2011-2012 Field Trip Policies
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Basic Information
Group Size
To book a field trip, there is a 10 student minimum. The maximum number of students allowed on a field trip depends on the tour option you choose, and ranges* from 10-160 students.
*Group Size Range
- 10-20
- 21-40
- 41-60
- 61-80
- 81-100
- 101-120
- 121-140
- 141-160
We will assign one docent for each group of 20 students.
If you have more than the maximum number of students allowed on a field trip, we will try to schedule you for multiple time slots or visit days. Please fill out one tour request form for each field trip you would like to schedule. We will do our best to accommodate your class.
Age Limit
Field trips are available for students in ages 8 - 22.
The Museum deals with mature subject matter. The Karkomi Permanent Exhibition is suitable for visitors in 7th grade and above. Students in 3rd-6th grade will visit Make a Difference: The Harvey L. Miller Family Youth Exhibition, which is designed for youth ages 8-11. For more details on all the exhibitions your students will experience at IHMEC, please take a look at our tour options.
Chaperone Policy
We require one chaperone, 21 or older, for every ten (10) students. No exceptions can be made to this policy. These chaperones are admitted free of charge. Medical/behavioral aides accompanying special needs students, over and above the 1 to 10 ratio, are also granted complimentary admission. Additional chaperones not serving as necessary aides are charged the group tour fee of $15/adult. College / University field trips do not require chaperones.
Logistics
Selecting a Visit Date
Please have three dates available in case your first choice is unavailable.
To avoid rescheduling or cancellation, please check your school's calendar for holidays, test dates, late arrival/early dismissal, teacher in-services, etc. before requesting your field trip.
Length of Visit
When you register, you will have a variety of field trip options to choose from, depending on the age and size of your class. Field trips last from two to three hours, based on content.
Lunch
Lunchroom facilities are available on a limited basis and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to request the Student Dining Hall on your field trip request form if you would like your students to eat at the Museum.
Groups that have confirmed Student Dining Hall reservations should bring student lunches in disposable paper or plastic bags, not hard or reusable lunch boxes. Lunches will be stored during your tour; refrigeration is not available. At this time, boxed lunches are not available for purchase, and lunches cannot be delivered to the Museum.
Parking
The museum maintains six bus parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to park in these spots. Please view our Map and Bus Directions for detailed directions.
Fees, Payment, and Cancellations
Fees
| Students, Ages 8 - 22 |
$8 |
| Chaperones* up to 10:1 Ratio | Free |
| Medical/Behavioral Aides | Free |
| Adults above 10:1 Ratio |
$15 |
Field trip fees are applied to all scheduled visitors, including Museum members.
Chaperones are required on fieldtrips for grades 3 - 12.
Deposits
A non-refundable $50 deposit is due within 14 days of receiving your field trip confirmation, or immediately if your field trip date is less than 30 days away. Your deposit will be applied to the total balance of your field trip.
Online credit card payments are preferred. Checks should be mailed to Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Attn: Field Trips, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL 60077.
Paying the Balance
For easier check-in, we encourage you to pre-pay your full balance. However, the balance of your field trip payment is due upon arrival. Please organize payment in full for the entire school group in the form of credit card, check, or cash (exact change only). Payment must be made in one transaction; individual payments will be charged general admission rates.
Because the Museum is in high demand for visiting groups, we must limit the number of groups scheduled on any given day. If adjustments to your confirmed field trip are needed, please review the following policies regarding changes to number of students, rescheduling, and cancellations.
All changes must be requested in writing to the Education Department on official school letterhead and signed by a school official. Letters can be faxed to 847.967.4804 or sent via a PDF attachment. Changes will not be accepted by phone or email.
Number of Students
A one-time change may be made to the number of students attending your field trip, up to 30 days in advance of the tour, based on availability. No refunds or balance adjustments will be provided for reduced numbers after the first adjustment or within 30 days of the field trip. We cannot guarantee space for any additional students.
Rescheduling (Date & Time)
A field trip may be rescheduled once up to 60 days in advance of the originally scheduled date, based on availability. Any request to reschedule within 60 days of the field trip date will be considered a cancellation, and a new request and deposit must be submitted.
Cancellations
Refunds will not be given for cancelled tours. If your group is unable to travel to the Museum due to extreme weather conditions, please call us at 847.967.4848 as soon as possible. We will make every effort to reschedule your visit, based on availability.
Additional Museum Policies
All visitors must pass through metal detectors and have their belongings scanned. For your safety, all items brought into IHMEC are subject to inspection.
Please leave all coats, bags and valuable personal belongings back at school or on the bus. It is a very short walk from the bus into the Museum!
Prohibited items:
- Food and beverage (except bagged lunches for groups with Dining Hall reservation)
- Chewing gum and candy
- Writing utensils (pencils, pens, etc.)
- Still and video cameras
Strongly discouraged:
- Cell phones or electronic devices (must be turned off)
- Heavy metal jewelry or belts
Behavior
Every visitor has a right to enjoy an exciting and educational visit to the Museum. Inappropriate behavior that detracts from others’ experience will be dealt with at the discretion of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center staff or docent volunteer. Such behavior may result in a group being asked to leave the building and could jeopardize future visits to the Museum.
Photography
No photography of any kind is allowed inside Museum exhibitions. Photography is permitted by chaperones in public, non-exhibition spaces (i.e. lunchroom, lobby) and outside the building. Video cameras are prohibited.
Skokie, IL