Creative Nature Academy Application

Creative Nature Academy Application Form

Welcome to Creative Nature Academy! Creative Nature Academy is the only nature-based education in West Michigan that takes students on a pilgrimage to their inner temples of leadership, creativity, and wonder, where the explorer within each child is honored, celebrated, and nurtured - accessed through gentle guidance into the wilds of Blandford Nature Center in the heart of Grand Rapids - a canvas where the spirit of adventure mingles with the whispers of the wild. We look forward to welcoming your child to Creative Nature Academy, where every day is an adventure in learning and discovery! If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!
Enrollment Information

To apply for enrollment, please complete our online application form. A $55 non-refundable application fee is required to submit your application. This fee not only reflects the value of reserving a spot in our program but also demonstrates your commitment to the enrollment process. If your student is accepted, $50 of the application fee will be applied toward the tuition cost of the program, with the remaining $5 covering credit card processing fees.

Completion of the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program due to limited availability. Our class size is intentionally small to provide an immersive, personalized learning experience. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Date of Application Completion: Applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted.

Interest in Nature-Based Learning: Priority is given to families who value and support the benefits of outdoor education.

Commitment to Both Fall and Spring Semesters: To foster community building within each class, we prioritize students who can commit to a full academic year.

Families will be notified of their acceptance status within two weeks of submitting their application.

*If a class reaches full capacity, a note will be added at the top of this section to inform families. In such cases, you may select a payment option of $15 to be placed on the waiting list.

Tuition Fees:

Full-Day Programs: $775 per semester. Each semester includes 13 weeks of programming, with full-day classes meeting 5 hours per week. Price inlcudes materials fee.

Half-Day Programs: $650 per semester. Each semester includes 13 weeks of programming, meeting for 2.5 hours per week. Class size is limited to 8 students per day to ensure a high-quality learning opportunity. Price includes marterials fee.

Second Day Enrollment: $720 per full day class for families enrolling a student for a second day in the same semester.

Sibling Discount: Families enrolling multiple children will receive a $25 discount per additional child.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an invoice for the tuition.

Payment for Fall classes is due in full by July 1, and payment for Spring classes is due in full by January 1. Monthly payment options are available upon approval.

My Products*

Application Fee

$55.00

Waiting List

$15.00 Quantity

Application Fee Sibling Discount

$25.00 Quantity

Total

$0.00

Payment Methods

Credit Card

ACH Bank Transfer

Parent (1)

First NameLast Name
Parent Information:
Phone Number (1)
Email (1)
example@example.com
Parent(2)

First NameLast Name
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email (2)
example@example.com
Phone Number (2)
Students Information:
Please tell us a little bit about your child including their interests, hobbies, how much time they typically spend outdoors, and any additional relevant information.*
Student Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Please tell us about how your child learns best. Are there any learning difficulties we should be aware of in order to accommodate your child in their day?*
Please tell us more about your interest in Nature-Based Learning. Why are you interested in enrolling your child in a nature-based education program? How do you envision this experience benefiting your child? Share any experiences your child has had with outdoor or nature-focused activities.*
Are you able to commit to enrolling your child for both the Fall and Spring semesters? *
Commitment to Both Fall and Spring Semesters. How important do you feel it is for your child to form a sense of community within their learning environment? Describe how your family prioritizes long-term commitments to educational experiences and group activities.*
If you are applying for multiple days for your child, please list the days here:
Please describe any behavioral challenges your child may experience. What are the best ways we could help your child navigate difficult social and physical expereinces. *
Are you applying homeschool partnership credits towards tuition?*

NoHamilton ArtHamilton MusicHamilton PEJIA ArtJIA MusicJIA PENiles ArtNiles MusicNiles PE
DUTY TO SELF-MONITOR:
Participants, students, parents, and volunteers agree to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, Polio, or Monkey Pox (symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath), and contact CNA at (616) 259 – 2247 if he/she experiences symptoms within 14 days after participating or volunteering with CNA.

