A BROOKSIDE HARVEST
PRE-VISIT INFORMATION

·      OBJECTIVE OF THE VISIT: 
· To develop an understanding of life in 19th century Saratoga County.
· To become aware of the steps involved in the harvest and preparation for winter in rural Saratoga  County.
· To actively participate in some of the harvest activities.
· To compare and contrast life on a rural farm in the 19thcentury America with today.  

·     LENGTH OF THE VISIT:
·  The program runs for one and one quarter hours.  See your confirmation for your scheduled starting time.  Information regarding the daily schedule will be distributed the day of your visit.
·We must begin on time in order to keep to our daily time schedule.  Please plan to
arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your start time and check in at the registration table.  If your group arrives late, you will be guided to the appropriate location, but you may not “make-up” any missed activities
 

·     PREPARATION: 
· We strongly recommend that all group be prepared for the program prior to their visit to BROOKSIDE.  The accompanying  material offers teachers some background information and some sample activities.
·  Please have each child wear a name tag with their name printed in large letters.
· The program runs rain or shine.  Much of the program will be held outside on the grounds of BROOKSIDE with demonstrations under tents.  The children should wear comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes.  Please be sure the children are prepared for cool temperatures and rain, whenever necessary.
· Buses should drop students off in the parking lot, then park around the corner on Charlton St.  Private cars bringing children can park in theparking lot and on Charlton St., but parking can be very congested.  Please car pool whenever possible.  Children should remain with adults at all times, especially in the parking lot.
· Each class should have adult chaperones, 1 per 5 children.  Teachers and teacher aides are free.  Other parent chaperones should pay the same fee as the students.  PLEASE NO SIBLINGS, AS VERY SMALL CHILDREN CAN BE DISTRACTING TO THE GROUPS  

·     THE VISIT
·  Upon arrival at BROOKSIDE, please check in at the registration table to obtain your schedule, then lead the children and chaperones to THE FRONT PORCH OF THE BUILDING.
· Following the introduction, there will be a rotation through 4 stations: Station 1 – Gathering the
Harvest; Station 2 – Preserving the Harvest; Station 3 – Preparing for Warmth and Light; Station 4 – Some Time for Fun.  During the rotations, the children will have the opportunity to learn about the traditions of the colonial harvest and actively participate in many of the activities.