Registration & Payments

Registration Fee There is a one-time, non-refundable $50 registration fee per family. This fee helps us with administrative time and purchasing supplies. Upon registration, both the registration fee and first month's tuition are due.

Club Membership Terms Our annual membership runs September to June and is designed to build deeper connections with peers and educators, creating a supportive environment where children feel safe to take creative risks and grow confidently.

During July and August, we offer separate Summer Day Camps, and annual members receive priority access with their regular membership fees applied directly upon camp registration. This membership grows with your family, providing year-round consistency and community where your child can explore, learn, and truly belong.

Annual Membership Perks Include:

• Priority summer camp access and registration

• Discounted bus rentals for special occasions

• Backyard party bookings at reduced rates

• Discounted outdoor gear and supplies

• Fresh eggs from our hens

• Guaranteed spots for siblings

• Guaranteed spots in day camps

• Year-round community connection and support

Monthly Tuition Monthly payments are due year-round and must be paid half a month in advance, on or before the 15th of each month. We prefer e-transfer to nature.community.ec@gmail.com, though we also accept bank payments or credit card through the Lillio app.

Payment Policies

• Late payments are subject to a $20 late fee

• No reimbursement for missed days

• NSF payments incur additional bank-related charges

• Credit card payments have a 2.99% service fee charged as a lump sum at year-end

• Please inform us before using credit card payment in Lillio

Attendance & Schedule Changes

Cancellation Notice One full calendar month's notice is required for any change in registration, withdrawal, or cancellation. If less than 30 days notice is provided, regular monthly fees must still be paid.

Late Pick-up & Absences

• $20 fee for late pick-ups without prior arrangement

• Pre-arranged extended hours available at $10 per hour (must be scheduled and paid in advance)

• $20 fee for no-shows or sick days without prior warning

• Please contact us or mark your child absent in Lillio

Program Closures We are closed on all statutory holidays, two weeks of winter break in December (following Surrey School District calendar), the last week of June, and the last week of August. Fees are not adjusted during closure periods.

Daily Program Requirements

Weather-Ready Clothing Your child must be dressed appropriately for outdoor activities in all weather conditions. Required items include:

• Rain gear and snow gear

• Weather-appropriate footwear

• Gloves and hats

• Change of underclothing

Being properly prepared is essential for your child's enjoyment and safety. Inadequate gear may result in a call for immediate pick-up or supply drop-off.

Food & Hydration

• Small snacks are included for Club members (low-cost for drop-ins)

• Large water bottles are mandatory

• Please provide additional food for children with sensitivities, specific preferences, growth spurts, or special dietary needs

Toileting Please inform us of your child's toileting independence level. While we have access to park washrooms, our staff cannot manage potty training or diaper changes. Pull-ups are welcome for children in transition.

Health & Safety

Wellness Policy Your child's health and wellness is our primary concern. We practice proper hand washing, encourage healthy eating and movement, and incorporate mindfulness, breathing, and nature connection into our daily routine.

Illness Guidelines Please keep your child home if they have:

• Cough or difficulty breathing

• Fever within 24 hours

• Pain or debilitating injury

• Sore throat

• Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

• Infected skin or eyes, or undiagnosed rash

• A new common cold that prevents participation

We will inform all parents of any illness outbreaks or contagious conditions.

Medication Prescription medication may only be administered after a parent or guardian has signed a Consent to Administer Medication form.

Emergency Preparedness We conduct periodic emergency drills and educate children about emergency procedures in age-appropriate ways.

Parent Participation

We welcome parent involvement! You may stay for 10-20 minutes to help with transitions. For longer participation with the group, we require:

• Vulnerable sector criminal record clearance

• Prior arrangement with our staff

• Younger siblings or infants may accompany participating parents

Legal Requirements

Child Protection Policy In accordance with the Child, Family and Community Service Act, we are legally required to report any suspected child abuse, physical harm, sexual abuse, exploitation, or need for protection to a child protection social worker. In British Columbia, a child is defined as anyone under age 19.

Agreement

By registering with the Nature and Community Exploration Club, you confirm that you have read and agree to all policies and procedures outlined in this parent package. Thank you for your partnership in providing your child with meaningful outdoor learning experiences!