CAUTIONARY ACTIVITIES
Some of the activities that children will participate in will involve close proximity to fire, sharp objects, inclement weather, wild animals, parasites such as ticks and mosquitos, poisonous plants and mushrooms,and random trail-walking people of questionable moral character. Creative Nature Academy, the property or site owner of the Activity, and all past, present and future affiliates, successors, assigns, employees,volunteers, vendors, partners, directors, teachers, agents, and officers, of such entities (collectively, the "Released Parties”) will do their best to oversee and instruct in a safe manner. Safety is the top priority of CNA, but sometimes things happen. Part of the education CNA provides is to help prepare children for difficult situations, which unfortunately may arise in the field during class time. The below release and waiver is an acknowledgment of this reality, and by signing this release, you are assuming the risk, releasing CNA, and waiving your right to sue CAN if or when a difficult situation arises.

RELEASE AND WAIVER.

I acknowledge that I derive personal satisfaction and a benefit by virtue of my participation and/or voluntarism with CNA, and I willingly engage in CNA events, classes, or other activities.

THROUGH SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I NOW RELEASE, WAIVE AND FOREVER
DISCHARGE ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF WHATEVER KIND OR NATURE AGAINST THE CREATIVE NATURE ACADEMY, INCLUDING IN EACH CASE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR DIRECTOR, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS (THE “RELEASED PARTIES”), EITHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES OR LOSSES CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE, FAULT OR CONDUCT OF ANY KIND ON THE PART OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEATH, BODILY INJURY, ILLNESS, ECONOMIC LOSS OR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, WHICH I, MY HEIRS, ASSIGNEES, NEXT OF KIN AND/OR LEGALLY APPOINTED OR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES, MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY FROM THIS DATE FORWARD ACCRUE ON MY BEHALF, WHICH MAY ARISE FROM MY PARTICIPATION WITH
THE ACTIVITY.

ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. I acknowledge and understand the following:
1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases. While particular rules, the efforts of CNA, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist;

2. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19,even if arising from the negligence or fault of the Released Parties; and

3. I hereby knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm and loss associated with the Activity, including any injury, harm and loss caused by the negligence, fault or conduct of any kind on the part of the Released Parties.

MEDICAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RELEASE. I acknowledge the health risks associated with the Activity, including but not limited to transient dizziness, lightheaded, fainting, nausea, muscle cramping, musculoskeletal injury, joint pains, sprains and strains, heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. I agree that if I experience any of these or any other symptoms during the Activity, I will discontinue my participation immediately and seek appropriate medical attention. I DO HEREBY RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY CLAIM WHATSOEVER WHICH MAY ARISE ON ACCOUNT OF ANY FIRST AID, TREATMENT, OR SERVICE RENDERED IN CONNECTION
WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY.

As a participant, student, parent, volunteer, or attendee, I recognize that my participation, involvement and/or attendance at any CNA class or activity is voluntary and may result in personal injury (including death) and/or property damage. By attending, observing or participating in the Activity, I acknowledge and assume all risks and dangers associated with my participation or attendance at the Activity, and I agree that the Released Parties will not be responsible for any personal injury (including death), property damage, orother loss suffered as a result of my participation in, attendance at, or observation of the Activity, regardless if any such injuries or losses are caused by the negligence of any of the Released Parties. BY SIGNING THISWAIVER AND ATTENDING AND/OR PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITY, I AM GIVING A FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY TO THE RELEASED PARTIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

If any portion of this Waiver is held to be invalid, I intend the other portions to remain in full force andeffect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
What program(s) are you applying for?*

Wednesday [FULL -WAITING LIST ONLY]: Wild Wednesday: Ages 6 to 12, 9:30am to 2:30pm. Here, we focus on nurturing a love for the outdoors by balancing big wild play, messy art projects, focused whittling, and journaling sessions, ensuring children feel comfortable and safe in nature's embrace. *Wednesday and Friday are perfect companion classes. Whether taken independently or together, each day offers a quality nature education experience, encouraging students to delve deeper into their understanding of the natural world.Thursday Nature Mentors: Ages 8to 13, 9am to 2pm. Develop leadership skills, build naturalist expertise, and create engaging nature curriculum. Immersive outdoor experiences, students deepen their understanding of ecology while honing their ability to share knowledge effectively. They'll collaborate to design games and educational activities, fostering creativity and innovation. Above all, Thursday Nature Mentors is about fun and community, where young nature lovers come together to explore, learn, and grow. Join us for an inspiring journey of discovery and leadership in nature!Thursday Young Naturalists [2 spots remaining] : Ages 4-6 in the mornings 9:30am to noon. This program offers the perfect introduction to the wonders of nature for preschoolers and young learners. Through games, stories, and scientific exploration, children will ignite their curiosity and develop a lifelong love for the natural world.Forest Friday: Ages 6 to 12, 9:30am to 2:30pm. Here, we focus on nurturing a love for the outdoors by balancing big wild play, messy art projects, focused whittling, and journaling sessions, ensuring children feel comfortable and safe in nature's embrace. *The Wednesday and Friday are perfect companion classes. Whether taken independently or together, each day offers a quality nature education experience, encouraging students to delve deeper into their understanding of the natural world.Waiting List WednesdayWaiting List Thursday MentorWaiting List Thursday Young NaturalistWaiting List Forest Friday
Parental Consent
Date of Signature*

