Please consult your agenda to confirm pick-up and drop-off information for your tour.

Students can be picked up from the same location where they got on the bus. Tentative pick-up times are listed on the tour agenda. Students will be asked to contact their rides via phone if our drop-off times change based on travel delays.

There will be free time for students to make calls if they’d like. In cases of emergency, staff will contact the individual(s) listed on the Emergency Contact List. The agenda for the bus tour is busy, so please do not be alarmed if student calls are infrequent.

Students will be staying overnight in a hotel and will share with one other student. Genders will be separated between two different hotels and there will be security on duty during the overnight hours. Any student found in a hotel room of the opposite gender will be sent home immediately. All students must be in their own hotel rooms between the hours of 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM. Breakfast will be included at the hotel each morning. All hotels are non-smoking and feature free Wi-Fi internet.

Mandatory Packing

▪ Ankle-length (must cover ankles), sturdy pants must be worn to protect your legs. Shorts, skirts, yoga pants, and dresses will not be allowed.

▪ Closed-toe and closed-back shoes are required for all volunteers, regardless of capacity of your assignment. Shoes should be appropriate for your assignment that day.

▪ Clothing should be in good condition with no rips or tears. Pants need to be pulled up to the natural waistline.

▪ Refrain from wearing jewelry that might be dangerous or attract the attention of the animals.

▪ Earbuds/Headphones should not be worn while walking or handling animals.

***Please notify your school GEAR UP Program Coordinator if you have pet dander allergies or other animal-based allergies.

Recommended Packing

- Jeans or pants without holes (for volunteer day)

- Additional pants or shorts for other days (length should follow your school's dress code)

-Shirts for each day

- Undergarments for each day

- Sweatshirt or jacket recommended

- Clothing to sleep in for each night

- Socks

- Closed toe shoes + a backup pair

- Sunglasses

- Hat/visor

- Sunscreen

- Water bottle

- Toothbrush & toothpaste

- Deodorant

- Brush (comb, and/or hair ties if desired/utilized)

- Hygiene products

- Other toiletries (makeup, shaving items, etc. if desired/utilized)

- Extra blanket (if desired)

- Medications in their original containers (if required)

- Cell phone + charger

- Spending money (if desired; all parts of the trip are FREE and no additional money is required)

Pool use is prohibited unless a certified lifeguard employed by the hotel is onsite.