they have learned for a capstone conversation at the end of the 2 hour challenge. The narrative for the escape room is campy, involving mysterious beings that have trapped Wildrock in time, and requires participants to investigate several processes in nature that take time. Scientific discussion may include topics such as erosion, succession, decomposition, ecosystem engineers, and seed dispersal. Participants will have time during the escape room to experience the property and roam freely on the Discovery Loop trail with peers. Notes: Parking is limited to 26 spaces, so if CHEC ends up having a large number of participants, you may be asked to park at the nearby park (a 5 minute walk to WildRock) Pack a lunch if you wish to stay from 12:30-1pm and picnic. Wildrock asks that visitors pack out all garbage from snack and lunch. Rain or Shine! - Wildrock does not cancel programs due to weather except in extreme conditions. A signed waiver is required for participants and will be distributed prior to the trip. Additional FAQs for what to bring/wear and parking will be distributed to participants prior to the trip.	10:00AM - 12:30PM	Ages: 11-18	Participant: $10.00 Chaperone participating adult $10.00 Sibling: $0.00	13/25	Log in to enroll

West Virginia Overnight at Snowshoe (Book Your Own Room)
For those attending CHEC activities in West Virginia on May 25th and 26th who wish to book overnight lodgings, the following options are available: OPTION 1) Lodging at the base of the mountain/off the highway: Inn at Snowshoe (2.5 star Motel) - CHEC Discounted Rate (tell them you are with CHEC to get this rate): $90.76 (inclusive of taxes and fees/subject to change) 877.441.4386 https://www.snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/lodging/the-inn-at-snowshoe (reviews: https://www.expedia.com/Snowshoe-Hotels-The-Inn-At-Snowshoe.h5800682.Hotel-Reviews) OPTION 2) Lodging at the top of the mountain/in the Village: Alleghany Springs $255 (no group rate available) (1 queen bed and pull out sofa, inclusive of taxes and fees/subject to change) - (reviews: https://www.expedia.com/Snowshoe-Hotels-Allegheny-Springs.h5798666.Hotel-Information) OPTION 3) Other lodging options can be found on VRBO, Expedia, other travel sites and here: https://www.snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/ OPTION 4) West Virginia State Parks, Cass Company Houses: https://wvstateparks.com/places-to-stay/cabins/cass-scenic-railroad-cabins/
Notes: For those attending the steam train field trip on May 26, the Cass Scenic Railroad train station (Cass Depot) is a 25-minute drive from Snowshoe Village.

Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Thursday, May 25, 2023 - Friday, May 26, 2023

Snowshoe, WV

Greenbank Observatory
Operated by the National Science Foundation, the Green Bank Observatory has made a number of major scientific breakthroughs and offers a variety of educational workshops and activities for students of all ages. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the United States and the world. Astronomers use Green Bank radio telescopes to observe the naturally occurring radio waves that come from stars, planets, galaxies, clouds of dust, and molecules of gas.
Notes: The Observatory is about a 3 hour one-way drive from Charlottesville. For those interested in overnighting for Friday May 26 activities, please see field trip program listing "West Virginia Overnight at Snowshoe (Book Your Own Room)" for suggested lodgings. https://greenbankobservatory.org/visit/getting-here/

Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Thursday, May 25, 2023

155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944

Lunch and Exhibit Hall (Option 1 - Pizza) If you choose this option, you are opting to buy pizza lunch. The cost per person covers two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, a small salad, and a bottled drink. There will also be an option to explore "Catching the Wave" Exhibit Hall, and/or play outdoors during lunch time.	11:30AM - 12:40PM	Ages: 0-100	Participant 18 and under $10.00 Chaperone Adults $10.00 Sibling: $10.00	13/50	Log in to enroll
Lunch and Exhibit Hall (Option 2 - Bring Your Lunch) If you choose this option, you are opting to bring your own lunch. There will also be an option to explore "Catching the Wave" Exhibit Hall, and/or play outdoors during lunch time.	11:30AM - 12:40PM	Ages: 0-100	Participant 18 and under $0.00 Chaperone Adults $0.00 Sibling: $0.00	4/50	Log in to enroll
Observatory Tour and Educational Workshops The tour includes a presentation about radio astronomy and the work done at Green Bank Observatory, followed by a bus tour of the campus to see the telescopes! The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the United States and the world. Astronomers use Green Bank radio telescopes to observe the naturally occurring radio waves that come from stars, planets, galaxies, clouds of dust, and molecules of gas. Participants will also enjoy 3 educational workshops (see program notes to vote for your preferred workshop topics). Notes: Students and a maximum of 1 parent/adult educator per family should register as participants, paying only the small CHEC admin fee. Additional adults coming with a family (spouses, partners, grandparents etc.) are asked to register as accompanying adults. Their $13 cost includes the museum's standard visitor charge and a small CHEC admin fee. Accompanying adult participation includes the guided bus Tour, exhibit hall entry, and science presentation. Accompanying adults will be able to participate in the workshops if there is extra space. Costs for this program does not include lunch, which you have the option of purchasing through a separate program registration. Registrants are asked to complete the following survey to indicate which workshops they are most interested in. The observatory will tally responses and conduct the 3 workshops that score highest for the group. PLEASE NOTE that while most workshop options are for all ages, there are several that are for 3rd or or 5th grade and up. If any of these workshops are selected, your younger child is welcome to attend but content will be geared for a slightly older crowd. Survey: https://forms.gle/QcxbYF4mc7g7Cqcv6 If you are unable to complete the survey form, email Joyce (joyce.smaragdis@gmail.com) to select your workshop choices.	12:45PM - 05:30PM	Ages: 0-100	Participant children ages 6-18 AND parent/adult educators (1 educator per family) $2.00 Chaperone adults NOT registering as the parent educator for the family $13.00 Sibling children 5 and under $0.00	23/50	Log in to enroll

Pearl Buck Birthplace
Pearl Buck (1892-1973) was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. She grew up in China, where her parents were missionaries, and returned to the United States where she was educated at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Pearl Buck earned a Pulitzer Prize for her novel “The Good Earth,” and she was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace museum is a historic home in Hillsboro, West Virginia.
Notes: The museum is a 1 hour drive from the Cass Scenic Railroad for those also attending that activity.

Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Friday, May 26, 2023

8129 Seneca Trail , Hillsboro, WV, 24946, USA

Pearl Buck Birthplace Group Tour
CHEC’s field trip will include a curated tour of Pearl Buck's birthplace home, her literature and life accomplishments. https://pocahontascountywv.com/pearl-s-buck-birthplace/

02:30PM - 04:00PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant children ages 6-18 $16.00
Chaperone adults $16.00
Sibling children 5 and under $0.00

7/20

Cass Scenic Railroad
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a state park and heritage railroad located in Cass, Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The park includes the Cass Scenic Railroad, an 11-mile long heritage railway operated by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad.

Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Friday, May 26, 2023

Cass Depot, 12363 Cass Road, Cass, WV, 24927

Cass Scenic Whittaker Trip
The Cass Scenic Railroad is the same line built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass. The locomotives are the same Shay locomotives used in Cass during that time, and in the rain forests of British Columbia for more than a half-century. Many of the passenger cars are old logging cars that have been refurbished. CHEC’s 2-hour steam train ride to Whittaker Station will depart from the Cass depot for an eight-mile round trip excursion that includes a 30-minute layover at the top of the mountain where you can enjoy the views and a snack. Cass is the home to the world’s largest fleet of geared Shay locomotives. Five Shays, one Heisler, and one Climax reside here. The legendary turn-of-the-century class C-80 Shay, #5 has been toiling up Cheat Mountain for 115 years, making it one of the oldest engines in continuous service on its original line, and the oldest operable Shay in existence! Trip Summary Departing the Cass depot, the trip to Whittaker Station takes two hours for the eight-mile round trip. Passing the water tower and machine shop, the railroad begins to climb lower slopes of Cheat Mountain along picturesque Leatherbark Creek. The train then zigzags through two switchbacks, the engines alternately pushing then pulling passenger cars because the grade is so steep. After passing the entrance to Cass Cave, the railroad levels off for the stop at Whittaker Station, surrounded by green meadows and fine views of the countryside. There is a cool, shady picnic grove with tables where excursionists may rest and enjoy the scenery.
Notes: Arrive 10:30. Train departs at 11am and returns at 1pm.

10:30AM - 01:00PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant children 4 -11 years old $44.00
Chaperone ages 12 and up $61.00
Sibling children 3 and under $0.00

18/50

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
The mission of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is to preserve and enrich the cultural life and heritage of the Valley.

