​Frequently Asked Questions

​​​​​How is the program structured?

There will be at least two educators running each program with as many as 14 children. All staff have completed their Vulnerable Sector Check and CPR Level C with First Aid. 

At times we may have a volunteer and/or a high school co-op student helping with the program. Volunteers and co-op students do not work unsupervised and volunteers over the age of 18 have also completed their Vulnerable Sector Check. 

Children will not be further organized by age within the group as children will be at different developmental levels and we would like them to feel comfortable with the activities they chose. As we will be running the program with 2 educators working together, at times we can be in close proximity with two activities. That way, students at a different level or risk threshold will have ample choice. 

We are a strength-based program, in that, we highlight what we all do well. Focusing on deficits only focuses on the negative, and our nature program focuses on the positive. So, if children have challenges, we will focus on what they do well, which will help them develop a positive attitude about themselves. ​

Risky Play

We recognize that there is immense value in play that is exciting and challenging, which allows children to grow their skill sets and see themselves as capable people. There can be minor injuries with such play, however it is through these opportunities that children learn how to regulate themselves, assess risk, and learn their limitations. 

Risky activities will be introduced gradually, by trained staff, when the time is appropriate. These activities will be supervised closely and can include slack lines, small zip-line, climbing trees, making fire with flint and steal, and working with wood. 

Tools for working with wood can include: potato peelers, loppers, small hacksaws, bow saws and sheath knives. All tools will be kept in a safe location and returned after their use. 

Free Play Forest - The Hive

The Hive is a favorite place for our youngest visitors as they can freely explore the wonders of the forest. 

Defined by a cedar rail fence, The Hive offers a contained space for free play in nature. As a build-it-yourself loose parts playground, students transform The Hive using child-size rails, logs and planks. It is a place for imagination, exploration and problem solving through open-ended play.

Food Policies

We do not provide food or drinks for programs and due to the potential for a life-threatening situation, we ask that snacks and lunches do not include nuts. We also ask that participants not share or trade food. 

Washrooms

While accidents can happen, we expect that the children enrolled in this program have already been toilet trained. There are 2 outdoor washrooms available, which are automated, heated and with running water. 

Refunds and Cancellation

Please note that the program may be cancelled at any time due to Covid-19 restrictions. If programming is already underway that day, there will not be a refund for the day. If the cancellation occurs the day before programming, or with longer notice, a refund will be issued. 

If your child misses a session, there won’t be a refund. 

If you need to cancel the full 6 week session, we will retain 25% of the fee to cover the admin costs, as long as 2 weeks notice is given. This will allow us time to fill the spot. 

Label All Items

To help us get all your child's belongings home at the end of the week, make sure their names are on all personal items.

Leave Valuables at Home

Leave valuables at home. These have a habit of falling out of pockets and getting lost in the woods! If campers do bring valuables we are not responsible for them.

Photographs and Video - Media Permission and Privacy

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority considers your child’s privacy to be a serious matter. All steps possible will be taken to protect your child’s privacy. During registration, you will be asked to accept or decline our photo permission waiver. It states; 

The Nottawasaga Conservation Authority will assume that permission is given for pictures and video to be taken during any program or activity, to be used to promote conservation education and/or recreation. As well, as part of our process to become an accredited Forest and Nature School Program, we are required to create video documents of our journey learning how to best guide your children. 

If you are okay with both scenarios mentioned above, please accept and grant us permission. 

If you are not okay with giving permission, we will respect your privacy when you do not click on the accept and grant us permission. 

If you would like more options, do not click to accept and upon completing registration you can use the more fulsome request with multiple options which is sent automatically.​