A Typical Visit to Long Lake...

Though every visit to LLCC is different, we can give you some idea of what it will be like to bring your students for the Long Lake Experience.

Arrival & Introduction

A school group arrives at Long Lake Conservation Center shortly before midday, around 11:30 a.m. From the Twin Cities area, the bus ride to LLCC takes about two and a half hours. When the buses pull up at the North Star Lodge, LLCC naturalists greet the students and facilitate the orderly unloading of students and gear.

Students move into their bedrooms and spend a few minutes making themselves comfortable. Each room in the North Star Lodge has a shower, toilet, sinks, and storage cubby-holes, plus eight beds.

Students and teachers then gather for an introduction to LLCC: our goals, rules, preparation requirements for outdoor classes, and consequences of inappropriate behavior. Then students break down into even smaller groups, "color groups," which were assigned by classroom teachers prior to arrival. Each student assembles a "wood cookie" name tag. After the introduction the students and staff are given a campus tour en route to the Dining Hall for lunch.

Lunch & Other Meals

All LLCC meals are served family-style, with students helping set and clear the tables. With years of experience feeding hungry kids, our kitchen staff fixes time-tested kid-friendly food.

Introduction

After lunch, students gather for an introduction to LLCC: our goals, rules, preparation requirements for outdoor classes, and consequences of inappropriate behavior. Then students break down into even smaller groups, "color groups," which were assigned by classroom teachers prior to arrival. Each student assembles a "wood cookie" name tag.

Classes

Students rotate through activities with their color groups. LLCC naturalists teach all classes and coordinate switching between classes.

Students and teachers spend a lot of time outside, assuming conditions allow. Classes are about an hour & 45 minutes. In the evening, LLCC's education staff continues to lead classes and activities.

Awards

The last morning of the field trip features the orienteering race, an exciting application of skills. At a concluding presentation, students receive race awards and conservation awards ("Double Thumbs Up" and "Golden Broom") for environmentally sound behaviors at meals and in the Lodge.

Good-byes and departure follow. "So long, Long Lake!"