Registration closes: 2023-05-15

Thursday, Jun 01, 2023

901 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601

		Gallery Tour This will be a guided tour through the museum galleries to include the work of John Chumley (1928–1984), one of the Shenandoah Valley’s foremost twentieth-century painters. Painting from a studio on his farm in Middletown, Virginia, John Chumley immortalized the Valley’s natural and built landscape, its people, and his growing family. His mastery of the realist style and his adept manipulation of light and color resulted in works that elevated the everyday to the exceptional. With Lyric Brush: John Chumley’s Valley presents nearly forty of John Chumley’s works as well as several objects that served as props and inspiration for the artist’s paintings. The exhibition also features works by three of John Chumley’s children who continued the family’s artistic legacy into the next generation. In addition to the changing gallery noted above, we may stop in one or more of the other galleries time permitting: The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) contains four gallery spaces: In the Shenandoah Valley Gallery, objects, multi-media presentations, and dioramas explore the sweep of Valley history, and two additional rooms display changing exhibitions highlighting the Valley’s decorative arts. The Founders Gallery presents rotating exhibitions featuring objects from the MSV Shenandoah Valley Collection and the collection acquired by MSV benefactor Julian Wood Glass Jr. The R. Lee Taylor Miniatures Gallery is home to a fascinating collection of furnished miniature houses and rooms assembled by R. Lee Taylor (1924–2000), the Museum’s late Curator of Gardens. This gallery also presents four miniature shadowboxes created by Valley miniatures artist William P. Massey (active late 1930s to late 1940s). The Changing Exhibitions Gallery displays continually changing exhibitions throughout the year.	10:00AM - 11:30AM	Ages: 2-18	Participant: $2.00 Adult: $2.00 Sibling babies in arms $0.00	24/50	Log in to enroll
		Garden Tour - Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks is an award-winning exhibition that uses beautiful works of art made from simple toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. From the proud power of a mother polar bear to the quiet serenity of a coral reef, the exhibition’s 13 displays of Sean Kenney’s art spark a sense of wonder in people of all ages. Notes: We will plan to meet in the Museum Lobby at 1pm before heading to the gardens for our tour. Dress appropriately for weather as our tour will be outdoors in the museum gardens. Everyone will get a sticker when we begin the tour that will allow access to the museum galleries at no extra cost if you wish to stay longer after the garden tour. There are also trails open for exploration if you wish to stay after. Babies in arms are free. All other participants should register as either a participant or accompanying adult.	12:30PM - 02:00AM	Ages: 2-18	Participant: $5.00 Adult: $5.00 Sibling babies in arms $0.00	28/50	Log in to enroll

Are field trips drop off?

No, not unless explicitly stated. Parents should plan to attend field trips with their student(s) or to send them with another parent/caregiver. CHEC will have a field trip coordinator attending the field trip to answer parent questions and coordinate with staff at the location, but the coordinator is not responsible for monitoring students.

Do my students need to take classes at CHEC to enroll in field trips?

You do not need to be enrolled in classes at CHEC to take field trips. They are open to everyone. You will need an account on the CHEC website and payment will be managed through that account.

My family can't make the field trip anymore. Can we get a refund?

Sorry, no refunds. This creates a lot of work and we are all volunteers. We would appreciate it if you notify us at fieldtrips@cvillechec.org if you can't make it or if someone else is taking your place.

I want to enroll my student in a field trip that they aren't the correct age group for. What should I do?

Our age recommendations are generally guidelines for what group the field trip is aimed at. This is to assist parents in figuring out if a field trip is appropriate for their student. We understand that parents often want to shift siblings for convenience or register an out of age range student who is especially interested in the field trip. This is usually fine. Go ahead and enroll and if there is a problem, we'll let you know. Occasionally field trips will have strict age guidelines (when requested by the venue). We will try to note those cases in the field trip description.

There are several programs for different age groups associated with a field trip. I want to enroll my children in different programs, but they are at the same time and I can't chaperone both. How is this handled?

You do not need to register as a chaperone twice. You should only pay one fee. Typically, you would register to accompany your younger child(ren). Upon arrival, make sure the coordinator realizes that you are accompanying your younger student.

Will people be masked?

Masking requirements will be based on venue requirements. As we list field trips months in advance, venue requirements may change between when we post the listing and when the event occurs. Please only register for field trips if you are comfortable masking if needed and comfortable with unmasked conditions if the venue allows. We anticipate that most field trips will be mask optional, but will state in the listing if there are different requirements.