We here at the Mono serve delicious food that will accommodate dietary concerns of vegetarians/vegans as well as any medical or religious dietary concerns (Eg. we can serve food that is Halal!).
Parents of children with severe food concerns should call and talk to Charmaine our site supervisor a few weeks before the trip to come up with a meal plan at (519)-942-0330.
Breakfast might include: Cereal, Eggs, French Toast fruit, muffins or Croissants. Lunches might include: Soup, Salad and grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, Burgers or Chicken Fingers. Dinners might include: Chicken, potatoes, rice, Chili, mixed vegetables, pasta or tacos. Evening snack might include: Fruit, cookies, hot chocolate or juice.
Health reminder:
If you indicated on EMA that your child needs to bring
an Asthma Puffer or EpiPen with them, the puffer or EpiPen MUST be brought to Mono Cliffs.
2. What are the accommodations like at Mono Cliffs?
We have lots of dorm rooms that can accomodate 2-3 students each. There are cupboards, desks and beds in each with mattresses and pillows on them. These are hypoallergenic and part of our bedbug management plan. For more info and pictures, please see our Virtual Tour. Teachers have the task of organizing who is in each room.
3. Can students call home?
Calling home is discouraged as it can lead to homesickness. We encourage students that need to contact their parents to use email as this is an alternative that we do find helps. Check out our contact page for email addresses to use. If required, we can contact parents. Teachers generally let the home school aware once the bus arrives at Mono. Please note that students will be out on program for the majority of the day in the forest and will not have cell signal or access to a phone line. (Staff use radios to communicate for emergency purposes).
4. Can students bring cell phones, electronic devices etc.?
We discourage students from bringing electronic devices to Mono. We do acknowledge that some devices are necessary to some students (diabetes monitors, hearing aids, translators), but in general electronic devices here tend to get lost outside and do not receive cellular signal here. If students want to bring an electronic device, please let them know it is at their own risk and with permission from their teacher. Also, cellular phones will not be allowed in dorm rooms for privacy purposes. As a FYI, since we have little to no cell signal here, most cell phones will discharge their batteries completely within a few hours.
5. What type of clothing should we bring?
Bring old clothing suitable for the season. Clothing has been known to get dirty. Encourage students to refer to the packing list when preparing for their trip. We do have a selection of clothing available to borrow here at Mono should you need to borrow some. We have seasonal rubber boots, gloves, rain jackets and some other warm gear if needed. In Winter snow pants are required; we have extra for those who don't have.
Click for the “Equipment and Clothing Checklist” and how to dress for the weather diagram.
6. Should students bring snack food?
The only food that students should bring is a nut free lunch for the first day. For students with complex dietary needs, food brought with them can be kept in our fridge. Snacks or food cannot be kept in their dorm rooms for safety (allergies) and sanitary reasons. Click for ideas for a "Waste-free lunch"
7. Will programs be modified for students with religious or health concerns?
We are happy to make program accommodations for students with religious or health needs. Please talk to the student's teacher or contact Charmaine to create a plan.
8. What will students do during the day and what time will they go to bed?
Please see our schedule here for a general outline. Teachers will choose activities based on the season and the students' interests. Evening activities end before 8 pm, when students will go to their dorms and visiting staff will determine their bed times.