For Parents
What are the cabins like?
The students stay in heated cabins with bunk beds in groups of 10 – 15. An instructor lives in each cabin with the students. Girls and boys stay in separate cabins. The bathrooms have individual shower stalls for privacy.
What should my child bring?
The clothing list, located in the Information for Parents brochure or on the OSS portion of the website, has specific suggestions on what to bring. Choosing comfortable shoes, clothing that can be layered for warmth, and using travel size toiletries are tried and true tips. Borrowing items such as a winter jacket or a sleeping bag can also keep your cost down. If you don't have a sleeping bag, a bedroll of a sheet and blankets will work. OSS has rain ponchos, rubber boots and some jackets, hats, and gloves available for students to borrow.
What will the weather be like?
Mountain weather is unpredictable. At some point in time it has snowed at OSS every month from September to June. February and March tend to have the most rain and snow followed by January and April. To get a forecast from one of the weather websites, put in Running Springs for information on Cedar Crest and Calvary and Forest Falls for information on Forest Center and Creekside.
How are staff members selected?
Staff members are interviewed, referenced and fingerprinted before they can be hired. Once hired, the instructors receive extensive and ongoing training. Instructors are evaluated weekly by the students (stick figure activity) and are observed and evaluated formally by the OSS program staff.
What if my child is homesick?
The OSS staff will encourage your child to work through it. If your child continues to have trouble adjusting you will be contacted. Together we will decide how to proceed.
What if my child becomes ill?
Each site has a health services technician (RN, LVN, or EMT) who lives on site during the week. Minor illness or injuries, such as headaches or cuts and scrapes, are treated on site. If your child has something more serious, such as the flu or a fever, you will be contacted and may be asked to pick up your child. If it is something more urgent, you will be contacted and arrangements will be made to transport your child to a medical facility, if necessary.
What happens if my child comes home early?
If a student attends for only part of a week, the cost will be prorated when the school is billed. If a student leaves and returns to OSS he/she will be charged the full fee.
My child has a special diet. What should I do?
Fresh fruit and vegetarian options are available at all meals and there is a salad bar at lunch and dinner. If you think you will need to send substitute food, contact the site your child will be attending for more information or to obtain a menu. Your school has Meal Substitution guidelines to help you plan your child's menu.
Can parents visit?
Parents are welcome to visit the program any time it is in operation except the week your child is attending. This policy prevents homesickness and distraction from the program. Please arrange any visit in advance by calling the OSS program office at (909) 389-0820.
What if my child takes medication?
In addition to the Student Registration form that every student must have, you will need to fill out a Medication Authorization form. This form is necessary for any medication you send: prescription, non-prescription, vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, etc. Both parent and physician signatures are required (even for vitamins). All medication/supplements must be in the original containers and clearly labeled.
For Teachers
How many teachers should attend from each school?
There should be one certificated district employee for every 25 - 35 students. It is preferred, but not required, that the students' own teachers attend. If you would like to send more staff than the required ratio, please call the site to make sure accommodations are available.
What if I have a special diet?
A vegetarian option is offered at meals when meat is the main dish. Fruit is available at most meals and there is a salad bar at lunch and dinner. Teachers may bring their own food to supplement the OSS menu. See Site Details in the Teacher's Guide or call the site for information on the availability of a refrigerator and/or microwave.
Is there cell phone reception at OSS?
All sites have limited reception (some providers are better than others). Long distance calls can be made with a phone card from our business phone.
Can teachers bring their own vehicles?
Teachers may bring their own vehicles if the students on the buses are adequately supervised (one teacher on every bus with students). Be aware that weather conditions could change at any time and that chains may be required.
What are my responsibilities at OSS?
As a teacher you are the district representative responsible for your students during the entire week. You are expected to remain on site for the week, including overnight, and be available to help the OSS staff with student discipline, homesickness, medical concerns, and emergencies. Teachers lead academic hikes and help supervise science sessions and other activities. Teachers also help supervise students at meals. See the Teacher's Guide for more information.
May a teacher with a special health condition attend OSS?
Although some accommodations can be made, the teacher is expected to take an active role in teaching and supervising students. Teachers should be able to walk at least a mile on uneven terrain in all types of weather. Teachers with special health conditions (e.g., pregnancy, diabetes, heart condition) who wish to attend need to fill out a Release for a Teacher with Special Needs form. This form must be signed by the teacher's physician, the district risk manager, and approved by the Orange County Department of Education.
Do I have free time during the week?
Teachers have free time every evening after dinner and have breaks between meals and activities. You are welcome to attend evening programs and may be invited to participate in skit night (optional). If you wish to leave the site, please check out and in with the program manager or program assistant in charge.