Wild Roots Nature Based Learning programs are active, outdoor, and hands-on—rain or shine! Sending your child prepared helps ensure they’re comfortable, safe, and able to fully engage with their experience.

Clothing Guidelines:

Please dress your child in layers and clothing that can get dirty, wet, and muddy. We are outside in all weather except in cases of extreme conditions (e.g., severe storms, lightning, or dangerous temperatures).

We recommend:

• Base layer: lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing
• Middle layer: fleece or sweatshirt
• Outer layer: waterproof jacket or rain suit
• Bottoms: long pants preferred for tick and scratch protection
• Shoes: closed-toe, sturdy shoes or boots (no sandals or Crocs)
• Extras: hat, gloves, extra socks, and a full change of clothes (especially for younger children)
  
  

Label everything with your child’s name—we often find lost hats and mittens in the woods!

Water Bottles, Lunch & Snack Policies:

• Water Bottles: Please send a full, reusable water bottle daily. Hydration is essential!
• Lunch: For full-day programs, pack a nutritious, waste-free lunch in a reusable container. We do not refrigerate or microwave food.
• Snacks: Send one or two healthy, nut-free snacks. We often eat snack outdoors during free play or quiet time. Wild Roots Nature Based Learning will provide one to two snacks per day depending on the programming. 

Note: We are a nut-free program to help protect children with allergies. Please read labels carefully.

Personal Items Policy:

To keep the focus on nature and community, we ask that personal toys, electronics, and valuables stay at home. If your child brings a comfort item or tool (e.g., nature journal, magnifying glass, fidget, headphones, weighted vest, etc.), please let a Wild Roots team member know. Because we support all types of learners, and especially children with neurodivergent brains and/or various abilities, we fully support your child needing to bring something with them to our programs to best support their needs. This is not a restrictive policy, but more so to allow for conversation, collaboration, and clear communication to best support your child and family and to ensure that whatever comes to camp is used properly and returns home with your child. 

Wild Roots Nature Based Learning is not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings.

Summer Camp:

• Drop-Off: Begins at 8:30 AM. A staff member will greet your child at your car and escort them to our waiting area.
  
  
• Pick-Up: Begins at 3:30 PM. Children must be signed out by an authorized adult listed on your registration form. Staff will escort your child to your car and check that you are authorized for pickup.
  
  
• Late Pick-Up: We understand delays happen! Please call us if you’re running late. Repeated late pickups may result in a fee to support staff time.

Microschool & Homeschool: 

• Drop-Off: Begins at 9:00 AM. A staff member will greet your child at your car and escort them to our waiting area.
  
  
• Pick-Up: Begins at 2:00 PM. Children must be signed out by an authorized adult listed on your registration form. Staff will escort your child to your car and check that you are authorized for pickup.
  
• Late Pick-Up: We understand delays happen! Please call us if you’re running late. Repeated late pickups may result in a fee to support staff time.
  
  

Safety is our priority. We will never release a child to someone not listed on your authorized pickup form without direct caregiver approval and valid photo ID.

Open, honest, and respectful communication is a cornerstone of our partnership with families. We want you to feel informed, involved, and connected throughout your child’s time with Wild Roots.

How We Stay in Touch:

We use several methods to keep families updated and in the loop:

• Email: Look for weekly updates with important reminders, highlights from the week, and upcoming events.
• Text Alerts: We send quick updates or urgent alerts (such as weather-related changes or last-minute announcements) via text.
  
  

Please make sure your contact information is always up to date so we can reach you when needed.

How to Contact Us:

We welcome your questions, feedback, and ideas!

• General Inquiries: team@wildrootsnbl.com
• Website: wildrootsnbl.com
• You may also speak with a staff member at drop-off or pick-up for quick updates or to request a longer conversation.

We aim to respond to messages within 24–48 hours during the week.

Parent Conferences or Check-Ins:

For homeschool/microschool families and recurring program participants, we offer optional check-ins throughout the season. These are a great way to hear about your child’s growth and ask questions about their experience.