MonthDayYear
Date
Parental Consent: Parent/Guardian Signature*

Powered by Jotform SignClear
Student Medical Information
Do you have Health Insurance coverage for your child?*

YesNo
Health Insurance Company
Health Insurance Policy Number
List all allergies and the type of reaction they cause
Does your child have any allergies?*

YesNo
Does your child have an epi-pen? If so, they must keep it with them at all times!

YesNo
Does your child have any special food restrictions?*

YesNo
Please list any special food restrictions
Does your child take any medications they will take during the program day?*

YesNo
IMPORTANT: All medications must be in the original package (daily sorters/pill keepers are not permitted.)

Please only send enough medication for the program day.
List medications and when they must be taken (example: At Breakfast, At Lunch, Before Bed, As Needed)
Has your child been diagnosed with asthma by a physician?*

YesNo
IMPORTANT: If your child has been diagnosed with asthma by a physician and has medication including tablets, nebulizers, or inhalers, they MUST bring such treatment wtih them to CNA or they will not be allowed to stay at camp!

If your child has an inhaler, they must keep it with them at ALL TIMES during the program day!
Does your child have any other significant health history (heart condition, diabetes, any injury) or does the camper have any restrictions/medical conditions that the nurse needs to be aware of?*

YesNo
If Yes, please explain
Emergency Contacts
Primary Contact: In case of emergency, please contact the following person *

First NameLast Name
Primary Contact relationship to student*
Primary Contact Home Phone Number*
Primary Contact Cell Phone Number*
Primary Contact Work Number
Secondary Contact: In case of emergency, please contact the following person *

First NameLast Name
Secondary Contact Home Phone Number*
Secondary Contact relationship to student*
Secondary Contact Cell Phone Number*
Secondary Contact Work Number
Medical Information Signature
I have read and understand the statements in this release form. I understand that should a health problem arise, I will be notified but if I cannot be reached by telephone I consent to emergency medical treatment, which may include surgery for my child as deemed necessary by competent medical personnel. I also consent to the release of information for insurance purposes.
Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Medical Information: Parent/Guardian Signature*

Powered by Jotform SignClear
Date of Signature*

MonthDayYear
Date
Photo and Promotional Release:*

Powered by Jotform SignClear
Date of Signature*

MonthDayYear
Date
Photo and promotional release:

I Hereby Consent to the Following for myself and my child:
To be interviewed, recorded, photographed, videotaped or filmed by representatives of Creative Nature Academy for purposes of publication, display or broadcast (print, web, digital display and all other forms of media). I agree that such interviews, recordings, articles, quotes, photographs, films, audio or video and/or any reproductions of same in any form, are the property of Creative Nature Academy, and I relinquish any present or future claim for reimbursement for said photographic or film reproduction of my likeness or for said testimonials by me.

I hereby release Creative Nature Academy, its affiliates, employees, representatives and agents from any and all claims, demands, costs and liability that may arise from the use of these interviews, recordings, photographs, videotapes or films, and/or any reproductions of same in any form, as described above, arising out of being interviewed, recorded, photographed, videotaped or filmed. I acknowledge that I have read this consent form in its entirety, or it has been read (or translated) to me, and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about it and understand it.
Student Name*

First NameLast Name
Should be Empty:

Creative Nature Academy Application Form

Payment Methods

Parent Information:

Students Information:

Parental Consent

Student Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Medical Information Signature