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Winter 2024 : (January 08, 2024 - March 11, 2024)
CHEC Winter Festival
Join us for CHEC's Winter Festival from 1-4. As a thank you for such an amazing session, we would like to invite all CHEC families (past, present and future) to join us for an afternoon of fun. Activities will include: Market, Holiday Crafts, and Cookie Swap and Contest.

Registration closes: 2023-12-08
Monday, Dec 11, 2023 717 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville
Market Customer
Join CHEC friends for our second annual Winter Market. This is a group project where some students are business owners and others are customers. Customers get to move through the market voting on good business ideas with their *pretend* dollars. Which do you want more? A caricature or to throw a pie? Hot chocolate or baklava? Not much money left? Can you haggle for a better price? Come find the best deal in town. Note that this activity will use **pretend money** provided at the event. This is so we can have many transactions and loads of fun. This is a project-based learning opportunity and we want those practicing money handling (identifying dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies and purchasing things) to get lots of practice.

01:00PM - 02:00PM Ages: 4-18 Participant: $0.00
37/100
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Market Vendor
Join CHEC friends for our second annual Winter Market. This is a group project where some students are business owners and others are customers. Have a great idea for what might sell to your peers, their siblings, or their parents? Maybe you have the best baklava recipe. Maybe you can draw caricatures or charge people to let them throw a pie in your face. If you've got a business idea, you should be a vendor. Note that this activity will use **pretend money** provided at the event. There is more fun for everyone if there is lots of buying and selling and it helps us explore concepts like profit, net income, unit price, and supply and demand. We'll track our sales and expenses, determine profits, and see if our predictions of which businesses will make the greatest profit, the greatest net profit, and the greatest sales are accurate. There is a vendor planning session on Dec. 1st from 10-11:30 where we'll share our business ideas, calculate expected profit, and make our market predictions. We'll have a follow-up session right after the market closes to see if our predictions are accurate.
Notes: Students younger than 10 may participate as vendors but will likely find the math complicated and will need assistance from a parent.

01:00PM - 02:00PM Ages: 10-18 Participant: $0.00
12/20
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Adult Cookie Swap
Participants for the adult cookie swap should plan to bring between 1-3 dozen cookies (homemade or store-bought). Bring your own container and take home a sampling of cookies (about the same number as what you brought). Please bring an ingredient list with your cookies. The adult cookie swap will be combined with the youth cookie swap which will take place after the youth cookie contest judging.

02:00PM - 02:30PM Ages: 16-99 Chaperone: $0.00
9/50
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Youth Cookie Contest and Swap
All cookies should be made by hand and decorated by your child (assistance can be provided for younger children). Please bring at least a dozen cookies. A cookie swap will be held after judging (to be combined with the adult cookie swap). Prizes will be awarded for four different age groups - 0-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-18. Please bring an ingredient list with your entry.

02:00PM - 02:30PM Ages: 5-18 Participant: $0.00
28/100
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Crafting Workshop - Craft Organizer
Enrollment in this activity indicates that you plan to lead and provide materials at a craft station. Craft Organizers plan a holiday/winter craft for participants to complete. Crafts can be as simple or complex as you would like (a few complex crafts for our teens would be good) and can include activities such as ornament making, jewelry making, gift making, making tree toppers, decorating cookies, etc. Organizers bring a sample of the completed craft and materials to build the craft. Then they assist students in crafting it. You will be provided with a final count of the number of participants by Dec 8.

02:30PM - 04:00PM Ages: 16-99 Chaperone: $0.00
8/30
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Crafting Workshop - Craft Maker
Enrollment in this activity indicates that your child intends to visit various craft stations and make crafts. Come create some holiday/winter crafts, ornaments and gifts. Move between different crafting tables and try out a variety of projects. Please sign up to participate in the crafting workshops so our organizers know how many supplies to bring.

02:30PM - 04:00PM Ages: 5-18 Participant: $0.00
35/100
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The best film, food and drink all in one seat.

Registration closes: 2023-12-05
Monday, Dec 18, 2023 375 Merchant Walk Sq, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Private Showing of Wonka
We have a private theater to view Wonka: The story will focus specifically on a young Willy Wonka and how he met the Oompa-Loompas on one of his earliest adventures. We have not placed age limits on attendance. Parents should look at the rating once the movie is released and decide whether it is appropriate for your child(ren) prior to registering. Popcorn and drinks included with ticket (option to order from menu at additional cost).

