EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER UNDER THE OAK NATURE CAMP TERMS AND AGREEMENT

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a community service of the American River Natural History Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. The information put forth in this document represents organization policies and protocols as of the date of publication. Policies are subject to change at the discretion of the organization, with or without notice.

Registration and Payment: Registrations and payment are done online. Registration is on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your registration is complete once you submit payment and have completed the online registration form and waivers. Checks and cash are accepted if registering in-person at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and after completing all necessary forms and waivers to complete registration.

Rescheduling: A rescheduling change request may be accommodated depending upon camp availability and if requested at least 24 hours before the start of the camp your child is currently enrolled in. If the camp you wish to reschedule to is a date before the one your child is currently enrolled in, you must send in your reschedule request 24 hours before the first date of that earlier camp. A $10 service fee will be charged for each camp reschedule.

Cancellation and Refunds: A 10% cancellation fee will be charged for any camp cancelled more than 14 days (2 weeks) before the start of the camp your child is enrolled in. No refunds for any camps cancelled within 14 days (2 weeks) of the camp.

Low Camp Enrollment: In the event of low camp enrollment, EYNC Staff will discuss the best options for proceeding. This could mean combining two camps in the same week (e.g. combined ages of 6 – 11), transferring your camper to another camp of the same age range, or an alternative option. If options are available, EYNC Staff will update you on the decision and provide options for you to choose from. In rare circumstances will a camp be cancelled, but if it is for any reason (e.g. low enrollment, hazardous weather), you will be refunded the camp fee or partial refund if only part of the camp was cancelled (excluding any fees collected by the online registration platform).

Supervision: Campers will be supervised by EYNC Staff at all times during camp. A Camp "Principal" is always onsite to assist with any support and emergency needs. EYNC Nature Camp Assistant Volunteers who are at least 18 years of age are background checked and trained to assist and lead camp activities. We also have the support of our Teen Leaders in Nature (youth ages 13–17) who assist with nature education activities. All our volunteers are trained to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all.

Weather: Camps are delivered rain or shine. If the EYNC Staff determines the conditions are unsafe, an alternate indoor camp will be delivered. If this is not possible, or conditions are deemed unsafe, the camp will be cancelled with the option for either a reschedule or a refund. If the option for a reschedule is available, the reschedule fee will be waived.

Camp Check-in and Check-out: Camp check-in/drop-off begins 15 minutes before the camp start time. If you or an authorized guardian are late dropping off and checking in your child, EYNC Staff may call you to inquire if your child will be attending camp that day. No refunds will be given for any late attendance or no-show. 

Unless enrolled in post-camp care, check-out/pick-up ends 15 minutes after the camp concludes. If you are late picking up and checking out your child, EYNC Staff will call to ensure you or an authorized guardian is on their way. There will be additional charges for being more than 15 minutes early or late when dropping off or picking up your child. If your child is not picked up within 30 minutes of scheduled departure and EYNC staff are unable to reach you via phone, EYNC Staff are required to contact law enforcement.

Camps are for children only. Parents and guardians must avoid lingering during and after check-in/drop- off. If a child needs more time with their parent or guardian to acclimate to the new environment, please notify the EYNC camp instructor so we can provide that accommodation. Refrain from staying at the Nature Center in sight of the campers during camp hours as this is distracting to the children, volunteers, and camp instructors. If you are staying onsite to hike the trails or visit the Nature Center, you must refrain from interacting with, photographing, or video recording the camp or any campers, including your own to avoid accidentally photographing a child that isn't yours.

Authorized Parents and Guardians for Pick-Up: Only parents and guardians listed as an authorized parent or guardian for pick-up can pick up a child. If a parent or guardian was not listed during the registration process, you must inform EYNC Staff before the start camp date via email or phone call. If EYNC Staff is notified the day of camp, an authorized parent or guardian must provide a written note stating that someone not listed as an authorized parent or guardian for pick-up will be picking up your child.

Photographs and Video Recording: Any photographs or videos taken during camp, including children interacting with activities and lessons, may be used in EYNC publications, promotional materials, the EYNC website, or for other purposes by the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Photo consent is given or denied during the registration process when completing the camp waiver. If you did not give consent for this during the registration process, your child will not be photographed or recorded.

