Foreword .com



WEST HALIFAX CHEER Goes to New Orleans!VERSION DATE: October 15, 2018Dear parents and athletes,We at WHC are so excited to announce that WHC’s Junior Brave, Junior Charm and Youth Crush will be travelling to New Orleans, USA!We wanted to take in this amazing competition for several reasons: Firstly, we want to be clear of the expectations of the competition. We are going purely for experience, and to see what cheer is like in another country. If we won, that would be FABULOUS; but it is neither our intention nor our expectation. We are going purely for the experience of the competition, the atmosphere, and to have an absolute blast while doing it. Placements mean nothing, and we’ll take the judges feedback with pride. We want to be PROUD of our teams, of what they have accomplished, and to show the Americans that cheer isn’t just their sport; it’s ours too. This information package will contain all the information we currently have regarding our trip. Things may change between now and the departure date. However, we want to be clear on a few points. The first is that we are very aware that this trip is an expensive investment for families, and therefore felt it was not our place to mandate that people HAVE to participate in any, or all, specific activities, other than the competition itself, a practice, and the team dinner. We do ask you provide us with contact information so we can reach you for any schedule changes. Based on the demographics of the attendees, we built the itinerary and plans based around families or parent & kid pairs travelling together, rather than 50 kids and a few chaperones. Should you have any questions about the content of this information package, please let us know and we will do our best to answer all your questions. Thanks!! Can’t wait for April!Erica, Jana, AshleyContents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Foreword PAGEREF _Toc527025685 \h 3Unaccompanied Minors PAGEREF _Toc527025686 \h 4Cheer Fees vs Trip Fees PAGEREF _Toc527025687 \h 4Trip Costs PAGEREF _Toc527025688 \h 5Mandatory Athlete Fee PAGEREF _Toc527025689 \h 5Flight & Transportation Information PAGEREF _Toc527025690 \h 6Hotel Information – Staybridge Suites PAGEREF _Toc527025691 \h 7New Orleans Info PAGEREF _Toc527025692 \h 8WHC Team Dinner PAGEREF _Toc527025693 \h 9Travel Documentation PAGEREF _Toc527025694 \h 10Travel Insurance PAGEREF _Toc527025695 \h 10Itinerary (As of October 12, 2018) PAGEREF _Toc527025696 \h 12Travel Tips PAGEREF _Toc527025697 \h 13Athlete and Parent Code of Conduct/Rules PAGEREF _Toc527025698 \h 16ForewordThe planning of this trip takes up considerable amounts of time from our volunteer planning committee. Extensive research was completed to identify many various options, which were then presented back to the group for final decisions. We considered many things, including costs, activities, and team exercises to make the most of this trip. We also recognized the demographic of our group – in that 95% of athletes travelling with us were going with their families or a parent; and not as an unaccompanied minor. This Trip Itinerary Package outlines the details for all aspects of the trip, as we are aware of them at this time. The official WHC portion of the trip is Friday, April 12 – Sunday, April 14. We are strongly encouraging everyone to arrive in New Orleans no later than mid-day on Thursday, April 11, as we are planning for our team dinner to be on Friday, April 12 at mid-day, and our team practices later that afternoon. Parents are responsible for their own children, except in the cases where they are travelling as an unaccompanied minor (you can identify to us if this is your situation) and WHC will assist in providing a chaperone to monitor your children for the duration of the trip. WHC has booked a block of rooms at the Staybridge Suites hotel. Parents will be provided a phone number and a booking number, and are responsible for calling the hotel and booking your own room. More information regarding this hotel can be found further in this document. WHC will manage the collection of fees to pay for team-specific activities including the competition entrance fees and other items that are required to plan this large-scale of a trip. Please realize that as we get closer to the date, things change, prices may fluctuate, but we felt this was a good time to communicate what we have amassed thus far. Unaccompanied MinorsDue to this being a youth/junior trip, there are very few, if any, athletes travelling without a direct parent responsible for them (unaccompanied minor). Therefore, we felt it would not be a good investment to provide chaperones for all the athletes, especially since their immediate families were available. However, for the athletes who are under 18 and are travelling unaccompanied, we are able to provide a chaperone for them. If you are available/interested in assuming responsibility for another athlete, please let us know, so we can provide a surrogate parent(s) for our unaccompanied minors. The hotel we have chosen provides an excellent opportunity for families to assume responsibility