11:00AM - 01:30PM Ages: 0-100 Participant: $22.00
Chaperone: $22.00
37/200
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Altria Theater
Richmond’s Altria Theater is located to the west of downtown Richmond, across from historic Monroe Park. The City of Richmond-owned theater is nestled in the middle of the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and it now plays host to a variety of events including Broadway productions, The Richmond Forum, concerts, comedians, children’s theater, lectures, school commencements and fashion shows.

Registration closes: 2023-11-08
Sunday, Jan 21, 2024 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond, Va
Broadway Performance of Annie (budget seats)
Join CHEC for a group visit to see Annie on Broadway. Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best‐loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. • Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®‐winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
Notes: CHEC is offering two pricing tiers for this performance - $80 per seat or $44 per seat. The price reflects where you will be seated in the theater. If you sign up before Oct 24, you will be seated with other CHEC families in your same pricing tier. After Oct 24, there is a chance that you may be seated away from the CHEC group depending on seat availability. No children 2 and under are allowed. Runtime is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Doors open one hour before the performance time at 1pm. Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes early (Cindy will be in front of the theater handing out tickets from 12:30pm-12:45pm). If you are running late, your tickets will be left for you at the box office will call.

01:00PM - 03:30PM Ages: 3-99 Participant ages 3-18 $47.00
Chaperone over 18 $47.00
7/50
Broadway Performance of Annie (best seats)
Join CHEC for a group visit to see Annie on Broadway. Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best‐loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. • Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®‐winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
Notes: CHEC is offering two pricing tiers for this performance - $80 per seat or $44 per seat. The price reflects where you will be seated in the theater. After Oct 24, there is a chance that you may be seated away from the CHEC group depending on seat availability. No children 2 and under are allowed. Runtime is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. Doors open one hour before the performance time at 1pm. Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes early (Cindy will be in front of the theater handing out tickets from 12:30pm-12:45pm). If you are running late, your tickets will be left for you at the box office will call.

01:00PM - 03:30PM Ages: 3-99 Participant ages 3-18 $83.00
Chaperone over 18 $83.00
17/50
Great Wolf Lodge
No matter what the weather outside is doing, our resort at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VA, keeps the indoor water park fun flowing 365 days per year. Splash, swim, and slide with the whole family, then dry off and head into our adventure park to delight in dry-land attractions such as bowling, arcade games, a ropes course, our immersive MagiQuest adventure game, and more. Kids will love the assortment of entertainment included in your stay—from yoga and arts & crafts projects to a dance party and story time that wrap up the day—and be sure to keep your camera handy for a photo op with the Great Wolf Kids characters who have been known to roam around the resort.

Bring: Bathing suits!
Registration closes: 2023-12-30
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 - Friday, Feb 02, 2024 549 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg VA 23188
Group Stay at Great Wolf Lodge
PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO BOOK THEIR OWN ROOMS USING A SPECIAL CODE. **Please enroll in this program if you are interested in booking a room at Great Wolf Lodge, and we will email you the booking code that you can use to reserve your room** You can book one night, two nights or all three nights, and you can choose from four different types of suites: Family Suites and Family Fireplace Suites are $100.00 plus taxes and fees = $114 per night. Majestic Bear Suites and Grizzly Bear Suites are $230.00 plus taxes and fees = $259.60 per night. Your room comes with passes to the water park (the number can equal up to the reserved occupancy of the room). If you try to book a room and it says it is unavailable, please email Cindy at cvillechec@icloud.com and I will contact the lodge about adding more rooms to our group.
Notes: Discussion is happening in Beyond Explorations discord https://discord.gg/nRurqgabQV - let everyone know that you are going; what nights you will be staying; and what field trips you will be attending while there. This is always a super fun trip, and the kids love running wild around the resort.

