"The more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the same is true for human beings."

• Well fitted backpack
• Water bottle - full please!
• Snacks and lunch 
• Extra clothes and socks x2

It's important to ensure that they have eaten enough, are dressed appropriately, and have applied sunscreen, including a hat.

Your child does not need to be self-reliant. If your child still uses a diaper, we will happily guide and support them until they are ready. We can work with your child to make a comfortable transition. We will use restroom facilities when they are available. Otherwise, we will use backpacking best practices. 

If there's rain in the forecast, it's time for some fun puddle jumping! Woods Forest School is an all-outdoor program. We do not believe that rain is bad! As long as we dress appropriately, weather can be our best learning tool- mud, dirt, and water are vital learning resources.

Children do not get sick from the rain or cold. On the contrary, research tells us that children who spend more time outdoors, in all weather, are less likely to become sick! 

It's important to make sure your child is dressed appropriately with layers, a rain jacket, and rain boots. Don't forget to bring extra clothes (and socks!) just in case. Our gear closet is stocked with everything your child might need in case of rain.

Site assessments will be done in heavy rain, trail closures do happen. Families will be notified 

24-hours in advance for location changes. 

In severe cases we will close the program 

for the day. 

Drop-off is at 9:00 am 

We will meet as a group and wait for everyone to be dropped off before we begin our adventures. Please ensure your child is on-time; I will give about 15 minutes to wait for all students to arrive. 

Pick-up is at 2:30 pm 

Please arrive no later than 2:30 pm to pick-up your child from school. If you would like to discuss other arrangements, please email me at woodsforestschool@gmail.com. 

We are happy to have a low ratio of 1:6 and 2:12 for ages 2-6.  Safety is our number one priority. This is because establishing close relationships is essential to our work as educators. We work closely alongside the children throughout the day. 

Snakes

We have 33 species of snakes in California.; of those snakes, six of those are 

venomous rattlesnakes. 

We have one species in our area. 

Anti-venom Emergency finder

CROFAB 

Thousand Oaks, CA

(805) 497-2727

Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive but can strike when threatened or provoked. We teach the kids to be aware that snakes are here, not afraid. Fear can make an encounter with a snake very dangerous. 

We teach about how to identify rattlesnakes, where they live, and how to hike cautiously. If we see a snake, we back off and give them room to retreat. They don't want to mess with you!

Ticks

Please ensure your child has a bath after school, check them for ticks. Your child's risk of developing Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick is very low. To be safe, though, you'll want to remove the tick as soon as possible. The risk of infection rises 24–48 hours after the tick attaches to the skin. The tick can be sent to a lab for testing. 

1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. ...
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

At Woods Forest School, the safety of all children is our top priority; we take this very seriously. Our forest school program may include activities that are considered high risk. We monitor risk by following guidelines and procedures. These include site assessments, tool training, and proper equipment. Taking risks is an important part of learning. We provide a supportive environment for children to manage risk.

Please see our full Safety Policy for more information on how we manage safety.

We do have wildlife in our area. Wildlife includes deer, bobcats, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, gray foxes, and mountain lions.  

Protocal for wild animal sightings is to back away and give space. Tips if you encounter these animals while hiking with your children: 

Mountain lions

Make yourself as large as a possible by standing tall and holding out your arms. Pick up children to appear larger. Do not run or make any sudden moves.

 Coyote Encounters

Keep a safe distance. Back away slowly.

Keep small children and pets close and in boundaries.

Make loud noise—yell, clap, blow a whistle.

Make yourself look bigger (e.g. wave your arms)

Let the coyote leave the immediate area on its own.

Contact the Rangers who are on site