OAKs POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Outdoor Adventure Kids monitors weather conditions through the National Weather Service, local emergency services, and other resources to ensure safety. Programs may be canceled due to extreme weather, natural disasters, or other hazards. Families will be notified via text as soon as possible—please check your phone before leaving home. We do our best to provide timely updates, but factors beyond our control may affect notification timing.

 
If a program is canceled, we will offer make-up classes when possible. Families who choose not to attend a program that goes ahead as scheduled are not eligible for refunds, credits, or make-ups.

 
Safety is our priority, but we understand families have different comfort levels. If the weather seems questionable, feel free to reach out before leaving home.

Please keep your child home when ill or contagious. Remind your child of proper sanitation in  our environment to keep illness or contagions down. We want to keep all illnesses to a  minimum for children, educators, and staff. Please remind kids to wash hands or sanitize before  arriving to keep germs at a minimum. If your child becomes ill while we are out during one of our nature school sessions, the student’s parent will be notified to come and pick the child up as soon as possible.  

 
Clothing is important to stay well. Please be aware of changing weather. Weather can change  during the day quickly. Send layers and specific weather-related covers (like a poncho or  water resistant clothing and hat) with your child that they can put on themselves during the day.  Practice or make sure they know how to use it and wear it, remind them they have it and send  items they will use. Please label items to limit losing items and to help identify if they are  misplaced or left.  

 
Please instruct and practice with your child at home; cold weather clothing put on and take off,  and managing themselves to go to the bathroom with their gear. It'll help them feel more  comfortable when they feel they are prepared, and know how to manage their gear. We want  to minimize and eliminate all anxieties possible. This part can be overseen, but very important to the child.

Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. If payment is not received by the 7th, a $25 late fee will be added to your account.

 
We understand that unexpected delays can happen—such as waiting for ESA funds to be deposited. If you need a payment extension, please reach out to staff in advance so we can work with your family and make appropriate arrangements.

 
For added flexibility, tuition may be paid in two- or three-month increments. Just let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to arrange it.

Important Notes About Enrollment and Tuition:

• Tuition is billed monthly and must be paid by the 1st of each month to secure your child’s spot.
• Missed days will not be refunded or credited
• If you choose to withdraw from the program, please provide at least two weeks’ notice so we can offer the spot to another family.
• In the event of an extended absence, tuition must still be paid to reserve your child’s spot in the program.
• At OAKs we have a flat rate monthly tuition, which is not based on number of days attended.
• We only have a daily drop in rate for those students dropping in when space is available.

At Outdoor Adventure Kids, we understand that unexpected circumstances may arise and prevent your child from completing a class. However, please keep in mind that when you register, you are reserving a spot in the program—one that could otherwise be offered to another child. Each class requires thoughtful planning, preparation, and coordination on our part, and your enrollment represents a commitment to the program.

By registering, you acknowledge that your decision is voluntary and based on your understanding of your child’s needs and readiness for an outdoor learning environment. This includes considering the seasonal weather, outdoor conditions, and the developmental demands of the program.

We kindly ask that you carefully evaluate your schedule and your child’s capacity to participate before enrolling. We do not offer refunds for missed classes, regardless of reason, due to the limited number of spaces available and the operational needs of the program.

If your child will be absent, please let us know in advance. This helps us with class planning and provides an accurate headcount for the day.

We meet on Mondays (East Valley), Thursdays (Payson) or Fridays (Payson). 

We observe the following breaks:

• Major holidays: No classes during Thanksgiving Week, Christmas Week, and New Year’s Week.
• Seasonal school breaks: We take seasonal Fall, Winter and Spring breaks. Exact dates will be posted on our website.

Please refer to our monthly calendar for specific break dates and schedule updates.

Outdoor Adventure Kids is a nature-based wilderness program, and as such, we explore various areas within the Tonto National Forest. We venture to different places throughout the East Valley, as well, for our East Valley Monday program.

 
To keep you informed we provide a monthly calendar with all the different locations we will venture out to so you'll always know where we'll be each day.

Each student must bring their own lunch and snacks. Please pack a generous amount of nutritious, high-protein food to fuel your child throughout the day. Our outdoor activities are physically demanding, and proper nutrition helps children maintain energy and focus.

 
Also, make sure your child brings plenty of water to stay hydrated during our 5½-hour day. Hydration and balanced nutrition are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors.

Safety is our top priority. All children are required to wear a life vest when entering water deeper than waist height, regardless of their swimming ability.

 
Fishing is a regular part of our program. Per Arizona state regulations, children ages 10 and older must have a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online prior to participating.

At Outdoor Adventure Kids, we prioritize respect, safety, and inclusivity in all aspects of our program. We believe that children thrive in a nurturing and safe outdoor environment when clear boundaries are set and followed.

