Welcome to OAK (Outdoor Adventure Kids)

A safety-first approach to exploring the natural world with other kids.

The North Carolina Arboretum’s team of expert environmental educators are excited to resume in-person instruction for youth with the Arboretum’s new weekday drop-off programs, OAK at The N.C. Arboretum, which kicks off a new season of adventure in March of 2022.

New for Spring 2022: Now accepting students aged 13, in addition to ages 6-12.

Note: We strictly adhere to our age policy and require all participants to be aged 6-13 by March 4th for the first session (6-week program), and by April 22nd for the second session (5-week program).

Registration For Spring 2022 is CLOSED. Thank you for a great Spring OAK Season!

Program Requirements:
- Daily mask use, dependent on Buncombe County Community COVID-19 Level (please see Program Policy and Safety Protocols below).
- Family Agreement and Medical/Liability Form both due by either February 25th for the 6-week program, or by April 15th for the 5-week program (see links below).
- Participating students MUST be aged 6-13 by:
---- March 4th for the 6-week program
---- April 22nd for the 5-week program
We strictly adhere to our age policy and are not able to make exceptions.

OAK Cancellation Policy 2021-22
If you cancel your purchase(s) more than 30 days prior to the program start date, the whole amount paid is refunded less the $25 registration fee. For cancellations 30-11 days prior to the program start date, half the total fee is refundable. If cancellation occurs 10-0 days prior to the start date, none of the total fee is refundable, with the exception of a COVID-19 related reason (documented positive exposure or contact-traced positive exposure or quarantine order). In this case please contact the Director of Education, Jonathan Marchal, at jmarchal@ncarboretum.org

Additional details are listed on this webpage as well as in N.C. Arboretum Society membership communications. For additional information please contact Rich Preyer, OAK Coordinator, at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org.

Drop-off Program Options

  • Days in the OAK are steeped in inquiry-based, outdoor exploration and learning! Students will be engaged in a wide range of nature connection and wilderness skills activities as they splash in creeks, romp through woodlands and enjoy the outdoors!

    Register by clicking the dates below:

    March 4 – April 8, 2022

    Members: 

    6-week OAK Class (1 day/week): $270.00

    Non-Members: 

    6-week OAK Class (1 day/week): $300.00

    Family Agreement for the 6-week OAK Class

    Medical/Liability Form for the 6-week OAK Class

  • Days in the OAK are steeped in inquiry-based, outdoor exploration and learning! Students will be engaged in a wide range of nature connection and wilderness skills activities as they splash in creeks, romp through woodlands and enjoy the outdoors!

    Register by clicking the dates below:

    April 22 – May 20, 2022

    Members: 

    5-week OAK Class (1 day/week): $225.00

    Non-Members: 

    5-week OAK Class (1 day/week): $250.00

    Family Agreement for the 5-week OAK Class

    Medical/Liability Form for the 5-week OAK Class

Program Policies & Safety Protocols

The Arboretum is incorporating rigorous safety protocols around COVID-19 as recommended by health professionals. These include:

  • Classes will occur entirely outdoors.
  • All classes will be limited to 12 students and be co-instructed by a minimum of two staff.
  • Similarly aged siblings will be enrolled in the same class group.
  • Rigorous sanitation protocols for equipment will be followed between uses.
  • Children and staff will receive health checks upon arrival.
  • Indoor and restroom breaks are limited to no more than 15 minutes and include masks (dependent on the Buncombe County Community COVID-19 Level outlined below) and social distancing.
  • Please review our Safety Guidelines.

Youth Education’s policy regarding mask use is based upon the current Buncombe County Community COVID-19 Level, according to the CDC. This is effective beginning Friday, March 11, 2022. Note that we are presently within the Yellow category.

Green: Low

CDC Guidance: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; Get tested if you have symptoms

TNCA Youth Education: Masks are optional for staff and participants indoors and outdoors.

Yellow: Medium

CDC Guidance: If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions; Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; Get tested if you have symptoms

TNCA Youth Education: Masks are optional for staff and participants outdoors, but required indoors.

High: Red

CDC Guidance: Wear a mask indoors in public; Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; Get tested if you have symptoms; Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

TNCA Youth Education: Masks are required for staff and participants outdoors and indoors.

Family Agreement and Medical/Liability Form

Adherence to the Arboretum’s policies and procedures is required of all participants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Parents and children are required to review, initial and sign our Family Agreement and submit it by February 25, 2022 for the 6-week program, or by April 15, 2022 for the 5-week program. You must also complete the Medical and Liability Form and return it to Rich Preyer, OAK Coordinator, at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org.

Family Agreement for the 6-week OAK Class

Medical/Liability Form for the 6-week OAK Class

Family Agreement for the 5-week OAK Class

Medical/Liability Form for the 5-week OAK Class

 

OAK Staff

The Arboretum’s team of experienced outdoor educators have received training and practice in engaging youth within our post-COVID world. It is our preference that the same two educators consistently engage with the same small group throughout the 6-week and 5-week programs, but there may be times that substitutions are made.

OAK Coordinator

 

For more information email Rich Preyer, OAK Coordinator, at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org or call Jonathan Marchal, Director of Education at 828-665-2492 ext. 627.