Click Here for Field Trip Program Options!
Please follow these steps to schedule a field trip program:
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Determine which field trip program(s) you wish to schedule. Different programs are offered for different age groups and are created to satisfy various Indiana Academic Standards requirements. To review the programs offered, click here.
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Choose your first and second choice of dates you wish to visit. Your second choice date may be used as a "back-up" date in the event your first choice date is rained out or must otherwise be cancelled.
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Determine at what time you wish for the program to begin. Please allow no less than 5 minutes to check in before your program begins. We recommend arrival at our site no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and no later than 2:00 p.m., unless visiting on a weekend day. Please note most programs require our staff to attend to your group for a fixed amount of time, typically 30 to 45 minutes. We would ask that your visit not exceed 90 minutes.
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Determine approximately how many students, teachers, and adult chaperones you anticipate attending your field trip. Note: Program fees will vary based on number of students in attendance. Teachers are admitted free, however adult chaperones are charged admission as stated for each program.
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Determine if your group will be using the covered pavilion and picnic tables for carry-in snacks or lunch. You will need to confirm this on the registration form. There is no charge to use these facilities when you book a field trip program.
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Complete the online reservation form below and submit (be sure to read the remaining steps below). The form will be e-mailed to Black Pine and a staff member will call or e-mail to confirm your booking. If you are unable to submit the form for any reason online, please call (260) 636-7383 to book your field trip program.
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Be sure you have received a formal confirmation from a member of our staff (not just the confirmation your form was submitted) before considering your field trip program "booked". Call us at (260) 636-7383 if you are not sure if you are confirmed.
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Please plan ahead and get driving directions before the day of your field trip. Black Pine moved in 2006, make sure you have the correct address and can find us!
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Download and enjoy the supplement materials provided at no additional charge to make the most of your program! Click here for downloads. For more classroom activities, click here!
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PLEASE TAKE NOTE of the following additional information to ensure your students receive the full benefit of the program you schedule:
In the case of rain or other inclement weather, Black Pine reserves the right to cancel your scheduled program, both to protect and respect the comfort of our animals, as well as our staff and you! Every effort will be made to reschedule, though setting up a rain date in advance is your best bet at being sure another date will be available.
Arrive on time!! Arriving late will take time off your program in order that we maintain schedules for other commitments. You should plan to arrive no less than five minutes early to allow time for students to disembark from buses and assemble before your program begins.
Please have your payment ready upon arrival. One responsible adult from your group will be asked to check in and take care of paying program fees. The remainder of your group should remain either on their respective buses, or as a group outside the main park entrance. This will allow our staff tour guide to share a few simple rules before entering the park grounds. (Rules include no running, no mimicking or animal sounds, and no talking while the guide talks.
Be prepared to supervise your students. Our staff will be prepared to guide the program and offer knowledge and supervise any interactive experiences, however it is your responsibility to keep students quiet while presenters are speaking, and to ensure our rules are adhered to, which include no running, no climbing on fences, no taunting or teasing, etc. We will appreciate your cooperation. In the event any group becomes disorderly, Black Pine reserves the right to end the program, and no refunds will be issued.
If you are registering a group of more than 50 students, please plan to split them into two groups. In order to manage groups moving throughout the grounds, we will request that you plan on enough adult chaperones to split your group, and we will plan ahead for additional staff support as needed.
Plan to dress appropriately! Your program will take place outdoors. Shelter is available in the event of a sudden shower, however, in the event of continuous bad weather your program may be cancelled. Light and intermittent showers will not cause cancellation, however raincoats and umbrellas are your responsibility.
If your group would like to do more to benefit the animals, review our Wish List for ideas, many of which cost little or nothing. Though certainly not required, the opportunity to help provide enrichment for the animals often provides a lesson in itself that most zoos cannot offer.
