1. What type of food is served at Sheldon?
We here at the Sheldon kitchen pride ourselves in making excellent healthy food that can be enjoyed by all. We serve food that will accommodate dietary concerns of vegetarians 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 Sean or Chef John a few weeks before the trip to come up with a meal plan at (705) 435-4266.
Breakfast might include: Cereal, Eggs, bagels, fruit, muffins or pancakes. Lunches might include: Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, Burgers or wraps. Dinners might include: Chicken, potatoes, rice, mashed potatoes and corn,mixed vegetables, lasagna or spaghetti. Evening snack might include: Crackers and hummus, cookies, pretzels or popcorn
2. What are the accommodations like at Sheldon?
We have lots of dorm rooms that can accomodate 4-8 students each. There are bunk beds in each with mattresses and pillows on them. These are hypoallergenic and part of our bedbug management plan. For more info and pictures, check out our slideshow. 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. A phone call to the school will be made once the bus arrives at Sheldon. 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, iPods, MP3 Players etc.?
We discourage students from bringing electronic devices to Sheldon. 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 in the valley. 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 at Sheldon Valley, 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 Sheldon should you need to borrow some. We have seasonal rubber boots, gloves, rain jackets and some other warm gear if needed.
6. Should students bring snack food?
The only food that students should bring is a 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.
7. Will programs be modified for students with religious or health concerns?
Program accommodations will be made for students with religious or health concerns. Please talk to the students teacher or contact Sean to create a plan.