Jekyll Island 4-H Center Reservation Information
Jekyll Island 4-H Center operates its day and residential environmental
education programs from September through May of each school
year. The books typically open for reservations each
August for the next school year (example: 2006-07 books opened
August 2005). Scheduling a field study involves
many variables, and your choices may be limited by the availability
of dates. Before you commit to a date, be sure to review
the school calendar to consider your school’s dates
for grade level events, sporting events, holidays, breaks,
testing, teacher work days, and any other school functions.
If you are able to call as soon as the books open and you
have an entire school year to choose from, WHAT MONTH IS
BEST? Below is a list of things to consider for each time
of year. There is no way to predict the weather, and you
should always be prepared to experience all that mother nature
has to offer at any time.
Early Fall (September – October)
• Weather is warm, but it’s still hurricane season
and can be rainy.
• The sand gnats aren’t usually biting, but the
mosquitoes can be.
• All classes are offered this time of year.
• Students and teachers can bond early on, but fundraising
needs to happen quickly.
• Students are motivated and ready to learn.
• Information can be a great preview for lessons all
year long.
• Doesn’t usually conflict with school/system/state
testing.
Late Fall (November – December)
• Weather can be cooler, layers are necessary to be
comfortable in classes.
• The mosquitoes aren’t usually biting, but the
sand gnats can be.
• The water and air temperature are too cool to offer
seining and nets.
• It’s darker earlier in the evenings which makes
campfire and night walks extra fun!
• Students are motivated and ready to learn, but also
anxious for the holidays.
• Doesn’t usually conflict with school/system/state
testing.
Early Spring (January - March)
• Weather is variable, so you have to come prepared
for warm and cold.
• Insects aren’t usually a problem (maybe sand
gnats on a warm day)
• It’s plenty dark for campfires and night walks.
• Seining and nets is still not offered (air and water
too cool).
• Students and teachers are very comfortable with each
other and know the routines.
• Can be a nice break between winter holidays and spring
break.
• Doesn’t usually conflict with school/system/state
testing.
Late Spring (April - May)
• Weather is warmer (can be windy), and can even be
hot!
• Afternoon thunderstorms are a possibility.
• Insects depend on temperature (sand gnats cooler,
mosquitoes warmer)
• Campfire and night walks are more difficult as it
stays lighter later at night.
• Seining and nets begins again sometime in April when
water temps warm up.
• Swimming becomes more of a temptation for students,
but is not allowed!
• Can conflict with school/system/state testing, be
sure to check calendar.
• Great end of the year field study!
Reservation Contact
Melanie Biersmith, 4-H Center Director
201 S. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
PH: 912-635-4117 FAX: 912-635-4135 EMAIL: melmel@uga.edu
Office Hours: 8 am – 5 pm, Monday - Friday (voice mail
24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Contract, Deposit, & Incurred Cost
Your reservation is not confirmed until we receive your
signed contract and a $250 deposit. Please try to reserve
with the most accurate number possible. We ask for reservations
to be total number of people (students and adults total).
As changes in numbers are inevitable, the first 10% drop
in numbers is accepted free of charge by the center. After
the first 10% drop, there is a $25 per person charge for
each person reserved and not showing. Schools canceling within
eight weeks of their scheduled trip will be charged $25 for
each reserved space.
Transportation
Use any licensed transportation or school buses when available.
It may be necessary for schools to provide transportation
to certain classes while at the field study (details in “Class
Listings” section). We also strongly recommend that
all groups bring at least one vehicle (not a bus) in case
of minor emergencies and for personal convenience. We are
located approximately 20 minutes from Brunswick, and minor
injuries and/or illnesses that require a doctor may result
in teachers being gone for several hours. Of course, any
participant with life threatening emergencies can be transported
to the nearest medical facility by a local ambulance/EMS.
Student/Adult Ratios & Instruction
The minimum student to adult ratio we require from you is
13:1. The decision of how many adults and what mix of adults
(school teachers, school/county administrators, school nurses,
county extension employees, or parents) is your choice. But,
please keep in mind, all individuals who come are considered “participants”
and are charged the same (adults and students). We also require
that all students and adults attend classes and that all
adults are active in the supervision of the students. Additionally,
each school is required to teach on scheduled day classes
and two scheduled evening classes. The remainder of your
classes will be taught by Jekyll Island 4-H Center’s
full-time teaching staff.
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