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 August 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 September 15 for the first session, and October 20 for the second session.

Fall 2023 Registration will be RESCHEDULED to 9/5 at 11am due to registration program error!

Fall 2023 Programming will consist of 2 rounds of 5 week sessions, on Fridays from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Session 1 will occur each Friday from September 15th to October 13th. Session 2 will occur each Friday from October 20 to November 18th.

Both session's pricing is $260 for non-members and $234 for members.

Register for Session 1
Register for Session 2

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 fall.

Program Requirements:

– Follow our Program Policy and Safety Protocols.

– Family Agreement and Medical/Liability Form both due by either September 8 for the first session, or by October 13 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:

—- September 15 for Session 1

—- October 20 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

 

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.