for additional children without taking up a lot of extra space (see the hotel section of this document for more information). WHC can assist in providing some compensation for assuming this additional responsibility. Please identify to WHC if you or your child is planning to attend the New Orleans trip as an unaccompanied minor. Cheer Fees vs Trip FeesIn order to attend and compete in this competition, your balance with WHC must be paid in full, as well as any trip-related fees. This is regardless of whether you’re booking your own flight and hotel. The current payment structure for the 2018-19 fees is that if you are paying in third-installments, the final one will be due in January 2019. If you had made alternative arrangements for payment plans; they are still to be paid by April 1, therefore, this rule is in effect. If you have been fundraising, then the amounts fundraised just go on as payments/credit on your account. Once your cheer fees are paid off, then the credits/fundraising can be applied to the invoices created for the trip. See the costing section for the approximate costs. Trip CostsIn order to make this trip a blend of team events as well as free-family time, we are only collecting and managing the payments for the team activities. The following payments and bookings will be done through individual parents/families:The StayBridge hotel rate that WHC has secured is $209 USD plus tax per night. Flight booking/payments;In looking online at flights, please expect to pay approximately $450-$500 CDN per person for a flight. Other expenses to consider:Amusement parks;Food/shopping; Transportation & parking costs (if you choose to rent a car); Competition admission fees for spectators; Baggage fees. Mandatory Athlete FeeWHC is managing the mandatory fee collection of $400.00 per athlete (Canadian funds, including HST). Note that this may change slightly as we finalize our plans, but for now, please plan for $400, which will cover the following: Competition registration fees (not including crossover fees; if you’re competing on two teams, you’re responsible for the crossover fee); Team banquet/dinner/Riverboat Cruise for the athletes only (parents are extra); Travel insurance for all athletes through Cheer Nova Scotia; Practice in another gym (and associated bus costs, etc.) on Friday evening; WHC trip Swag. We will provide a-la-carte sign-up sheet for parents, siblings and other non-athletes who would also like to take part in the dinner/banquet and who may want to purchase WHC swag, etc. We will also investigate to see if we have the option allow parents to pre-purchase spectator passes. NOTE that a $250 DEPOSIT for the mandatory athlete fee is due November 15, to ensure commitment from the travelling athletes. If you have two or more siblings travelling to New Orleans to compete, your travel deposit is $400; not $500. The balance for the Mandatory Athlete fees, including any a la carte items such as crossover fees or parent fees for attending the banquet, etc., are due no later than February 28, 2019. Flight & Transportation InformationFlightsWHC recognizes that a “one size fits all” flight option may not be the best option. Many are travelling using frequent flyer points, and/or may choose to book on their own with different dates and/or times. WHC has investigated a variety of travel agents to provide a group booking; however it has proven to be difficult in finding a group rate that is better than the rates currently available online through various airlines. Therefore, WHC will NOT be providing a group rate for flying to New Orleans. The prices are just simply much higher than if you booked on your own. Also, it is important that you’re aware that it is extremely unlikely that you will find a direct flight to New Orleans. Busses:Once we collect everyone’s flight information, it may be possible for us to charter or commission a bus to take large groups of people from the airport to the hotel. We don’t believe we will a bus for regular usage while in New Orleans, as everything is in reasonable walking or cabbing distance. If we are able to secure a gym to practice in on Friday night, we will charter a bus and take the kids with the coaches there & back. Hotel Information – Staybridge SuitesWHC has booked the Staybridge Suites HotelHotel rate is $209USD per night plus tax. The hotel is 0.5 miles to the competition venueIncludes free breakfastIs a suite-room (bedroom with two beds plus a couch, most are pull-out). This makes it possible for families to choose to share the room to cut costs if they would like to do that. Has a small kitchenette for those who wish to make their own foodParking rate is $15/day (note that for regular guests it is $45/day). Wifi is included in our rate. Note that there is a pool, but it is an outdoor pool, so swim at your own discretion if it’s not yet super hot in NOLA!Note that when you book your room, you’re required to pay a 1 night deposit. When you check in, you are also required to pay a $25/night deposit, refundable. We are requiring WHC athletes to stay at this hotel on Friday, April 12 and Saturday April 