Sleep with the Sharks & PJ Party

with the Penguins

Toolkit

Sleep with the Sharks & PJ Party with the

PenguinsRipley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

88 River RoadGatlinburg, TN 37738

$60.84 +tax

$68.45 +tax

SWS:

Monday - Thursday:

Friday - Sunday:

Guide Books $2.18Purchase a Guide Book for each group leader or

student to get the most out of your Aquarium visit! Interesting facts on each exhibit and fun activities make this a must for your field trip!

PJP:

Any night of the week: $77.35 +tax

Participants must be at least five years old.

Includes late night snack, continental-style breakfast, nightly activity, creature feature, and much more! Program begins @8pm and ends at 8:45am the next day.

*All prices are subject to change. One FREE chaperone for every ten paid children.

Sample Schedule(times approximate)

8:00 - 8:15 p.m. Arrive, store gear in classroom, and bathroom break8:15 - 8:45 p.m. In-classroom welcome8:45 - 9:15 p.m. Dive Show at Stingray Bay9:15 - 10:15 p.m. Late Night snack10:15 - 10:45 p.m. Late Night Activity (based on grade level)10:45 - 11:40 p.m. Scavenger Hunt (chaperones must remain with children)11:40 - 11:50 p.m. Overnight Rules11:50 - 12:10 a.m. Set-up camp in tunnel or penguin exhibit and get ready for bed!12:15 a.m. Lights out!7:00 a.m. Rise and Shine7:00 - 7:45 a.m. Get ready for the day7:45 - 8:15 a.m. Breakfast8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Creature Feature Tank Talk8:45 - 9:00 a.m. Wrap up!

Ripley's Cargo Hold Gift Shop will not be available during your program. If your

group would like to visit the gift shop, please plan on doing so after the program has

concluded and your belongings are safely stored in your vehicles/buses.

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AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR IT.

Confirmation

It is your responsibility to verify that all of the information on your confirmation is correct. If you have any changes, please notify us one week in advance of your trip date. We realize the number of students and chaperones are estimates and may change. As a result, please note that the number of complimentary chaperones may change. Also, please note that final numbers are due one week prior to your field trip date. Please keep a copy of your confirmation for your records and bring it with you on the day of your field trip for check in.

Payment & Refund Policy

Payment: All money should be collected by the teacher/field trip coordinator prior to arrival. Only one payment will be accepted on the date of your visit. We accept company checks, cash, and credit cards. Please note that we do not accept purchase orders. If your group is visiting multiple Ripley's Attractions, you will pay for all Attractions at the Aquarium Guest Services window upon arrival. Parents are more than welcome to attend. However, all adults must be included in the field trip total. All monies must be collected and included in the school's payment.

Refund: Refunds will be sent back to the address on the reservation in the form of a check or on the credit card used at time of final payment, minus the non-refundable deposit. We will only refund within five participants if the number changes upon arrival. Please allow two to three weeks to receive your refund. Under no circumstances will we give a refund in cash.

Behavior Agreement

To ensure that your visit is as educational and fun as possible, you should review the behavior expectations with your students and chaperones. After you have reviewed, please sign the bottom of the page to indicate that you have gone over this information and agree to enforce these rules during your visit. You will need to bring a signed copy upon arrival. If we do not receive your signed behavior contract, you may be denied entry.

Running Late/Cancellation

Please notify the Aquarium at 865-430-8808 x2140 if you will be running more than 15 minutes late. If you need to cancel your overnight all together, please notify us as soon as possible via: Phone: 865-430-8808 ext. 2142Email: gbeducation@ripleys.com

Cancellations made 30 days prior to your group's visit you will receive a full refund of any payments made in addition to the initial deposit. The $150.00 initial deposit (for groups) is non-refundable (50% non-refundable deposit for families).

Cancellations made 14 days prior to your group's visit will receive a 50% refund of any additional deposits minus the initial $150.00 non-refundable deposit.

Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to your group's visit will result in forfeit of all deposits.

Deposit

There is a $150.00 non-refundable deposit for SWS and PJP overnights, excluding Family Editions, which have a 50% non-refundable deposit required at the time of booking. Thirty days prior to arrival, 50% of your remaining balance is due. FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED UPON ARRIVAL. Under no circumstances will we invoice your group, so please be prepared to pay with a school check or school credit card upon arrival. The name on the school check or credit card must match the tax exempt form you provided in order to receive tax exempt status.

