OAK Drop-off Program

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 continue our weekday drop-off program, OAK at The N.C. Arboretum, which kicks off a new season of adventure in March 2023.  OAK takes place almost entirely outdoors, where kids (6-13) are encouraged to play, learn, and explore together in an environment where they take the lead.

Note: We strictly adhere to our age policy and require all participants to be aged 6-13 by February  17 for the first session, and March 31 for the second session.

Participants should be prepared to spend their time in OAK outside.  Please keep an eye on the day’s forecast and dress appropriately.

OAK participants in the past have made natural dyes with collected plants, looked for treasures while geocaching, explored our pond and streams, built natural shelters to withstand the elements, and practiced firebuilding among so much more!  We’re excited to see what new and fun learning experiences we can get into together this spring.

Program Requirements:

– Follow our Program Policy and Safety Protocols.

– Family Agreement and Medical/Liability Form both due by either February 17 for the first session, or by March 31 for the second session.

– Session 1 Family Agreement  Medical/Liability Form

-Session 2 Family Agreement  Medical/Liability Form

– Participating students MUST be aged 6-13 by:

—- February 17 for Session 1

—- March 31 for Session 2

We strictly adhere to our age policy and are not able to make exceptions.

OAK Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your purchase more than 30 days prior to the program start date, the whole amount paid is refunded. If you cancel your purchase(s) 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 email youtheducation@ncarboretum.org, or contact OAK Coordinator, Rich Preyer, at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org.

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 5-week program, but there may be times that substitutions are made.

OAK Coordinator

• Rich Preyer
• Additional Arboretum Educators

 

For additional information please email youtheducation@ncarboretum.org, or contact OAK Coordinator, Rich Preyer, at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org. You can also contact Katie Gorman at 828-567-3165 for help with registration.