Summer Guide
Pick-up & Drop-off
Our days will begin at 9am and run until 12pm. Please drop-off your child no later than 9am as we will begin our hike to base camp shortly after 9am. Please call or text Christy at 917-544-9485 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 the park sign across from Bramhall Terrace, near to the parking spots. It is on the left side as you drive on Crest Drive.
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 description 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.
Our school calendar is posted here.
Families should feel free to reach out to Christy at any time, with any questions.
Inclement Weather Plans
When there is severe weather predicted in the forecast we will move our class to an indoor location. Families will receive an email and text by 6am on the day of class if, and where we are moving the class location.
What to Bring
Each child may bring one bag labeled with his/her name. Please include: full water bottle, additional clothes if your child is potty training, diapers if needed. Please do not send any toys from home as our goal is to explore the park.
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 a good grip for running and climbing.
Suggestions for summer dressing:
Shirt and pants from lightweight cotton fabric.
A hat to protect eyes from the sun.
Light weight socks that are knit with permethrin (to repel ticks) like these.
For rainy days rain boots with rubber soles are advised.
All clothes and boots can be treated with this for an extra layer of bug prevention.
A lint roller will pick up any bugs that want to take a ride home with you.
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 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 use 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, ticks, 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.
Please have your healthcare provider fill out this form and return to us before May 15th.