How to Prepare for Your Field Study at HBF

We are very excited that you have chosen Hard Bargain Farm as an outdoor environmental experience for your students. We offer a variety of environmental education courses that can be completed during Overnight (Two-Day) or One-Day Programs.

The following information is to help you plan your Field Study to Hard Bargain Farm. For specifics about group size, gear, chaperones and meals, please see the Day Field Trip or Overnight Field Trip Handbook.

Scheduling
After selecting the duration and courses you are interested in (One-Day or Overnight Field Study), you will need to contact the Alice Ferguson Foundation to schedule your program.

Paperwork
The Field Study Handbooks contain all of the information and paperwork you will need, including copies of Parent and Chaperone Letters, Packing Lists, Sample Schedules, and Directions to Hard Bargain Farm. (Overnight Handbook or Day Handbook)

The Alice Ferguson Foundation requires a separate Use Agreement (Overnight Groups - found in the Overnight Field Study Handbook) or Confirmation Sheet (Day Groups) for each visit to Hard Bargain Farm. Please fill out the appropriate form and FAX (301-292-1070) or Mail to: Alice Ferguson Foundation, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607, at least two weeks prior to the visit.

Payment
The program fee (except for programs scheduled through the William S. Schmidt Center) may either be mailed in advance or given to a naturalist upon arrival. Checks should be made payable to "The Alice Ferguson Foundation". If you plan paying upon arrival, all the monies should be collected prior to the trip and placed in an envolope clearly marked Program Fee, please also indicate number of students and chaperones. There are no concessions at Hard Bargain Farm. It is not necessary for students to bring money or valuables.

Cancellation Policy
We do not cancel programs because of weather. However, for Prince George’s County schools, any delay cancels all field trips, for Charles County Schools if there is a delay the decision will be made that day. Parents should check with the school.

We assume the group is coming unless we hear otherwise. If you must cancel, it is your responsibility to contact the AFF Office Manager at 301-292-5665 or as far in advance as possible.

Preparing Your Students
Parent and Chaperone Letters, Packing Lists, and Directions to Hard Bargain Farm are all available in the Field Study Handbooks (Overnight or Day).

Pre- and Post- trip activities in the classroom will greatly enhance the students’ learning experiences. The HBF Kids' Zone has a number of award winning, fun, interactive lessons designed to enhance and expand on the field trip experience. For more information about these and other lessons available, please go to Online Lessons & Resources.