📘 Timberwild Nature Camp Parent Handbook
Welcome!
We’re so glad you’re joining the Timberwild Nature Camp community! Our program is designed to nurture your child’s whole self through adventurous outdoor play, creativity, and connection with nature. This handbook outlines important information to ensure a safe, enriching, and joyful experience for your family.
🏕️ Camp Overview
- Philosophy: Our program is inspired by nature-based learning approaches and grounded in the principles of the TimberNook and Wildwood models. We believe in screen-free, child-led experiences, rooted in Christian values and holistic development.
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💼 About the Founder
Our program is led by a trained Child and Youth Counsellor with years of experience supporting children’s emotional, social, and developmental well-being. We are passionate about helping children thrive in outdoor environments, where their imaginations can soar and their nervous systems can reset.
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📋 What to Bring
Children should arrive prepared to be outdoors in all weather conditions. Please pack:
- A large water bottle
- Nut-free lunch and 2 snacks
- Hat and sunscreen
- Closed-toe shoes or waterproof boots ( children will have the option to be barefoot if they prefer, please avoid sandals as they become tripping hazards in the woods against tree roots, twigs, etc)
- Full change of clothes in a bag - we plan to get dirty, messy and wet - the way kids love to be in nature, we will encourage children to change their soiled clothing near the end of the day for the ride home
- Rain gear, as we are an outdoor camp sending along rain gear is helpful
- Bug spray (if desired) Our camp takes place in the forest and ticks, mosquitos and other bugs are likely present, please check your child daily for ticks.
Please label all items clearly.
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📱 Screen-Free Policy
We maintain a fully screen-free environment. Campers are not permitted to bring phones, tablets, or other electronic devices. If a child does bring electronics they will be asked to put it away in their bag and parents will be reminded of the policy at the end of the day. If it is a repeated issue the electronic device will be held by camp staff until pick up time. We are not responsible for lost or stolen or damaged items.
We strongly believe in disconnecting from technology to reconnect with nature, others and self. We find that if electronics are at camp they can become a distraction from true play for the group as a whole.
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🙏 Faith-Informed Approach
We are a faith-based camp and occasionally include short, simple moments of prayer, gratitude, or storytelling rooted in Christian values. Participation is always respectful and inclusive.
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🆘 Health & Safety
- Staff are trained in First Aid and CPR and will administer basic first aid. In the event of an emergency parents and emergency contacts listed will be called and the child will receive support via EMS.
- Emergency contacts must be up-to-date
- We know colds happen, or allergies exists, children are welcome to attend if they are up and about. With that being said please keep your child home if they are visibly ill, have a fever, chills, lethargy, etc. for their health and the well being of the group.
- Any medications that your child may need while attending camp must be listed on your camp form. Medications must be clearly labeled and given directly to staff with instructions, medications will be sent home every evening with the parents.
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💬 Communication
We will send regular updates and important announcements via email. You may also receive a short weekly recap and photos (with consent). Please ensure we have the correct contact information on file. If you're not receiving emails please check your junk mail folder.
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🔄 Drop-off & Pick-up
- Drop-off: 9:00 –9:30 a.m.
- Pick-up: 2:45–3:15 p.m.
Pick up and Drop off Locations will be emailed to all registered camp families one week before their session begins.
Please notify us at drop off if someone else is picking up your child. We require their name and phone number and a government issued photo ID matching the listed pick up person.
For parents please have your photo ID ready at pick up, only the parent(s) listed on the form will be able to pick up the camper.
If you will be later to drop off or earlier to pick up your child please let us know via email so we can advise of the best place to connect with us onsite.
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✍️ Code of Conduct
All families and campers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and care for the natural environment. We want to leave our natural environment in tact for the animals and plant life that call it home. Campers must not break any living plants, chase animals or move animal habitats. Campers must also be able to follow all safety instructions.
Please refer to the Behavioural Policy for full details.
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💸 Payment & Refund Policy
- Payment is due via e-transfer or online payment via PayPal before camper's spot is confirmed.
- Please refer to our refund policy outlined on the registration form for more details.
- No refunds for missed days due to illness or weather unless the camp is cancelled by staff.
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📄 Timberwild Nature Camp – Behavioural Policy
We aim to create a camp culture where all children feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves. Our behavioural policy ensures a consistent, caring approach to guidance and discipline.
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🌟 Our Approach
We focus on:
- Encouraging positive behaviour
- Teaching emotional regulation and empathy
- Resolving conflicts through peaceful communication
- Providing space for growth, reflection, and second chances
We do not use punitive or shaming discipline. Instead, we take a restorative and relational approach that respects each child’s dignity and developmental stage.
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🚫 Unacceptable Behaviours
Behaviours that may lead to intervention include:
- Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting)
- Verbal aggression (bullying, threats, name-calling)
- Consistent refusal to follow safety instructions
- Destruction of property or intentional harm to nature
- Repeated disrespect toward staff or other children
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🛠️ Steps We Take
1. Verbal Reminder & Redirection
- Staff speak calmly and clearly, helping the child understand expectations and offering alternate choices.
2. Reflective Time & Support
- If behaviour continues, the child may be guided to take space and reflect, with caring adult support.
3. Parent Communication
- If needed, parents will be notified about incidents and invited into the problem-solving process.
4. Suspension or Dismissal
- If a child’s behaviour poses ongoing harm to others or the environment and cannot be resolved, we reserve the right to remove them from the program for the safety of all. In this instance, no refund will be issued.
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💛 Our Promise
We know all children have big feelings and growing edges. We are committed to working with families to understand and support each camper with compassion, patience, and wisdom.
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If you have concerns about your camper's success at The TimberWild School Summer Camp please reach out to our staff via email prior to enrolling so we can discuss your child's needs. We can be reached at: thetimberwildschool@gmail.com