Program Policies
At Mountain Kids!, safety, respect, and clear communication are at the heart of everything we do. Our program policies outline expectations for participants, families, and staff so that together we can create a safe, supportive, and fun outdoor experience for every child.
For more details on our behavior management practices, participant code of conduct, and parents’ rights and responsibilities, please visit our Community Expectations & Commitments page.
Who We Serve
At Mountain Kids! we strive to meet the needs of all our participants. Our staff are skilled facilitators who help navigate typical developmental behavior challenges and conflict resolution. We are committed to practicing within our scope of work and the level of training for which we are qualified.
To uphold high standards of risk management, staff are unable to provide consistent one-on-one attention to a child. Program participants should be able to follow safety directions without physical intervention (for example, staying buckled in a moving vehicle) and be comfortable participating in group/social settings with peers.
We want your child to receive the best possible care while participating in our programs. If your child requires a specialized level of care, Mountain Kids! may not be the right fit for them. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
Risk Management, Planning & Safety
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Mountain Kids! has been entrusted with the care and education of participants during programming. As such, the highest priorities are the (physical and emotional) health, safety, and welfare of all participants and employees. Our risk management plan includes several key components: quality staff, informed participants (including parents/guardians), contingency planning, support services, transportation, and emergency communication systems. We are committed to managing the risks associated with outdoor education programming while achieving our program goals. Our focus is twofold:
- We aim to develop a culture of safety among staff and campers through education, training, and the dissemination of essential information.
- We strive to continually improve our safety support systems of information gathering, communication, contingency plans, protocols, training, and internal reviews.
Participant Health & Safety
DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Mountain Kids! Field Instructors are trained to create a safe, inclusive space by working with participants to set group agreements (the Commun-i-Tree) that support respect, cooperation, and a positive community.
If a child repeatedly breaks these agreements, creates unsafe situations, or demeans others, they may be asked to leave for the day or, in some cases, dismissed from the program. No program fees will be refunded if a child does not complete a session for any of the above reasons.
For more details on our behavior management practices, participant code of conduct, and parents’ rights and responsibilities, please visit our Community Expectations & Commitments page.
MEDICAL INFORMATION & FIRST AID
The safety and well-being of your child are our top priorities. We work to prevent accidents through effective risk management practices, including low adult-to-child ratios and clear safety guidelines. While we take every precaution, some circumstances—such as weather, natural events, or child behavior—are beyond our control, and we cannot guarantee complete safety. In the event of a medical emergency, parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible.
We take allergies and medical conditions seriously and require advance notice of any health concerns. All staff are trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. If your child requires first aid, our staff will provide care commensurate with their training and certification. For anything more serious than a minor cut or scrape, an Incident Report Form will be completed, and you will be informed of the care provided.
If a serious injury or illness occurs, instructors will immediately contact 911 and the Program Director and prepare the participant for evacuation if needed.
TRANSPORTATION
Safety is the utmost priority here at Mountain Kids! That includes transporting participants between locations in our 15-passenger Adventure Vans. Our drivers are over 21, have excellent driving records, and have completed training for 15-passenger vehicles. When traveling, we require all participants and staff to wear seatbelts at all times.
Also, per State Law (New Mexico Child Restraint Act: §66-7-369 NMSA 1978), if your child is 5-6 years old OR weighs 60 pounds or less, they must sit in a booster seat.
WEATHER POLICIES
Mountain Kids! programs run rain or shine. If inclement weather is forecast, our priority is to ensure everyone is in their rain jackets and hats. We teach children how to find shelter and put up a tarp to protect themselves from rain, snow, and sun. The Adventure Van is used as a safe place to wait out thunder and lightning. During prolonged storms, we have several indoor locations available for staying safe, warm, and dry.
If the safety of participants or field instructors is compromised due to a natural disaster or hazardous weather conditions, the Program Director will initiate evacuation plans immediately. Mountain Kids! Staff will follow all instructions from Forest Rangers, City Officials, and Emergency Services (police, fire, etc.).
If conditions create an unsafe environment or situation for the group and an alternative location cannot be identified, the Program Director will notify parents/guardians, and participants may be sent home early.
TOYS, KNIVES, AND ELECTRONICS, NO THANK YOU
Nature provides all that we need for entertainment. Please have your child leave toys, knives, and all electronics (including cell phones) at home.
WILDERNESS TOOLS, YES PLEASE
Children may bring a compass, magnifying glass, paracord, flashlight, signal mirror, bandana, or binoculars.
Registration, Refunds, & Cancellations
NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: At the time of registration, parents/guardians must pay a minimum of 25% of the program cost, which includes a $150 non-refundable deposit.
NO-SCHOOL ADVENTURE DAYS (one-day): $50 non-refundable deposit
SCHOOL BREAK ADVENTURE CAMPS (multi-day): $100 non-refundable deposit
FEES
ACTIVE charges a non-refundable fee of $6.45 per registration.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
All cancellations must be made in writing to our Registrar at hello@mountainkidsnm.org
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM: We encourage families to try the program for two weeks and welcome cancellations and refunds within that timeframe. No refunds will be issued after 14 days from the start of each session.
SCHOOL BREAK ADVENTURE DAYS & CAMPS: To obtain a full refund (minus the non-refundable deposit), you must cancel at least 2 weeks before the start of the school break day or camp program. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 2 weeks of the start date.
SLIDING SCALE PRICING
We’re committed to making Mountain Kids! programs accessible to all families. That’s why we now offer Sliding Scale Pricing—no scholarship application required. Each program will have three tuition options. When you register, select the tuition level that best fits your family.
If additional assistance is needed, please don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@mountainkidsnm.org.
FEES FOR LATE PICK-UPS
Please arrive on time to pick up your child. We understand that delays can occur. If you know you will be late, please call or text us at 505-866-1207. To compensate our staff for their extra time, parents/guardians will be charged $20 for each 15-minute delay.
WAIVERS: LIABILITY & PHOTO RELEASES
Parents/Guardians must sign our (electronic) Release of Liability waiver before their child participates in any of our programs. This form includes a Photo Release, which enables Mountain Kids! to use images of your child on our blog, website, or social media for promotional purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above policies, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email, phone call, or text.
Mountain Kids! | hello@mountainkidsnm.org | 505-886-1207