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 October of 2021.

 

New for Fall 2021: Now accepting students aged 10 to 12 in addition to ages 6-9. Note: we strictly adhere to our age policy and require all participants to be age 6 or above by November 1, 2021.

Registration For Fall 2021 Will Open August 17 at 12:00 p.m.!!!

Program Requirements:
- Daily mask use, inside and outside (please see Program Policy and Safety Protocols below).
- Family Agreement and Medical/Liability Form both due by October 1 (see links below).
- Participating students MUST be aged 6-12 by November 1, 2021. We 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:

    October 7 – November 18, 2021

    Members: 

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

    Non-Members: 

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

  • 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:

    October 8 – November 19, 2021

    Members: 

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

    Non-Members: 

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

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.
  • Masks will be required of all staff and participants both indoors and outdoors.
  • At designated times masks will not be required to be worn when outdoor social distancing will occur (though masks will be required for the majority of this program). These instances include snack and frequent water breaks, some water activities, as well as socially-distanced outdoor activities.
  • 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 and social distancing.
  • More details are available in our Youth Education Delivery Procedures Regarding COVID-19.

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 October 1, 2021. You must also complete the Medical and Liability Form and return it to Rich Preyer, OAK Coordinator at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org.

Family Agreement OAK Classes

Medical and Liability Release for OAK Program

 

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 11-week program, 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.