FAQ's
Covid-19 Quick look*
Health and sanitation protocol for our 2020-2021
Safety and Security
Each year we create a team of phenomenal nature educators– each with his/her own inspirational life experiences and primitive and naturalist skills to share. Nature Educators undergo a background check and training on keeping children safe in the outdoors either with our program and/or with NOLS Wilderness First Aid Training and/or Red Cross CPR training outside our program. Our small camp sizes (max size of 20) and nature educator to camper ratios (1:9), as well as as our nature educator being assisted by 1-2 Teen Assistants for support. All to assure that each child is well cared for, that safety is priority always and that each child is always safe in our outdoor program. Parent pick up designees must be on registration forms or on sign in page and each summer camp child is signed in and out each day.
Financial Hardship
BEan in Nature is always willing to discuss tuition costs, if you are facing a financial hardship. Please inquire within, so we may find out how we may support you.
Are your teachers live scanned?
Yes they are live scanned.
What is the average experience of your instructors?
Our average instructor have an average of two to five years of experience in outdoor education. Plus, this experience has to be relevant (for duties very similar to what they will be responsible for with BEan In Nature). They have to prove to us that they were at the top of their game while accruing their experience. We thoroughly check references.
Is your organization insured?
BEan IN NATURE is fully insured for liability.
Where do I register? HERE
Where do I register for A TEAM BEan IN NATURE, Nature Science?
HERE
BEan In Nature cancellation policies are based on our investment in staff, course planning, as well as food and equipment purchases before your course. We cannot recover our expenses if you cancel. Short-notice cancellations often prevent others from attending. Nevertheless, we understand that the needs of families may change.
What happens if plans change? How do I cancel my enrollment?
Will I receive a refund?
Refunds
Due to the Covid-19 as a small business, and a program for the earth and for children to connect to the earth, we are doing our very best for our nature community of camp families. We have been preparing for our 2021 camps since 2020. Our program incurred major costs in preparation for the camp season, prior to camp season with training and planning
This situation is unusual and stressful on all of us. As the news continues to evolve, we all will keep making the best decisions we can for our families and our businesses.
We will continue to work closely with our park hosts, local and state public health authorities with their recommended health guidelines. Your children and their safety are utmost important to us.
Here are **quick links**details that might help offer more learning pod information:
Learning PODs
Days and locations and info
Tuesdays and Wednesday Intuitive Naturalist Learning Info and Details
Thursday info
Saturdays
REG
How our programs work with grouping and activities during or after Covid-19?
As the news continues to evolve, we all will keep making the best decisions we can for our families and our staff.
We are working with our professional and lay leaders to take a balanced and active approach to our micro school planning while following the County Guidelines. As we have seen throughout this period, the situation continues to evolve at such a rapid pace.
Please trust, we will continue to follow the SC Guidance of stable groups, offering 6 week rotation for students, children in the same household can be in the same group whenever possible, symptom screening before camp, clear and concise hygiene protocol and plenty of room and outdoor safe space to have for each child.
As we continue to plan and design our programs, we will continue to work closely with our park hosts, local and state public health authorities with their recommended health guidelines. Your children and their safety are utmost important to us.
Covid-19
Health and sanitation protocol for our 2020-2021
General Structure during Covid-19
All ages are joined in the morning, if we have 2 age groups we will be in 1 large pod grouping for morning circle and with social distance. Here are the highlights of the safety measures we have designed for our programs in schools and outdoor programs measures, we will be in alignment with safety regulations and adjust as new information comes out:
Health Questions Prior to Program each week:
Please have your child stay home if ill or has a fever.
Symptoms : • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Muscle Pain • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea
1. My child has not been around anyone with any of the listed symptoms or diagnosis of COVID19 in the 14 days before the start of the program.
2. No one in our household has been sick prior to the program.
3. My child and our family have adhered to our state’s guidelines regarding COVID19.
Summer
SUMMER REG FORM
SUMMER SCHEDULE
SUMMER SAVINGS!
How our summer program works with grouping and activities, prior:
If you are a parent of a younger or an older child you might be asking, how will my child be served best in the age span offered?
Our camps are ran with 2 adult mentors, an adult seasoned instructor and a seasoned superb teen assistant. Both Age Groups, youngers and orders, are woven together for morning circle and games, after this, your campers launch off for the day to spend time with their own age group often working side by side in activities or in tandem, but more developmentally aligned with your child's own age group. If our camp is quite small, teaching to the smaller group, is supported with a seasoned instructor and a seasoned teen assistant.
Early Bird Payment deposit:
You may pay $100 non refundable deposit towards your child's registration at Early Bird Prices, and then pay the final amount of the camp fee on or before April 1st. See Refund info below:
Day-of-Camp Questions
What to pack for camp
Lunch and snacks Pack enough for a full and active day. BEan In Nature is a peanut-free camp; please do not pack peanut products.
