Please review the following field trip information for the month you are visiting Sandy Hook. It is crucial that you, your staff and parents know what to expect when you get here, and for that reason we have provided a Checklist, Weather information page (And rain cancellation procedures), Virtual Field Trip and FAQ's pages. Visit them and distribute that information. See: http://www.brookdalecc.edu/staff/sandyhook/fieldtrip.htm
Answers to specific questions like handicap accessibility can be found in FAQ's

Year-round
Buses: Please visit the Virtual Trips and maps to clarify the directions, no-idling rules and parking restrictions for the driver. We will need space for equipment and 1-2 staff per bus, so leave the last 1-2 rows clear for nets and boots. (If you have a "city" bus, advise the driver that we will need access to the luggage areas below) Also, leave seating space near the driver so our staff can sit safely and direct the driver around Sandy Hook. Near the end of your trip (Especially if you have several buses) our staff will load all the equipment on one bus to return it and staff to our building while your students clean-up or finish their lunch and beachwalk. This will save 15-30 minutes and allow you to spend that time on the beach rather than doing another driving loop of Sandy Hook.
Cars: Although parents and chaperones are welcome to join your group free-of-charge, they should be riding on the bus, not driving cars.Parking is very limited around our building and cars parked at the beach lots should have (paid) passes purchased at the fee booth at the entrance.
Trash: Sandy Hook park is carry-in-carry-out so bring garbage bags for trash and recyclables. We can assist you with the disposal of sorted materials but remember, there are no trash containers at the park beaches.
Group size: We consider a "class" to be up to 30 students. If you are bringing a large group (Over 75-students) during our busy spring season, it may be necessary to divide your group or split it to even out the students for the number of instructors we are able to provide, or to facilitate certain activities like the water work (seining).on the day of your trip. While this is an unusual occurrence, be aware of it, warn your colleagues, prepare for it in advance if the situation arises at Sandy Hook, and email us if you need clarification.

January-March
Most groups visiting for winter programs are studying geology, beach profiling, history, lighthouses, weather and shells. Normally we do not have the students attempting any water work except water testing.
Restrooms are limited to the Unisex facilities at Lot-D. Bathrooms are available at the Visitor Center (North end of Lot-D) between 10:00-4:30. You should stop at these places before continuing to the Fort Hancock area and our building (Where bathrooms are small) and the Fort area ("Morgue") bathroom, which is a Unisex facility.
If you are visiting Twin Lights for part of your program (Where restrooms are available), remember that this is generally at the end of your trip to Sandy Hook.
Note: Many winter groups plan a stop at the Parkway Rest Area (Cheesequake) or on Route 36, five miles from Sandy Hook, at the McDonalds (Southbound) or Burger King (Northbound) in Atlantic Highlands.

Katelyn's Knee - 2008
Hazard: Remind your students that Park Rules require that they stay off
the rocks, gun battery walls and other structures where they might fall and get hurt.

April
Restrooms: The schedule that the Park Service follows to open all of its restrooms is weather-dependent. North Beach is usually the last to be opened in the spring and Lot-D (Sea Gulls Nest is the first.) See the January-March tips (Above) to plan your stops.
Water activities: These are weather dependent but we make every attempt to include the seining activity on each trip. Limited pairs of waders are available during our "boot season" which lasts until mid-May. These are not suitable for small children (K-6) and your staff or parents should be prepared to assist. (And bring a change of clothes.)
Older students may be able to assist and you should choose 4 volunteers before you visit Sandy Hook. If you promise every student will have a chance to do seining, this will consume about half of your time at Sandy Hook.
Sunscreen and hats may be needed in the second half of the month when 80-90-degree days are possible.

May
Restrooms should all be open by May first.
Water activities: Groups visiting in early May can encounter cool weather if there is a sea breeze, so remind students to wear layers. See April information for "boot season" tips. Groups that visit for Sea Creatures programs after mid-May should have the students prepared to get their feet wet. (Bathing suits, old sneakers, towels, change-of-clothes) Do not anticipate that we will have enough boots available during our busiest season (May-June)."Boot season" is over in mid-May.
Sunscreen and hats are a good idea. Remember: Pale is the new Tan. Don't forget sunscreen.Also, there is usually a "hatch" of marsh gnats during the last week of May, so a 'class" can of bug spray might be a good addition to your trip equipment.
Group size: We consider a "class" to be 15-30 students. If you are bringing a large group (Over 75-students) during our busy spring season, it may be necessary to divide your group or split it to even out the students for the number of instructors we are able to provide, or to facilitate certain activities like the water work (seining).on the day of your trip. While this is an unusual occurrence, be aware of it, warn your colleagues, prepare for it in advance if the situation arises at Sandy Hook, and email us if you need clarification.
Toll booths: Tolls are collected from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Stay in the left lane and show your Brookdale-Ocean Institute receipt to the toll-takers. If there is a problem, ask to speak to a supervisor. Your waiver to enter the park is for educational purposes only, not a pass to go to the swimming beaches after your program with us.
Cars: Although parents and chaperones are welcome to join your group free-of-charge, they should be riding on the bus, not driving cars.Parking is very limited around our building and cars parked at the beach lots should have (paid) passes purchased at the fee booth at the entrance.

