FAQs for LEAP

I've been getting a lot of questions about L.E.A.P. over the last few weeks, so I thought I would put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help everybody out. Remember to sign up as soon as you can! We really want to fill that L.E.A.P. bus up as much as possible every week. Remember that this is for everyone! No prior experience is necessary. It's open to all incoming sixth graders through present 8th graders. It's open to both guys and gals. If you want to make sure your friends are coming, call them up and tell them to sign up for the same day! We've still got plenty of room!

Who can go?
Boys and girls, Incoming 6th graders, Current 6th graders, Current 7th graders, and Current 8th graders.

Who cannot go?
Friends of students who do not attend Langston, family of Langston students who do not go to Langston (sorry parents and non-Langston siblings- this is just for the kids!)

What should my child bring?
Good shoes, shorts, t-shirt, rain jacket, water bottle, bag lunch, snack bar, lightweight jacket, a change of clothes in an empty plastic grocery bag, sandels that strap around the ankles (flip flops are only for the van ride)

What about electronics?
Students are permitted to have cell phones, ipods, portable electronic games, cameras, etc, but L.E.A.P is NOT responsible for anything lost or stolen.

Will these trips be dangerous for my son or daughter?
Our trips are designed to be safe yet challenging. As with any outdoor based activity, there is an element of risk associated with our trips but our goal is to limit those risks by not creating unnecessary risks. Before each trip leaves, a short safety briefing will be given in which we lay down the rules that will be observed. Safety will be the FIRST concern.

What if my son or daughter doesn’t bring a lunch?
We will not be providing lunch, so they are at the mercy of other students there to loan them food.

Should my son or daughter bring money?
We recommend that they bring $10.00 to $20.00 extra dollars in case we stop at a gift stop or fast food restaurant.

Will you be doing any other activities other than those that you have listed?
We hope to be updating our schedule with new activities each week.

My son or daughter has never done some of these activities. Will he or she be able to participate?
Absolutely they will! Our trips are geared for everyone.

My son or daughter is highly experienced with some of these activities. Will this be below their ability level?
Absolutely not! Our goal is to tailor our program to fit all ability levels.

Can my son or daughter sign up for more than one 4-day session?
We encourage you to sign up for as many sessions as you are able. We will be changing the schedule each week to encourage students to sign up for several sessions.

What if it rains?
Trips go rain or shine. Rain is OK! Just because it is raining at your house at 7:00 am does not necessarily mean it will be raining at our destination, and just because it is 80 degrees and sunny in Greenville does not mean it will be the same where we are going. Prepare your child for the possibility of rain and perhaps even cool weather. If inclement weather interrupts while students are outdoors, we will seek appropriate cover and recommended action will be taken to make sure safety is insured. Trips may be cancelled on a case-by-case basis if severe weather is forecasted. Students and Parents will be notified.

What if my student doesn’t have a proper bike for bike day?
Call Mr. Griffin at 864-630-1504 or e-mail him at mgriffin@langstoncharter.org. He’ll work it out.

I watched the movie Deliverance! Isn’t whitewater rafting dangerous?
The Nantahala River is a very forgiving whitewater river. Most rapids are class II and class III which are relatively safe, provided that the proper precautions are taken and rules followed. As with any other outdoor-based activity, there is an element of risk associated with whitewater rafting but Nantahala River is a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting for middle school aged children. All trips will be run through Appalachian Rivers Raft Company, which has been operating successfully on the Nantahala since 1978.