Decide how much time you will be spending at Ruffner Mountain. Our shortest classes are 1.5 hours. We recommend that you budget 30 extra minutes for your group to tour the animal exhibits at the Tree Top Visitor Center. You can also sign up for an all-day program from 9am-2pm where students can do either one very long class and eat lunch on the trail or two half day classes and picnic at the pavilion.

 

1.  Look through the Program Guide and decide which classes will suit the interest, educational needs, and ages of your students. If you do not see an existing class that fits your curriculum goals, Ruffner is willing to customize programs.

2.  Call our Education Coordinator at (205) 833-8264 ext. 13 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule your program. We ask that teachers schedule their field trips at least two weeks in advance.

3.  The Education Pavilion is available for your group to picnic. Please let the Education Coordinator know if your group wants to reserve the pavilion. 

4.  Once you have scheduled your program you will receive a confirmation letter via email. Information including your program time and cost will be included. Please look over this document to make sure that all information is correct.

5.  Print the confirmation letter and bring it with you on the day of your trip.

 

•  All programs will go on rain or shine. Students should be prepared with: layered clothing (preferably  pants), sturdy close-toed shoes, and a bottle of water to take on the trail. 

•  All students must have a nametag on. 

 

•  Divide students and chaperones into groups of 25 people maximum. If this is not done prior to the trip, a staff member will divide your group at random on site.

•  Line up chaperones for your trip. You will need a ratio of:

                   o  1:10 for 4th – 12th grade

                   o  1:5 for preK-3rd grade

•  If you have a special needs child who has a one-on-one aide they may attend at no cost. Please indicate this in your registration form.

•  Please go over Chaperone Guidelines with all chaperones to make sure they understand their role on the field trip. 

•  Collect any necessary information about allergies or medical conditions that could arise on the field trip and distribute this information to a chaperone that will be with that student on the mountain.

 

Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If you are unable to reschedule the program, we must charge a $30.00 cancellation fee. 

•  Please arrive on time. Late arrival will result in a shortened or possibly cancelled program depending on other scheduled groups for that day.

•  Bus parking is available. 

•  After unloading, students will meat at the pavilion for a short orientation. Restrooms are available. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase from the vending machines.