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Parents' FAQs
What about travel?
We handle all travel arrangements to and from your home community, as well as transportation
during the program. We utilize charter boats, aircraft and agency jet boats. All boats are
operated by Coast Guard approved captains.
All travel expenses are paid for by the program.
What about meals?
Students enjoy three home cooked meals a day and snacks. All students participate in meal
preparation and cleanup. FLOAT School participates in the USDA Summer Food Program. The menu is
approved by a nutritionist.
Where do they stay?
During our 10-day program, students stay at the Sea Island Research Station in dormitory-style
accommodations. One night is spent camping in the wilderness with all equipment provided.
Our 30-day program also utilizes the Sea Island Research center. However, during the expedition
portions of backpacking and canoeing, students spend the majority of their time camping in the
wilderness.
What about Safety?
The safety and well being of all students is the primary concern of the FLOAT School instructors.
Instructors are certified Wilderness First Responders. A comprehensive First Aid kit is located
on the Sea Island Marine Research Station. During field days, the all instructors carry a first
aid kit. Each group carries a portable satellite telephone, marine radios, flares and a SPOT
Messenger(Emergency Locator Transmitter). Should a major medical emergency occur, Wrangell
EMS/search and rescue will be contacted. If a student requires hospitalization they will be
transported to Wrangell Medical Center.
We have 24-hour communication via satellite phone with the Alaska Crossings Medical Control
Director. Parents or Guardians will be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Can I call or visit my child?
FLOAT School instructors utilize a satellite phone for direct communication with our agency and
emergency services. It is very expensive to operate this system, and students are therefore
unable to use this service.
Should you have a question during the FLOAT School program, please call the AICS Alaska Crossings
office at 866 550 2371. This includes after-hours or emergency calls.
Due to the remoteness of site locations and travel logistics, family visits are not possible
during program. Parents are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony that occurs in Wrangell
for our 30-day programs.
How will participation affect their school attendance?
Participation in the program does not affect school enrollment. We solicit homework from teachers
and log it's completion during program, ensuring that students keep up with
their studies while attending FLOAT School. Students spend 6 hours each day participating in the
FLOAT school curriculum.
What do they need to bring?
All equipment for the curriculum and activities is provided to each student.
All personal belongings are brought to the SEA Island Marine Research Station by floatplane. The
plane has very limited weight and space allotments for gear, so the equipment list should be
carefully followed. If i's not on the list, please don't
bring it.
The maximum size for personal equipment is a medium duffel bag. The maximum weight is 20
lbs.
AICS Alaska Crossings will supply the following:
- Sleeping bag
- Warm fleece coat + pants
- Polypropylene long underwear
- Warm hat and mittens
- Rain gear
- Rubber boots
- Flash lights
- All outdoor camping equipment (backpacks, tents, canoes, kitchen gear)
- All specialized outdoor gear (insulate pad, paddle, climbing equipment)
Student Participants should pack the following items:
- 8 Pairs underwear
- 6 pairs of socks (wool blend is best)
- 1 or 2 Pairs sweat pants or nylon track pants (polyester blend is best)
- 2 pairs of shorts (1 should be swim trunks)
- 3 T shirts
- 1 Sweatshirt (polyester or fleece is best)
- 2 Pair tennis shoes, one pair should be able to get wet and dirty
- 1 Baseball cap or sun hat
- Towel and personal kit (toothbrush, tooth paste, brush/comb,)
- Optional - Inexpensive camera (single use, cardboard cameras
are good)
- If you wear glasses or contacts, please bring an extra pair.
Notes for girls:
- Bathing suit or something to swim in
- 3 bras
- We provide all feminine hygiene products
Please do not pack:
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Lighters, ipods, CD's, money, cell phones, video games, or any
electronics at all.
Please contact us at anytime if you would like to
discuss this list or have any other concerns.
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