Tue, Jan 30, 04:00PM - Fri, Feb 2, 11:00AM Ages: 0-99 Participant ages 0-18 $0.00
Chaperone over 18 $0.00
Sibling: $0.00
65/100
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The American Civil War Museum
The American Civil War Museum explores, inspires, and promotes the public’s understanding of the Civil War – its causes, course, and consequences. The Museum’s flagship site is located at Historic Tredegar on the banks of the James River in Richmond. The new, award-winning museum building encases the original Tredegar Iron Works ruin wall, and features state-of-the-art storage space to protect their unparalleled collection of artifacts.

Registration closes: 2024-01-12
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 480 Tredegar St. Richmond, VA 23219
Medicine in the Civil War
Why did more soldiers die from disease than in battle? Explore how the Civil War changed medical practices through this engaging and interactive program. Students will learn about the critical advancements made by doctors and nurses during the war as well as the diseases that caused the high death toll.
Notes: Please note that this field trip includes admission to the museum so participants can enjoy the museum exhibits after the program concludes.

01:00PM - 01:45PM Ages: 11-18 Participant ages 11-18 $2.00
Chaperone: $16.00
Sibling Under 11 $2.00
12/40
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Jefferson Lab
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory. Scientists worldwide utilize the lab’s unique particle accelerator, known as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), to probe the most basic building blocks of matter - helping us to better understand these particles and the forces that bind them - and ultimately our world.

Registration closes: 2024-01-07
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 12000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA
PhysicsFest
Physics Fest is a part-experiment, part-demonstration program that features entertaining and educational displays of cryogenics and plasmas. The program also introduces the audience to the types of experiments conducted at the lab and some of the technologies used to carry them out. The program’s array of demonstrations is designed to help kids better understand scientific principles and research methods. Audience members will learn about the phases of matter, starting with demonstrations using liquid nitrogen at a frigid -321 degrees Fahrenheit, and ending with plasmas.
Notes: CHEC families have previously attended this event and it is fantastic.

10:00AM - 12:00PM Ages: 11-17 Participant: $2.00
Chaperone: $2.00
Sibling Under 11 $2.00
30/30
Waitlist: 3
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Mariner's Museum
The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waters, because through the waters – through our shared maritime heritage – we are connected to one another. The museum is one of the largest maritime museums in North America and has an extensive collection of artifacts including miniature ship models, scrimshaw, maritime paintings, decorative arts, carved figureheads, working steam engines, and the world's only known Kratz-built steam calliope. The museum is housed in a scenic 550 acre park with a lake and trails.

Registration closes: 2024-01-07
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 100 Museum Drive Newport News, VA 23606
Tales Across the Atlantic
For centuries, the tradition of storytelling flourished in every culture to entertain, teach life lessons, and explain the workings of the world through origin folklore. Here in the United States, the stories we love today were influenced by the convergence of African, European, and Native American cultures. In this engaging and informative program, students will listen to stories from these three cultures and understand how these stories are similar, despite originating in different parts of the world. Students will become active participants in this storytelling tradition by using body percussion, musical shakers, and movement and be introduced to instruments from around the world. At the end of the program, students will create a visual story “film strip” with a beginning, middle, and end.

01:30PM - 02:30PM Ages: 4-10 Participant children ages 4-10 $7.00
Chaperone: $2.00
Sibling Under 4 $0.00
3/30
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Ironclad Marvels
What happens when iron meets iron at sea? Find out by investigating the battle between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Using artifacts, reproduction artifacts, personal correspondence, and historical images, students will gain an understanding of the importance of this ironclad battle to Virginia, the American Civil War, and navies around the world. During the program, students will become detectives who learn about six individuals involved in the history of this battle through a primary source analysis activity. Students will also discover how artifacts from the Monitor wreck site are being conserved here at The Mariners’ Museum and participate in a mock-archaeological excavation of the Monitor’s Dahlgren guns – just like our own conservators!
Notes: If there are a large number of registrants, this tour will be divided into an older and a younger group.

01:30PM - 03:45PM Ages: 10-18 Participant ages 10-18 $7.00
Chaperone: $2.00
Sibling Under 10 $7.00
23/30
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Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
RWS rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned and injured wildlife that are native to Virginia. Their 19-acre facility is staffed by federally- and state-licensed wildlife rehabilitators and trained volunteers. They provide care to more than 800 birds, mammals, and reptiles each year.