Upon Arrival

Check in and final payment will take place at the Aquarium Guest Services window. To expedite the process, be sure to have the exact final number of students, teachers and adults ready for the Guest Services representative. We will only adjust numbers up or down within five people. Have all monies ready and remember that only one payment per confirmation will be accepted. If your group is visiting multiple Ripley's Attractions, payment should still be made at the Aquarium Guest Services window upon arrival for all locations.SW

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Time to Tour (if adding other Attractions to your visit)

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium Ripley's Moving Theater

Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze Ripley's Old MacDonald Mini Golf Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini Golf Guinness World of Records Adventure

1 hour20-25 minutesGroups enter 30 people at a time25-30 minutesGroups enter 10-12 people at a time15 minutes (can go through over and over) 1.5 hours for one course1.5 hours for one course1 hour

*All times above are approximate and can be tailored to meet your group's needs.

Educational Materials

During your sleepover, you will be given a scavenger hunt. We also offer a scavenger hunt at our Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Scavenger hunts must be requested in advance in order to make copies and distribute to your group. They will not be available upon arrival.

Where is Lost and Found?

Lost and Found is located at Guest Services, near the entrance of the Aquarium. Lost and Found at all other Ripley's Attractions is located at the ticket booth.

Where is the Exit at the Aquarium?

After your Sleep with the Sharks program has concluded, you will be escorted to a side exit to shorten the walk to your vehicles. Be sure to make a final head count before boarding your bus and leaving the Aquarium.

Rules1. Students, regardless of age, must remain with their chaperones at ALL times.2. There is no running permitted.3. There is no yelling or loud voices permitted. We need to respect all other guests in

the building.4. There is no gum or outside food/drink permitted.5. At the Aquarium, students MUST be accompanied by a chaperone while in the Cargo

Hold Gift Shop.6. Remind your students that they are representing their school or organization. They

are expected to use the same behavior while visiting our Attractions as they would at school/organization.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING RIPLEY'S ATTRACTIONS AS YOUR EDUCATIONAL DESTINATION!

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Sleep with the Sharks Information Sheet

What to Bring§ Sleeping bag, something warm to sleep in, a pillow, and toiletry items. The Shark Lagoon

Tunnel can get quite chilly at night. Be sure you bring warm pajamas!

§ Plain t-shirt or pillowcase for Fish Printing or Penguin Printing activity. Printing involves fabric paint, so we suggest campers wear clothes that can get messy.

§ Spending money for the gift shop.

§ Emergency numbers for all campers, sleepover confirmation, and medical release information. Please inform your Sleep With the Sharks Educator(s) of anyone in your group with a medical condition or special need. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is not authorized to dispense medication of any kind to anyone in your group.

What Not to Bring§ A flashlight! Battery-powered/electrical items such as CD players and hand-held video

games are not permitted.

§ Anything of real or personal value.

§ Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

§ Non-paying participants are not allowed into the program.

Chaperones/Adults§ Adults attending the program must adhere to the rules set forth by the Educators.

§ Please note: We very much appreciate the groups that return for this program year after year; however, this does not exclude any/all parents who attend from following the rules. Please respect that we have rules for a reason.

§ We do not allow adults to wander during the program.

§ Adults are not allowed to leave the building at any point during the night unless previously approved by the lead staff member.

§ The campers are on their own during the Scavenger Hunt but chaperones must remain with the youth campers.

§ These rules are put in place for your safety and the safety of our staff. We have staff here 24 hours a day working on up keeping our facility.

§ Please advise at least 72 hours in advance if chaperones will participate in the Fish Printing activity, otherwise activity preparations will be made for the youth campers only.

Sleepover Information Continued...

teach students about squid and how they function.

Grade 9-12Careers in Marine Science

Explore a variety of fascinating careers in Marine Science. From animal training to water chemistry students can search for their niche in this dynamic field

and get their questions answered by a professional.

Investigative Dissections Shark (Grade 8-12)- $4/per student • Squid (Grade 6-12) $3/per student

Your students will take an up-close look at the internal and external anatomy of either a shark or a squid, using both hands on techniques and visual aids.

All GradesShark Squad

What makes sharks different from all the other fish in the ocean? Students will explore shark diversity while uncovering their many unique adaptations.

Ripley’s Ocean ChallengeStudents team up during this “Jeopardy” style trivia game to test their knowledge of

various science topics. The thrill of competition makes learning fun and exciting!

Parking§ There are six bus parking spots located directly behind the Aquarium. Bus parking is

located in between the back of the Aquarium and the city owned parking garage. There is a driveway that ends in a gate. All bus parking is located in front of the gate. You are welcome to use these during the Sleep With the Sharks program. Please note that if you are a group of ~40 or fewer total people, we do reserve the right to book a second group that evening. If this happens, each group would receive three parking spots only. If your group should exceed parking spot capacity the vehicles that do not fit in the designated spots will need to park in the city owned parking garage behind the Aquarium. This parking garage is a pay lot that incurs a $8.00/vehicle charge. We are unable to validate parking since the City of Gatlinburg owns the lot.