Water bottle We recommend a water bottle that is at least 12 oz. While many parks have water fountains, our activities often take us down trails or into areas where fountains are not readily available.
A sweater or jacket While we live in a mild climate, the weather can change rapidly. Wool and synthetics are advised since they do not absorb moisture the same way cotton does. Our programs typically go outside every day, rain or shine. Please pack rain gear if the weather predicts rain (water-proof jacket, pants, and boots).
Layers / change of clothes Having an extra long sleeve shirt, a warm hat, and a pair of pants can make the difference between a happy kid and a not-so-happy one when the weather changes. At the end of the day, expect kids that might be wet, muddy, and/or covered in poison oak. You may wish to bring a change of clothes for the ride home.
Long pants Long pants help provide protection from thorns and poison oak.
Sturdy, but worn in closed toe shoes Comfort is key, but we suggest something that is water resistant with a little ankle support.
Sunscreen / hat Sunburns are possible, even on cloudy days! Please pack some form of sun protection.
Carving knife (depending on camp and will be announced in your welcome letter) Campers are welcome to bring their own knives, although we have loaner knives available for any carving activities. Knives should be non-serrated with a fixed or locking blade. Note that we may or may not engage in carving activities depending on the camp theme and group needs. This is at the sole discretion of the instructor. If you have any questions about choosing a knife, please feel free to ask us. We like Opinel for the younger students and Swedish Mora knives for the Older students.
Do you have safety policies?
Yes! Often, people don't understand true risk in many activities because they lack experience. Our policies look at every potential risk and lateral contingency. Ironically, what we do has a lower statistical risk than youth martial arts, dance, sports or gymnastics, yet we feel we focus more on mitigating our hazards than many organizations in those fields.
What is your safety policy after Covid-19?
Again, as we continue to plan and design our programs, we will continue to work closely with our park hosts, local and state public health authorities with their recommended health guidelines. Your children and their safety are utmost important to us.
Do you have trainings for your safety policy
We do seasonal safety trainings. Instructors, as well as our TEEN assistants, working near emergency services are required to be up to date on first-aid and CPR certifications, including Epi-Pen. If operating in an area more than 40 minutes from emergency services, we require a Wilderness First Aid certification.
Furthermore, we review our safety policies in full, at each training event. But we don't stop there. It's one thing to have policies in place, it's another thing to have a staff that fully understands and assumes responsibility for those policies. We engage all staff in an ongoing dialogue as to "why" these policies exist. They contribute their own thoughts and methods to consistently review and improve them.
Can I add After Camp Care later?
Yes, we do and can offer this for families, in many camps.
What are your After Camp care prices and what camp do you offer these?
Not yet offering, but please let us know if you want it for the future!
We offer after camp care in the afternoons, Camp June 25th week, Monday through Thursday. Friday afternoons, we do not offer after camp care because we end with our Family Finale and we ask you to take your camper home with you. Cost Monday - Thursday from 1:30-5:30 $160; 1:30-4:30 $120; 1:30-3:30 $80 per camper
We currently have only one week designated for After Camp Care time for registered campers. On the Registration form you can place if you want After Camp Care and we can organize that for that camp week, if we have enough families interested in After Camp Care for that week.
Why do I see small variances in camp costs for each camp?
We strive to look at each camp design separately to allow for creativity in all we do with the children and what we choose to teach. Each educator that teaches the children, creates their own project ideas and supplies are needed differently for each camp. Camps or private classes are also held to the same calculations to support the educators creative design and to support materials cost and teacher fees. We will always strive to stay in the comparable cost range of other great outdoor programs.
If my child is just going into 3rd grade should I put him in the morning 3-6th class or the afternoon 1-3rd class?
It is best to keep your child in the 1-3rd grade class until they have had 1 year of nature or have turned 9 after the fall.
How do you teach?
Experiential learning is the process whereby students “learn by doing” and 'hands on' and by reflecting on their experience. WE also call this inquiry based teaching, "coyote mentoring", where the student asks a question and we come to the explore the question and the object in discovery, through a series of thoughtful and inquisitive question about that object and/or question. WE use this style of teaching accented with “Coyote Mentoring”. Native communities do not send their children to traditional schools to acquire nature education. Instead, they surrounded their young ones with a mentoring within their communities. Jon Young, author of The Coyote mentoring guide, often calls this education system an “Invisible School.” Invisible Schools used everyone in the village and all the elements of the landscape to draw out their student’s curiosity and inspire hands on learning.
Each teacher brings their own personal unique nature education style and mentoring techniques create an Invisible School that combines the best of native wisdom and creative modalities to engage and activate the children’s passion and connection to nature. Children are naturally connected to nature, they are naturally inspired to engage and be part of their natural world. Using universal children’s interests and passions to engage them in practicing Core Routines of Nature Awareness, mentors improvise with Storytelling, the Art of Questioning, and a boundless bundle of nature games, activities, and challenges. Our “Coyote Mentoring” tools inspire children to connect deeply with nature and send them home with a sparkle in the eye.