Registration closes: 2024-02-01
Thursday, Feb 15, 2024
Wildlife Sanctuary Facility Tour and Q&A (10:30am)
(Both tours will cover the same content - select the time that is best for your schedule). Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and the species we advocate for, as well as the wonderful world of working with wildlife. When you arrive at the sanctuary in beautiful Nelson County, we will spend some time walking through our main facility building and will explore the outdoor enclosures for our education animals, offering an opportunity to see all of our education ambassador team up close while answering any questions.
Notes: Tours typically range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. Please note parking is somewhat limited, so the more who carpool, the better! The venue is on a gravel road about 10 minutes back.

10:30AM - 12:00PM Ages: 8+ Participant ages 8-18 $10.00
Chaperone ages 18+ $10.00
24/25
Waitlist: 3
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Wildlife Sanctuary Facility Tour and Q&A (1pm)
(Both tours will cover the same content - select the time that is best for your schedule). Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and the species we advocate for, as well as the wonderful world of working with wildlife. When you arrive at the sanctuary in beautiful Nelson County, we will spend some time walking through our main facility building and will explore the outdoor enclosures for our education animals, offering an opportunity to see all of our education ambassador team up close while answering any questions.
Notes: Tours typically range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. Please note parking is somewhat limited, so the more who carpool, the better! The venue is on a gravel road about 10 minutes back.

01:00PM - 02:30PM Ages: 8+ Participant ages 8-18 $10.00
Chaperone ages 18+ $10.00
9/25
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American Shakespeare Center
Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s premiere classical theatre is at once intimate in scale and epic in imagination—creating vital, sophisticated, and accessible seasons built around a company of versatile actors performing in repertory all year round. They are a center for shared discovery by audiences, scholars, and artists of Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and classics old and new. The American Shakespeare Center illuminates the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, classic and new, refreshing the individual, fostering civil discourse, and creating community in the Blackfriars Playhouse and beyond.

Registration closes: 2024-01-15
Thursday, Mar 07, 2024 Blackfriars Playhouse 10 S. Market Street Staunton, VA 24401
Pride and Prejudice
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife…” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Surrounded by four sisters, a dithering but determined matchmaking mother, and a beloved, long-suffering father, Elizabeth Bennet is one of literature’s most cherished heroines. In her iconic journey toward love, she learns the dangers of hasty judgment and discovers the difference between superficial and genuine goodness. The sharp wit and irresistible romance of Jane Austen’s masterwork, has won generations of fans—now see it come to life on stage in a lively new adaptation by ASC veteran playwright Emma Whipday.

10:30AM - 12:30PM Ages: 8-18 Participant: $32.00
Chaperone: $32.00
7/50
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The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Nestled in the heart of Staunton, Virginia, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum invites you to embark on a captivating journey through time. Step into the life and times of one of America's most influential presidents. Immerse yourself in the World War I trench exhibit, take a peek at Wilson’s Pierce-Arrow limousine, walk the halls in the house where he was born and learn more about what makes Wilson a consequential and controversial president. From his humble beginnings in the Shenandoah Valley to his transformative tenure in the White House, you will learn about it here. Connect with the ideals that continue to shape the world today. Engage in thought-provoking conversations with knowledgeable guides, or lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding gardens, providing a serene backdrop for introspection and contemplation. Whether you are an ardent history enthusiast or a curious explorer, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum promises an unforgettable experience!

Registration closes: 2024-02-20
Thursday, Mar 07, 2024 20 N Coalter St, Staunton, VA 24401
Self-Guided Museum Tour & Guided House Tour
Your visit includes a self-guided visit to the museum, a guided tour of Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace house, and access to our historic gardens. During the self-guided museum tour, students will select the “Museum Detectives,” printed activity set for their age level, where they can focus on a specific topic as they move through the museum ||| PreK - 1st Grade: “Woolly’s Special Scavenger Hunt” encourages students to seek and find and illustrate or discuss what they found. (Woolly Wilson the sheep is the museum mascot) ||| Elementary - Middle School: “Be a Museum Detective” encourages students to discover specific items on display and write what they find. |||| Middle - High School: focus on primary source analysis from the collection and the exhibit connections related to civil rights.

