FAQ

If you don't find your answer here, don't hesitate to email us!

CAN I BRING MY DOG(S) WITH ME?

We love dogs (So does our pup, Ratman!). HOWEVER, there are a number of factors we want folks to be aware of before bringing your dog with you to Vital Wild. Please reach out to discuss the details of what you should know, and general protocols, before bringing your furry companions around.

WHAT ABOUT MASKS/COVID-19?

As a Private Membership Association, all of our activities take place in the "private sector", the same way as would a gathering you might host in your home. We (and our members) are ultimately the ones who decide what policies are right for us in our ***primarily outdoor*** setting. We will stay up to date and flexible regarding current health recommendations, and require any individual experiencing symptoms of any sort (other than related to seasonal allergies or a known condition) to be excluded from our programs until they are fully well.

For now--and for the forseeable future--members need only wear a mask (or have their child wear one) with us if they, wish to.

ARE YOUR PROGRAMS FOR KIDS "RELIGIOUS"?

Well, no... not in the typical way people tend to think! We hold a deep reverence for all things spiritual, and strive to acknowledge and hold sacred the glory of creation in all we do. That said, we know every family worships differently, and we aim to tread a careful line between modeling a healthy spiritual practice and still allowing all present to have their own experiences and beliefs. In our community, we focus our honoring on things we all have in common: Earth, Air, Fire, & Water; the shift of seasons, the beings that nourish and sustain us. We practice sharing "gratitudes" regularly, and speak of the plants and animals as ‘relatives’ or ‘kin' from whom we can learn many lessons. Our approach is in alignment with traditional Indigenous and place-based teachings, while carefully avoiding appropriation. Our 'curriculum' will foster learners' curiosity about various world religions, and approach study about them through the lens of acceptance and diversity. We encourage children and adults alike to develop their own relationship with nature, and with their ancestors, and sort out for themselves how they want to interpret the “spirit” of that.

WHAT SHOULD WE PACK (AND NOT PACK)?

Learners will need to bring:

—healthy snack and lunch (please limit packaging to reduce risk of micro-trash)

—full water bottle

—breathable clothing, layers for comfort

—sun hat (& glasses--optional but encouraged)

—sturdy footwear (closed-toed on horse days!)

—a journal/sketch book

—swim suit & towel

--sunscreen (optional)

Please REFRAIN from bringing:

--electronics

--toys, dolls, jewelry, etc.

--weapons of any sort (even the squirty water kind)

--sweets, treats, sugar, candy, etc.

DO YOU OFFER BEFORE & AFTERCARE?

Not in general, but talk to us about your family's particular needs and we'll do our best to accommodate. If you are simply running late for pick-up, please call to let us know and expect to compensate us accordingly for excessive, repeated, or un-communicated tardiness.

WILL YOU MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR A YOUNGER/OLDER CHILD?

We've been very thoughtful about setting an age range based on our environment and staff. All learners MUST be fully potty trained with minimal accidents. At the same time, we recognize children as unique individuals and families as unified organisms... so... share with us about your particular situation / child(ren) and we'll give our honest assessment of whether it will be a good fit.