Hershey Park Chaperone Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Hershey Park’s chaperone policy is designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, especially school groups. The policy outlines specific requirements for supervision ratios, chaperone responsibilities, and group admission details. For elementary students, one adult is required for every five children, while high school groups need one adult per ten students. Chaperones are responsible for supervising their group at all times and ensuring compliance with park rules.

What Are the Specific Chaperone Requirements for Hershey Park?

The chaperone requirements at Hershey Park are carefully structured to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors, particularly school groups. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

1. Elementary School Groups:
2. Ratio: 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students

3. Ensures close supervision for younger children

4. High School Groups:

5. Ratio: 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students

6. Allows for more independence while maintaining adequate supervision

7. Chaperone Responsibilities:

8. Supervise assigned students at all times
9. Ensure compliance with park rules and safety guidelines

10. Assist with group coordination and logistics

11. Group Size:

12. Minimum group size for special rates: 15 students
13. Larger groups may require additional planning and coordination

How Does the Age of Students Affect Chaperone Requirements?

The age of students plays a crucial role in determining the chaperone-to-student ratio at Hershey Park. This age-based approach ensures appropriate supervision levels for different age groups:

Student Age Group	Chaperone-to-Student Ratio
Elementary School	1:5
High School	1:10

This differentiation recognizes that:

• Younger children require more frequent supervision and assistance
• Older students can handle more independence but still need adult oversight
• Age-appropriate supervision enhances safety and enjoyment for all

What Are the Key Responsibilities of Chaperones at Hershey Park?

Chaperones at Hershey Park play a vital role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for their group. Their responsibilities include:

1. Constant Supervision:
2. Keep assigned students within sight at all times

3. Ensure students stay together as a group

4. Rule Enforcement:

5. Familiarize themselves and students with park rules

6. Enforce park policies and safety guidelines

7. Safety Monitoring:

8. Assess rides and attractions for age-appropriateness

9. Assist with height checks and safety restraints when necessary

10. Group Management:

11. Coordinate meeting points and times

12. Handle any issues or emergencies that arise within the group

13. Educational Guidance:

14. If applicable, assist with any educational components of the visit
15. Encourage learning opportunities throughout the park

Are There Any Special Admission Policies for Chaperoned Groups?

Hershey Park offers special admission policies for chaperoned groups, particularly school groups:

1. Group Discounts:
2. Available for groups of 15 or more students

3. Pre-purchased tickets offer savings compared to regular admission

4. Complimentary Tickets:

5. For every 10 tickets purchased, one free ticket is provided

6. Can be used for additional chaperones or to reduce overall costs

7. Advance Purchase Recommendation:

8. It’s advised to buy tickets at least two weeks before the visit

9. Ensures availability and allows for proper planning

10. Arrival Time:

11. Groups should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled tour time
12. Allows for orientation and instruction before entering the park

What Guidelines Should Chaperones Follow for Effective Supervision?

Effective supervision by chaperones is crucial for a successful visit to Hershey Park. Here are key guidelines:

1. Maintain Visibility:
2. Keep students within sight at all times

3. Use buddy systems for older students when appropriate

4. Set Clear Expectations:

5. Brief students on behavior expectations before entering the park

6. Establish consequences for rule violations

7. Regular Check-ins:

8. Set specific times and locations for group meet-ups

9. Conduct head counts at regular intervals

10. Emergency Preparedness:

11. Familiarize yourself with park emergency procedures

12. Carry a list of student names and emergency contacts

13. Ride Safety:

14. Assist with height checks and safety restraints

15. Ensure students follow all ride safety instructions

16. Meal and Rest Breaks:

17. Plan for regular breaks to prevent fatigue
18. Ensure proper hydration and nutrition throughout the day

How Does Hershey Park’s Chaperone Policy Compare to Other Theme Parks?

While Hershey Park’s chaperone policy is specific to their venue, it’s helpful to understand how it compares to other theme parks:

1. Supervision Ratios:
2. Hershey Park’s 1:5 and 1:10 ratios are fairly standard

3. Some parks may have stricter ratios, especially for younger children

4. Age Restrictions:

5. Hershey Park doesn’t specify a minimum age for chaperones

6. Other parks might require chaperones to be 21 or older

7. Group Size Requirements:

8. Hershey Park’s 15-student minimum for group rates is common

9. Larger parks might have higher minimums for group discounts

10. Chaperone Responsibilities:

11. Most parks have similar expectations for constant supervision

12. Some may require chaperones to sign responsibility agreements

13. Admission Policies:

14. Hershey Park’s complimentary ticket policy is generous
15. Other parks may offer different incentives or discount structures

What Additional Resources Does Hershey Park Provide for Chaperones?

To support chaperones in their role, Hershey Park offers several resources:

1. Park Maps and Guides:
2. Detailed layout of attractions and facilities

3. Helps in planning routes and meeting points

4. Safety Information:

5. Comprehensive guide on ride safety and park rules

6. Essential for briefing students before the visit

7. Group Planning Assistance:

8. Staff available to help with itinerary planning

9. Can provide advice on managing large groups in the park

10. Educational Materials:

11. If applicable, resources linking park experiences to curriculum

12. Enhances the educational value of the visit

13. First Aid and Security Information:

14. Locations of first aid stations and security points
15. Critical for handling any emergencies or health issues

By providing these resources, Hershey Park aims to equip chaperones with the tools they need for a successful and enjoyable group visit.

References:

1. Hersheypark Rider Safety and Accessibility Guide
2. Guidelines for Teachers & Chaperones Visiting the Hershey Story
3. School Groups & Field Trips | Hersheypark