12, as these are the nights before the competition. If you as a family wish to stay somewhere else before/after these dates, feel free!We are also working with the hotel to see if we can secure a hospitality room to gather in and be a central point for socializing. Here is more information on the hotel: Orleans InfoNew Orleans is a popular travel destination in the USA. A few points:Average temperature at the time of year we’re travelling there is 25 degreesThere is an outlet mall across the street from our hotelUber, Lyft and Downtown street passes availableThe timing of our trip is that the Friday is a PD day for many kids, so it’s one less day off school they will need to take. There are tons of local walking tours in the city that include an above ground cemetery, and some carnival rides right in the middle of the city’s "central park". There are river cruises, and Airboat swamp tours where you can see and maybe even feed alligators.? New Orleans also has an Aquarium, Butterfly garden, and zoo right in the downtown area.? You can also take a horse and carriage ride, or ride on an old streetcar.? It’s a very culturally rich city, and promises to provide an experience of a lifetime! French Quarter FestivalThere is also a French Quarter Festival happening at the same time we’re there. This festival, unlike Mardi Gras, is targeted towards families and has parades, and lots of special events including dance lessons, films, music, and of course, lots of food!Here is more information on the French Quarter festival: Team DinnerWhenever WHC travels as a large group like this trip, we have found it invaluable to have a large team banquet/dinner in which we are all together, relaxed, and enjoying each other’s company. For this amazing New Orleans trip, we are planning a RiverBoat Dinner Cruise!! Current plans are (but details to be finalized)Friday, April 12, 2018 at 11 am for a lunch cruiseThe cost for the competing athletes to attend is included in the mandatory athlete fee, and they are expected to attend. Parents, siblings, etc. are welcome to attend at a cost (TBD). Travel DocumentationAnyone travelling to the USA, including infants, requires a valid Canadian Passport. You may also require additional documentation, depending on your circumstance. Please go to passport.gc.ca for details, however, here are some main points: ALL travellers flying to the USA require a valid Canadian passport (even infants).Persons under 18 are considered children and may require:Canadian PassportConsent Letter (when travelling with one of two parents, or travelling alone)Supporting documentation (such as a birth certificate or citizenship card)Other Legal Documents such as: divorce papers, custody court orders, or a death certificate (if one parent is deceased). Please go to for details on the above documentation. Please remember that consent letters are required if both parents of the child are not going. This is important even if you and your spouse are married and the children are yours, unless both of you are going together, consent letters are strongly encouraged. Please see the link above for recommended documentation when travelling with minors. *******REMEMBER that it is up to YOU to make sure that YOU have all the necessary travel documentation that YOU are required to bring.**********Travel InsuranceWHC recommends that all travellers get medical travel insurance, in case of sickness or accident while travelling. We are not offering group travel insurance at this time, however, if you are interested in pursuing group travel insurance, please let us know and we can provide assistance. WHC Athletes and coaches are covered for the cost of international insurance while competing. The cost for this is included in the mandatory athlete fee, and is a requirement of Cheer Nova Scotia. This covers injuries sustained during the competition, and does not cover travel incidentals such as missed flights or cancellation insurance. THE ONE Cheer and Dance Finals, New Orleans, Louisiana, USACompetition is Saturday, April 13, 2019 and Sunday, April 14, 2019Competition Name: The ONE FinalsHost: The One Website: : Ernest N Morial Convention Centre ()SpectatorsAll Admission is Cash Only?General Admission Ages 12+2-Day General Admission $45.001-Day General Admission $25.00Children Ages 5-112-Day General Admission $25.001-Day General Admission $15.00?Toddlers & InfantsAge 4 and under FREE$10 per car/per day if spectators park in the MCCNO (Ernst Morial Venue) Parking Lot.? Other options are closer for up to $40.00 per car/per day.. A few things to keep in mind that we’ve learned from attending USA Venues for competitions: They are often very strict with bringing in food, so please be prepared for your bags to be searched and food confiscated. As per most competitions, parents will not be permitted in the warm up area with their kids. There may or may not be a VIP viewing area like at the local Halifax competitions. You may have to watch from the stands. Itinerary (As of October 12, 2018)Wednesday, April 10 or Thursday, April 11, 2019: Arrive in New OrleansFriday, April 12, 2017: Practice & Team Dinner day in New OrleansRiverboat Team Dinner: 11 am – 3 pmTeam Practice: WHC is looking to rent or partner with a local Cheer Club in New Orleans and practice at their gym on Friday, April 12. Stay tuned for more details on this. If we are not able to find a location to practice in a cheer gym, we will still have the kids together at some point to practice this day, after our Riverboat Cruise. Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14, 2019: Competition Day in New Orleans!EARLY time (TBD): Athletes will be at the Ernst Morial Convention centre for the competition. Note that the schedule will likely not be known until a week or two prior to the competition. Monday, April 15 until your departure day: Free Days! Have Fun!Travel Tips******DO NOT FORGET YOUR UNIFORM!!! PACK IT IN YOUR CARRY-ON!!*****Before you go:Be sure to check the weight and size restrictions for the airline on which you are traveling! Be aware of potential extra costs for oversized, overweight, and extra or first bags. Spread your belongings out among all the suitcases for your travelling party. In the event that a piece of luggage is lost, everyone only loses a few things instead of one person losing everything. Take a photo or a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport (or leave it with someone at home). If you lose your passport, you can use the photo or photocopy to report your passport number to have it reported. Keep a wallet-sized card with important phone numbers and contact information on it in case you need to reference it quickly. If you are planning to use your cellphone while in the USA, you should contact your provider to add an American plan to your package for the month to avoid very high bills when you return to Canada. Debit is not used in the USA nearly as frequently as it is in Canada. Be prepared to use cash or credit card or travellers checks. If you are carrying cash, keep it on your PERSON at all times. Notify your credit card company that you are leaving the country, so they don’t freeze your card assuming it was stolen. Packing: Helpful info: a luggage tag on all your items, carry on and/or checked baggage. Don’t forget to bring:UNIFORM, SNEAKERS, and BOW (and socks, make-up, and any other accessories) – IN YOUR CARRY-ON!WHC Trip swag (tank top, other WHC gear)Bathing suitsAt least one hatSunscreenA camera/cell phoneComfortable clothes and shoes for walking around theme parksSomething dressy for our banquetMoney, credit cards, travellers checks, etc. Don’t over pack. Remember that the hotel has a washer and dryer right in your room, so you can always do laundry instead of bringing too much stuff. Don’t forget you might also buy some new clothes there too! Save some room in your luggage for taking items home with you. Don’t forget your TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. It is very important that you have all the necessary paperwork if you are travelling without both of your parents. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s up to you to make sure you have all the travel documentation required. You can lock your suitcase, but be aware that they may search it (even your checked bag) and may just cut the lock off. CARRY-ON: Don’t forget to NOT pack any sharp objects such as scissors, pocket knives, etc. They will likely be confiscated. You cannot bring blunt objects such as hockey sticks, golf clubs, or something that can cause injury (clearly). Other things you can’t bring on planes: weapons, gasses, dry ice, Tasers, guns, lighters, matches. So you know, leave your Taser at home ;-)You can bring electronics on the plane, but there are often restrictions on when you can use them. Abide by the rules of the aircraft. For liquids, gels, and aerosols: Pack these in a clear plastic bag. You can have them in bottles no bigger than 100 ml, and the total volume cannot exceed 1L. Medication: Make sure your medication is clearly labelled. Pack a bathing suit in your carry on, in case your luggage gets lost. You can still swim when you get to the hotel! Bring things to entertain yourself on the flight such as books, magazines, music. Be aware that electronic devices are not permitted during certain times in flight. Keep in mind that you may not be able to check into the hotel prior to 4 pm, and your flight might arrive much earlier. Pack your bathing suit in your carry on, or have it easily accessible, so you can go swimming while waiting for your room to be ready. If your ears are sensitive (i.e. they hurt if you fly), bring gum to help them pop!Bring earphones in case there is an in-flight TV. They charge for them on the plane, but most standard ear buds or earphones will work. Don’t forget that you can’t take water/liquids through security, but after you get through, you can purchase water. This is recommended, as it can get dry on the plane. They will give you a drink on the plane, but only you know how much you would normally consume. Plan accordingly. Day of travel:Arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Dress comfortably but remember that you’re travelling with a group representing