Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Forest School?
How does wilded willows handle inclement weather?
If the following conditions are present or predicted for the day Wilded Willows reserves the right to close and notify parents prior to the start of the day or throughout: 45mph or more winds, heat index of 98 degrees or higher, Air quality index of 100 or higher, or other severe conditions. Wilded Willows Forest School will monitor the weather utilizing both The Weather Channel and AccuWeather Apps for weather changes and updates. Initial checks will take place at 7:00am, prior to the day starting, at 9:00 am at program start, at 10:00 before we depart from the Trailhead Gathering, and at 11:00 am, as well as intermittently based on visible conditions. If hazardous conditions (lightning. thunder) are a potential in the forecast, we will refrain from departing for the Trailhead Gathering and will remain close to the Daily Discovery Stations. And in the presence of lightning and thunder we will only utilize protective structure space.
There is a designated indoor, climate-controlled shelter on site for extreme conditions where students will be re-located to in the event of more dangerous conditions. If re-located to this shelter parents will be contacted and notified via sms text messaging, and the program apps.
We will also follow Unicoi County School district weather closures.
In instances of outlying hot or cold temperatures outdoors, students will be relocated to the shelter for indoor nature-based activities and games. Teachers will consistently visually monitor students to ensure the prevention of frostbite, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, etc., and assess children's conditions through questioning.
Can I schedule a tour?
Tours of our site can be scheduled intermittently on Fridays. If interested in touring please complete the enrollment inquiry form and contact us with a tour request to schedule a date.
What does my child need for Forest School?
Children need to come prepared everyday with appropriate clothing, snack, & a water bottle. It is recommended to pack your child's gear in a weather secure tote. The gear list will be supplied upon completing enrollment paperwork. Depending on the program your child is enrolled in they will also need a packed lunch.
Is there a family rate?
We do have a family rate with tuition for the first child being full price, for the second 50% off, and for the third 60% etc. This excludes Nestlings where the flat rate is inclusive to the whole family.
Life Jackets are provided and REQUIRED for all water adjacent activities when instructed by facilitators.
"There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing" -Ranulph Fiennes