Summer Camp Policies

Amid the daily injustice and violence against Black, Indigenous, People of color (BIPOC) across this country, and the upwelling of voices and resistance from people across the globe in response, we as a part of Wild Harvest will embolden our steps forward in solidarity and action for racial justice. 

We acknowledge the sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk Nation and the 11 indigenous nations within what is now the state of Wisconsin.  The sacred ancestral land where Lake Farm County Park is located and where we run our programs is that of the Ho-Chunk people.  We are committed to holding the pain of this historical trauma, recognizing ways in which we have been/are complacent and working harder to educate about our complex history with love.  

Our rapidly changing world calls for leadership that embraces history as well as the inherent interrelationship between all beings.  Rooted in an understanding of historical and present-day patterns of oppression, and a commitment to do better, we can rise and be in right relationship with ourselves, our ancestors, the earth and one another across divides of race, class, sexual orientation, gender, age, religion and nationality.  With self-examination and commitment, we will continue to strengthen all of our relations.  We believe these efforts will contribute to the health and well-being of future generations.

We humbly recognize that the path forward, towards a more just and equitable world, is not always clear, but we are committed to doing our best, being accountable and learning from our mistakes as we go.  We will work to implement actions within our programs and daily lives that support ending systemic racism and all forms of oppression. As one strand in a global web of diverse efforts to respond to needless suffering in all its forms, we are committed to finding more ways to create and recreate systems that help all people thrive and find joy.   

In Solidarity,

The Wild Harmony Family

(Board of Directors, Co-Directors, Grandparents & Mentors)

Cancellation 45 days or more prior to the start of programs: We'll reimburse full tuition minus $50 non-refundable registration fee.

Cancellation 14 days to 45 days prior to the start of programs: 50% tuition reimbursement.

Cancellation less than 14 days prior to the start of programs: no refund / no reimbursement will be given.

Essentials:

• Snacks & Lunch: Trail lunches (easy to eat, no prep). We’ll notify you if we cook over the fire. NO sugary snacks, except for birthday treats or  potluck celebrations.

• Water

• Backpack

• 1 Bandana (for games)

• Extra Clothes (including socks and gloves in colder weather)

• Rain Gear

• Knife (optional, let mentors know if bringing one)

Optional:

• Journal & Pen

• Fire Kit Pieces

• Hand Crafts (non-distracting)

• Binoculars

• Field Guides

• Sunscreen & Sunhat (for skin care)

• Bug Spray (herbal preferred, apply away from the group)

We kindly ask that toys and other personal items stay at home to help us keep our focus on nature. However, if your child needs something for comfort and it's important to them, please reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to work together to find a solution.

Age eligibility is noted for each program, but we are flexible with age limits in certain cases. If your child has a strong interest in a particular camp, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we’d be happy to discuss options.

We value a “soft landing” at drop-off and pick-up, allowing time for everyone to settle in. If the program starts at 9 but everyone arrives by 9:10, we’ll likely begin around 9:12 to give space for kids to chat, parents to connect, and for everyone to ease into the day. This is important time to shake off any road dust or morning challenges. That said, our time together is short, so please try to be on time or early so we can make the most of it! 

Running Late or Can't Make it:
If your child can’t make it or will be late, please let mentors know by email or text (especially within 24 hours). For early drop-offs or late pick-ups, please inform mentors the day before and at drop-off.

If you’re running more than 10 minutes late for drop-off or pick-up, kindly text the mentors with your ETA.

If your child needs to contact you, we’ll ensure it happens quickly. We understand how unsettling it can be not to reach your child right away, but rest assured they are safe with us.

We’ll be paying close attention to the weather forecast and the weather at any moment. Please do your best to be prepared for any rain or extreme heat we may encounter. We will meet kids where they are, but will only cancel in the case of dangerous weather.

Severe Weather & Safety:
If we face severe weather, we’ll find shelter as needed—whether at the park's  overhangs, bathrooms, or other nearby shelters. We won’t always seek shelter immediately during a storm, but we stay alert to weather reports and will act if things get dangerous. We also teach kids where to go and not go during a storm. If we have advanced warning, we’ll contact you to pick up your child.

Cold Weather:
On cold days, we check in with parents and kids about whether they want to attend. We keep kids moving, watch for signs of cold, and use fire for warmth. Parents can help by sending warm food, drinks, and extra layers. If a child refuses to wear necessary gear or gets too cold, we’ll call you for pick-up. In rare cases, we may use cars to warm up kids if other methods aren’t enough.

Wet & Cold Risks:
If a child gets very wet and it's too cold, we may contact you to pick them up to prevent hypothermia or frostbite.

Extreme Heat: 

To stay safe, we ensure everyone stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. We also limit strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day to avoid overheating. Dressing appropriately is key, so we encourage loose, light-colored clothing to help keep cool. Additionally, we make sure to take breaks in shaded areas whenever possible to avoid prolonged sun exposure. 

If a camp is full and you would like to be added to a waitlist, please message justin.whnc@gmail.com, and you will be notified to register if a spot opens up.

All of our summer camps operate on a sliding scale.

** If you wish to pay in 2 installments, use discount code: HALF-NOW-REST-IS-DEFERRED You'll pay 50% now, and then later (prior to each registered camp), you'll pay the rest by mailing a check.

After you have purchased camps, please fill out one registration form for each child here: https://forms.gle/nR8RfPhN9ngHMHZA7