your cheer group and your province and your country. Yoga pants are better than pajama pants!Don’t wear clothing with metal. You have to go through security, no metal makes it easier. Don’t forget you will have to remove your shoes when going through customs, so easy-on-easy-offs are best. Make sure your phone and electronic devices are fully charged and pack a charger in your carry-on in case there are delays, you can charge your device at the airport. Expect to wait in line. For a long time. And often. Have your passport and e-ticket ready at check in. If you need to have other documentation (custodial papers, etc), have them ready as well. Have your liquids, gels, and aerosols that are in your carry-on handy in a clear plastic bag to put through the security check. See the section above for liquids and gels in a carry-on bag. You will have to take laptop computers out of their case. You are not permitted to bring lighters, and many other forbidden items on board the airplane. If you are carrying-on medication, it should be in its original bottles and be ready to show customs if necessary. While in the USA:Cell Phone Usage: Be wary of the roaming charges. A helpful tip is to ask your cell phone provider to put an “American Plan” on your phone for the month we’re away, that way; it might minimize your roaming charges. Every provider and plan is different; please check with your specific provider. Check the FaceBook group (using Wi-Fi) often if you can. Wi-Fi is available at the hotel, and many other “hot spots” like the parks and the malls. We will be posting information throughout the trip, and we encourage it as a way to share your experiences with the group. It will also help us know where everyone is going each day!Save all your receipts. You are limited as to how much worth of goods you can bring back to Canada, and will be asked to identify the amounts on the customs declaration card on your way home. The limit is $800 per person (Canadian) for trips 7 days long or more. Athlete and Parent Code of Conduct/RulesThis code of conduct is an agreement that you understand the rules of the trip with WHC, and agree to abide by them. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the athlete or parent being suspended from all WHC activities for duration deemed appropriate by your WHC Board of Directors. We expect all athletes and parents to behave in a manner that represents WHC, Nova Scotia, and Canada in a positive, supportive, kind, polite, and respectful way. Be respectful to all staff and employees you encounter at the airport, hotel, bus drivers, theme parks, competition venue, malls, restaurants, and EVERYWHERE else: Abide by all airport rules, including baggage allowance; carry on allowances, line-up protocols, etc. Make sure you know what’s allowed and what’s not allowed before you go. Be respectful to others while travelling. Some people have an easier time with travelling than others. Be patient, especially if someone is having a difficult time, or is travelling with young children or elderly. Be respectful to the bus drivers. Be respectful to the hotel staff. Be aware that the rooms may not be ready by the time we get to the hotel (check in time is 4 pm, and many will be arriving long before that). Be respectful to the hotel maids and cleaning staff. The competition hosts are our friends. Be courteous, polite, and show them how awesome Canadians really are!Abide by hotel rules. No running near the pool, no food in restricted areas, no swimming after posted hours, etc. There will be a LOT of teams at the competition. Be respectful, cheer on everyone, and meet as many people as you can!No negativity or disrespect of any other teams. You never know who can hear you (athletes AND parents), and if you say something negative and someone overhears you, you’ve now skewed their opinion of our team, our province, and our country in their eyes. Wear your uniform for awards.No jewelry or nail polish. They will check. We will check. Don’t do it. Do not do anything that is illegal. For example, the legal drinking age is 21 in Louisiana. It doesn’t matter that it is 19 in Nova Scotia – you are required to abide by the rules of the city where you are. If you are under 21, it is illegal to drink alcohol. If you are over 21 – you need to drink responsibly. If you are under 21 and you choose to engage in drinking or any other illegal activity, your parents will be notified and you could face WHC disciplinary actions, as well as legal issues in Louisiana. USE COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!Behave. The important thing to remember that anything you do reflects us as an organization and you as a person. Any questionable behaviour can be subject to disciplinary action. Parents should be aware that except for when the athletes are warming up/performing and when the coaches take the athletes to the practice day/time, the coaches are not chaperons. If you are planning to go out and visit some of the New Orleans nightlife, please make proper arrangements for sitters while out! ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download