§ All cars parked in bus parking must be moved promptly after the program ends. Buses will be permitted to stay in bus parking for up to one hour after the program ends. All cars will need to be moved before you re-enter the building.

Minimum Numbers, Payment, Tax-Exemption and Cancellations

§ We require a minimum of 12 children to reserve a night for Sleep With the Sharks(except for Family Editions). If your group does not bring in at least 12 children you will still be charged for the minimum upon arrival. Please understand that is minimum requirement DOES NOT include adults. Family Editions are reserved on specific pre-determined dates.

§ A $150 non-refundable deposit is due upon booking. From the remaining balance, a 50% deposit is due 30 days prior to the event. It is your responsibility to pay this deposit on time or you run the risk of the date being released to another group. Balance/final payment must be made upon arrival.

§ Tennessee Sales and Hotel Tax will be charged, unless Tennessee State or Federal 501c3 Tax Exempt Form is provided and payment is made in the same name as the exempt form (organization credit card or check only). Please note that your organization's tax exempt form must be sent prior to your arrival date. If you do not send the form in advance we will NOT remove any taxes and will not refund taxes after the fact. It is your responsibility to send the form and confirm that we have received it. Cash payments are not accepted if your group is using a tax exempt form.

§ Cancellations made 30 days prior to event will receive a full refund of any deposit paid, less the $150 non-refundable payment that was made at time of booking. Cancellations made two weeks prior to event will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than two weeks prior to event will not receive a refund. No exceptions.

What better way to experience the Aquarium than from inside the largest exhibit? Your students will receive a 12 - 15 minute lesson on habitats, adaptations, and more while floating on 750,000 gallons of saltwater!

November - February Only

All Ages - $5.00 per person

Reservations are required to receive the discounted school rates. The boat holds a maximum of ten participants at a time; please check your

confirmation after booking for each groups tour times.

Your students will learn what it takes to run a 1.4 million gallon Aquarium! They will join one of our educators for a 30 minute tour that includes our animal care, food preparation, and life support areas. Students will have

the opportunity to meet our animal care staff and get all of their questions answered!

Ages 4 & up - $14.99 per person

Reservations are required. Minimum of five, maximum of 20 participants per tour. Multiple tours can be booked for your group to accommodate. Please be sure to check your confirmation after booking for each group's

tour times.

§ Check-in is @ 8:00 p.m.§ Program starts promptly at 8:10 p.m.§ If your group arrives late, we will do our best to fit in all of the activities but cannot

guarantee that time will allow for everything. We will not extend the program accomodate.

Food§ An evening snack is provided and is scheduled between 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. This

includes popcorn, one additional treat, and one fruit drink per person.§ Continental breakfast is provided in the morning.§ NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING (unless medically necessary and

approved by the Director of Education).§ Adults may not get drinks from the soda machines without paying for them on your own.§ Please inform us of any food allergies prior to arrival so arrangements may be made.

§ Evening activities end no earlier than 11:40 p.m. Camp is set up after the Aquarium closes. Please be courteous to other campers in and around your sleeping area by being quiet.

§ Your group will be sleeping on the floor, along the length of the Shark Lagoon Tunnel (or Penguin exhibit) and spots may not be reserved. Please instruct those people suffering from back problems to bring a twin sized air mattress if they desire. Space is limited in the Shark Lagoon Tunnel and Penguin exhibit. As a result, air mattresses will enter the tunnel after all sleeping bags have been arranged. Please note that if too many air mattresses are brought everyone may not fit in the tunnel/exhibit. Due to this we only allow adults to bring and use TWIN size air mattresses. It is at the staff's discretion as to whether air mattresses will fit depending on the size of the group.

§ We do NOT allow guests to sleep anywhere besides the Shark Lagoon Tunnel (for the Sleep With the Sharks program) or the Penguin Exhibit (for the PJ Party With the Penguins program).

§ There are no electronics allowed in the tunnel during sleeping hours. This includes all cellphones (including chaperones). CPAP machines will be permitted at the end of the tunnel, as to not disturb shark sleeping patterns and access to outlets.

When to Arrive?

Bedding Down

Good Morning!

§ Wake up is at 7:00 a.m. Once up, get ready for the day, pack up your gear, and bring it back to storage area. Adult chaperones are not to get up earlier and wander around the Aquarium.