Are all ages combined or separate?
We have 2 program groups on Tuesday. All ages are joined in the morning for 1.5 hours. Due to the limitations set by OG charter school we must offer families a portion of the day, nature awareness crafts and skills, paid for by OG funds; and a portion of the day, more technical primitive skills, paid for with parent funds.
Then the Groups break off into sub groups, Honey bees (5.5-8.5)and Coyotes (9-14)
What time would teens be meeting a Anderson Lake on Tuesdays?
Program runs from 9:00-2:00
What is the protocol for inclement weather?
The protocol for inclement weather is we go out and use tarps, work on our knot skills and work on our primitive fire skills. We had a great time last year with all the rain and only had 1 day of intense weather per semester, on rainy days less mild we use tarps and teach knots, for shelter.
Do you have any young teen or 12 year old girls coming from south San Jose whose mom might be interested in car pooling?
We do have families coming from San Jose. At this time our enrollment is just revving up. We can most certainly reach out to families for carpooling as the registration grows.
Can I stay with my child for the classes?
Families are welcome to stay and enjoy a day in nature at the park, however the primary focus of the teachers and parent volunteers will be on facilitating the richest possible experience for enrolled children.
When is the best time to hang out and be part of my child’s class?
Parents and siblings of children are invited to join group activities at the beginning of the class in our opening Thanksgiving Circle.
We're also interested in both the Monday Program and the Wednesday afternoon program at Stevens Creek. Will this program has same projects as in Full circle farm or on other program days? Can my child do both?
Yes! Our programs on Wednesdays and Mondays will be different in the land base is different and we have 2 different nature leaders, teaching the classes. Both will be rich with diversity in the land scape we are teaching at. Stevens Creek is a wonderful quiet park just beyond Rancho San Antonio Park. We were at Rancho last year, which was quite a nice park but the foot traffic was high. Thus we have moved a little beyond to find a quieter more opportune place to discover and explore this year.
Our leaders for the Stevens Creek location and he is an amazing primitive skills teacher and outdoor educator. He works well with all ages of children and he is captivating with his stories and adventure lessons for our programs.
Each Teacher/Leader/Mentor offers their own talents, passions and skills to the teaching environment and group, always following the love of learning as the main focus for the flow each day.
We are excited to have such a diverse line up in our staff this year, both with teachers and land base opportunities.
What type of volunteering must I do for my child’s class?
Currently we do not have parents regularly volunteering in our program. Although we strongly feel community building is key to our program; thus, parents of children in all groups are asked if they are able at times, to volunteer or come support their child's program. During this time, you will be a co- teacher of the group and the teachers and kids will want your full attention and participation. If you have a younger, you may bring him/her, if the a sibling is distracting to the group process, parents are asked to redirect the sibling by removing him/her from the circle or activity so that enrolled children can practice listening, speaking and following directions with a minimal amount of distractions. The exception to this is the Younger Group (1-3) where siblings are welcome to join on parent help days.
Outside of scheduled parent help days, we will only ask parents to accompany their children to class if we see that the child needs extra support in order to have a safe and satisfying experience..
What if I have a younger child, how can I volunteer?
If you have a younger, you may bring him/her. If the sibling is distracting to the group process, parents are asked to redirect the sibling by removing him/her from the circle or activity so that enrolled children can practice listening, speaking and following directions with a minimal amount of distractions. The exception to this is the Younger Group (1-3) where siblings are welcome to join on parent help days. Parents of children in the Younger Group often spend the day with their children beyond their required parent help days. You are welcome to do this since it is a great opportunity to observe how your child interacts with other children, teachers and the natural world. Outside of scheduled parent help days, we will only ask parents to accompany their children to class if we see that the child needs extra support in order to have a safe and satisfying experience.
Volunteering and Siblings
Community support and community building are key to our program; thus, parents of children in all groups are asked if they are able at times, to volunteer or come support their child's program. If parents opt in, if needed, parents are co- teachers, and the teachers and kids want your full participation. Parents with siblings may bring him/her. However in the older class (grades 3-6), if the sibling is a distraction parents are asked to redirect the sibling by removing him/her from the circle or activity so enrolled children can practice listening, speaking, and following directions with a minimal amount of distraction. In the younger class (grades 1-3) siblings are welcome to join on parent-help days.
Outside of parent-volunteer days, parents are only asked to accompany their child(ren) to class if that the child needs extra support in order to have a safe and satisfying experience.
Each program day has different needs for volunteers, so your volunteer time may be time other than coming onsite for a day in nature. We are very flexible, we only ask what you can give and appreciate your time!
Do you offer worktrade to help me pay for my child's tuition?
Yes...more info very soon!
What happens if my child cannot stay in the group or does not want to participate, or is slow to acclimate to the class?
