Parent Package & Policies

Welcome to the Nature and Community Exploration Club! This document outlines our policies and procedures to ensure transparency and help your child have the best possible outdoor learning experience. We rely on your support and understanding as your child's caregiver to make our program successful.

Program Details

Our club memberships are annual commitments that secure your child's enrollment year-round. Tuition can be paid monthly or annually for your convenience. Club memberships include half-day nature exploration and outdoor experiences throughout the year.

Club perks include:

  • Access to year-round low top-up dates for day-camps

  • Afternoon snack provided after school

  • 25% off for bus, birthdays, events, and discounted gear: hoodies/crews, hats, socks/gloves, towels, water bottles, stickers, hand-warmers, sunscreen, $5 eggs, and more!

Little Explorers (Morning Program) Monday through Friday half-day morning sessions. During July and August, we offer both AM and PM sessions—you can continue with your regular morning attendance or switch to afternoons by registration.

After-School Explorers (2:30-5:30pm) Follows the Surrey school district calendar.

Day-Camps (9am-3pm) During Pro-D days, spring break, and summer break, we offer full day-camp experiences. 3 hour attendance is included with club tuition.

Pro-D Day-Camps $65/day for non-members. Option to Pre-Pay for all Pro-D Days (includes early dismissals) $175 (Paid in Sept; Allowed up to 2 cancellations and ports to camp days)

Spring and Summer Day-Camps | $65/day for non-members. Members have two options: 1. Apply monthly dues for their registered dates towards day-camps at a discounted top-up rate ($25 full-time members) or ($30 part-time members); or 2. Apply the monthly amount as a credit to use towards any regular rate camp days.

Closures We're closed on statutory holidays, two weeks in December (following Surrey School District calendar), and the last weeks of June and August. Fees are not pro-rated during closures.

Registration, Tuition and Fees

Registration Fee There is a one-time, non-refundable $50 registration fee per family that covers enrollment costs.

Securing Your Spot When you register for a club membership, your first month's tuition is due immediately and is non-refundable. This payment covers administrative costs, program planning, and supply procurement for your child's participation.

Monthly Payments Due by the 15th of each month (half a month in advance). Late payments incur a $20 fee.

Payment Methods

  • Preferred: E-transfer to nature.community.ec@gmail.com

  • Credit card available with 2.99% service charge (notify us in Lillio first)

  • You're responsible for any NSF/returned payment charges plus applicable late fees

Additional Fees

  • Early dismissal pick-ups: $10 (waived for prepaid annual members)

  • Extended days: $10/hour up to $85 maximum (arrange & pay in advance)

  • Late pick-ups: $20 fee

Cancelations One full calendar month's notice required for any registration changes, withdrawals, or cancellations. Less than 30 days' notice still requires full monthly payment.

Absences Always notify us in advance if your child will be absent (contact us directly or mark absent in Lillio). Unannounced no-shows or sick days incur a $20 fee. No reimbursements for missed days.

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

  • Leave a complete change of clothing, including socks and underwear, in a sealed jumbo ziploc bag for the duration of the year or summer season

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.

Healthy Food & Snacks

  • 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

Little Explorer 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 Policies

Wellness/Illness The health and wellness of your children is our primary concern. We practice proper hand washing, allow for rest when needed, encourage healthy eating and body movement, and incorporate mindfulness, breathing, and nature connection into our daily routine.

Illness Guidelines To help prevent the spread of illness, please keep your child home if they have:

  • Cough or difficulty breathing

  • Fever (keep home for 24 hours after fever breaks)

  • Pain or debilitating injury

  • Sore throat

  • Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

  • Infected skin or eyes, or undiagnosed rash

  • A common cold that prevents play or participation

COVID-19/Respiratory Illness If your child or anyone in your household has cough or flu-like symptoms, or has been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, please keep your child home.

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 fire and emergency drills and teach children about emergency procedures in age-appropriate ways.

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.

Parent Participation

For our Little Explorers Program, 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

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!