Ouch! There's no such thing as a good sunburn!

(Left) An unprotected shoulder (known colloquially as the "Timko-tan") after a Spring day at the beach.
(A fashion-disaster with that nice prom dress!)
Remember: Pale is the new Tan. Don't forget sunscreen.
(Right) Unsightly and painful "Jodi-toe" after several visits. (These marks often last all winter)
It is crucial that you to read over our FAQ's and checklist and to share this information
with your colleagues, students and parents. Please do not show-up unprepared
for wading and water activities, etc. and be certain to follow the directions for bathrooms
2-miles before you reach our building

June
"Boot season" is over and you should prepare the students to get their feet wet. (Bathing suits, old sneakers, towels, change-of-clothes)
Bringing sunscreen, hats and extra water supplies is a very good idea.
There is usually a "hatch" of marsh gnats during the first week of June, so a "class" can of bug spray might be a good addition to your trip equipment.
Swimming after your program is at E-Lot only.
Toll booths: Stay in the left lane and show your Brookdale-Ocean Institute receipt to the toll-takers. If there is a problem, ask to speak to a supervisor. Your waiver to enter the park is for educational purposes only, not a pass to go to the swimming beaches after your program with us.
Cars: Although parents and chaperones are welcome to join your group free-of-charge, they should be riding on the bus, not driving cars.Parking is very limited around our building and cars parked at the beach lots should have (paid) passes purchased at the fee booth at the entrance.

July
Friday traffic and heat are our main concerns in July. "Boot season" is over
Thunderstorms arrive early in the day and can pop-up anytime, so check the forecast and have a back-up plan if you must leave early.
Bringing sunscreen, hats and extra water supplies is a very good idea.
Swimming after your program is at E-Lot only.
Toll booths: Stay in the left lane and show your Brookdale-Ocean Institute receipt to the toll-takers. If there is a problem, ask to speak to a supervisor. Your waiver to enter the park is for educational purposes only, not a pass to go to the swimming beaches after your program with us.
Cars: Although parents and chaperones are welcome to join your group free-of-charge, they should be riding on the bus, not driving cars.Parking is very limited around our building and cars parked at the beach lots should have (paid) passes purchased at the fee booth at the entrance.

August
Friday traffic is our main concern in August. "Boot season" is over
Thunderstorms arrive later in the day, but generally after 3:00 when groups depart.
Bringing sunscreen, hats and extra water supplies is a very good idea.
Swimming after your program is at E-Lot only.
Toll booths: Stay in the left lane and show your Brookdale-Ocean Institute receipt to the toll-takers. If there is a problem, ask to speak to a supervisor. Your waiver to enter the park is for educational purposes only, not a pass to go to the swimming beaches after your program with us.
Cars: Although parents and chaperones are welcome to join your group free-of-charge, they should be riding on the bus, not driving cars.Parking is very limited around our building and cars parked at the beach lots should have (paid) passes purchased at the fee booth at the entrance.

Perfect Nails but Hives-on-Hands - Modelled by Lauren
Late summer is Hay Fever season, and students who are susceptible
to allergies might encounter allergens that could cause problems like hives.
Don't forget antihistamine lotions and insect repellents in your First Aid case.

September - October
Few concerns.
The park rangers begin to shut down the largest restroom areas at the end of October.
Be certain to stop at D-Lot (Sea Gull's Nest before continuing out to our building.
Hurricanes are rarely a surprise and we can schedule around them.
Bringing sunscreen, hats and extra water supplies is a very good idea.
Don't forget changes of clothing. "Boot season" begins in mid-October

November - December
Clothing is an issue and students should be reminded to wear layers.
"Boot season" begins for water activities.
The schedule that the Park Service follows to close its restrooms is weather-dependent. North Beach is usually the first to be closed in the fall and Lot-D (Sea Gulls Nest is the last.) See the January-March tips (Above) to plan your stops.

Go to our Weather page to try to predict the conditions on the day of your trip.