| Frequently Asked Questions We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that visitors have when they come to Hemlock Overlook. |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
| Weather
/ Cancellation Policy |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
What should I wear? For most of the activities at Hemlock you should wear loose-fitting, casual clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. It is a good idea to bring at least one more layer that you expect to need. We recommend bring the following items: pants or shorts, casual shirt, rain coat or poncho, sneakers, a hat if the weather is cold or wet and a change of clothes. Please do not wear large earrings, open-toed shoes, or long necklaces. During the summer months we also recommend bringing sunscreen and a water bottle. It is usually up to the group organizer to ensure that his/her group members are properly clothed. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
What is challenge by choice? Hemlock Overlook simulates the real world environment by including all people in our activities in mixed groups. We try to model and teach about an emotionally and physically safe environment by making it very clear that each individual has the choice to choose how they fit into any activity and that they are in charge of themselves. We do not encourage people to sit completely out, but to find a way to take on a role that is beneficial to the group. We ask that people do not see this as an obstacle course where competition determines the 'winner', but that it is truly a time to cooperate and all activities are set up that way. How far the team gets together and how they treat each other along the way determine success. We provide the challenge, the participants have the choice of how they fit into that challenge. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
What are the cabins/dining like? For our overnight programs where the guests reside on Hemlock's premises we offer lodging in one of four cabins. Each cabin houses 24 bunks, for a total capacity of 96. There are clean, modern shower and toilet facilities, and a dining/lodge with seats for 100 people. The dining hall has a fireplace and air conditioning, and can also be used as a classroom. We can prepare meals that accommodate special dietary needs and vegetarians. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
What is the Zip Wire? For some guests the zip wire is the most terrifying challenge, for others it is the most exciting. Either way it is an incredibly memorable experience. The Zip Wire is actually a series of challenges for the individual, done from elevated platforms and cables in the canopy of the trees. Guests are tied into a climbing harness and then climb a ladder to a series platforms, cables and balance beams. After navigating their way from one elevated platform to another they are rewarded with a ride on the Zip Wire. The Zip Wire is a a steel cable stretched about 100 yards across a small ravine. Attached to the cable is a pulley from which participants can clip their harness and ride along the Zip Wire to the other side. The entire time Hemlock's highly trained staff is present to make sure that everyone is harnessed, secured and ensure participants safety. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
Can I book a program on a Sunday? While the Hemlock Overlook Regional Park is open to the general public dawn to dusk seven days a week, the Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education and the Center for Professional Development are closed on Sundays. We are available for teambuilding, environmental education, and professional development programs every Monday through Saturday, except on certain holidays. A group may incorporate a Saturday to Sunday overnight stay with their Saturday program. However, they must provide their own Sunday programming without Hemlock Overlook staff. Groups providing their own Sunday programming are required to submit a time/activity schedule to their Sales Account Manager. |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
| If I can't
bring a "coach/tour bus" what can I bring? Coach/Tour buses are not permitted in the park. School buses, activity buses, vans, and carpooling are accepted means of transportation. Below is contact information for Metro area companies that provide school bus transportation for any kind of group. There may be others, but these are ones we currently know about that offer the school and/or activity buses. If you know of others, please let us know. Thank you. GMU-Hemlock Overlook/NVRPA does not endorse these companies. We simply provide their contact information as a courtesy to our clients.
|
||||||||||
Back to Top