FOCUS

WINTER HOUSE PARTY FAQs

How do I register?
Registration for the FOCUS Winter House Parties will open October 3, 2007. You can register online at the links provided, download a registration form from the website, or talk to area staff or the programs registrar to be sent registration materials!

Are scholarships available?
Yes, typically financial aid is available. Please contact the FOCUS staff nearest you for more information or, if you are not in a FOCUS region, please contact the FOCUS Program Office at (434) 245-6112 or programs@infocus.org.

What forms do I need to complete for each program?

For all programs, you must complete a registration form (either online or a paper form) and a medical information form and waiver. Depending on the program there are additional waivers & releases that need to be returned to the programs office. If you are registered for a program and have not recieved the your "follow-up packet" please email programs@infocus.org to have it sent to you!

Can I room with a friend?
Yes, you may request a roommate. Please note this information on the registration form or e-mail the Program Office at programs@infocus.org. We try to honor roommate requests but we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate every one.

What should I bring?

Brookwoods: Linens are NOT provided at Brookwoods. Please bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, a pillow and pillowcase, and a towel. Also pack warm clothes for skiing or sledding and comfortable clothes for spending time when not at the mountain or doing other activities. We suggest a couple of sweaters or sweatshirts, jeans, and other casual attire. Also, students should have a pair of boots with them. They may also want to bring sports equipment, musical instruments, or favorite board games. Students should have a little bit of cash (or travelers' checks) for spending money for snacks at the slope and shopping. (We cannot cash personal checks at Brookwoods.)

Winter Park: Linens ARE provided by Snow Mountain Ranch. For skiing/snowboarding please bring a jacket/parka, water-resistant pants or overalls, lightweight sweaters, sweatshirts, or turtlenecks, thermal/long underwear, hat or ear band, waterproof gloves or mittens, thermal or wool socks, sock and glove liners, goggles, sunglasses, pocket tissues, sunscreen and lip balm. We suggest a couple of sweaters or sweatshirts, jeans, and other casual attire for the times you are not skiing/snowboarding. Also, students should have a pair of boots with them. They may also want to bring sports equipment, musical instruments, or favorite board games. Students should have a little bit of cash (or travelers' checks) for spending money for snacks at the slope and shopping. (We cannot cash personal checks at Winter Park).

Connecticut: Packing list and ideas for what to bring have not yet been published to the website. Email programs@infocus.org with questions!

Is there anything I shouldn't bring?
Alcohol or illegal drugs. Students found using (or in possession of ) alcohol or illegal drugs may be sent home at their parents' expense. Please also do not bring computer games, personal televisions, video cameras, PSPs, DVD players, PDAs, or a boom box (radio/cassette/cd player). Please do not bring valuables; FOCUS is not responsible for any items lost or stolen during the program.

How much will it cost to ski or snowboard?
Please review this information on the registration form or on the specific program page. Typically, lift tickets are included in the base package price, and the cost of renting skis or snowboards is an additional fee. Please note: for these programs, ski payments are made at the time of registration, not on the mountain.

What is there to do if I don't ski?
Hiking, sledding, tubing as well as other outdoor and indoor activities will be available during the day. Evening meetings include large group gatherings with music, drama, games and talks, followed by nightly coffeehouses. At both Brookwoods & Winter Park, students will be skiing most days. The Connecticut Winter House Party is for students who do not want to ski.

How can I reach my student during the program?
Leader contact numbers will be available for each program, and sent with the follow up information after you register.

Brookwoods:

Cell phone service is unreliable at Brookwoods. Please plan to contact your student by telephone at 603-875-3600 or by mail at Brookwoods, Chestnut Cove Road, RFD #1, Alton, NH 03809.

Winter Park:

Snow Mountain Ranch

P.O. Box 169

Winter Park, CO 80482

Phone: 970-887-2152 ext. 0

Fax: 303-449-6781

Connecticut:

PO Box 577

Ivoryton, CT 06442

Phone: 860-767-0848.

Fax: 860-767-8432

Transportation Details

Brookwoods:
How do I get there? Contact the area director nearest you to find out if a group will be traveling to Brookwoods from your region. Most FOCUS regions have bus transportation available at no additional cost. This is the most fun way to travel!
By Air: The nearest airport is in Manchester, NH. If you plan to fly, please schedule your arrival between 11 AM and 3:30 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 27 and depart between noon and 4 PM on Monday, Jan. 1.
By Car:

From Hartford:
Interstate 84 East to Interstate 90 East (Mass Pike) to Interstate 290 East to Interstate 495 North to Interstate 93 North to Manchester, NH. In Manchester, take Exit 9N for Route 3/28 (Hooksett). Follow Route 3N to Route 28 and on to Alton Circle (Alton Circle is the second circle one comes to on route 28). Continue on Route 28 and proceed 6 miles north to Chestnut Cove Road on your left. Follow Lodge -- Deer Run signs to Brookwoods. Our primary building, Deer Run, is on the left as you enter the camp.
From Boston:
Interstate 93 North to Manchester, NH, then follow directions above.

Winter Park:

By Air: Please plan to arrive and depart from Denver, Colorado. We will meet students there and transport them to Winter Park. Please schedule your arrival between 11 AM and 3:30 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 27 and your departure between noon and 4 PM on Monday, Jan. 1.

Connecticut:
How do I get there? Contact the area director nearest you to find out if a group will be traveling to Ivoryton, Connecticut from your region. Select regions will have bus transportation available. Others will be taking the train into the Old Saybrook station.