Sometimes it takes time for the child to be without their parent and more time is needed for the child to feel safe and comfortable in group activities. We understand and will do our very best to support this process, and bring flow and cohesion to our group of students so each child benefits and feels comfortable and engaged. A comfortable 2-3 week acclimation time can be given in these circumstances.
What is my child has difficulty participating in group activities in general?
If the teacher determines that the child is unable to participate in the group safely or appropriately, parents will be expected to stay with children who are not ready or able to follow basic safety guidelines or who are not yet willing to participate in group activities. Teachers will determine whether children are able to participate in the group safely and appropriately without parent accompaniment.
Any child who is having trouble participating safely and effectively in BEan in Nature will need to have their parent participate in class with them until the child is able to function smoothly on their own. The BEan in Nature teachers and parents care deeply about inclusivity. We will do our best to support a successful and satisfying experience for any child who wants to participate. That said, in rare cases, we may be unable to accommodate a student or family, at which point the teacher and the parent would mutually decide to end the student’s participation in the Native Naturalist program.
Environmental Service learning Field Trips
LOOKING FOR A PARENT TO SPEAR HEAD THIS FOR US!
A primary focus of BEan in Nature program is on immersive programs supporting social-emotional development and community building through connections to our earth and each other. With parent support and volunteer help we can have monthly service learning field trips support and shape children’s ideas that they have the ability to make change, and teach them how to be that change, by participating in ongoing Bay Area Environmental Service Learning programs. Students discover new worlds and build leadership skills in programs such as Save the Bay and The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, to name a couple of the great programs available to us. Day and Time TBA … we’re currently looking at Fridays and Saturdays as possibilities.
There will be no Field trip registration fees for currently enrolled families. If there is a cost at the field trip site, notification will be given.
What if my child has learning challenges?
Note for kids with learning challenges:
Dyslexia: Although we do a small amount of reading, writing and at BEan in Nature, it is always applied and embedded in context and there is plenty of adult support for children who need it. We can easily accommodate children with dyslexia and many other learning challenges. That said, some learning challenges are much more difficult for us to accommodate given our context.
Auditory Processing Challenges: Because we are in an outdoor field setting, with no obvious boundaries to our classrooms (i.e. walls), for reasons of safety and efficient flow of the group the children need to be able to clearly and quickly respond to verbal direction from the teachers and parent helpers. Children with auditory processing challenges may not be able to participate safely and effectively in BEan in Nature. If your child has auditory processing challenges, but you still think that BEan in Nature would be a good program for them, then let’s talk.
Sensory Integration Challenges: Since we are outside, naturally, there is a lot of sensory input. We’ll be experiencing a variety of hot, cold, wet, dry, wind, raingear (crinkly clothes), and sights and sounds that may be unfamiliar to kids who don’t spend a lot of time in the woods. Children with sensory integration challenges may be so overwhelmed with stimulation that they find it hard to focus on class themes and activities. If your child has auditory processing or sensory integration challenges, but you still think that BEan in Nature would be a good program for them, then let’s talk.
General Challenges: Any child who is having trouble participating safely and effectively in BEan in Nature will need to have their parent participate in class with them until the child is able to function smoothly on their own. The BEan in Nature teachers and parents care deeply about inclusivity. We will do our best to support a successful and satisfying experience for any child who wants to participate. That said, in rare cases, we may be unable to accommodate a student or family, at which point the teacher and the parent would mutually decide to end the student’s participation in the Native Naturalist program.
Safety and Security
Each year we create a team of phenomenal nature educators– each with his/her own inspirational life experiences and primitive and naturalist skills to share. Nature Educators undergo a background check and training on keeping children safe in the outdoors either with our program and/or with NOLS Wilderness First Aid Training and/or Red Cross CPR training outside our program. Our small camp sizes (max size of 22) and nature educator to camper ratios (1:9), as well as as our nature educator being assisted by 1-2 Teen Assistants for support. All to assure that each child is well cared for, that safety is priority always and that each child is always safe in our outdoor program. Parent pick up designees must be on registration forms or on sign in page and each summer camp child is signed in and out each day.
Tick Awareness and Wellness
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-119/pdfs/2010-119.pdf
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/services/lab/Pages/lab-res-home.aspx
Health and sanitation protocol for our 2020-2021
Safety and Security
Each year we create a team of phenomenal nature educators– each with his/her own inspirational life experiences and primitive and naturalist skills to share. Nature Educators undergo a background check and training on keeping children safe in the outdoors either with our program and/or with NOLS Wilderness First Aid Training and/or Red Cross CPR training outside our program. Our small camp sizes (max size of 20) and nature educator to camper ratios (1:9), as well as as our nature educator being assisted by 1-2 Teen Assistants for support. All to assure that each child is well cared for, that safety is priority always and that each child is always safe in our outdoor program. Parent pick up designees must be on registration forms or on sign in page and each summer camp child is signed in and out each day.
Financial Hardship
BEan in Nature is always willing to discuss tuition costs, if you are facing a financial hardship. Please inquire within, so we may find out how we may support you.
