Good evening, Teen Parents!

It seems like just yesterday, I emailed out the teen trip date and it seemed so far away, and now we are leaving Saturday.  Here are key points for new/returning teens. 

DEPARTING: Saturday all cars will be leaving after the meet. If you aren't coming for the entire meet, we recommend you arrive at Robin Hood between 10:30 and 11 am to catch the end of the meet, find your chaperone, and pack your belongings into your chaperone's car. Please don't be late - your teen's car can't leave without you and traffic to the beach on a Saturday can take a while.

WHAT TO BRING: Make sure to bring a sack lunch – if you forget buy something from concessions during the meet. Please try to send you child with some cash or ensure they have Apple/Google Pay in case they want to buy something if their car stops on the way back. Space IS LIMITED. The packing list is below. Either a small duffle and a sleeping bag/pillow, or a larger duffle with the sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket inside is best. We are travelling with all the food & supplies in addition to the teens and all of our gear. We always seem to make it work, but packing thoughtfully is appreciated.

CAR ASSIGNMENTS will be shared Thursday evening. Don't be surprised if you don't know anyone in the car. Even our chaperones aren't driving their own Gators. Teens are intentionally broken up across age groups on the way there to encourage kids to get to know one another, especially those who are coming for the first time on the trip. Every returning Gator teen can relate. 

RETURNING HOME: We will be departing to return Monday between 10 and 11. We should be back at FKP between 1 and 2 pm depending on traffic. Teens will be able to coordinate the ETA with you from the road. 

TICKS: We are staying in a wooded area in the State Park. We will talk to them about ticks on the trip, and encourage them to do tick checks throughout the day. When your teen gets home - we recommend you ensure they do one more.

I would recommend encouraging your teen to pack Thursday (it's worth a shot - last minute Saturday morning packing is NO fun).  Packing list is repeated below.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Sunscreen - the weather looks nice!

Water bottle

Comfortable Clothes for Beach/Activities

Swimsuit (not your team suit, but there will be ocean swimming, including relays so plan your suit accordingly)

PJs

Bugspray (with tick protection - as noted above, our dorms are in the woods)

Hat/Sunglasses

Bedding: pillow and sheet/blanket or sleeping bag (dorms have a/c)

Toiletries

Long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt (mornings/evenings look to be in the 60s this year)

Sandals/flip flops/crocs for shower/beach

Beach Towel

Bath Towel

Phone Charger (I wish I could leave this off but ....)

Medications (please provide to a chaperone if adult supervision is needed and noted in the medical form)

OPTIONAL:

Sneakers/socks, football/volleyball/soccer ball/frisbees (we have VERY limited space, so please coordinate with teammates)

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Your swim bag – if your child is swimming in the meet – change there and have them leave your swim bag with you – or if you are chaperoning find a friend.