Pre-Arrival Logistics
An organized and well-planned trip helps facilitate a smooth first day arrival at High Trails. Every participating school elects a coordinator to take the lead in the logistics of getting students to High Trails. The coordinator will communicate with the directors for the months leading up to the trip, and are responsible for all aspects of the planning process at the school level, including parent and student meetings and coordination with the high school coordinator.
Common Questions for Coordinators/Teachers from parents and administrators...
Transportation...how do we get students to High Trails?...
Schools are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the center. Be sure to include high school leaders and luggage in your estimated needs for school buses.
What does it cost and how does billing work?
Cost is determined per student and is based on specific programs and days on site. Typical cost for a 3-day trip is $151/student, $240 per/student for a 5-day program. Grants are available upon request from the Sandy and Laura Sanborn Scholarship Fund. Schools are sent home with an invoice to be paid by the school or district in a reasonable timeframe. Inquire with directors for more details about pricing.
How does the High School Leadership Program work?
High school leaders from feeder high schools within the participating school's district will be recruited by a representative from the high school. The high school coordinator will communicate with directors at High Trails to set up an orientation meeting at school and distribute all relevant training materials. Applications, teacher reference forms and other recruitment tools are available for high school coordinators. Leaders will participate in three formal trainings before and while at High Trails. Refer to the High School page on this website for more details.
How do we get to High Trails?
From Interstate 25 in Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 West (exit 141) toward Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak. Stay on Highway 24 through Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Divide and Florissant. Drive through Florissant on Highway 24 then turn left on the gravel road (County Road 46) at the top of the hill just west of Florissant. It is marked with our sign. Follow this road for 2.5 miles and take the left fork which is also marked with our sign. Drive 1.7 miles and you will reach a covered wagon at a “V” in the road. Take a left and follow the main camp road for about 1 mile until you dead end into the High Trails Lodge.
Common medical concerns...
My student has severe allergies requiring an epi-pen or severe asthma and carries an inhaler...
Students are required to carry their emergency medications (Epi-pen, rescue inhalers) at all times. The nursing staff at High Trails will communicate with parents of students with anaphylactic or asthmatic concerns to develop a plan for that student's safety. Staff and teachers have on-site medical briefings with the nurses to develop an awareness of student medical concerns and discuss safety protocols. Encourage parents to call the nurse or directors if they have any concerns.
My student has dietary concerns. How does High Trails deal with it?
It can be difficult for the cook staff to prepare special meals for students with dietary needs while serving for large groups. Therefore, we ask parents to request a menu, which can be faxed or emailed, then supplement the menu with food packed in a labeled cooler we'll hold in our walk-in refrigerator. If you have questions feel free to call the directors at 719-748-3451.
Are there any prep materials for students and teachers?
Yes! High Trails will provide one High Trails Explorer Magazine and a High Trails journal for every student. The explorer magazine is designed to build anticipation for the trip with mini-lessons and games related to discovery groups, as well as pages describing the cabins, lodge and other fun things to come! A High Trails director is also available to visit school for a parent presentation informational night.