Illness or Injury: If your child becomes sick or injured and you or the child’s guardians have been contacted, but cannot be reached, EYNC assumes responsibility to seek appropriate treatment and will pursue care through a licensed physician and/or emergency services agency. As per the waiver signed during the registration process, you agree to assume all risks associated with the camp program held in Ancil Hoffman Park, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, or during any field trip experience. You agree to hold harmless the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, ARNHA and the County of Sacramento, their officers and employees, and any co-sponsor of the activity from and against all liability for accident or injury to your child out of participation in the camp program.

Snack and Lunch Breaks: All campers are expected to have a filling breakfast before arriving to camp each day to ensure they stay energized and engaged until the snack break (and lunch break if the camp is over 3 hours). If your child arrives without snacks or lunch, and we are unable to reach you to determine how snack or lunch will be provided to your child, EYNC Staff may supply snacks and lunch to your child at the cost to the parent (EYNC Staff will reference the allergy list you provided on the registration form to ensure your child receives a snack or lunch that is safe for them eat). Otherwise, they may go without a snack or small meal if we are unable to find appropriate food for them.

Sunscreen: Depending upon the weather and the child’s sensitivity, campers are encouraged to arrive to camp with sunscreen already applied. EYNC Staff recommend packing sunscreen in the child’s backpack for reapplication when needed. Reapplication of sunscreen will either be done by the child or the Camp Instructor or Volunteers only if directly asked by the child (unless you explicitly notify EYNC Staff not to reapply for your child).

Attire/Clothing: All campers are expected to dress for the weather. If the weather is forecasted to be cold, campers should dress in layers. If the weather is forecasted to be warm, campers are recommended to bring a hat. If they run cold, pack them a light jacket they can easily put on or take off. Campers are required to wear closed-toe shoes each day of camp to protect their feet during activities and walking on the trails. Campers should be dressed appropriately and clothing should not have any obscenities, offensive language, or offensive graphics.

Allergies: It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to accurately list all allergies so EYNC Camp Instructors can plan camp accordingly. In the event a camper has an allergic reaction, EYNC Staff will immediately notify the parents and/or guardians as well as provide any allergy medication the child uses. It is imperative that any allergy medication, such as Epipens or any Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, be packed with your child’s belongings and EYNC Camp Instructors are informed on how to give or use any allergy medication only in the event of a severe allergic reaction, unless otherwise stated.

Neurodiversity: We at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center recognize there are learning differences among youth of all ages that attend camp. We strive to accommodate learning differences and want to provide a positive, safe, and inclusive space for all attending camp. Please disclose information related to your child’s learning abilities so that we may make reasonable accommodations to enable all students to bring their true selves to camp and thrive. If your child is in need of an aid during camp, please contact EYNC Staff to both inform us and to coordinate accommodations for you and your child’s aid.

Special Summer Camp Activities/Field Trips: Some of our summer camps may include evening programs and/or local off-site trips (this does not apply to all camps, including one-day camps). These activities are not guaranteed and may happen depending on available staff support and planning. The Camp Instructor will contact you a week before camp begins to provide details about activities in the camp your child is enrolled in, including location and appropriate attire for the activity or field trip. If you have questions or concerns regarding these special summer camp activities, please contact us at info@SacNatureCenter.net or (916) 876-4918.

COVID-19: EYNC COVID-19 protocols will mirror Sacramento County/Local Public Health and State of California Guidelines for illness and outbreaks. Campers, EYNC Staff, and EYNC Volunteers have the choice to wear or not wear a mask or face covering. In the event there is a rise in cases, we may return to our required mask use while participating in indoor activities with masks being strongly recommended when outdoors as social distancing may not always be possible. Hand sanitizer and masks will continue to be available for use to anyone who requests them. In any event there is a spike in local cases, parents or guardians may be expected to complete a COVID-19 Health Screen Waiver for each camp to ensure everyone’s safety and wellness. By registering your child in any EYNC camps, you agree to follow the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s COVID-19 protocols and any updates to it. In the event of exposure or an outbreak at EYNC, and if your child was at risk of exposure, you will be immediately notified.