For Schools
Get ready for success! Find resources to help you make the most of your experience at 100 Elk.
Whether you’re exploring options or have signed up already, we’re grateful for your interest in the 100 Elk Outdoor Center. Groups come to 100 Elk for a variety of reasons — bonding, team building, stepping outside of their comfort zones, appreciating nature, learning about ecology, celebrating the end of the school year, you name it.
We strive to make the prep work and experience as seamless and easy as possible. If you are planning a trip to 100 Elk, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your group’s focus and trip purpose. We look forward to working alongside you.
Most of the information below pertains to multi-day trips, our most common program. If you are coming for a partial or single-day program, you will have a different schedule but some of the info below is relevant to your group as well.
Things to Know
Reservations
100 Elk runs programs in the fall (late August through October) and spring (April and May). Our schedule tends to fill up quickly, so we recommend making a reservation as far in advance as possible, especially if you are a larger school. Once you’ve made a reservation, we will coordinate with your trip leader to complete paperwork, assign cabins/groups and discuss any dietary or special needs. To make a reservation, email [email protected] with your potential dates and group size. See which option works best for you:
Mission & Orientation
On arrival day, students and chaperones participate in separate orientations during which we share information on free time, mealtimes, expectations around respect, emergency procedures, and our mission — “Revealing the possibilities within.” Read more about our expectations and mission, as well as view photos from past programs:
Arrivals & Departures
For groups staying multiple days, we ask you to arrive around noon or 12:30 PM on your first day. This allows us enough time for a brief orientation, our first rotation of activities, rec time, dinner and an evening activity. Throughout your time here, you’ll work in small groups and rotate through a variety of activities. Depending upon your group size, you’ll be able to participate in a final rotation of activities or an all-group activity on the last morning before departing by 12:30 PM. See examples of multi-day schedules below:
Chaperones
Chaperones play a critical role in the success of your 100 Elk trip. We recommend bringing a ratio of 1:6 chaperones to participants. Chaperones staff tables during meals, supervise during free time, live in cabins and travel with groups throughout the day. For all the hard work they put in, we comp chaperones based on the 1:6 ratio. Extra chaperones pay half of the student daily rate. If there is time, we encourage chaperones to participate in activities such as the high ropes course to take a step outside of their own comfort zones. To learn more about expectations for chaperones, read on:
Cabins
Groups stay in heated log cabins with bunk beds. Some cabins have connecting bathrooms and doors while others have separate entrances for each side. There should be at least one adult with each group of students, as Colorado state law does not permit children to be alone in a cabin. If you bring additional chaperones, there are a limited number of apartments available for teachers and chaperones needing a separate space. See the cabin floor plans and bunkhouse cabins page for more details:
Maps & Directions
Whether it’s your first time here or you need a refresher, we have a full page on our website dedicated to maps and directions. If driving, you will see signs for the A/U Ranches on County Road 366, which is the same property, so if you see them, you’re on the right track. Follow signs on property up to 100 Elk at Round-Up Ranch.
Emergencies
Things happen, but we’re prepared. Our nearest medical facilities are in Buena Vista and Salida, the latter of which is a 40-minute drive. 100 Elk staff are all trained in CPR and first aid. Groups are asked to bring a medical appointee to distribute medications and serve as the point of contact for any medical emergencies. If parents have an urgent message to pass along to a participant, we ask them to coordinate with the group’s trip leader. If needed, parents may email us or call the A/U Ranches’ office and the 100 Elk department at 888.543.4849 x211. See directions to closest medical facilities:
100 Elk Store
Check out 100 Elk apparel, water bottles and stickers here.