Are your teachers live scanned?
Yes they are live scanned.
What is the average experience of your instructors?
Our average instructor have an average of two to five years of experience in outdoor education. Plus, this experience has to be relevant (for duties very similar to what they will be responsible for with BEan In Nature). They have to prove to us that they were at the top of their game while accruing their experience. We thoroughly check references.
Is your organization insured?
BEan IN NATURE is fully insured for liability.
Where do I register? HERE
Where do I register for A TEAM BEan IN NATURE, Nature Science?
HERE
BEan In Nature cancellation policies are based on our investment in staff, course planning, as well as food and equipment purchases before your course. We cannot recover our expenses if you cancel. Short-notice cancellations often prevent others from attending. Nevertheless, we understand that the needs of families may change.
What happens if plans change? How do I cancel my enrollment?
Will I receive a refund?
Refunds
Due to the Covid-19 as a small business, and a program for the earth and for children to connect to the earth, we are doing our very best for our nature community of camp families. We have been preparing for our 2021 camps since 2020. Our program incurred major costs in preparation for the camp season, prior to camp season with training and planning
This situation is unusual and stressful on all of us. As the news continues to evolve, we all will keep making the best decisions we can for our families and our businesses.
We will continue to work closely with our park hosts, local and state public health authorities with their recommended health guidelines. Your children and their safety are utmost important to us.
Here are **quick links**details that might help offer more learning pod information:
Learning PODs
Days and locations and info
Tuesdays and Wednesday Intuitive Naturalist Learning Info and Details
Thursday info
Saturdays
REG
How our programs work with grouping and activities during or after Covid-19?
As the news continues to evolve, we all will keep making the best decisions we can for our families and our staff.
We are working with our professional and lay leaders to take a balanced and active approach to our micro school planning while following the County Guidelines. As we have seen throughout this period, the situation continues to evolve at such a rapid pace.
Please trust, we will continue to follow the SC Guidance of stable groups, offering 6 week rotation for students, children in the same household can be in the same group whenever possible, symptom screening before camp, clear and concise hygiene protocol and plenty of room and outdoor safe space to have for each child.
As we continue to plan and design our programs, we will continue to work closely with our park hosts, local and state public health authorities with their recommended health guidelines. Your children and their safety are utmost important to us.
Covid-19
Health and sanitation protocol for our 2020-2021
General Structure during Covid-19
All ages are joined in the morning, if we have 2 age groups we will be in 1 large pod grouping for morning circle and with social distance. Here are the highlights of the safety measures we have designed for our programs in schools and outdoor programs measures, we will be in alignment with safety regulations and adjust as new information comes out:
- Most programs until further ease of Covid-19; will be 14 students in each learning pod; again social distance with our combined community in the morning circle if safely possible.
- Marisa, Director, will be rotating campuses and base sites to support all BEan Staff. Very often she will be there to GREET the new camp session with her staff. IF she is not actually leading the program that day, she melds with the group.
- Masks will be worn by all Directors, Teachers, Interns, and Junior Coaches
- Face coverings will be worn by campers, your child must bring a mask with them, especially when we are at our County Park offerings.
- Maks may be challenging for campers (especially younger campers) to wear and the use of face covering at all times but we do gently guide campers to maks up if they have place their mask down.
- When participating in physical activity, or when physical exertion is constant, if the camper needs a break they can move away from and allow physical distance to take a mask break.
- In addition with our outdoor setting, we have ample open spaces for this to safel occur.
- Again, Face coverings are worn by staff and campers when physical distancing is difficult.
- We gently guide the campers to place their masks on after a break of food, water, or other.
- All to assure that each child is well cared for, that safety is priority always and that each child is always safe in our outdoor program.
- Parent pick up designees must be on registration forms or on sign in page and each summer camp child is signed in and out each day.
- BEan Educators/Teachers/Mentors and Teen Staff, are highly qualified and trained to support your child if they have not yet attended an outdoor camp or if he/she is new to nature based learning or simply just new to a camp experience.
Health Questions Prior to Program each week:
Please have your child stay home if ill or has a fever.
Symptoms : • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Muscle Pain • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea
1. My child has not been around anyone with any of the listed symptoms or diagnosis of COVID19 in the 14 days before the start of the program.
2. No one in our household has been sick prior to the program.
3. My child and our family have adhered to our state’s guidelines regarding COVID19.
- On private property we will have porta potties used with cleaning protocol as guided.
- Hand washing stations will be open in an ample number of areas at private and county land bases, as well as, easy access to safe healthy hand santizers.
- Snack and Lunch time will be in physical distance and snacks and lunches will be guided to not be shared.
- At county parks, there is use of their bathroom facilities.
Summer
SUMMER REG FORM
SUMMER SCHEDULE
SUMMER SAVINGS!
How our summer program works with grouping and activities, prior:
If you are a parent of a younger or an older child you might be asking, how will my child be served best in the age span offered?
