New York Aquarium Overnight Trip
Saturday, March 23rd - Sunday, March 24th
WELCOME Letters:
Event Info:
Title:
NEW YORK AQUARIUM OVERNIGHT TRIP
Description:
Sleepover with the sharks.
Location:
New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Date and Time
Start: 23/03/2024 6:00 PM
End: 24/03/2024 9:00 AM
ENROLLMent Window:
Monday, February 5 at 10AM - Enrollment Window Opens for 5th Graders ONLY (and their parents)
Monday, February 12 at 10AM - Enrollment Window Opens for K-5th Grade (and their parents)
Purchase Tickets through the School Store: https://www.ps154.org/shop
GENERAL ITINERARY:
Below is a sample itinerary as activities and times are subject to change. When you check-in, you will receive a personal itinerary of all the activities planned. At Orientation, you will be given additional information on how your group will proceed through the sequence of activities, so you can get the most out of your experience.
Evening
6:00pm Check in begins
6:30pm Check-in Closes/Dinner and Free Time
7:00pm Welcome and Orientation
7:15pm Station Activities Begin
9:15pm Set up sleeping areas
9:30pm Snacks and Movie/Activity
11:00pm Get ready for bed
Morning
7:30am Wake up and Pack up*
8:00am Breakfast
8:30am Morning Exploration - Open access before Aquarium opens to the public at 10am
9:00am Goodbye!
*All gear must be packed up before breakfast. Anyone using public transit can store gear in a designated location. However, Aquarium staff is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Rules
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
The safety and well-being of our students are our top priority. Therefore, we have established the following guidelines for the Overnight Aquarium Trip:
All Children Must Be Accompanied by an Adult: It is mandatory for every child to be accompanied by a responsible adult during the trip. When registering ensure the adult accompanying your child is also registered to attend.
Pods for 5th-Grade Students: For 5th-grade students, we encourage the formation of pods consisting of 1 adult to 4 children. This allows more 5th-grade students to attend and enhances the collective student experience.
Flexibility for 5th-Grade Students: While we recommend pods, you have the option for your 5th grader to attend strictly with a parent. We respect your choice to tailor the experience to your family's needs.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
There will be no refunds for withdrawals, please connect with a parent on the waitlist to see if they are open to taking your slot. Payment should be coordinated directly via that parent.
LEAVE AT HOME
No Phones and I-pads: To ensure a wonderful experience for the kids, we ask that electronic devices such as phones and iPads be left at home. This policy will be strictly enforced, and "Pod Parents" are encouraged to have the contact information of the student's parents in their pod and vice versa for any communication needs during the trip.
No Battery-operated Games, Radios, Glow Sticks, and Necklaces: In the spirit of creating a focused and engaging atmosphere, we request that items such as battery-operated games, radios, glow sticks, and necklaces be left behind.
NO TENTS
Tents are not required for the Overnight Aquarium Trip, so there is no need to bring them along. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participating students.
FAQS
WHAT DOES THE PRICE OF THE OVERNIGHT INCLUDE?
The price of the overnight includes general admission, parking, educational activities, commemorative keepsake, late-night snack & movie, and continental breakfast for one (1) person. ALL PARTICIPANTS (CHILDREN OR ADULTS) ARE THE SAME PRICE. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS.
WHY CAN'T CHILDREN UNDER 5 ATTEND?
The Sharks After Dark overnight is designed for families or groups with children 5 and older. Because of the program content and late activities, we cannot allow families or groups with children younger than 5 years old to attend.
I DON'T WANT TO SLEEPOVER. CAN THE STAFF WATCH OVER MY CHILD SO I DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND?
The Overnight is designed as a family and group experience. Please coordinate with a fellow parent who plans to attend so you are included in their pod. Aquarium staff will be busy leading activities and will not serve as chaperones for students.
WHERE WILL WE BE SLEEPING?
All program participants will be sleeping in specific areas of the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?
Sleeping bag and pillow. If you are bringing an air mattress, make sure to bring a battery-operated pump.
Comfortable clothes and non-slip, close-toed shoes (no flip-flops, crocs or heels).
Personal items (toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, facial soaps and any medications). Overnights are co-ed, so make sure to bring the appropriate sleepwear.
We also recommend that participants bring a reusable water bottle and a flashlight.
DO YOU PROVIDE SLEEPING BAGS?
Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bags.
HOW FAR DO WE HAVE TO CARRY OUR GEAR?
You'll need to carry your gear from the parking lot to the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit inside the aquarium. Please make sure to label ALL gear with your first and last name so items aren't mistaken by someone else. Make sure to keep it light. We suggest no more than one backpack and sleeping bag per guest.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Comfortable clothes are a must. The program will run rain or shine, so make sure to bring a raincoat if rain is in the forecast. We also suggest warmer gear if needed for sleeping, as it gets cooler at night. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, since you will be doing a lot of walking as well.
WHAT TIME DOES THE PROGRAM START?
Check-in begins at 6:00pm and closes at 6:30pm. It is essential that you let us know if you are going to be late, otherwise you will not be able to get into the aquarium.
WHAT IF I CANNOT ARRIVE ON TIME?
In order to pack as much fun as possible into one night, we must start on time! Check-in starts at 6:00pm and ends promptly at 6:30pm. If you aren't able to arrive in that time slot, you need to contact us at least 48 hours prior to the overnight to let us know. The best way to reach us is by email at nyaeducation@wcs.org also email Claudia (claudia@claudiakalisdesigns.com)
WHAT IF I NEED TO LEAVE EARLY?
Please let us know when you check-in if you will need to leave earlier than 9:00am. We will need to coordinate with Security since the parking lot will be closed.
WHAT ABOUT BAD WEATHER?
The overnight will take place rain or shine. All of our evening activities will take place in the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, so no need to worry about the weather!
CAN I GET A REFUND IF A PARTICIPANT IS SICK AND CANNOT ATTEND THE OVERNIGHT?
Unfortunately, we cannot grant refunds if you or your child are not able to attend the overnight. Please connect with a person on the waitlist to see if they can take your spot. Please be in contact with Claudia (claudia@claudiakalisdesigns.com).
SOMEONE IN MY GROUP HAS A FOOD ALLERGY. SHOULD I LET YOU KNOW AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, please. We make every effort to ensure that our snacks and breakfast do not contain nuts or nut products. However, if you have a child with severe allergies, we suggest that you bring a snack and breakfast item in a sealed lunch box or food container. Please let us know at least 2 weeks before the overnight if you have any other dietary needs, and we'll do our best to accommodate the requests.
MY FRIENDS HAVE REGISTERED TOO. CAN WE BE IN A GROUP TOGETHER?
Yes, you can request to be grouped with another family for station rotations - contact Claudia (claudia@claudiakalisdesigns.com).
DURING THE PROGRAM
ARE THERE SHOWERS? WILL WE HAVE OVERNIGHT ACCESS TO A BATHROOM?
All bathrooms are a quick walk from the sleep site and located inside the exhibit. There are toilets and sinks, but no showers available. The bathrooms will be open throughout the night.
ARE THERE ANY OUTLETS AT THE SLEEPING LOCATION?
There are very few outlets available. If you plan on bringing an air mattress, make sure to bring a battery-operated pump to inflate the mattress. For your cell phones please bring an external charger.
DO WE NEED TO BRING ANY FOOD?
Families and groups should eat dinner before the activities start at 7:00pm. There are a few places along Surf Ave if you want to pick something up or eat before you arrive. We will provide a late night snack and continental breakfast in the morning.