You may also request a check-in at any time if you have a concern or want to connect more deeply with your child’s educators. We’re always happy to partner with you.

For Microschool families, records of learning will be shared with you and conversations about your child’s growth and learning will be scheduled throughout the year. 

Social Media & Photo Use:

We love celebrating our programs through photos and stories! With your permission, we may share photos of your child engaged in learning on our website, social media, or in promotional materials. No identifying information is ever shared without additional consent.

During registration, you’ll be asked to sign a media release form. If you prefer your child not be photographed or shared publicly, we will always respect that—just let us know.

Follow along with our adventures:

Instagram: @wildrootsnbl

Facebook: Wild Roots Nature Based Learning

TikTok: wild.rootsnbl

YouTube: @WildRootsNatureBasedLearning

Emergency Procedures:

All Wild Roots staff are trained in basic first aid, CPR, and emergency response. In case of an emergency:

• We will prioritize the safety and well-being of all children.
• 911 will be called when appropriate.
• Caregivers will be contacted immediately.
• Incident reports will be filed and shared with families.

We also practice safety drills (fire, weather, evacuation) with children in a calm and age-appropriate manner.

At Wild Roots, nature is our classroom, our co-teacher, and our community. We embrace all seasons and weather (with safety in mind) and help children build a deep relationship with the land through curiosity, care, and connection.

Outdoor Learning Policy:

We are an all-weather program. This means we go outside in rain, snow, sunshine, and everything in between, adjusting activities as needed to keep children safe and comfortable.

We only cancel or move indoors for:

• Thunderstorms or lightning
• High winds or dangerous conditions
• Extreme cold or heat (based on age-appropriate guidelines) 

Children should arrive dressed for the weather with extra layers and a full change of clothes. Being properly dressed makes outdoor learning joyful and safe!

Environmental Stewardship:

We believe every child is a steward of the Earth. Our programs teach children to care for the land and all its inhabitants by:

• Practicing “leave no trace” ethics
• Reusing and repurposing materials when possible
• Keeping our shared spaces clean
• Learning how our actions impact local ecosystems

From composting to conservation projects, we aim to foster lifelong habits of sustainability and responsibility.

Respect for Plants, Animals, and the Land:

Nature is full of living beings, each with its own role and importance. We teach children to move gently and mindfully through natural spaces by:

• Observing rather than disturbing animals
• Gathering natural materials respectfully and sparingly
• Staying on trails or designated areas when appropriate
• Asking permission before picking plants or interacting with wildlife
  
  

We model reciprocity and gratitude—for example, offering thanks after harvesting materials or using water for play. Children learn that we are part of the ecosystem, not separate from it.

Family Involvement

Families are the heart of the Wild Roots community. We deeply value the insights, energy, and presence you bring. When families are involved, children feel more connected, confident, and supported in their growth.

Volunteering:

We love having caregivers and family members join us! Volunteers may help with:

• Camp or class activities (as assistants or guest readers)
• Nature walks or field trips
• Organizing supplies or prepping materials
• Special events and celebrations

All volunteers must complete a background check and brief orientation. Opportunities will be shared regularly via email or posted on-site—let us know if you’re interested!

Family Events:

Throughout the year, we host community events where families can gather, celebrate, and learn together. These may include:

• Seasonal festivals
• Family nature walks
• Camp showcases or art displays
• Volunteer workdays and potlucks

These events help build relationships among families and strengthen the sense of belonging for all.

Feedback & Collaboration:

Your voice matters. We welcome ongoing feedback about your child’s experience and our programs. You can:

• Talk with educators at drop-off or pick-up
• Email or call with questions or concerns
• Participate in seasonal surveys
• Join informal parent circles or listening sessions

We strive to grow alongside our families and create a culture of shared leadership, trust, and transparency. Together, we’re raising the next generation of stewards, leaders, and changemakers.