Our camps are ran with 2 adult mentors, an adult seasoned instructor and a seasoned superb teen assistant. Both Age Groups, youngers and orders, are woven together for morning circle and games, after this, your campers launch off for the day to spend time with their own age group often working side by side in activities or in tandem, but more developmentally aligned with your child's own age group. If our camp is quite small, teaching to the smaller group, is supported with a seasoned instructor and a seasoned teen assistant.
Early Bird Payment deposit:
You may pay $100 non refundable deposit towards your child's registration at Early Bird Prices, and then pay the final amount of the camp fee on or before April 1st. See Refund info below:
Day-of-Camp Questions
What to pack for camp
Lunch and snacks Pack enough for a full and active day. BEan In Nature is a peanut-free camp; please do not pack peanut products.
Water bottle We recommend a water bottle that is at least 12 oz. While many parks have water fountains, our activities often take us down trails or into areas where fountains are not readily available.
A sweater or jacket While we live in a mild climate, the weather can change rapidly. Wool and synthetics are advised since they do not absorb moisture the same way cotton does. Our programs typically go outside every day, rain or shine. Please pack rain gear if the weather predicts rain (water-proof jacket, pants, and boots).
Layers / change of clothes Having an extra long sleeve shirt, a warm hat, and a pair of pants can make the difference between a happy kid and a not-so-happy one when the weather changes. At the end of the day, expect kids that might be wet, muddy, and/or covered in poison oak. You may wish to bring a change of clothes for the ride home.
Long pants Long pants help provide protection from thorns and poison oak.
Sturdy, but worn in closed toe shoes Comfort is key, but we suggest something that is water resistant with a little ankle support.
Sunscreen / hat Sunburns are possible, even on cloudy days! Please pack some form of sun protection.
Carving knife (depending on camp and will be announced in your welcome letter) Campers are welcome to bring their own knives, although we have loaner knives available for any carving activities. Knives should be non-serrated with a fixed or locking blade. Note that we may or may not engage in carving activities depending on the camp theme and group needs. This is at the sole discretion of the instructor. If you have any questions about choosing a knife, please feel free to ask us. We like Opinel for the younger students and Swedish Mora knives for the Older students.
Do you have safety policies?
Yes! Often, people don't understand true risk in many activities because they lack experience. Our policies look at every potential risk and lateral contingency. Ironically, what we do has a lower statistical risk than youth martial arts, dance, sports or gymnastics, yet we feel we focus more on mitigating our hazards than many organizations in those fields.
What is your safety policy after Covid-19?
Again, as we continue to plan and design our programs, we will continue to work closely with our park hosts, local and state public health authorities with their recommended health guidelines. Your children and their safety are utmost important to us.
Do you have trainings for your safety policy
We do seasonal safety trainings. Instructors, as well as our TEEN assistants, working near emergency services are required to be up to date on first-aid and CPR certifications, including Epi-Pen. If operating in an area more than 40 minutes from emergency services, we require a Wilderness First Aid certification.
Furthermore, we review our safety policies in full, at each training event. But we don't stop there. It's one thing to have policies in place, it's another thing to have a staff that fully understands and assumes responsibility for those policies. We engage all staff in an ongoing dialogue as to "why" these policies exist. They contribute their own thoughts and methods to consistently review and improve them.
Can I add After Camp Care later?
Yes, we do and can offer this for families, in many camps.
What are your After Camp care prices and what camp do you offer these?
Not yet offering, but please let us know if you want it for the future!
We offer after camp care in the afternoons, Camp June 25th week, Monday through Thursday. Friday afternoons, we do not offer after camp care because we end with our Family Finale and we ask you to take your camper home with you. Cost Monday - Thursday from 1:30-5:30 $160; 1:30-4:30 $120; 1:30-3:30 $80 per camper
We currently have only one week designated for After Camp Care time for registered campers. On the Registration form you can place if you want After Camp Care and we can organize that for that camp week, if we have enough families interested in After Camp Care for that week.
Why do I see small variances in camp costs for each camp?
We strive to look at each camp design separately to allow for creativity in all we do with the children and what we choose to teach. Each educator that teaches the children, creates their own project ideas and supplies are needed differently for each camp. Camps or private classes are also held to the same calculations to support the educators creative design and to support materials cost and teacher fees. We will always strive to stay in the comparable cost range of other great outdoor programs.
If my child is just going into 3rd grade should I put him in the morning 3-6th class or the afternoon 1-3rd class?
It is best to keep your child in the 1-3rd grade class until they have had 1 year of nature or have turned 9 after the fall.
How do you teach?
Experiential learning is the process whereby students “learn by doing” and 'hands on' and by reflecting on their experience. WE also call this inquiry based teaching, "coyote mentoring", where the student asks a question and we come to the explore the question and the object in discovery, through a series of thoughtful and inquisitive question about that object and/or question. WE use this style of teaching accented with “Coyote Mentoring”. Native communities do not send their children to traditional schools to acquire nature education. Instead, they surrounded their young ones with a mentoring within their communities. Jon Young, author of The Coyote mentoring guide, often calls this education system an “Invisible School.” Invisible Schools used everyone in the village and all the elements of the landscape to draw out their student’s curiosity and inspire hands on learning.
