Community Values: Expectations & Commitments
For Participants & Families
At Mountain Kids!, our programs are built on shared responsibility, mutual respect, and care for one another and the natural world. We believe positive outdoor experiences happen when participants, families, and staff work together as a community.
This page outlines the behavioral expectations and shared commitments that help create a safe, supportive, and fun environment for everyone.
Our Approach to Behavior Support
Mountain Kids! uses positive, developmentally appropriate guidance to support children as they learn, grow, and navigate group experiences outdoors.
Our approach includes:
- Positive Reinforcement – Encouraging kindness, teamwork, effort, and cooperation
- Clear Expectations – Reviewing group agreements (our Commun-i-Tree) at the start of programs and as needed
- Supportive Guidance – Using redirection, problem-solving, reflection, and coaching
- Collaboration with Families – Partnering with parents/guardians when extra support is needed
Behavior challenges are viewed as learning opportunities, not punishments.
Participant Code of Conduct
All participants are expected to help create a safe, respectful, and inclusive community.
Participants are expected to:
Be Safe
- Follow staff directions
- Stay with the group
- Use equipment appropriately
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves
Be Respectful
- Use kind and inclusive language
- Listen to others
- Respect nature, Mountain Kids! property, and others’ belongings
Be Responsible
- Care for personal and program gear
- Come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear
- Ask for help when needed
Be Positive & Engaged
- Participate to the best of their ability
- Try new activities
- Encourage others
Include Everyone
- Bullying, harassment, name-calling, or exclusion are not tolerated
Leave Distractions at Home
- Personal electronics, toys, money, and valuables should remain at home
- School devices must stay in backpacks and remain secured during programming
Never Bring Prohibited Items
- Weapons, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, lighters, matches, or other unsafe items are not allowed
Steps for Addressing Behavior Challenges
Staff always begin with support and redirection. If behavior impacts safety or group well-being, the following steps may be used:
- Reminder & Redirection – Reviewing expectations and offering support
- Reflection Time – Taking space to calm down and reset
- Family Communication & Behavior Plan – Collaborating with families when concerns persist
- Suspension or Dismissal – Serious or repeated unsafe behavior may result in removal from programming without refund
Parents’ Rights & Responsibilities
Strong family partnerships are essential to a positive experience.
Parents/Guardians Have the Right To:
- Know their child is in a safe, age-appropriate environment
- Be informed about program activities and policies
- Communicate questions or concerns with staff
- Be notified of injuries, behavioral concerns, absences, or off-site activities
Parents/Guardians Are Expected To:
- Follow Mountain Kids! policies and procedures
- Complete registration and maintain accurate contact and health information
- Communicate absences, late arrivals, or early pick-ups
- Pick up children on time and ensure emergency contacts are available
- Share relevant medical, emotional, or behavioral information
- Partner with staff in addressing challenges
- Reimburse for program property damaged due to misuse
Our Shared Commitment
Together, families and staff create a community rooted in safety, respect, responsibility, and adventure. With clear expectations and open communication, every child has the opportunity to thrive.
👉 For information about program logistics, safety systems, eligibility, and operations, please visit our Program Policies page.