§ Sleep With the Sharks/PJ Party ends at 8:45 a.m. You are allowed to reenter the Aquarium after the sleepover has concluded. Sleepover fee includes Aquarium admission! The group will need to pack all of their belongings and take them to the groups vehicles at the end of the program. They will need to reenter at the front entrance for admission.

§ Parking is not included after 9:00 a.m. If your group plans to remain in the Aquarium after the program you will be asked to move all vehicles to the city parking garage/lots directly behind the Aquarium or city lot by the city administration building on 321 (there is a city fee, $6 per car/per day).

§ During the overnight program the Aquarium remains open to the public.§ The sleepover program includes a night full of organized educational activities. Please

see the sample schedule for details.§ Retail orders must be placed with the Education Department 72 hours prior to your

group’s arrival.§ Alternate Route to Gatlinburg – From Interstate 40, take exit 435 through Cosby and

Newport. This route avoids Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.§ SCOUTS: A Sleep With the Sharks patch or PJ Party patch will be provided for scout

groups (scouts only) excluding scout night editions, adults are welcome to purchase patches for a small fee. Any patch orders must be placed prior to the arrival date of the group.

Additional Information

• The Fish Printing activity is designed for grades K-5. Each child must bring a t-shirt or pillowcase for this activity!

• Squid Dissection is an activity designed for grades6 - 12 and is performed by the campers and lead by the Sleep with the Sharks Educators.

• Shark Dissection is an activity designed for grades 9 - 12 and is performed by the campers and lead by the Sleep With the Sharks Educators.

• The Behind the Scenes Tour can be designed for any grade level and is perfect for returning groups who are interested in the inner workings of the Aquarium. Please note that this option is only offered for groups of 40 or less total people.

• Please Note: You DO NOT get to participate in all of these activities. ONE activity is chosen for your group and listed on your confirmation page.

Stingray ExperienceMinimum of 10 students required to book.

Get up close and personal with the stingrays in Stingray Bay during this 20 minute hands-on learning experience!

Discounted pricing offered to school groups Monday through Friday mornings, September through May. Also available the morning after any Sleep with the

Sharks program.

Group size may limit availability.

Stingray Experience - $25Includes 20 minutes in the water while a diver feeds the stingrays and provides more

Information on these gentle ocean dwellers.

Late Night Activity Options

Chaperone Guide

Tips for Being a Great Chaperone

• You are the leader of your small group of students, leading your group on their trip through the Aquarium. Be sure you know which students are in your group and keep them together. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies can be very busy, and it can sometimes be hard to keep your students together. Before you start your adventure, set up a gathering point in the event that you become separated.

• Help your students learn. Ask the teacher about the educational goals for the field trip. Find out if the students have a special project or worksheet to complete, such as the Scavenger Hunt.

• YOU determine the behavior of your group. Make sure your group knows and understands the Aquarium rules: Students must stay with their chaperones; No food, drinks, or gum is allowed near the exhibits; Running, shouting or smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Aquarium; Tapping on the acrylic of the exhibits is not permitted to protect the animals. Any undisciplined or unchaperoned groups may be asked to leave the Aquarium.

• Know important locations. Refer to the Dive Show schedule or Guide Book (if purchased). This map will enable you to locate the restrooms, exhibits, and other points of interest within the Aquarium.

Teaching Tips for Chaperones

• Ask thought-provoking questions. Stop at uncrowded exhibits and ask your students to compare the different animals. Look closely at mouths, fins, tails and body shapes. Observe how fish behave. How do they swim, eat or protect themselves? Finding correct answers is not as important as having students think creatively about the questions.

• Guess where some of the animals got their common names. Why is it called a horseshoe crab? Sawfish? Weedy Sea Dragon?

• Be sure to involve ALL students in your group. Wait for answers. Don't worry if some students take a longer time than others to answer questions. Give them all a chance to answer.

• Use the Exhibit Educators who are located at many of the exhibits. They are there to help your students learn about the animals of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and will be happy to answer your students' questions, point out interesting features on the animals, and help the students touch the animals safely.

• Have fun! If you have fun, the rest of your group will, too! This will contribute to the overall success of your trip.

Behavior Agreement:Ripley’s Aquarium invites a wide variety of guests, of all ages, into our aquarium for a hands-on, interactive experience to discover the aquatic world and how to conserve it. To ensure that your visit is as educational and fun as possible, please review the following rules with your students and chaperones before your field trip to the aquarium. After you have reviewed, please sign the bottom of the page to indicate that you have gone over the information with the students and chaperones and you agree to enforce these behaviors during your visit.

