Parent Handbook

Empower Outdoors Parent Handbook

Building Confidence, Character, and Outdoor Skills

Welcome to Empower Outdoors

Welcome to Empower Outdoors! We’re thrilled to have your child join us on this journey of growth and exploration. Our program is designed to help kids develop self-awareness, confidence, emotional regulation, and outdoor skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Each session combines outdoor adventure, teamwork, and practical skill-building with lessons on mindset, kindness, and respect — helping kids grow stronger both inside and out.

Program Purpose

Empower Outdoors is not a therapy program and does not provide mental health treatment or diagnosis.
Our classes focus on personal growth, self-awareness, confidence building, and outdoor education. We use evidence-based mental wellness principles (such as positive self-talk and emotional regulation) in a skills-based, educational setting.

If your child is currently in therapy or receiving counseling, Empower Outdoors can be a positive supplement, but not a replacement for professional care.

Our Core Values

Respect for Others – Every participant deserves kindness, patience, and encouragement.
Respect for Nature – We follow “Leave No Trace” principles and care for the places we explore.
Safety First – Physical and emotional safety are always our top priorities.
Growth Through Challenge – We encourage healthy risk-taking and learning through effort.
Fun and Curiosity – Adventure and joy are essential parts of learning outdoors.

Code of Conduct

To maintain a positive environment, all participants are expected to:

Treat others with kindness and respect.
Follow instructor directions for safety and group cohesion.
Use encouraging language — no teasing, name-calling, or exclusion.
Respect nature by staying on trails, not disturbing wildlife, and cleaning up after themselves.
Refrain from any bullying, aggression, or unsafe behavior — verbal, physical, or emotional.

Bullying or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
Instructors will address issues promptly. Repeated or severe behavior may result in removal from the program without refund.

Parent Involvement and Communication

We believe in strong communication between parents and instructors.

Please inform us of any allergies, health concerns, or learning needs before the program begins.
If your child is struggling or has a concern, we encourage parents to communicate with us early so we can support them appropriately.
Parents will receive brief updates at the end of sessions and a recap at the end of the 8-week program.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

All instructors are trained in basic first aid and CPR.
We maintain a 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio for safety and supervision.
In the event of an emergency:

Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately.
If medical attention is required, we will follow the emergency plan on your child’s registration form.

Attendance and Punctuality

Outdoor sessions depend on structure and timing.

Please ensure your child arrives 5–10 minutes early to each class.
Consistent attendance helps maintain group connection and learning flow.
If your child will miss a session, please notify us as soon as possible.

Weather Policy

We believe in the value of all-weather learning.

Classes will typically continue in light rain, snow, or cold, as long as safety allows.
In extreme weather, classes may be postponed or rescheduled, and parents will be notified by text or email.

What to Bring

Each participant should come prepared for outdoor conditions. A recommended list includes:

Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
Weather-appropriate layers
Refillable water bottle
Snack
Small backpack
Positive attitude and willingness to learn!

Our Commitment

Empower Outdoors is committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and inspiring space for all participants. Our mission is to help kids feel capable and connected — to nature, to others, and to themselves.

We’re honored to be part of your child’s journey. Thank you for trusting us to help them grow through the power of the outdoors.