Summer Family Guidebook

Enrollment and Camp Costs

Registration for Summer Camps 

Enrollment is initiated by registering for the desired camp(s) through our website. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due for each camp upon registration. Each $50 will be included as a credit on the invoice for each camp. An invoice for full payment of each camp will be emailed to you three weeks prior to the start of camp. Payment is due in full at least two weeks prior to the start of camp.

Costs

Each week is $250 for class hours of 8:30am-12:30pm, Tuesday-Friday.

Payment Methods 

Payments in excess of the immediate deposit can be made via personal check or through Zelle or Venmo using the email address director@athousandmorningssb.com. You will receive a payment request at least five days prior to the payment due date. Payment due date is two weeks prior to the start of each registered camp. If paying via personal check, please make payable to A Thousand Mornings Forest School and send to 2535 Orella Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105. If payment is not received by the due date, the child may be withdrawn from the program.

Credits for Cancelled Class 

In the rare event that we cancel class, 50% of the cost of each canceled camp day will be refunded via check. The remaining 50% will go to our teachers and other fixed costs (insurance premiums, etc.). Cancellation announcements will be made via text by 7:30 am the morning of. 

We cannot give refunds or credits for sick days or those that are voluntarily missed (e.g. vacation, missed class). If you feel you have a unique situation, please speak with us. 

About Summer Programming

Location

We meet at Rocky Nook Park at the space beyond the V tree by the creek. A specific pin location will be shared before your child’s first day. While we anticipate staying here without exception, location is subject to change without notice. Because we operate in a public space, it is impossible to account for all of the possibilities that may require us to relocate. Parents will be notified of any changes via email as soon as possible and alternate locations will not exceed beyond 10 miles from the original location.

Sample Schedule

8:30-8:45 Drop Off at Base Camp

8:45-9:45 Provocations/ Invitations to Play

9:45-10:15 Circle Time: Welcome Song, Story, Discussion

10:15-10:45 Snack, Water & Potty Break

10:45-11:45 Potential Hike to Alternate Location/ Free Play

11:45-12:00 Hike Back

12:00-12:30 Lunch, Gratitude Circle, Closing Song

Teacher Qualifications

All teachers have current First Aid and CPR certification, and at least one staff member present at all times has Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification. All teachers and substitutes have completed an interview process, background check, TB screening, and come with strong references. We strive to combine best practices from both the Early Childhood Education and the Environmental Education communities and attend workshops and continuing education throughout the year to keep up-to-date on current ideas and best practices.

Program Standards

Child Guidance Policy

Teachers are trained to practice positive discipline. We believe effectively addressing behavioral issues requires identifying the belief behind the behavior. When children act out, it is always for a reason, and rather than seeking to simply eliminate a disruptive behavior, we work to discover its root and help find solutions. Discipline is never punitive, physical, or involving punishment; it is also not permissive. We have clear expectations that we treat one another with kindness and respect.

Along those lines, when a child is having a difficult time, rather than exercising "time outs," we practice "time ins," in which children are given individual attention and space to express their feelings or just sit quietly with an adult.

Ultimately, we work with children to develop problem-solving skills and to create a sense of belonging, significance, and peace. We believe there are no "bad kids" or even "bad behavior;" there are simply varying expressions of the gamut of emotions. Children are seeking to feel connected and understood, and we allow a space to practice doing so in a way that keeps people and things safe. Developing emotional literacy and empathy are at the core of our practices.

Teachers will never use corporal punishment, withholding of snacks, bribery, psychological abuse, derogatory remarks, coercion, threats or any other methods that may frighten or humiliate children to manage behavior. Similarly, teachers will not utilize physical restraint unless absolutely necessary to keep the child or other children safe.

All this being said, ATM staff reserves the right, in rare instances, to ask that a child be picked up if they are threatening the safety of themselves or the rest of the class (ie. by requiring constant 1:1 supervision, running away, threatening or putting others in danger, etc.). In the event that such behavior becomes habitual, parents/caregivers and staff will meet to decide the most supportive course of action.

Conflict Resolution

At ATM, our ultimate goal is for children to be able to problem-solve and work through their issues independently. We believe it is important for children to understand disagreements are a natural part of human interactions and can be met with resolution. Of course, this requires scaffolding and teacher-support at its inception. 

In the event of an altercation that cannot be resolved between students, teachers will place their physical body between students, making space to diffuse the emotional upset. Each child will have a chance to talk through their feelings; teachers name and validate emotions and encourage children to think through possible resolutions, agreeable to both parties.

Our first priority is the physical and emotional safety of all students. While any childhood (or adult) experience comes with its share of wounds of all kinds, ATM will take necessary measures to maintain a feeling of security for everyone involved.

Child Protection Policy

Preventative measures against child abuse will be taken at all times, and ATM staff understands and recognizes their duty to report suspected child abuse immediately in accordance with the Child and Family Services Act.

Risk Management

For children, outdoor play is a basic need, and inherent to play is the necessity of risk. In our outdoor landscape, risky play takes many different shapes (climbing trees, rough and tumble play, using real tools, navigating unfamiliar spaces, moving across uneven terrain),  but it always involves pushing limits and comfort zones in exciting ways. It’s about testing oneself – and finding out what happens. 

