The beauty of the outdoors is no day is the same! We are constantly adapting to weather, the location of the day, and our explorer's level of experience and enthusiasm. Take a peek at our program activities and offerings here.

Generally, we stick to hiking distances based around the age of the group, and experience level of the group as a whole. Sprouts and Saplings (ages 5-8 years old) will hike around 1-2 miles daily and the older groups, Buds and Blossoms (ages 9-14) will hike around 3-6+ miles daily. Multi-day, overnight programs tend to be the more intensive trips with more hiking built in to the program over a weekend session.

Frequent water breaks, games and activities, lunch and snack stops all help break up the day's hike as well. Experienced guides are able to gauge the group's abilities and adjust distances accordingly.

Snack and water breaks, lunch, games, activities and exploration break up the day’s hike

There will be 1 guide (minimum) to every 6 explorers.

Each program will give you a specific packing list as it will vary between which program you register for.

For our After-School and Day Camp programs, we don't currently offer lunch and/or snacks, so we include in each specific programs packing list a request to pack your young explorers a few favorite snacks, and a hearty lunch (day camp only).

For our Multi-Day Overnight programs, we do provide breakfast, lunch and dinner and will have a spot to detail any dietary restrictions upon registering for each program.

1. Water bladders for explorer refills to ensure hydration
2. Wilderness first aid kit
3. A trowel, hand sanitizer and a pack-out waste bag for on-trail bathroom moments, if needed
4. Extra sunscreen

For After-School Semester & Drop-In programs, full refunds will be granted for cancellations made at-least 24 hours in advance of the program kicking off.

For Day Camp & Multi-Day programs, full refunds will be granted for cancellations made at-least 72 hours in advance of the program date, as these programs require extra planning and materials to make happen.

Grown Outdoors main priority is safety. We closely monitor the forecast for every program. That being said, as long as conditions are safe to go out in - we will still run our programs in the rain! Exploring outside during different types of weather is an awesome opportunity for kids to build extra resilience, and see how rain impacts the environment around us.

Depending on the forecast, we may just send an extra message about additional gear needed for the day which would include a rain jacket, proper weather-proof shoes, and clothes you'd be happy to get a little muddy in.

Exploring in the rain is an incredible opportunity to see firsthand its necessity, how rain travels, and its impact on the environment around us. Plus educators can discuss the long-term effects of the rain cycle, changing rain patterns, and climate change.

Depending on the forecast, the location may change to an inside enrichment activity as well, or just to an outdoor area where we rely on rain cover if necessary (more tree coverage trails, access to covered picnic areas, etc).

We might allow this type of request in the future, but as we grow into the community we believe it's a positive experience for our young explorers to make new friends! So for now, we aren't taking grouping requests for our set programs. If you are looking to create your own experience with us, reach out here.

A lot of the locations we go to have public restrooms at either the start or end of a hike we'll be embarking on, in which we dedicate time for during each program. Our guides will help explorers get to the public facilities safety, and stand outside to bring them back to the group when they are ready.

If an explorer has to go in the middle of a hike, we will follow our nature bathroom protocol, ensuring Leave No Trace principles are observed.

1. A guide will take the explorer to a private, safe spot away from the trail and ensure no dangers are around the area and privacy is maintained
2. Explorers will go the bathroom and then return to the guide, who will be at an identified, close location
3. Any waste will be packed out and disposed of properly, and all guides will carry a trowel with them in case any number two situations arise
4. Guides will make sure hand sanitizer is applied, and lead the explorer back to the group

For an optimal experience, yes! We design our semester programs to work towards a goal to accomplish a certain trail, distance or decided measure by the end of the six-weeks, so committing to the full experience will allow to best outcome.

However, if you need a week-off for something that comes up, full refunds will be granted for cancellations made at-least 24 hours in advance of the program kicking off.

We develop our programming by age to ensure the best experience as we can tailor to age appropriate activities, and hiking distances.

Sprouts

• 5-6 year olds
• Hike around 1 mile per day

Saplings

• 7-8 year olds
• Hike around 1-2 miles daily

Buds

• 9-11 year olds
• Hike around 3-4 miles daily

Blossoms

• 12-14 year olds
• Hike around 4-6+ miles daily

These hiking distances are based on industry averages for what these age groups can achieve; we usually include what we'd call an "advanced" section of a lower age group for Day Camps and the Multi-Day, Overnight programs if a young explorer feels up for bigger days and would like to come along! These are always indicated on the program registration details.

Yes, we offer sliding scale need-based scholarships. Please reach out us directly here to discuss this option!