Community Expectations & Commitments
At Mountain Kids!, our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment where all children can thrive. We believe in teaching and modeling positive behavior, helping campers/participants develop respect, responsibility, and cooperation while enjoying outdoor adventures.
Our Approach to Behavior Management
- Positive Reinforcement: We encourage and recognize positive behavior, teamwork, and kindness.
- Clear Expectations: We review the code of conduct/group rules (our Commun-i-tree) at the start of each camp session/program and are reminded of expectations as needed.
- Supportive Guidance: If challenges arise, staff will use redirection, problem-solving, and reflection to help campers make better choices.
- Collaboration: We view behavior challenges as learning opportunities and will work together with families if extra support is needed.
Participant Code of Conduct
At Mountain Kids!, all participants are expected to help create a safe, fun, and respectful community where everyone can thrive. By following this code, participants make sure their time outdoors is positive, adventurous, and supportive for all.
Participants are expected to:
- Be Safe: Follow staff directions, stay with the group, use equipment safely, and keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Be Respectful: Treat others with kindness, listen, use positive language, and respect nature, Mountain Kids! property, and others’ belongings.
- Be Responsible: Take care of your own belongings and Mountain Kids! gear, bring clothing and shoes appropriate for the activities, and let staff know if help is needed.
- Be Positive & Committed: Participate fully, try new activities, encourage others, and bring a positive attitude.
- Include Everyone: Bullying, harassment, name-calling, or intentionally leaving others out will not be tolerated.
- Leave Distractions at Home: Personal electronics, toys, money, and valuables should be left at home. School computers or electronics must stay in backpacks and will remain locked in the Adventure Van during after-school activities and outings.
- Never Bring Prohibited Items: Dangerous or unsafe items—including weapons, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, lighters, and matches—are not allowed at camp or during Mountain Kids! programming.
Steps for Addressing Behavior Challenges
We believe that children learn best when given opportunities to reflect and improve. Our staff will always start with positive guidance and redirection. However, if behavior disrupts the safety or well-being of others, the following steps may be taken:
- Reminder & Redirection – Staff review expectations and provide support to help the camper/participant adjust behavior.
- Reflection Time – Participants may be asked to take time away from the activity to calm down and reflect before rejoining.
- Parent/Guardian Notification & Behavior Plan – If a participant’s behavior becomes concerning, families will be notified and may collaborate with staff and the participant to create a plan or hold a conference to support the child’s success.
- Suspension or Dismissal – Serious or repeated unsafe behavior, including physical aggression, bullying, or possession of prohibited items, may result in immediate removal from programming without refund.
Our Commitment: Mountain Kids! staff are dedicated to creating a community of safety, respect, and adventure. With your support, we can ensure every participant has a positive and memorable experience.
Parents’ Rights & Responsibilities
At Mountain Kids!, we value strong partnerships with families. Parents and guardians play an important role in helping us create a safe, fun, and supportive outdoor education community.
Parents/Guardians have the right to:
- Know their child is in a safe, engaging, and age-appropriate environment.
- Be informed about program activities, policies, and any changes that affect their child.
- Share feedback and communicate concerns with staff at any time.
- Be notified if their child is absent, injured, misbehaving, or going off-site.
- Discuss their child’s behavior, progress, and well-being with staff in a timely manner.
Parents/Guardians are expected to:
- Follow Mountain Kids! policies and procedures.
- Complete registration, make timely payments, and keep records up to date (contacts, health info, etc.).
- Inform staff in advance of absences, late arrivals, early pickups, or withdrawal (minimum two weeks’ notice required).
- Pick up children on time and ensure an emergency contact is available within 30 minutes if needed.
- Provide written authorization for alternate pick-ups.
- Share relevant medical, behavioral, or emotional needs so staff can plan appropriately.
- Partner with staff in addressing behavioral concerns and work toward positive solutions.
- Replace or reimburse for camp property that their child misuses or damages.
Field Instructor Code of Ethics
We believe that creating a safe, supportive, and fun community depends on strong partnerships between families, participants, and staff. Parents and guardians can feel confident knowing our field instructors are guided by a clear code of ethics.
Our Field Instructors Commit To:
Keeping Kids Safe
- Always place children’s physical and emotional safety first.
- Follow safety protocols, set clear boundaries, and use good judgment.
Being Respectful Role Models
- Lead with kindness, patience, and empathy.
- Uphold the values and mission of Mountain Kids! in words and actions.
- Treat every child, family, staff member, and the natural world with respect.
Communicating Clearly & Professionally
- Use respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate language.
- Maintain open, professional communication with families and staff.
Modeling Healthy Choices
- Commit to healthy, safe behavior while on duty.
- Never bring unsafe or prohibited items to any program.
Working Together as a Team
- Support a positive, collaborative group culture.
- Share responsibility for participant well-being and program success.
Being Prepared & Accountable
- Arrive on time, ready, and engaged.
- Care for participants, gear, and program spaces.
- Approach feedback with professionalism and a growth mindset.
Building Trust with Families
- Protect the privacy of participants and their families.
- Share stories or photos only with permission and through proper channels.