Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Planning for Camp
How do I get permission slips?
You can find them in the “Parent Packet” 
Who may attend Palomar Outdoor School?
All students enrolled in the San Diego Unified School District 6th grade are eligible to attend except students diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia.
What if a community group wants to use the Palomar Facility?
Community members who want to use the facility, contact San Diego County Office of Education, Cheri Buchanan at (858) 292-3695.
Who orders transportation?
The participating school from San Diego Unified School District orders transportation by contacting the District Transportation Office at (858) 496-8460.
When does Palomar Outdoor School need to know what city staff is coming?
Palomar needs to know what city staff is attending three weeks in advance. Complete the “Weekly Teacher Schedule” form and return it by email, FAX or US mail. We need to plan staff rooms and work schedules, so timely information is crucial.
What do we do about substitute teachers?
Classroom teachers need to attend with their students and be able to perform camp duties including hikes. Assign students not attending Palomar into other teachers’ classrooms whenever possible. Palomar only pays for a substitute teacher when coverage for a combination-grade classroom is necessary. Please get prior approval and a budget number from Gail Rose at (760) 742-3270.
May we send more students than projected by the OCILE office?
No. Please advise Paula Ross, Science Department, at (619) 725-7316 if there are more students than the reservation number. Please advise Paula if you have fewer students than expected as well.
If a student misses a session, may we send that student with the school’s next session?
This may be possible. Please contact Palomar Outdoor School for more information.
If there is concern about a student’s behavior, can we withhold a student from attending Palomar Outdoor School?
Withholding a student from attending Palomar is a school site principal’s decision. However, we have an established Discipline Plan to follow for working with students. In the event a student is dismissed from the program due to behavior, the parent/guardian must arrange for timely transportation home.
How do schools send permission forms to Palomar Outdoor School?
Forms A & B should be stapled together and alphabetized in two stacks, one male and one female. Each week should be sorted in this manner. Send all forms to Palomar Outdoor School in a priority mail package via U. S. Mail. Do not use school mail.
Student Needs
How do we separate or buddy students?
Send this information on the Student Needs form. Your requests submitted by given deadlines will be honored.
Can teachers make special requests for roommates?
Yes, requests are honored, as space allows, when they are called in or emailed in advance. No overnight non-district guests are allowed, due to insurance liability.
How are 1:1 and/or special education assistants arranged?
The visiting school is to arrange for special education assistants. The school site budget is used to pay the “regular” hours. Palomar Outdoor School budget is used for extra and overtime hours and reported on a CL1 card. School site staff do not sleep overnight with students.
When does the camp need information on special needs/concerns regarding students?
The Student Needs Form is required at least three weeks in advance for planning. Late information may result in students not being able to participate in the Palomar program.
Student Planning
What clothes do students need to bring?
Refer to Parent Packet-Clothing and Equipment.
What about valuables lost at Palomar?
Students are instructed not to bring valuables to Palomar. (Refer to Parent Packet). Palomar Outdoor School does not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen items.
What if my child is a bed wetter?
This is a very common occurrence and it is handled discreetly by staff members. Over night staff will awaken the child as necessary. You may consider sending pull-ups which your child could use in privacy. There is a washer and dryer available if necessary. Please check the appropriate box on form A to inform us of this condition.
Participation Week
Can parents/guardians visit/call/send mail to students?
Parent visits are not encouraged at Palomar. Part of the Palomar experience is to learn how to be independent. Students do not make or receive personal phone calls. Cell phones do not work on the mountain and it is best to leave them at home. Health/medical questions are referred to the Palomar school nurse. Mail will be picked up for students through Wednesday at:
Palomar Outdoor School
P. O. Box 159
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060.
Mail that arrives after Wednesday will be returned to the visiting school.
How do parents locate Palomar Outdoor School?
Directions are available in the Parent Packet or online.
What do you do about birthdays at Palomar Outdoor School?
On Wednesday dinners, students may sing “Happy Birthday” to birthday students, if requested.
Returning Back to School
When do buses return to schools?
Buses are scheduled to leave Palomar on Thursdays about 4:30 p.m. and arrive back at the schools approximately 6:00 p.m.
What are the expectations about students attending school on Fridays?
Students are expected to attend school as usual on Friday.
Other Issues
What about holidays?
When there is a Monday holiday, Palomar Outdoor School is in session from Tuesday to Friday at 11:00 a.m. Students will arrive at their schools approximately 1:00 p.m. If a holiday is during the mid-week, the program will be in session it’s usual Monday through Thursday 4:30 p.m.
What if I have concerns about weather?
You may check the weather online or a weather news station. If the Palomar program is affected by weather your school will be advised. Please contact your school for information.
