Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea™
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Ship to Shore: Overnight School Group Program
Guidelines for Chaperones

Thank you for serving as a chaperone for Ship to Shore, the School Overnight program at Mystic Seaport. Chaperones often tell us that Ship to Shore is just as exciting, interesting, and memorable for them as it is for the students. But please be aware that serving as a chaperone is not a vacation. It requires hard work and constant attention. Ship to Shore is in demand by many schools for a limited number of reservations, and chaperones have an important influence on the success of the program. Please remember that your activities may have an impact on the future participation of your school.

In general, Mystic Seaport staff members will be responsible for organizing and directing program activities. You will be responsible for assisting school staff in managing the students, for demonstrating a positive relationship with Museum staff, and for helping students adjust to the routine and follow Museum rules.

Chaperones Will Be Expected To:

  • Create a positive learning atmosphere. Demonstrate and cultivate respect for the Museum's artifacts, equipment, and staff. Encourage students to be positive, optimistic, and respectful. Be an involved participant in all learning activities. Set a good example.
  • Stay with the program at all times. Every student group is accompanied by an assigned chaperone while traveling on the Museum grounds. We ask that you stay with your student group during all such times. We also ask that you help maintain student participation in large-group activities. During break times and overnight, school staff and chaperones will take full responsibility for supervising students (see below for schedule). As a chaperone, you are always 'on,' and any breaks must be pre-arranged with school teachers and Mystic Seaport staff.
  • Support the stated routines, rules, and regulations of Mystic Seaport. Discuss any desired changes in routine or special requests privately with Mystic Seaport staff. See that students are always supervised. Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages at any time during the program. Never take students off Museum grounds. Ensure that no food or drink is brought into exhibit buildings or aboard the Joseph Conrad.

Chaperones and School Staff Are Responsible for Full Supervision of Students at the Following Times:

Day 1:
4 - 5 PM, or 5 - 6 PM Dog Watch (Rest & Relaxation)
9:30 PM - 8:15 AM Overnight aboard ship

Day 2:
1 - 1:45 PM Transition Time aboard ship or on Village Green
4 - 5 PM, or 5 - 6 PM Dog Watch (Rest & Relaxation)
9:30 PM - 7 AM Overnight aboard ship

Day 3:
7:00 - 8:15 AM Packing & cleaning
10 - 11:30 AM Touring and shopping in small groups.

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