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 ages 6-9 years old with the Arboretum’s new weekday drop-off programs, OAK at The N.C. Arboretum.

Registration for Spring 2021 will open by mid-January. Check back for updates!

Drop-off Program Options

  • Days at Chestnut Class 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!

  • Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., September 8 – November 19.

    Days at Sassafras Class 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!

  • Please note: This camp is currently sold out. Click here to be added to the wait list.

    Available Fridays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., September 11 – November 20

    Students complete weekly nature challenges aligned with the Arboretum’s free ecoEXPLORE citizen-science program for youth. Participants will explore the Arboretum’s 434 acres as they take nature photos to earn badges and nature tools like insect nets and binoculars. Devices will be provided to ensure everyone can participate. Participants must be enrolled in the ecoEXPLORE initiative and can join at www.ecoexplore.net.

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 8 students and be co-instructed by a minimum of two staff.
  • 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, 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 on the first day of class. You must also complete the Medical and Liability Form and return it to Rich Preyer, OAK Co-Coordinator at rpreyer@ncarboretum.org.

Family Agreement for Sassafras Class

Family Agreement for ecoEXPLORE Class

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 Co-Coordinators

 

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