StudentsWe agree to the following:• We will stay with our chaperones at all times!• We will listen to our chaperones and Ripley’s staff members and follow any directions given.• We will share the aquarium with other students, schools and guests by being courteous and respectful.• We will not use loud voices, run, chew gum or eat or drink near the exhibits. This is for the comfort of other students, schools

and guests in the building as well as for the comfort of our animals.• We will respect all living things in the aquarium, especially the animals. We will not be rough with touch tank animals,

attempt to scare any animals, or tap on the tanks.• We will use the stairs, ramps and elevator and will not play on them. We will reserve the use of the elevator for guests that

have difficulty traveling through the aquarium otherwise.• We understand that any person who breaks an item in the Aquarium’s Cargo Hold Gift Shop will be required to pay for that item.

ChaperonesWe agree to the following:• We understand that our top priority is to manage our group of children in order to keep them and the animals safe and help them

to learn.• We understand that talking or texting on cell phones or otherwise distracting behavior interrupts the learning environment in

classroom programs or on tours, as well as distracts our own attention from our group while exploring the aquarium.• We understand that we are responsible for assisting students during meal times and bathroom breaks, as well as other needs that

may arise, and will ensure that all students clean up after themselves.• We will do our best to ensure that no student is left alone in any situation.

Lead/Coordinating TeachersI have read the Behavior Agreement to my group prior to our field trip to the aquarium and accept responsibility for their behavior in the aquarium. I understand that if these behavior guidelines are not followed, my group will first be given a warning. If my group continues to break the behavior agreement, I understand that we will be asked to leave the aquarium. I understand that my group will not be refunded any money if asked to leave. I am also aware that my administrator will be contacted.

Signature: ________________________________________________________

NOW AVAILABLE

‘I SURVIVED SLEEP WITH THE SHARKS’®

or PJ Party with the Penguins

T-ShirtsDrawstring Backpacks

Patches

Ordering Guidelines

All orders must be received at least 72 hours prior to your group’s arrival. ‘I Survived Sleep With the Sharks®,merchandise will not be sold during your group’s Sleep With the Sharks® program. Group leader must make ONEORDER for everyone’s merchandise. We will not accept separate orders.

Payment for all merchandise is required prior to, or on the day of your group’s visit. In order to waive TN state salestax, please provide a copy of your group’s TN state tax exempt form and make all payments on organization checks.

All orders will be available for pick up on the day of your Sleep With the Sharks® program.

Groups booked as an organized scout group will receive complimentary patches for the scouts in the group excludingScout Night-Editions.

Order Information

Group Name Arrival Date

Blue Drawstring Backpack X $6.00 plus tax ($6.59)=

Patch x $3.00 plus tax ($3.29) =

Child Small (6-8) x $10.00 plus tax ($10.98) = Child Medium (10-12) x $10.00 plus tax ($10.98) = Child Large (14-16) x $10.00 plus tax ($10.98) = Adult Small x $12.00 plus tax ($13.17) = Adult Medium x $12.00 plus tax ($13.17) = Adult Large x $12.00 plus tax ($13.17) = Adult XL x $12.00 plus tax ($13.17) = Adult XXL x $14.00 plus tax ($15.37) =

TOTAL

To Place Your Order Phone:

Fax:

Email:

Mail:

888.240.1358 x 2142

865-430-8818education@ripleys.com

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Attn: Education 88 River RoadGatlinburg, TN 37738

Sleep With The Sharks

Parking Permit

Group: Date:

Bus Parking is located directly behind the Aquarium, between the Aquarium and City Parking Garage.

Car must be removed from the Bus Parking Area when the program concludes. Your educators will instruct you

when to move your vehicle.

Thank You!

Sleep With The Sharks

Parking Permit

Group: Date:

Bus Parking is located directly behind the Aquarium, between the Aquarium and City Parking Garage.

Car must be removed from the Bus Parking Area when the program concludes. Your educators will instruct you

when to move your vehicle.

Thank You!

Field Trip Evaluation Form

Name of field trip coordinator: ___________________________________________________________

Name of school/group: ___________________________________________________________________

Grade of students: ______________________________

Date of trip: _____________________________________

Did you visit in the Morning, Afternoon or Evening? (please circle one)

Did you participate in a classroom program? ________

If so, which one? ________________________________________________

Who was your classroom Educator? _________________________________

Please provide comments regarding the classroom program. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Would you visit our facility again? __________

Would you recommend this experience to others? ___________

If no, please explain: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

Please comment on something that could be improved. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please return this evaluation upon completion to:Email: gbclassroom@ripleys.com

Fax: 865.430.8818 Attention: Education DepartmentMail: 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Attention: Education Department

Thank you for visiting! We hope to see you again soon!

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