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Babler Outdoor Education Center
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bringing Your Group to Babler OEC
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Where is the Babler Outdoor Education Center located?
We are located inside Dr. Edmund L. Babler Memorial State Park in west St. Louis County. Our address is 200 Lake Rd., Wildwood, MO 63005. Upon entering the park, follow the signs to the facility.
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What is the capacity of the facility for overnight groups?
Total overnight capacity for the facility is 168 individuals. There are 160 beds total in our eight cabins (20 per cabin). In addition, there are 8 beds located in the administration building for your group leaders.
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I am interested in renting the Babler Outdoor Education Center for my group. What are the rental rates?
The daily rate is $8 per person per day. The overnight rate is $15 per person per night.
Facility space and areas of use will be determined by the size of the group as well as their program needs. Rental and payment of the facility usage fee entitles the group to the use of all outdoor space (including the tent area when in season), fields, campfire rings, pavilions and the assigned indoor spaces. Food, equipment rental and Babler OEC provided programming requires additional fees and must be set up no less than 30 days in advance of the group's arrival. Groups of 100 or more may request exclusive use of the facility (applies to overnight use only). Groups that have reserved exclusive use of the facility will be charged for 100 participants or the actual number of participants that attend, whichever is higher.
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I am interested in having Babler Outdoor Education Center staff provide a program for my group. What program options are available?
Popular program options include, but are not limited to:
- Archery
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Forest Ecology
- GPS/Geocaching
- Missouri Animals & Habitats
- Orienteering/Map and Compass
- Outdoor Creativity (artwork made with natural resources)
- Outdoor Cooking
- Pond Ecology
- Sensory Activities
- Survival Skills (fire and/or shelter building)
- STEM-based Programs
- Teambuilding/Challenge Course
Contact 636-891-6644 to learn more.
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What does the window open to book dates for the next calendar year?
Requests for the next calendar year will be accepted beginning August 1 for groups that serve individuals with disabilities. All other requests will be accepted beginning October 1. Requests will be considered based on the eligibility/priority of the user group and the order they were received.
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What is the refund/cancellation policy?
Deposits will be refunded with more than a 60-day written notice, no deposit refunded with less than 60 days written notice.
Cancellation within 30 days of reservation will require payment of full usage costs according to estimated numbers given on application.
If local/state/federal guidelines require cancellation of the program, a full refund will be given.
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How do I request a date for my group to rent the facility?
Complete a rental request form to inquire about renting the Babler Outdoor Education Center. We will contact you upon receipt of your request form.
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My group is looking to rent space just for an hour or two for a meeting/activity. Do you offer hourly rentals?
Yes! We now offer the option to rent various facilities within the Babler Outdoor Education Center on an hourly basis. A two hour minimum is required. Contact mayheather@prcommunityed.org or 314-675-0017 for more information, including rates and facility availability.
Birthday Parties at Babler OEC
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Do you charge for adults?
No! Birthday party pricing is based on the number of children at the party. While there is a minimum number of chaperones required, you are welcome to bring as many adults as you like at no extra cost to you.
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Are chaperones required to stay?
Yes. The minimum number of chaperones required to stay is as follows:
- Party A (up to 10 children): 1 chaperone
- Party B (11-15 children): 2 chaperones
- Party C (16-20 children): 3 chaperones
- Party D (21-25 children): 3 chaperones
- Party E (26-30 children): 3 chaperones
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Do chaperones need to help with the EXPERIENCE?
Safety is our number one priority for your party. While you instructor will lead the EXPERIENCE activity, we ask that the chaperones help with supervision during this time. This just means watching the children during their activity andhelping make sure they are paying attention and following directions. We promise we won't ask much from our chaperones, we just want to make sure the EXPERIENCE is as safe and enjoyable for all the children at the party.
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What's included in the party space?
You instructor will set up and break down any needed tables and chairs. During your one hour party space time a container of sporting equipment will be available as well as our gaga pit with written instructions. The instructor will be available in the case of emergencies, but will utilize this time to set-up or break-down the EXPERIENCE. Chaperones will be in charge of supervision during your party space time.
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Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes! We encourage you to bring your own food, drinks, cake, etc. (no alcohol allowed). You can always add a hot dog lunch or smores campire for an additional fee.
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Can we decorate?
Decorations are welcome with some limitations:
- Hanging decorations can only be hung using painters tape (no tacks, nails, scotch tape, etc.).
- Glitter, confetti, silly string, and helium balloons are NOT ALLOWED.
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Can we arrive early to decorate?
Due to other programs and rentals, the Babler OEC is not avialable before your scheduled party time. Please plan to include your set-up and breakdown within your scheduled party time.
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Can we stay longer after the EXPERIENCE has ended?
Please have all participants picked up at your scheduled party end time. If you are looking to extend your party, our instructor can give you directions to public pavilions or playgrounds located within the State park.
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When will the EXPERIENCE happen?
It's up to you! We can begin your party with your 1.5 hour experience and have your dedicated party space time at the end, or you can start with your party space time to enjoy presents at the start and end with your amazing EXPERIENCE. It's your party and you get to decide!