$80 per student and $160 for Special Education students covers all reimbursable field trip expenses, this include transportation costs, as well as program, entry, pavilion fees, on-site equipment rentals (boat rentals, snowshoes, etc.), and camping at state-owned facilities. The grant does not reimburse costs for food, school-purchased field trip supplies, lifeguard salaries, or any costs for chaperones who drive separately.

https://parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids/grant-program.aspx

Both awards are intended to cover chaperones, and any special education transportation needs, which means that a chaperone themselves cannot be included as a student in the per student reimbursement equation.

The award letter will include a maximum award cap based on the number of students and chaperones. No exceptions.

The grant does not reimburse costs for food, school-purchased field trip supplies, lifeguard salaries, or any costs for chaperones who drive separately.

The grant only covers staff/administrators during the facilitation of student field trips. The grant cannot be applied to groups made up of entirely staff and administrators.

parksbusgrant@parks.ny.gov

Groups will receive an e-mail confirmation of grant approval in 2-3 weeks. The Connect Kids Field Trip Grant is a reimbursement grant program. This means that each grant recipient must cover all initial field trip costs.

Grant funds will not be released until after a field trip has occurred, all incurred expenses have been paid, and proof of payment has been provided to the Connect Kids Field Trip Grant Coordinator. Reimbursement typically occurs 2-3 months after the field trip is complete.

There is typically a 1-month turnaround time.

We welcomed groups of 200 or more in a day. The decision ultimately comes down to time. For 200 students, we need a minimum of 6 hours to effectively get them all through the course. If you have less time (due to transportation or other factors), you may need to book two separate days. Alternate transportation is also an option, please reach out to the Park manager for details.

Checks, Credit Cards, and Purchase Orders under certain circumstances. Please contact the Park Manager for more details.

Often, the students on the ground will follow their classmates as they navigate the Adventure Courses and cheer them on. We have some extracurricular activities like giant Jenga, kick ball, a soccer ball and football, and a frisbee available for them to play with. Groups are welcome to bring other games to play while at the park.

Jones Beach: Students can walk the boardwalk, or play at the waterpark/basketball courts immediately next to WildPlay.

Thacher: All buses can park in the WildPlay parking lot for free. Climbers will get off the bus and our manager or team lead will welcome the students and give them all the info needed to take on WildPlay. Then, the students will have their waivers and heights checked and given wristbands to assign them to a harnessing group and course. Next is group harnessing, group demos, and then we climb!

Jones Beach: Buses can park in Fields 4 or 5 (paid parking). From there, take the underpass below Ocean Parkway in the direction of the boardwalk (3-5 minute walk). Check-in at Guest Services and our staff will help you get ready for your adventure!

WildPlay operates rain or shine. We will monitor the weather, but we advise that groups plan and dress accordingly.

The course will only shut down in the event of a thunder and lightning storm within a 10-mile radius and we would not know that until the day of the event. We have safety procedures for when that happens while guests are up in the Adventure Courses.

In case of a cancellation, which is at the group's discretion, we would need 48 hours notice for staffing reasons.

Wear closed-toe footwear (sneakers/runners are best!), and clothing that fits snugly. Tie back long hair and remove all jewelry and loose objects. If it is raining, make sure you bring a rain jacket.

Please check our website for the access requirements and make sure that the group you are bringing will meet them. Our Classic Course has 3 levels which increase in height and difficulty and climb 40-60 feet off the ground. Our Kid Course is 15 - 20 feet off the ground with a shorter lifeline.

Who does the check need to be made out to? Checks must be made out to THACHER ADVENTURE EXCURSIONS LLC. (WildPlay Thacher) or JONES BEACH ADVENTURE EXCURSIONS (WildPlay Jones Beach).

When is the 50% deposit due? 7 days after the temporary booking is made, unless otherwise approved by the Park Manager.