After School Guide
Pick-up & Drop-off
Our days will begin at 3:45 pm and run until 5:45 pm. Please drop-off your child no later than 3:45 pm as we will begin our hike to base camp shortly after 3:50 pm. Please call or text Alicia at 352-283-1879 if you are running late and she will advise where is best to meet. Children will only be dismissed to parents and caregivers that have been authorized in writing. Any changes must be sent in writing before the child is dismissed.
The map below shows the drop-off and pick-up location. We will meet by Bramhall Terrace.
Communication and Updates
We use Slack (a simple messaging app) to communicate with families, as well as allow families to communicate with each other. We also highly recommend downloading Slack's desktop and iPhone or Android apps. If you haven't received an invite to our Slack channel, please email us.
Families will receive a weekly update on Sunday night via Slack that details the weather forecast, and the plans and activities for the week.
After each class. parents will be receive a brief on what their child did that day with pictures via Slack.
Please always check the forecast each morning before class to ensure that your child comes properly prepared for our days together.
Families should feel free to reach out at any time, with any questions.
Inclement Weather Plans
When there is severe weather predicted in the forecast we will reschedule the class to another date. Families will receive an email and text by 11 am on the day of class if we are rescheduling the class.
What to Bring
Each child may bring one bag labeled with his/her name. Please send: full water bottle, additional clothes if needed. Please do not send any toys from home as our goal is to explore the park. They are welcome to bring exploration tools: magnifying glasses, binoculars, field guide, etc.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Children should come wearing sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray each morning. For reapplication of bug spray we are using Sawyer’s Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, and for sunscreen we are using Alba Botanica Very Emollient Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 for Kids. If your child is allergic to any of the products we use, or if you prefer they use a different brand, please send it along with them to class. A helpful article for tick prevention can be found here. Please read and check your child for ticks after every class. A new study has found Permethrin to be successful with preventing ticks. We have tick tubes placed in our summer base camp.
What to Wear
Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Their clothing should be comfortable and allow them to move and get wet and dirty. Please note that children will be encouraged to immerse themselves in their work, and clothes could become dirty or stained.
On rainy days, rain coats and rain boots are necessary. Playing in the rain is an amazing experience when properly attired. It is important for your child to have proper footwear with rubber soles that will have good grip for running and climbing.
For colder days, we recommend arriving in multiple layers for warmth that can be adjusted for the child's comfort. They should come dressed in:
The first layer should be a top and bottom made of wool, silk or 'Heat Tech'.
The second layer should be warm pants and top.
The third layer should be a sweater or fleece.
The fourth layer should be a snow suit (to keep bodies warm).
Fleece or wool socks.
Insulated, water proof footwear with rubber soles for gripping.
Winter hat or balaclava, and/or a scarf.
Waterproof gloves/mittens, for cold days 2 pairs can be worn; one thin knit pair and a waterproof heavier pair on top.
What We Will Eat
We will provide a snack with at least one fruit or vegetable, as well as something packed with energy to help us keep exploring (rice cakes, veggie sticks, pretzels). We will have a hand washing station and then prepare our snack together. Please let us know if your child has any dietary restrictions.
Things We Need to Know
Please remember that South Mountain Reservation is an outdoor environment and contains such hazards as bees and poison ivy and other irritants. While we will do our best to avoid these hazards, please let us know if your child is particularly susceptible to them.
If your child has any medical conditions, or is taking medication, please let us know in writing if it was not specified in the Information and Release Form.
Polices
Attendance Policy:
Maplewood Outside School does not offer make-up classes when a child is absent and class is in session. This policy includes absences due to sickness and family events/vacations. Make-up classes are offered at the discretion of the director only when classes are not held due to Maplewood Outside School’s cancellation only.