Each teacher brings their own personal unique nature education style and mentoring techniques create an Invisible School that combines the best of native wisdom and creative modalities to engage and activate the children’s passion and connection to nature. Children are naturally connected to nature, they are naturally inspired to engage and be part of their natural world. Using universal children’s interests and passions to engage them in practicing Core Routines of Nature Awareness, mentors improvise with Storytelling, the Art of Questioning, and a boundless bundle of nature games, activities, and challenges. Our “Coyote Mentoring” tools inspire children to connect deeply with nature and send them home with a sparkle in the eye.
Are all ages combined or separate?
We have 2 program groups on Tuesday. All ages are joined in the morning for 1.5 hours. Due to the limitations set by OG charter school we must offer families a portion of the day, nature awareness crafts and skills, paid for by OG funds; and a portion of the day, more technical primitive skills, paid for with parent funds.
Then the Groups break off into sub groups, Honey bees (5.5-8.5)and Coyotes (9-14)
What time would teens be meeting a Anderson Lake on Tuesdays?
Program runs from 9:00-2:00
What is the protocol for inclement weather?
The protocol for inclement weather is we go out and use tarps, work on our knot skills and work on our primitive fire skills. We had a great time last year with all the rain and only had 1 day of intense weather per semester, on rainy days less mild we use tarps and teach knots, for shelter.
Do you have any young teen or 12 year old girls coming from south San Jose whose mom might be interested in car pooling?
We do have families coming from San Jose. At this time our enrollment is just revving up. We can most certainly reach out to families for carpooling as the registration grows.
Can I stay with my child for the classes?
Families are welcome to stay and enjoy a day in nature at the park, however the primary focus of the teachers and parent volunteers will be on facilitating the richest possible experience for enrolled children.
When is the best time to hang out and be part of my child’s class?
Parents and siblings of children are invited to join group activities at the beginning of the class in our opening Thanksgiving Circle.
We're also interested in both the Monday Program and the Wednesday afternoon program at Stevens Creek. Will this program has same projects as in Full circle farm or on other program days? Can my child do both?
Yes! Our programs on Wednesdays and Mondays will be different in the land base is different and we have 2 different nature leaders, teaching the classes. Both will be rich with diversity in the land scape we are teaching at. Stevens Creek is a wonderful quiet park just beyond Rancho San Antonio Park. We were at Rancho last year, which was quite a nice park but the foot traffic was high. Thus we have moved a little beyond to find a quieter more opportune place to discover and explore this year.
Our leaders for the Stevens Creek location and he is an amazing primitive skills teacher and outdoor educator. He works well with all ages of children and he is captivating with his stories and adventure lessons for our programs.
Each Teacher/Leader/Mentor offers their own talents, passions and skills to the teaching environment and group, always following the love of learning as the main focus for the flow each day.
We are excited to have such a diverse line up in our staff this year, both with teachers and land base opportunities.
What type of volunteering must I do for my child’s class?
Currently we do not have parents regularly volunteering in our program. Although we strongly feel community building is key to our program; thus, parents of children in all groups are asked if they are able at times, to volunteer or come support their child's program. During this time, you will be a co- teacher of the group and the teachers and kids will want your full attention and participation. If you have a younger, you may bring him/her, if the a sibling is distracting to the group process, parents are asked to redirect the sibling by removing him/her from the circle or activity so that enrolled children can practice listening, speaking and following directions with a minimal amount of distractions. The exception to this is the Younger Group (1-3) where siblings are welcome to join on parent help days.
Outside of scheduled parent help days, we will only ask parents to accompany their children to class if we see that the child needs extra support in order to have a safe and satisfying experience..
What if I have a younger child, how can I volunteer?
If you have a younger, you may bring him/her. If the sibling is distracting to the group process, parents are asked to redirect the sibling by removing him/her from the circle or activity so that enrolled children can practice listening, speaking and following directions with a minimal amount of distractions. The exception to this is the Younger Group (1-3) where siblings are welcome to join on parent help days. Parents of children in the Younger Group often spend the day with their children beyond their required parent help days. You are welcome to do this since it is a great opportunity to observe how your child interacts with other children, teachers and the natural world. Outside of scheduled parent help days, we will only ask parents to accompany their children to class if we see that the child needs extra support in order to have a safe and satisfying experience.
Volunteering and Siblings
Community support and community building are key to our program; thus, parents of children in all groups are asked if they are able at times, to volunteer or come support their child's program. If parents opt in, if needed, parents are co- teachers, and the teachers and kids want your full participation. Parents with siblings may bring him/her. However in the older class (grades 3-6), if the sibling is a distraction parents are asked to redirect the sibling by removing him/her from the circle or activity so enrolled children can practice listening, speaking, and following directions with a minimal amount of distraction. In the younger class (grades 1-3) siblings are welcome to join on parent-help days.
