Summer Guided Visit Guidelines
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Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in bringing your summer youth group to Glenstone! Please review the following information prior to your group’s arrival.
To introduce Glenstone to parents or guardians, attach our Family Letter to your permission slip.
Your Arrival
If arriving in a personal vehicle, you will enter Glenstone at 12100 Glen Road in Potomac, Maryland, check in with the security guard, then park at the Red Oak Parking Grove – first parking lot on your right. There are restrooms and a water station nearby if needed upon arrival.
If arriving by bus or shuttle, you will enter Glenstone at 12180 Glen Road in Potomac, Maryland. The bus or shuttle will park at the Environmental Center for the duration of the visit. There are restrooms and a water station at the Environmental Center if needed upon arrival.
Please arrive by 10:15 a.m. for a prompt 10:30 a.m. start to your guided engagement. A Glenstone associate will welcome the group on the bus or at Red Oak Parking Grove and provide a brief introduction. Please instruct the group to leave large bags, food, and coats (unless needed) on the bus or vehicle.
Once off the bus, all visitors should be split into four groups of 10 or fewer visitors (ages 12-17) and one adult chaperone per group. Four chaperones are required for all visits. Each small group will be accompanied by two Glenstone guides who will lead a discussion on a selection of artworks.
Our Summer Guided Program Experience
Over the summer, Glenstone provides opportunities for middle and high school aged visitors to learn in an environment which encourages direct connection with art, architecture, and nature. All guided visits will explore one art building and sculpture along Gallery Road. In extreme weather conditions, time outdoors will be limited.
Our program is led by our knowledgeable guides who are ready to answer all questions and curiosities.
10:15–10:30 a.m.
Bus arrives.
10:30–11:15 a.m.
Guides lead guided engagement.
11:15 a.m.
Visit wraps up and groups are directed to the Environmental Center for departure.
11:30 a.m.
Group departs or stays on site to eat lunch at the Cart Barn.
At the end of the guided visit, groups are welcome to stay for self-led exploration. Please communicate your plans to extend the visit with the Community Engagement Team.
If your group requires a lunch space, we can provide one. Please note lunches must be coordinated by the group. We are unable to provide lunch or accommodate dining at our Café and Patio, and do not carry to-go options.
Chaperone Policy
Due to the fragile nature of the works on view, all visitors must be 12 or older and all minors (ages 12–17) must be always accompanied by an adult during their Glenstone visit. This extends to any 18-year-old on a school visit.
Chaperones are expected to work with our guides to encourage youth engagement and manage any disruptions throughout the visit. Additional chaperone responsibilities include:
Chaperones must always be with their groups and are responsible for the safety of the students, the art, and nature they visit.
Chaperones are expected to work with our guides to encourage youth engagement and manage any disruptions throughout the visit.
Chaperones must keep their group from merging with others on the paths and in the galleries.
Our Guidelines
To help us preserve and protect the art, galleries, natural environment, and the experience of other visitors, we ask that you respect the following guidelines:
Visitors should be prepared to spend considerable time on foot, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Please stay on marked trails and paths. Our small plants appreciate the chance to grow!
Please don’t touch the art. Even outdoor sculptures that are exposed to the elements can be damaged by human contact.
Photography is allowed any time a visitor is outdoors. Once inside the galleries, photography is not permitted.
Glenstone visits take place rain or shine. If the heat index value is expected to exceed 105 degrees, the wind chill temperature falls below 0 degrees, or there are thunderstorms expected in the area, our Community Engagement team will reach out to the group’s primary contact to reschedule your visit.
Accessibility
If your group requires special accommodation, please reach out to the Community Engagement team at youth@glenstone.org or (240) 660 5155. We will work with you to accommodate the group as much as possible.
Please note accommodations must be requested at least one week before your visit.
Accessibility offerings:
Guided engagements include visual and tactile resources to engage diverse learners.
Our paths are designed to be firm and stable with accessible grades. Complimentary wheelchairs and gallery chairs are available upon request.
ASL interpretation can be coordinated for any visit.
We can provide auditory-sensible visitors noise-cancelling headphones as some of our spaces can get echo-y.
Our team is equipped to work with non-English learners. Please note: Language interpreters must be requested at least two weeks before your visit.
Cancellations
We want to share our unique experience with as many visitors as possible. We ask for a minimum 14-day cancellation notice if you will not be able to participate in your Glenstone visit. An early cancellation will provide another group the opportunity to visit.
Please notify of us of your wish to cancel your visit via email at youth@glenstone.org or call 240-660-5155 and ask to speak with a member of our Community Engagement team.
Questions? Contact the Community Engagement team at youth@glenstone.org.