Membership Guidelines & Policies

Wonderment is defined as “a state of awed admiration or respect.” At Wild Wonderment we are in a constant state of awe as we study the world the Lord has created. Our co-op is more than just weekly classes, it is a community of Christian homeschool families who have made a prayerful decision to learn, grow and worship together. While we do realize that each family may differ in personal beliefs, we ask that families respect that Wild Wonderment is a Christian group and when working with students they explain and instruct from a Christain perspective. The ultimate goal is to become closer to God through the study of nature.

1. Wild Wonderment’s educational programs are for homeschool families with at least one child in grades K-5 and that are in compliance with your state’s homeschooling laws. Our program has been designed to act as a supplement to the education they are receiving at home. By requesting membership to Wild Wonderment, you recognize that Wild Wonderment is a Christian organization and all lessons will be tied back to the Bible.

2. There will be a non-refundable registration fee per family. The program runs from September thru May and registration occurs yearly, closing on August 15th.

3. Since we are striving to build relationships, we would like students to be enrolled for the entire year. That said, we do understand that there may be extenuating circumstances. Please reach out to the Director to discuss any specific needs or requests.

4. Tuition guidelines:

  • There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee per child

  • The prices varies per class and field trip. Once you register for the program and email will be sent and you can choose the classes and trips you would like to participate in.

5. Location - Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Cypress Dr., Laurel DE, 19956.

6. Requirements for Responsible Adult:

  • Each child must have an adult stay with them at the program. This can be a parent, guardian, or caregiver. If the person staying is not the legal parent/guardian we ask that you fill in their information at the time of registration. If you decide to send your child with another adult later on, please notify us and we will send over the form to fill out via email.

  • Each parent is expected to volunteer and help in the classroom at least 2x per year.

7. We expect that parents are actively involved. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Assisting your child with classroom activities.

  • Stepping-in if you see anyone doing something dangerous.

  • Helping with clean-up. Each class will be assigned end of day “chores” and we ask that parents encourage and assist kids as needed.

  • Supporting the teachers with their lessons.

  • Keeping an eye out for all students and the property of our rental facility.

8. If there are any disciplinary issues the following tiered approach is used

  • Teacher addresses with student

  • Teacher addresses with parent

  • Teacher and Director address with parent

  • Any behavior which is malicious (threatening, violence, ect) will result in immediate removal from the program.

9. Wild Wonderment will not tolerate gossip or foul language. We expect that parents set the example and correct any negative behavior they witness.

10. We will send out communication via email and also have a private Facebook group where photos are shared, announcements are posted and updates are listed.

11. Wild Wonderment reserves the right to terminate membership of any member if the teachers/admin team feel is it necessary.

Student Responsibility and Expectations Policy

(Parents please review these yourself and with your child(ren) prior to the first day of co-op.)

1. Show all teachers/parents, students and facilities respect. As a nature organization we strive to minimize our impact on the environment around us. This means no littering or destruction of property.

2. Be open to guidance and correction. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and volunteer answers. We are all growing together!

3. No going into the forest without an adult.

4. Please do not play by the water without an adult present.

5. No bullying.

6. We want kids to be kids. During free time, running, laughing, and game playing are encouraged. As long as the activity is safe and inclusive, have fun!

7. Please do not bring any foods to class which contain peanuts or tree nuts. After eating, please wash your hands or wipe them with a baby wipe to protect your fellow nature explorers with severe food allergies.

8. No pets, except service dogs are permitted. It is hard to study animals in their natural habitat if we bring our own pets to their forest.

9. Camp equipment is not to be touched without permission.

Sick Policy

If anyone has had a stomach virus in your household in the last 72 hours, please refrain from coming to Wild Wonderment

  1. If anyone in your house has had a fever in the last 24 hours, please refrain from coming to Wild Wonderment.

  2. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, we will ask them to go home and rest.

    • Fever

    • Rash

    • Eye discharge

    • Diarrhea

    • Vomiting

    • Persistent Cough

    • Shortness of Breath

      If you or your child test positive for Covid, we ask that you stay home for 10 days (first day of symptoms is day 0) before returning to class.

Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are part of life. Our goal is to help our nature explorers learn how to navigate difficult conversations in a productive and kind manner.

  1. We will ask them to pray about the situation. How would Jesus advise us to handle the situation? Sometimes, it is better to forgive and move on. Just a gentle reminder, moving on means that we do not talk negatively about the person with friend afterwards.

  2. If you still feel the conflict must be addressed, please use Matthew 18:15-20 as a standard for your resolution.

    • Matthew 18:15-20 states, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

    • Talk to the person directly.

    • Ask a trusted mutual friend to mediate.

    • Ask a teacher to help resolve.

Dress Code Policy

Dress for the weather! We are an outdoor group.

Suggested clothing items to have on hand:

  • Fall

    • Jacket, hat, gloves, hiking boots

  • Winter

    • Jacket, hat, gloves, balaclava, snow pants, snow boots, wool socks

  • Spring

    • It’s all about the layers. Sweatshirt, jacket, rain boots, rain gear

*Bug Spray and Sunblock are always in fashion

Multimedia/Photo Policy

1. By becoming a member of Wild Wonderment, you are granting us permission to use you/your child’s image/likeness and voice in various forms of multimedia (print, digital, electronic, ect.). This includes but is not limited to flyers, special events, advertisement, internet or print.

3. We cannot be held responsible for what other co-op members may do with their own photos/videos that they have captured.

Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather Policy

If class or a field trip needs to be cancelled for any reason we will send out an email by 7am the morning of.

Field Trip/Special Events Guidelines

1. Parents or guardians must accompany child(ren) on field trips.

2. If you sign up for a field trip, please do everything in your power to attend. Our hosts will plan their programs and pricing around the attendance numbers we provide.

3. Parents are responsible for the appropriate behavior of their children and any children they bring. Please be courteous of all tour guides, personnel, building and equipment.

4. Dress for the occasion.

 

Policies, guidelines, and requirements set forth herein include but are not limited to this handbook and are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Director.

“As you venture together into God’s wild world, I pray you’ll witness the incredible gift of your child’s faith growing more resilient through the wonders of creation.” - Eryn Lynum