During risky play, children not only experience an element of danger – actual or perceived – but they also risk receiving the potential benefits. Risky play is integral to whole-child development, well-being and health. It helps children develop self-esteem, confidence and their socio-emotional self. Risky play helps develop physical literacy in children and foster cognitive skills. Moreover, it helps children learn how to independently manage risks and be safe. 

Because we believe in the importance of risky play, it is a huge portion of our days. ATM educators co-assess and co-manage risk with students on a daily basis, so that students learn to acknowledge, manage and overcome risks, in order to be exposed to the benefits of risk, rather than the hazards. ATM staff conduct daily and seasonal site risk assessments on site, as well as dynamic activity-based assessments. Our goal is to allow reasonable risk taking, balanced with watchfulness for true safety hazards. There may be age and situationally appropriate exceptions for many of the broad policies below.

Climbing: Children are permitted to climb as high as they are comfortable and must be able to reach that height by themselves (teachers will not lift them up to a place that they cannot reachthemselves).

Throwing: Children are permitted to throw sticks, acorns, and other natural objects away from the group, and away from trails or other places people might be walking. Teachers will help define throwing zones when needed.

Exploring: Children are taught to stay within the boundaries set by teachers at all times.This typically means that children are directly in sight of a teacher, but occasionally the forest topography means a child is out of sight, but within boundaries and within voice range. Teachers are responsible for ensuring that young children do not accidentally stray from the group. 

Wildlife: Children are taught to be gentle with living things and to ask a teacher before touching or picking up any wildlife they find in the woods.

Wild Edibles: Teachers will explore some basic, easily identifiable wild edibles with children (elderberries, dandelion greens, nasturtium, for example). As part of this exploration, children are taught to never eat anything from nature without permission from an adult.

Sticks: Playing with sticks is part of childhood. We know that children will collect, carry, swing, dig, throw, and sword fight with sticks. Children are taught that they must carry sticks with one end in their hand and the other end pointing down. Just like with throwing, children, who wish to swing sticks, are directed to find a safe space away from other people.

Fantasy play, including sword fighting, is generally acceptable as long as the play does not involve physical contact and the level of imaginary violence is not distressing to children who are not involved in the game. Teachers will redirect play that crosses physical or emotional safety boundaries.

Water: Many of our explorations involve water. Teachers are responsible for identifying areas of water play that do not pose a threat (deep water, fast currents). Children are only allowed to wade in shallow streams and pools and may not enter water higher than the middle of their shins. Children are closely supervised at all times when playing in and around the water.

Policies and Procedures

Arrival Time

Children should arrive only within the 15-minute drop-off window unless otherwise arranged with staff. Early drop-offs are not permitted. Children must be signed in by a parent, guardian or caregiver before the child may be left on the premises. Though our early morning schedule generally unfolds at base camp, there is no guarantee that children arriving late will have access to the class, in the event that we decide to hike out after the drop-off window has ended.

Late/ Early Pick Up

If a child is picked up later than 12:30 pm, a $15 late fee will be assessed for every 10 minutes past the hour. Families will be notified by email on the day of the occurrence and charged during the following pay period. This fee is not to be considered an option for extended care. 

If a child is late being picked up more than 3 times, a meeting will be held between parents/ caregivers and the director to discuss the course of action. 

If early pick up is desired one day, please discuss ahead of time with staff. Due to the nature of the program, early pick up will not always be possible.

Before and After Class Hours

Parents/caregivers are required to abide by park rules coming and going from A Thousand Mornings, especially in regards to parking regulations. Even if parking briefly, parents/caregivers should only occupy appropriate spaces, turn off the engine, etc. We work hard as a school to build a positive relationship with park rangers and maintenance staff, so it is imperative that all actions that reflect back on our program, even outside our hours, show respect for the rules and regulations of the parks.

Supplies

Each day children should come equipped with:

  • An ergonomic backpack they can carry themselves 

  • A leak-proof, refillable water bottle filled with water

  • A hearty, healthy snack in a sealed container

  • A separately-packed hearty lunch in a sealed container

  • A full change of clothes (including at least 2 pairs of socks) packed in a disposable plastic bag

  • Sunscreen, bug spray, and other non-prescription items that might need reapplying 

Appropriate clothing includes:

  • Rain gear (waterproof boots, pants, jacket)

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • Sun hat

  • Layers!

As necessary, staff will carry:

  • Any medication required by children

    Please make sure all belongings are labeled with children's names. This means hats, socks, water bottles, backpacks, everything! Expect that clothing will get stained, dirty, or even ripped. Children should be able to move and play with ease in all attire.

Personal Items

We ask that children leave personal items and toys at home, other than the listed required items. When toys are present, children naturally gravitate towards them, and our goal is to instead engage children in the many, open-ended possibilities in the natural world around them. 

That being said, we recognize that some children need transitional items to help them move from one space to another. In this case, we will invite children to spend a moment with their special item at the beginning of the day and then store them in their backpacks until pick up.