To Support A Positive Experience For Everyone:

• Respect for others and the environment is expected at all times.
• Positive attitude, positive language and appropriate conversation only
• Listening to directions is essential to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
• Our goal is to create a fair, enjoyable, and supportive space where all children can succeed.

Behavior Management Process:

• First Instance: A verbal warning will be given if behavior is unsafe or inappropriate.
• Second Instance: A formal warning will follow if behavior continues.
• If Behavior Persists: The child will be required to stay with an adult and will not be allowed to use tools or equipment for the remainder of the session.

Parental Involvement:

• Parents/guardians will be asked to sign a Behavior Agreement confirming understanding of these expectations.
• In cases where a child poses a danger to themselves, other children, or staff, parents will be required to pick up their child immediately.
• If unsafe or disruptive behavior is repeated and ongoing, we will schedule a meeting to discuss whether continued participation in Outdoor Adventure Kids is appropriate.

At Outdoor Adventure Kids, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where all children feel valued and supported. Bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Definition of Bullying:

 
Bullying is defined as deliberate behavior by one or more individuals intended to cause physical or emotional harm to another person. It typically involves an imbalance of power and occurs repeatedly over time. Bullying can be physical, verbal, social, or emotional in nature.

Our Commitment:

 
We strive to build positive relationships among children and encourage respectful, kind interactions. All staff and participants are expected to contribute to a culture of care and respect.

 
Response to Bullying:

 
If a child is found to be engaging in bullying behavior, staff will intervene promptly. If the behavior continues or is deemed severe, the child may be asked not to return to the program in order to maintain a safe and supportive space for others.

Effective communication is essential to our nature school community. We take safety and concerns seriously. Parents or guardians can contact staff directly, by phone, or via email. For urgent matters, please reach out in person or by phone as soon as possible. Staff will always strive to address concerns promptly and honestly.

At OAKs, we want kids to fully enjoy nature and connect with friends—without screens.

No phones, tablets, or electronic devices are allowed during school hours or activities. If your child has a phone for communication, it must be stored in their backpack for use after school hours.

 
This helps children stay present, play freely, and explore the outdoors.

 
If you need to reach your child, please contact the OAKs leaders.

At OAKs, we are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all children and adults during our Nature School sessions.

• Lead staff hold a current and up-to-date First Aid Certificate, ensuring that there is always at least one qualified first aider present at every session.
• In the event of illness or injury, first aid will be promptly administered by a certified first aider.
• Parents or guardians will be notified as soon as possible about the incident.

This policy helps us maintain a safe, responsive environment for every participant.

In the event of an emergency, the Leader will promptly assess the situation, including the nature and extent of the injury or accident. They will ensure that the rest of the group is safe from danger and is being adequately supervised.

The Leader will attend to the casualty and administer first aid as necessary. If the injury or illness cannot be treated on site and requires medical assistance, 911 will be called immediately.

A designated staff member will meet the ambulance at the site entrance and guide the emergency crew to the location of the incident.

The parent or guardian of the injured child will be contacted immediately after 911 is called.

At Outdoor Adventure Kids, we believe that fostering a deep connection with nature includes learning how to recognize and interact respectfully with trees and plants. One of the most valuable ways to build this connection is through the safe and informed practice of wild food foraging.

With expert guidance, participants are introduced to the many uses of wild plants—for food, medicine, and practical applications. This hands-on learning fosters a sense of wonder and responsibility, helping children grow into lifelong stewards of the natural world.

To Support This, We Are Committed To:

• Minimizing risk by teaching how to avoid ingesting poisonous species
• Providing instruction with clear, reliable tools for plant identification
• Reinforcing the “No Pick, No Lick” policy during all nature school sessions
• Ensuring foraging occurs only as part of a planned activity under close adult supervision
• Teaching awareness of poisonous look-alikes, using clear comparisons and real examples
• Using diverse teaching methods to ensure participants understand the distinctions between safe and harmful plants

 Our goal is to empower children with the knowledge and respect necessary to explore the natural world safely and sustainably.

1. Supervised Use Only: Tools will only be used under supervision from members of our team.
2. Maintenance and Condition: Tools will be kept maintained and in good working order.
3. Pre-Session Inspection: Tools will be inspected before each session.
4. Proper Instruction First: Children and adults must be shown how to use each tool before using it.
5. Safe Storage: Tools will be kept in the toolbox or designated area when not in use.
6. No Running with Tools: We never run while holding or carrying tools.
7. Permission Required: Permission to use tools can only be given by the OAKS Leader.
8. Permission Can Be Revoked: Permission to use tools may be withdrawn at the OAKS Leader’s discretion if rules are not followed.
9. Safe Working Space: The working area must have sufficient space — at least an arm length away from anyone else — and must be clear of tripping hazards.