02:30PM - 04:30PM Ages: 5-18 Participant ages 5-18 $10.00
Chaperone adult $13.00
Sibling children under age 5 $0.00
10/25
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Spring 2024 : (March 18, 2024 - May 21, 2024)
Ivy Creek Natural Area
Scenically shadowed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 219-acre preserve bordering the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir is a mix of upland woods, pine stands, open fields, streams, and two miles of shoreline. Its rolling hills and diverse habitats make the Ivy Creek Natural Area an ideal site to learn about the rich natural history characteristic of Central Virginia and has made Ivy Creek a favorite destination for visitors and community alike looking for a peaceful walk in the woods.

Registration closes: 2024-04-01
Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024 1780 Earlysville Road Charlottesville, VA 22901
Hike and Nature Program
Students will hike and take part in a nature program focusing on the changing of seasons. We'll have time after the 1 hour program to visit the historic 1930s barn built by Conly Greer, the first African American agricultural extension agent in Albemarle County. Scenically shadowed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 219-acre preserve bordering the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir is a mix of upland woods, pine stands, open fields, streams, and two miles of shoreline. Its rolling hills and diverse habitats make the Ivy Creek Natural Area an ideal site to learn about the rich natural history characteristic of Central Virginia and has made Ivy Creek a favorite destination for visitors and community alike looking for a peaceful walk in the woods.
Notes: Attendees will likely be split into smaller groups by age (depending on our numbers). Bring a lunch if you would like to stay for a picnic in the field next to the barn after our program. All trash must be taken off the property when you leave.

10:00AM - 11:30AM Ages: All ages Participant ages 6-18 $4.00
Chaperone ages 18+ $4.00
Sibling under age 6 $0.00
3/60
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End of Year 2024 CHEC Trip
CHEC's end of the year trip to the Smoky Mountains will include a book your own stay at the Roamstead and multiple optional excursions including: a hike to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail with breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a trip to Dollywood, and a pizza party.
Notes: Participants are welcome to work with the trip organizer to plan additional programs for the group.
Registration closes: 2024-05-01
Saturday, Jun 01, 2024 - Sunday, Jun 09, 2024 Smoky Mountains, TN
Camping (Book Your Own Reservation)
CHEC is reserving accommodations at Roamstead Smoky Mountains campground, Roamstead.com. To book your room, first go to roamstead.com Determine which type of cabin you want to stay in. CHEC has a block of rooms on hold through December 31st, after which the rooms will be released and available on a first come, first serve basis. The rooms in our block are as follows: Maple - 3 units Spruce - 4 units Oak - 3 units Pine - 4 units Yurts - 4 units Lodge rooms - 3 units Once you have selected your cabin type, call the Roamstead at 423-487-5534. Let them know you are with the Charlottesville homeschool Co-op and ask to speak with Carol or Gavin and confirm the 10% group discount on your room. Their cancellation policy is full 10 days out, minus a 5% processing fee. They would appreciate more notice on cancellations if possible.
Notes: Tent sites are not in the block, but if you are interested in camping, emailfieldtrips@cvillechec.org and we can look into adding them to the block. Contact fieldtrips@cvillechec.org to be added to the Discord group for discussions about this end of the year trip.

Sat, Jun 1, 12:00PM - Sun, Jun 9, 12:00PM Ages: All ages Participant: $0.00
Chaperone: $0.00
0/
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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.

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, however some field trip venues have strict age guidelines. Please enroll based on the age ranges noted. If you have an older or younger child you would like to enroll, please reach out to fieldtrips@cvillechec.org and we will let you know if there is wiggle room for that particular trip and how to proceed with enrollment.
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.
My family can't make the field trip anymore. Can we get a refund?

CHEC field trips are generally non-refundable. CHEC is run by volunteers and refund requests create additional work for multiple people. In addition, many field trips and/or group rates require us to meet certain minimums and we often have to notify our host of our headcount commitment well in advance of trips. Occasionally we are able to make exceptions to our refund policy for field trip totals over $50. If you would like to see if a refund is possible for a trip where your total was more than $50 or if you would like refund consideration for financial hardship, please contact fieldtrips@cvillechec.org. Consideration will depend on variables such as how far in advance we receive the request and our payment and headcount commitments for the particular venue.