Outside of parent-volunteer days, parents are only asked to accompany their child(ren) to class if that the child needs extra support in order to have a safe and satisfying experience.
Each program day has different needs for volunteers, so your volunteer time may be time other than coming onsite for a day in nature. We are very flexible, we only ask what you can give and appreciate your time!
Do you offer worktrade to help me pay for my child's tuition?
Yes...more info very soon!
What happens if my child cannot stay in the group or does not want to participate, or is slow to acclimate to the class?
Sometimes it takes time for the child to be without their parent and more time is needed for the child to feel safe and comfortable in group activities. We understand and will do our very best to support this process, and bring flow and cohesion to our group of students so each child benefits and feels comfortable and engaged. A comfortable 2-3 week acclimation time can be given in these circumstances.
What is my child has difficulty participating in group activities in general?
If the teacher determines that the child is unable to participate in the group safely or appropriately, parents will be expected to stay with children who are not ready or able to follow basic safety guidelines or who are not yet willing to participate in group activities. Teachers will determine whether children are able to participate in the group safely and appropriately without parent accompaniment.
Any child who is having trouble participating safely and effectively in BEan in Nature will need to have their parent participate in class with them until the child is able to function smoothly on their own. The BEan in Nature teachers and parents care deeply about inclusivity. We will do our best to support a successful and satisfying experience for any child who wants to participate. That said, in rare cases, we may be unable to accommodate a student or family, at which point the teacher and the parent would mutually decide to end the student’s participation in the Native Naturalist program.
Environmental Service learning Field Trips
LOOKING FOR A PARENT TO SPEAR HEAD THIS FOR US!
A primary focus of BEan in Nature program is on immersive programs supporting social-emotional development and community building through connections to our earth and each other. With parent support and volunteer help we can have monthly service learning field trips support and shape children’s ideas that they have the ability to make change, and teach them how to be that change, by participating in ongoing Bay Area Environmental Service Learning programs. Students discover new worlds and build leadership skills in programs such as Save the Bay and The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, to name a couple of the great programs available to us. Day and Time TBA … we’re currently looking at Fridays and Saturdays as possibilities.
There will be no Field trip registration fees for currently enrolled families. If there is a cost at the field trip site, notification will be given.
What if my child has learning challenges?
Note for kids with learning challenges:
Dyslexia: Although we do a small amount of reading, writing and at BEan in Nature, it is always applied and embedded in context and there is plenty of adult support for children who need it. We can easily accommodate children with dyslexia and many other learning challenges. That said, some learning challenges are much more difficult for us to accommodate given our context.
Auditory Processing Challenges: Because we are in an outdoor field setting, with no obvious boundaries to our classrooms (i.e. walls), for reasons of safety and efficient flow of the group the children need to be able to clearly and quickly respond to verbal direction from the teachers and parent helpers. Children with auditory processing challenges may not be able to participate safely and effectively in BEan in Nature. If your child has auditory processing challenges, but you still think that BEan in Nature would be a good program for them, then let’s talk.
Sensory Integration Challenges: Since we are outside, naturally, there is a lot of sensory input. We’ll be experiencing a variety of hot, cold, wet, dry, wind, raingear (crinkly clothes), and sights and sounds that may be unfamiliar to kids who don’t spend a lot of time in the woods. Children with sensory integration challenges may be so overwhelmed with stimulation that they find it hard to focus on class themes and activities. If your child has auditory processing or sensory integration challenges, but you still think that BEan in Nature would be a good program for them, then let’s talk.
General Challenges: Any child who is having trouble participating safely and effectively in BEan in Nature will need to have their parent participate in class with them until the child is able to function smoothly on their own. The BEan in Nature teachers and parents care deeply about inclusivity. We will do our best to support a successful and satisfying experience for any child who wants to participate. That said, in rare cases, we may be unable to accommodate a student or family, at which point the teacher and the parent would mutually decide to end the student’s participation in the Native Naturalist program.
Safety and Security
Each year we create a team of phenomenal nature educators– each with his/her own inspirational life experiences and primitive and naturalist skills to share. Nature Educators undergo a background check and training on keeping children safe in the outdoors either with our program and/or with NOLS Wilderness First Aid Training and/or Red Cross CPR training outside our program. Our small camp sizes (max size of 22) and nature educator to camper ratios (1:9), as well as as our nature educator being assisted by 1-2 Teen Assistants for support. All to assure that each child is well cared for, that safety is priority always and that each child is always safe in our outdoor program. Parent pick up designees must be on registration forms or on sign in page and each summer camp child is signed in and out each day.
Tick Awareness and Wellness
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-119/pdfs/2010-119.pdf
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/services/lab/Pages/lab-res-home.aspx