Program Logistics
Who is eligible to participate in Arboretum Young Scientists?
Arboretum Young Scientists is for rising 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in a Boston Public School.
What is a typical schedule at AYS?
A typical day starts with a check-in and an overview of what they will do that day. AYS staff will also check in with students during this time to see how they are doing and get them ready for the day. Students then split into their two groups and head out into the landscape for their morning exploration. They come back together for lunch and then part ways for their afternoon exploration. The end of the day concludes with the students coming together and reflecting on their day and giving shout-outs to one another.
What do they do during the day?
Throughout the program students will spend their days out in the Arboretum landscape with science tools to learn about our forests, fields, meadows, and ponds. They will use journals to document their findings. Arboretum staff will periodically lead activities related to their jobs where students get to use some of the staff tools and techniques to try out tree-climbing alongside our arborists, plant pressing with the curation and plant records team, pest management with out greenhouse and plant production team, a tour of our research facility, and more. There is also time build in for games and teambuilding. We know summer is a time for fun, and we plan to make every day an enjoyable experience of discovery and growth!
How will my child get to and from AYS?
The Arboretum will provide daily bus transportation for students who want an alternative to taking public transportation or being driven. Bus pick-up will be at several pre-designated, centrally located stops close to where students live. Enrolled students must be able to get to and from the designated pick-up/drop-off locations on time. Students are also welcome to take public transportation and to meet at the designated location at the Arboretum or be driven and picked up by an adult.
Is there a charge for AYS?
No! AYS is completely free of charge.
Will you provide food?
We provide light breakfast items (please plan to have your students eat breakfast prior to arriving), lunch, and a snack daily for all students enrolled in the program. All food offered will be peanut and tree nut free. We will do our best to accommodate all students’ allergies once we have our final roster of students. If your child is a picky eater, you are welcome to send them with their own lunches/snacks, making sure they are peanut and tree nut free.
How do you communicate with families before and during the program?
During the application and enrollment process, most communication will happen via email, so please keep an eye on your inbox. There is one video call expected as a part of the application process. Phone calls will be made as needed. Communication with all accepted and enrolled participant families will be done through a WhatsApp community group, added by invitation leading up to the program start.
How does the application and enrollment process work?
A digital application must be filled out before the deadline if your student is interested in the program. There is a section on the application to be completed with your student. Next, the manager of youth education will reach out to schedule a virtual meet and greet to get to know your student better, share more about the program, and answer your questions. Next, If your student gets accepted into the program, you will receive an email with details about finalizing enrollment in the program. The submit the enrollment and medical forms before the program starts. Then, join the WhatsApp group for parents/guardians of enrolled students. Finally, get confirmation details on transportation and orientation.
Can my student bring their cell phone to the program?
Yes. There will be times when they are allowed to use their phones, as well as times when they are asked to keep their phones tucked away.
How many students are in the program? How many adults are supervising?
We aim to have 24 students participate in this program, 4 teachers, and additional support staff. We emphasize small group interactions to ensure a high-quality experience for all.
What should my child bring with them and wear?
All students must bring a reusable water bottle each day. They will have the opportunity to refill throughout the day. Students should always wear close-toed shoes (sneakers, hiking shoes). We recommend wearing tall socks, and long loose fitting pants as protective layers as we will be outside for this program. Shorts are permitted on very hot days if they are longer than your fingers with arms down. Hats are also a great option for protection.
Medical, Health, Risks
Must I sign the risk form?
Yes. Each parent/guardian must sign the liability release form before the program starts. This form lists some of the activities in which your child may participate and the risks of those activities. Arboretum staff have evaluated all activities thoroughly to prepare for and minimize risks. The release form also details the risks that come with any outdoor education program.
Must I complete the medical forms?
Yes. We need to know about medications and allergies to keep each student safe. Make sure to complete all the questions on the form. You will need to provide a copy of a physical exam conducted during the current school year and an updated immunization form.
How do you keep students safe?
Programs for students have been running at the Arboretum for 40 years. Students will always be supervised by AYS and Arboretum Staff. During high-risk activities, such as tree-climbing, we ensure that there are extra staff around for additional supervision. We review with all students our expectations around safety and teach them to recognize possible hazards involved in our activities, so they take risks seriously and know how to avoid injury.
How will you respond if my student is bullied?
Bullying is not tolerated. If it takes place, AYS staff will contact the families of both students involved. If any student continues with bullying behavior, they will not be able to stay in the program. We will check in with any student who has been the object of bullying, as well as the parent/guardian, for as long as needed to ensure that the student feels safe while participating in the program.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
The Arboretum is in the heart of Boston. Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical teams respond within 10 minutes for any emergency. AYS staff are instructed to call 911 in the event of any medical emergency.
What is your illness policy?
Your child must remain free from fever or vomiting for 24 hours before returning to the program. The 24 hours begins when your child last vomits or when the fever has broken and remains in the normal range without the use of medicine.
How do you protect against mosquitoes and ticks at the Arnold Arboretum?
Any park is a habitat for mosquitoes and ticks. We recommend that students wear tall socks and loose-fitting pants. We will provide students with tick-repellant socks that we encourage to be worn during the program. Students should do thorough tick checks at the end of each day at home. We will provide instructions for how to respond if a tick is found. Students are welcome to use/bring insect repellant.