Roles & Responsibilities: A Shared Partnership
🌿 Staff Responsibilities
Our experienced staff create a safe, inspiring space for nature-based learning. They Plan daily routines, safety protocols, and hands-on activities.
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Supervise children with care and conduct regular head-counts.
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Use relationship-based tools (WITS, restorative circles, Zones) to support emotional well-being.
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Stay informed on each child’s medical needs and learning profiles.
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Model respectful communication and reinforce the 4 Forest Rules.
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Maintain strong partnerships with families and the local community.
🌱 Children’s Role
We see children as capable, curious explorers. We ask that they:
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Come ready to play and learn in all weather.
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Follow safety routines, stay with the group, and carry their own gear.
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Show kindness, curiosity, and cooperation.
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Use calm-down tools and respectful communication during conflict.
Staff will provide support and guidance. In cases of ongoing safety concerns (e.g., running off, harm to others), families may be asked to provide additional support.
🌞 Parent & Guardian Responsibilities
Parents are key partners in their child’s outdoor learning journey. You can support success by:
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Sharing health and learning needs during registration and staying in communication.
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Ensuring children arrive on time, dressed for the weather, with all required items.
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Staying current with payments, paperwork, and updates.
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Being available if your child needs support with behaviour or regulation.
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Embracing the risks and rewards of learning in nature — uneven terrain, wildlife, and weather included!
Full expectations are outlined in our Family Handbook, which is shared after registration.
Behavioural & Support Policy
Guiding Behaviour & Support
At the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program, we believe children grow best in safe, caring spaces where they feel seen, heard, and respected.
We guide behaviour through:
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✨ Clear routines and co-created agreements (Four Forest Rules)
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🌿 Social-emotional tools like WITS, calming techniques, sit spots, and sensory support.
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💬 Restorative conversations and reflection time when needed
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💛 Positive reinforcement for kindness, curiosity, and care
We respond to challenges with calm, compassion, and teamwork—supporting each child with guidance, not punishment.
⚠️ Safety & Severe Behaviour
To maintain a safe and inclusive environment:
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Families must share any relevant behavioural or medical needs in advance so we can support each child fully.
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If a child requires one-on-one support, families may be asked to provide a support worker.
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For ongoing unsafe behaviour (e.g. aggression, eloping, refusal to follow safety directions), we work with families to develop a support plan. If safety cannot be maintained, a child may be withdrawn.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violence. If unsafe behaviour occurs, families will be contacted to pick up their child immediately.
Clothing Guide
Children must come prepared for a full day outside—rain or shine! Proper clothing keeps kids warm, safe, and happy during all-weather adventures.
Communication & Updates
We use a few simple ways to share updates and stay connected with families:
📱 Text Messages
Text messages are used for quick updates such as program reminders, location details, weather changes, or field trip information. Families will typically receive location details the evening before each program day if we are meeting somewhere different.
👥 Private Facebook Group (Registered Families)
Registered families are invited to join a private Facebook group where we share weekly photos, program highlights, reminders, and updates from our time outdoors.
🌿 Public Facebook Page
Our public Facebook page shares general program highlights, photos, and information for the broader community.
Email is used for receipts, registration paperwork, program information, and non-urgent communication.
Families are always welcome to reach out with questions by text, phone, email, or Facebook Messenger.