Health & Safety 


Illness Policy

Children, who show signs of illness, may not attend school under any circumstances. Signs of illness include, but are not limited to the following symptoms:

  • Fever over 100.4 degrees (Child must be fever-free, without medication, for 24 hours before returning)

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Severe cough/ cold symptoms (excess mucus, sneezing, coughing, runny eyes)

  • Skin or eye lesions or rashes that are severe, weeping, or pus-filled

If a child contracts a contagious condition such as chicken pox, measles, pinworms, lice, pink eye, etc. please report it to the school immediately so other families may be altered to possible exposure. No mention will be made of the child or family's name in any notification.

If a child becomes ill at school, parents/caregivers will be contacted, and the child must be picked up promptly.

Absent/ Sick Days

If a child is going to be absent or wakes up sick, please contact staff via phone, text, or email as soon as possible. There are no refunds or rescheduling for missed days.

Inclement Weather Policy/ Closure

As an outdoor school, we intend to remain open during weather of all kinds. We operate under the policy that: "There's no bad weather, only bad clothes." That being said, ATM reserves the right to cancel due to weather- or air quality-related safety concerns. We will cancel if severe thunderstorms, heavy wind or torrential rain, or a combination of environmental factors (ie wind and heavy rain) are predicted, leaning heavily on issued warnings by the National Weather Service as a barometer for closure. Additionally we will close if the AQI is 150 or above as specified for our base camp location on the airnow.gov website, and during other dire circumstances at the school’s discretion. Parents/caregivers will be notified by 7:30 am on the day of at the latest, via a group text.

Extreme Weather

Staff will monitor the forecast throughout the day and any safety concerns will inform our trajectory for the day (ie. We will stay close to base camp, and thus bathrooms/ shelter if storms are expected). In the event of potential thunder and lightning, staff will locate the nearest shelter to house students. Students will remain under shelter until the storm has passed. Should we not be near shelter for some unforeseeable reason, staff will facilitate lightning position with students. In the event of high winds or wind gusts, we will stay clear of forested areas and other overhead hazards. In the event of an earthquake, we will move as far as possible from any loose or falling objects that may injure us and/ or seek shelter in a nearby structure if possible.

Children’s Injuries

If your child sustains a minor injury while at the program (e.g., scraped knee), parents/caregivers will receive an Incident Report upon pick up, outlining the incident and course of action taken by the staff member. Minor wounds, such as cuts, scrapes, or bites, will be washed with liquid soap and cool, running water followed by rinsing. First aid may be applied as appropriate. 

Parents/caregivers will be contacted immediately if the injury produces any type of swelling, is on the face or head, or needs medical attention.

Emergency Procedures

All staff and volunteers are familiar with emergency procedures that A Thousand Mornings execute when needed. A copy of the procedures, including emergency phone numbers, is carried by an educator at all times in the emergency/ first aid kit. 

At minimum, all educators have standard level CPR and First Aid, with some staff having Wilderness First Aid certification. Educators will always carry a cell phone and an emergency radio. 

In the event of an emergency, such as severe head trauma, anaphylaxis, major fractures, excessive bleeding, or external threat, the following procedures will be followed:: 

  1. Determine nature and extent of the emergency. 

  2. Make sure all members of group are accounted for and safe 

  3. Assess the casualty and have another adult call 911 and relay: 

    1. Nature of Emergency 

    2. Details of injured person(s)

    3. Address (Send an adult if possible to meet ambulance and direct them to location on property) 

    4. Inform emergency contact of person as soon as possible 

    5. Ensure an appropriate adult attends the hospital with them, taking any relevant medical documentation (ie Health Card, Allergies) 

    6. Ensure the remainder of students receive appropriate support

    7. Director will continue to liaise with emergency services until incident is over 

    8. As soon as reasonably possible, fill out Incident Report Form

 4. If the casualty is an ATM instructor, other instructors will follow emergency plan

Poison Oak and Bees

Our teachers identify poison oak and steer clear of it on the trails. Similarly, children learn to identify this and other plants and the possible side effects of interacting with our surroundings.

Bees are celebrated at A Thousand Mornings! They are the unsung heroes of the food chain. We encourage children to respect, but not touch, our buzzing friends. In the unlikely event of a sting, we will monitor the child’s condition and notify parents/ caregivers. If a child requires an EpiPen if stung, one must be provided at the start of the school year, along with the required Medication Authorization Form signed by a physician. EpiPen must be kept in the original prescription box.

Child Privacy Policy 

Our child privacy policy is very important to us at ATM. All steps will be taken to protect the child’s privacy. Any personal data provided will be only used for the purpose agreed upon. We will not share a child’s health information with third parties, unless legally required to do so. A binder labeled "ATM Policy" will be kept in the director's possession that will include student name, a recent photo, allergies, health concerns, and emergency contact information for quick access during an emergency. 

Upon registration and enrollment, parents/caregivers will be asked to sign a Photo Release Form. Photos will only be shared once consent has been given and for the purposes agreed upon, such as program promotion (website, Facebook, Instagram, local newspaper, promotional videos and parent updates) or in newsletters. Please do not hesitate to ask questions regarding the privacy of the information provided