What are the protocols related to contagious infections? +

(Updated January 18, 2022) As we say at Elements, “Outside is the IN place to be!”. We recognize the deep benefits being outdoors has for children. We have strived to provide a high-quality program and follow the most up-to-date guidelines regarding assuring that all Elements participants stay strong and healthy. Our commitment to this has not changed, and while we recognize the presence of RSV, flu, Covid and other infections in the DMV area, we also:

• Know the fabulous, breezy fresh air and great outdoors work to our advantage in assuring adequate ventilation and social distance;
• Recognize children need the benefits of the outdoors, of the smiles of their friends, and of getting their hands dirty;
• Recognize the wide availability of vaccines to Elements-aged children; Factoring in the above information:
• Masks: will be optional for KIDS in the After-school Season.
• Common Sense: Please do not let your child attend the Elements session if they have been recently exposed to or are feeling any yucky symptoms related to Covid or any infectious illness. Please text or call your Site Leader to let us know that your child will not be attending.
• Communication: We ask that you alert us immediately if your child has been in an Elements session and has an onset of Covid symptoms or a positive Covid test.

We thank you for including Elements as a part of your family’s community. We take that responsibility seriously and we will make every effort to mitigate risk during your child’s Elements session. We ask that you support us in our efforts as well. This policy will be revisited as needed.

What are the rules for kids programs? +

Simply put: be safe, smart & respectful.

1. Always stay with your group and always be in sight of your counselor.
2. Treat peers, crew, the land, and its visitors with respect.
3. Do not put yourself or others in a situation that could endanger you or them.

What happens if there is a behavioral issue? +

We keep our rules positive, simple and straightforward but we also understand that your kiddos have had a full day of school, screens and have been on-task and likely indoors. Elements is a great place to let off some pent up energy in a safe and respectful manner to all. Our crew use constructive dialog to rein in behavior we deem inappropriate or disrespectful. If the crew needs further support, they radio the Elements Site Leader and if misbehavior persists, we contact parents and work towards a common, positive solution. We strive hard to provide a positive experience for each child however we do not specialize in serving children with significant emotional, social or behavioral problems. If available and necessary, we can sometimes provide one to one crew to camper support for certain participants. If we resort to this approach, we will need to charge an additional fee. Open communication and transparency are key. Please reach out to us via email to discuss potential challenges.

My child is nervous about being in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. What does Elements do to put kids at ease? +

We understand that the woods can be overwhelming. Our Elements Crew goes through training and part of that experience is instruction on how to introduce the kids to the magic of the woods in a positive way. When your child arrives at each session, they get a warm welcome, check in and get their name tag. They are then introduced to their Crew Counselor and Small Group. They will be with this Crew Counselor and in their Small Group for the bulk of their Elements Sessions. The Elements kiddos typically make fast friends with their Crew, Small Group and the woods.

How do you deal with safety issues? +

• Training: All crew go through a mandatory Elements Training where common safety issues are addressed.
• Communication: All crew utilize a wWalkie Talkie app on their phones so that we can easily communicate any safety concerns.
• Minor Injuries: Each crew and the Site Leader carry basic First Aid equipment
• Tiered supervision & safety in numbers: Each session has a SIte Leader who is available to support the crew. The crew closely supervise their Small Group and we find that there is safety in our numbers.

What is the weather policy? +

While we embrace the elements, we will always be safe. We closely follow the weather reports from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Our after-school sessions are 75 minutes and our custom sessions are longer but if temps or weather are miserably uncomfortable , we may ask that kiddos get picked up earlier. We will relay this information in advance of session or at drop off

• If there is a forecast for high winds/gusts, heavy rains, thunder/ lightning, we will cancel for the session.
  • If roads/trails are iced due to snow or freeze, and we are unable to safely get to our sessions we will cancel.
• If dangerous weather presents during an Elements session please come to the pick-up location early. DO NOT WAIT FOR A CALL OR EMAIL. We will gather the kids and bring them to the pick-up location.

We will not be able to refund sessions cancelled due to inclement weather. We will try to reschedule a cancelled session.

Our foremost priority is the safety of the kids and crew.

What should kids wear to their session and what should they do with their backpack if they carpool? +

Dressing for the elements is no different than getting ready for sports team practice. Coach will not let you play if you don’t have your pads or mouth guard! If your kiddo arrives and isn’t dressed for the conditions, we will need to send him/her home (but welcome them back if they can scramble) for the right attire. It is imperative (and lots more fun) to be dressed for what Mama Nature sends our way!

Our policy is to always dress for the weather and to factor in that the temps drop with the sun! For chilly sessions, be prepared with lots of layers! And for warm sessions, remember the sunblock and bug spray. Comfortable lace-up shoes or boots (like running shoes, rain boots or snow boots) are required. NO Flip Flops or Crocs. Here are some suggestions for cold weather layering:

• SYNTHETIC BASE LAYER: Something close to the skin that wicks away moisture
• INSULATING LAYER: Something fluffy and downy
• PROTECTIVE LAYER: Something to keep the wind, water (rain pants and rain coat) and snow (snow pants and coat) out.
• HEAD, HANDS, AND FEET: Hat, gloves or mittens, warm socks and good waterproof boots.
• CARPOOLERS: Kiddos can store school backpacks in Site Leader's car during the session.

Is there anything else I should do to make sure my child is prepared? +

Yes! Please be sure to explain the Elements program to your child. They should understand that we will proceed in the elements: rain and shine, heat and cold, rain and snow, dusk and dark. If they are dressed for the weather and embrace the elements, we can promise that fun and friendship will follow!

We also ask that they have a healthy snack before they arrive at their session. We have some kids with allergies so do not serve any snack (Except for the occasional Peppermint Pattie!)

There are NO bathroom facilities at the parks. We will call parents if there is a bathroom situation that requires an early pick up.

What is your teaching method/philosophy? +

We embrace individuality and celebrate the qualities and characteristics of each child. Knowing that kids flourish in different ways, we follow the “Challenge by Choice” approach to teaching. We provide leadership, encouragement instruction, and support. We embrace personal growth and communal citizenship. Our goal is that after each session in the woods, your child will be in their own element! They will feel confident, energized, and more knowledgeable about themselves, their peers, and their park. They will be ready to take on the world (or their homework).

Logistical, location specific questions? +

All our registered parents receive a Logistics Email that is specific to your location a week prior to our season. It will include the name and contact information of your Site Leader, as well as specific information regarding your child's site and session. That said, we are more than happy to answer your questions now. Just shoot us a message.

Are electronics allowed? +

Use of electronic devices are not allowed during The Elements adventures. Our goal is for the kiddos to have an hour to unplug, be present, and engage in our surroundings. If your child needs to have a cell phone, we ask that you put the ringer silent or vibrate. All instructors have cell phones and walkie talkies for emergency purposes.

What time is our Elements session and what if we are late or participant is sick? +

We ask that you do your best to have the kids to the park on time. We have a lot to do in a short period of time and it is tricky to find us once we are woodland bound. If you arrive late, please call or text the Site Leader and he/she can direct you to where we will be stationed.

Please email or text Site Leader in advance if your child is sick or has a scheduling conflict.

What is the cancellation/refund policy? +

REFUND POLICY:

• If your child needs to cancel for their registered session or season one week + prior to the start date, we will provide a refund, less a $75 admin fee. Please let us know in writing via email to mrietano@theelementsdc.com.

• If your child needs to cancel within one week to their session start date, we are unable to provide a refund. Please let us know in writing via email to mrietano@theelementsdc.com.

• If we are unable to accept a registered or waitlisted child, we will provide a refund.