Purpose

Bigfoot Wilderness School provides hands-on, outdoor learning built on responsibility, teamwork, and respect. To maintain a safe and supportive environment, all students and families are expected to follow the guidelines below.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Follow safety instructions and stay with the group at all times
• Participate in activities, including those that are new or challenging
• Treat others with kindness, respect, and cooperation
• Use tools, gear, and materials responsibly and with permission
• Care for the land and follow Leave No Trace principles
• Respect wildlife and not feed, chase, or disturb animals
• Treat property, facilities, and equipment with care
• Use respectful language at all times
• Follow all site-specific rules and boundaries
• Refrain from using personal electronics during program hours
• Take responsibility for their actions and remain open to guidance

Program Readiness

This program is designed for students who are ready for outdoor, group-based learning. Students should be able to:

• Follow safety rules without constant redirection
• Transition between activities with flexibility
• Tolerate outdoor conditions such as weather, movement, and discomfort
• Participate in group activities and challenges

If a student consistently struggles to meet these expectations, we will work with families to determine whether the program is a good fit.

Safety Expectations

Staying with the group and following safety directions is non-negotiable.

If a student refuses to follow safety instructions, leaves the group, or puts others at risk, a guardian may be contacted for immediate pickup.

Behavior & Accountability

We address behavior through guidance, redirection, and conversation. Most situations are handled in the moment.

If concerns continue:

• Families will be contacted
• A support plan may be discussed
• Ongoing unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in dismissal from the program

Immediate Pickup

A guardian may be contacted for immediate pickup if a student:

• Uses physical aggression
• Refuses to follow safety instructions
• Leaves the group without permission

Immediate Dismissal

The following behaviors may result in immediate dismissal:

• Physical violence or threats
• Intentional damage to property, tools, or facilities
• Possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons
• Hate speech, bullying, or sexual misconduct
• Ongoing refusal to follow safety expectations
• Behavior that disrupts the safety of the group

Staff Commitment

All staff:

• Complete background checks
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Are trained in outdoor safety and supervision
• Model respectful, responsible behavior

Family Agreement

By enrolling, families agree to support this policy and help maintain a safe, respectful environment.