Click Here for Field Trip Program Options!
Please follow these steps to schedule a field trip program:
-
Select a field trip program. Different programs are offered for different age groups and are created to satisfy various Indiana Academic Standards requirements. To review the programs offered, click here.
-
Choose your first and second choice of dates to visit. Your second choice date may be used as a "back-up" date in the event your first choice date is rained out or must otherwise be cancelled.
-
Decide when your group will be ready to start their tour. Please consider driving time, time to unload from buses, time to use restrooms before tour, etc. Due to very tight schedules at the sanctuary, late arrivals may result in shortened tours to stay on schedule with 'end times'. We will accommodate tour start times from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please select a start time within those ranges. Most programs will run between 60 and 90 minutes.
-
Determine approximately how many students, teachers, and adult chaperones will attend. Note: Program fees will vary based on number of students in attendance. Teachers are admitted free, however adult chaperones are charged admission as stated for each program.
-
Decide if your group will be use the covered pavilion and picnic tables for carry-in snacks or lunch. This must be noted in advance due to limited availability. There is no charge to use these facilities, however you are responsible for clean-up.
-
Complete the online reservation form below and submit (be sure to read the remaining steps below). The form will be e-mailed to Black Pine and a staff member will call or e-mail to confirm your booking. If you are unable to submit the form for any reason online, please call (260) 636-7383 to book your field trip program.
-
Watch for a formal confirmation from a member of our staff (not just the confirmation your form was submitted) before considering your field trip program "booked". Call us at (260) 636-7383 if you are not sure if you are confirmed. We will not be held responsible for unconfirmed appointments that are not able to be accommodated.
-
Please plan ahead and get driving directions before the day of your field trip. Black Pine is located at 1426 W. 300 N., also called West Main Street, in Albion. Use this Google Map for complete driving directions.
-
Download and enjoy the supplemental materials provided at no additional charge to make the most of your program! Click here for downloads. For more classroom activities, click here!
-
PLEASE TAKE NOTE of the following additional information to ensure your students receive the full benefit of the program you schedule:
Arrive on time!! Arriving late will take time off your program in order that we maintain schedules for other commitments. You should plan to arrive no less than five minutes early to allow time for students to disembark from buses and assemble before your program begins. If you find you are running late, call (260) 636-7383 immediately to advise so schedules can be rearranged to accommodate if possible.
Please have your payment ready upon arrival. Assign one responsible adult from your group to check in with your tour guide and settle up program fees. Cash, check, MasterCard or Visa are accepted. Sorry, effective 1/1/12, no invoices will be issued for field trip programs. Please be sure to have an accurate head-count of the number of students, and the number of adult chaperones present - rates vary and we must account for the number of each. Payment must be made in full by the start of your tour. If your prepared payment exceeds what is due upon arrival, a cash refund may be given. If your group is arriving in multiple vehicles and families are paying separately, please allow plenty of time before the start of your tour to conduct headcounts and collect fees - it is better to do all of this BEFORE your arrival if possible and to submit as one group payment with a detailed headcount to avoid the need to shorten your program due to the added time to take care of fees.
Be prepared to supervise children (and adults)! Our staff's role is to guide your program, offer knowledge, and above all else, ensure the comfort and well-being of the animals at all times. You and your fellow staff and adult chaperones will be held responsible for all members of your group to follow ALL rules: Be quiet! Absolutely no running, no kicking and dragging feet on gravel pathways, no climbing up on fences, no animal noises or other animal imitations, no taunting and no teasing. "Classroom" behavior, not playground behavior, will be expected at all times. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary IS NOT A ZOO. All visitors will respect the needs and comfort of the animals in residence at all times. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated! Your tour guide reserves the right to remove any disruptive tour attendees, and/or end the program, if necessary. No refunds.
In the case of rain or other inclement weather, Black Pine reserves the right to cancel your scheduled program, both to protect and respect the comfort of our animals, as well as our staff and your group! In the event of continuous showers, thunder and lightening, high winds, or unseasonably cold or hot temperatures, your tour may be subject to cancellation or postponement to a previously arranged "rain date". For best chance of a postponement, set up a "rain date" at time of booking. Schedules fill up fast!
If you are registering a group of more than 75 students, we will attempt to split them into two groups. Please note our request that you provide at least one adult chaperone for every ten students! Large groups are not ideal for Black Pine's programs, however we will do our best, and ask you to assist, with efforts to keep large groups organized and moving quietly throughout the compound.
Plan to dress appropriately! Your program will take place outdoors. Pathways are primarily recycled asphalt with the possibility of rain puddles occurring occasionally. No open toe shoes, please. No neon colors, please. No toys, plush animals, or pets allowed on tour unless permission is granted by a staff member. Shelter is available in the event of a sudden shower, however, in the event of continuous bad weather your program may be cancelled. Light and intermittent showers will not cause cancellation, however raincoats and umbrellas are your responsibility.
If your group would like to do more to benefit the animals, review our Wish List for ideas, many of which cost little or nothing. Though certainly not required, the opportunity to help provide enrichment for the animals often provides a lesson in itself that most zoos cannot offer.
CLICK TO CHECK DATE/TIME AVAILABILITY HERE!
