FAQs

What time of year do students attend ACOS?

ACOS programs typically run throughout the school year from early August to late May.

Where do the students come from?

Students come from all over Arizona. We work with local schools and many schools from the Phoenix and Tucson areas, but we also see schools from all regions of the states

What grade are the students in?

Most of the students we see are between 4th and 8th grade, and our science camp program is aligned with middle school science standards. We also see high school age students who participate in our LEAD program. We can accommodate most school age students with small tweaks to our program based on the learning environment of the age group.

What size are the groups?

We serve schools who bring up to 150+ students, and can accommodate about 190 total camp participants (students, teachers, chaperones). Schools are split into learning group sizes ranging from 10 to 15 students to one ACOS Staff member. Our cabin rooms hold between 6 and 12 people and must have at least one adult. These group sizes help us maintain a high standard of service.

Where do we sleep?

Students spend their evenings in bunk-style cabins (check out our facilities page to see more). Each room holds between 6 and 12 beds. All student buildings are separated by gender, are temperature controlled, and have private bathrooms and showers with hot water.

Where do we eat?

Kid friendly and nutritious meals are served in a central dining hall. Our professional cooking staff has built a reputation of providing tasty and healthy meals. Our menu varies, but we can accommodate vegetarian and most dietary needs when you let us know in advance.

What does a typical day look like?

Students arrive mid-morning on the first day and take part in a group orientation before moving into cabins and going to lunch. Activity rotations begin in the afternoon before going to dinner and participating in a high energy game before bed. The second day begins with breakfast around 7:30 am followed by activity rotations the rest of the day with a break at 11:30 for a hot lunch. After dinner students partake in a campfire with s’mores! On the final day students eat breakfast, clean cabins and pack, and then depart for home.

What should I bring with me?

Here is a link to our packing list.

Does Chapel Rock provide a nurse?

Chapel Rock does not provide any major medical service or medication administration for participants in attendance at Aspen Creek Outdoor School. Many of our instructors have First Aid training but will not treat any first aid issues beyond soap and water and band aids. School chaperones or school staff will be responsible for administering medication students bring from home and minor first aid issues.

What if there is an emergency?

Schools should bring at least one cell phone and one vehicle in case of emergency. In case of emergency, we are located less than 3 miles from the hospital and typically less than 5 minutes from emergency medical services. There will always be a Chapel Rock staff member to assist with emergency services.