Quick Contact Info

Address:

PO Box 712, Vashon WA 98070

Field Phone:

(206) 651-5715

Extension 1 Nadja (Executive Director)

Extension 2 Kristy (Program Director)

If we don’t answer right away, we are with the children and will respond as quickly as possible.

Tax ID: 42-1625469  

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VWP 2026-2027 Parent Handbook

Welcome to the Vashon Wilderness Program!  

This Parent Handbook is designed to introduce you to our mission and provide you with important information on how to become part of our growing community of island naturalists.  Whether you are a first-time explorer, or a seasoned veteran of wilderness programs, we are honored to join together with you in this learning adventure, and very excited to deepen our connections to each other and the earth throughout the coming year.

Contents 

Link to dowload this handbook as a PDF to Print.

Mission & Vision

Culture & Community

Values

Questions to Ask After Program

Volunteer and Fundraising Opportunities

Save Your Thriftway Receipts & Support VWP!

Behavior Expectations

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Parking

Arriving on Time

Late Drop-Offs

Early Pick-Ups

Location and Program Times

Calendar 2026-2027

Program Celebrations & Holidays

Program Closures

When to Keep a Child Home from School (Washington State)

Absentee Policy

Communication

Phone Contact

Financial Information

Deposits

Payments

Late Payments

Cancellations

Transfers

Financial Assistance & Program Access

Continued Enrollment

Re-enrollment

Program Visitors

Gear List

Gear Support & Secondhand Options

What not to Bring

Lost and Found

Water

Sticks

Thrown objects – bows/arrows, throwing sticks, atl-atls, slings, spears, etc.

Climbing Policy

Wading and Swimming

Edible Plants & Animals

Knives & Equipment

Overnight Policy

VWP Organizational Structure

Vashon Wilderness Program provides quality nature immersion experiences that ignite a deep relationship between the natural world, self, and community since 2007.  Our creative mentoring approach blends modern naturalist techniques with traditional wisdom, offering skills development, ecological knowledge, and awareness practices that inspire and empower students to continue their learning adventure beyond the program meeting times and into the landscape of their lives. Through our teachings, we aim to nourish the growth of a community devoted to sharing with each other these gifts of compassionate connection, belonging, and harmonious living.  For more information about our curriculum, mentoring philosophy and history, please visit our website and stay tuned for more information about in an upcoming curriculum resource.

The Circle of Community

As humans, we are not removed from nature but are, at heart, integral to nature. We recognize community as being an expression of natural relationship, and strive to deepen the children's understanding that community ecology mirrors nature ecology, and that rich connection within one can guide rich connections within the other. Every nature skills and awareness practice has its counterpart within the context of community ecology. Nature skills become interpersonal skills, and effective navigation-through-life skills.

Throughout the program year, there are opportunities to enhance our connections with each other:   

• Celebrations will include a beginning of the year gathering to give students, parents and instructors a chance to meet; and other celebrations and potlucks throughout the year.  

• Family Orientation and Potluck - September

• Prospective Family Visit Week - October

• Ancestor Feast - October

• Grandparents Week - November

• Bizarre Bazaar & Spring Feast - April

• WILD Fundraiser - March

• End of Year Family Potluck & Celebration - June

• Optional work parties may be scheduled by VWP staff, board or committees, and are a great way to have fun with other families in the spirit of community stewardship.

• Seasonal newsletters keep everyone abreast of the many happenings at VWP. Email-contact lists help families coordinate rides and plan play dates, nature wanders, and many other fun adventures outside of program hours.

• Participate in family and adult programs.

From the Board of Directors to our program staff, from our curriculum to our community building, everyone and everything we do flows from these essential principles:

Gratitude - In all that we do, we model appreciation and reverence for the abundance and diversity in the natural world. Through giving thanks, we understand our direct impacts and the great potential we each have to nurture the health of our environment as well as our human family.

Peace - Compassionate connection flows through all our communication. Guided by Peacemaker Principles and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), we practice listening with empathy, speaking with care, seeking understanding, and approaching conflict with curiosity and respect. In this way, our words and actions reflect our commitment to peace, appreciation, understanding, meaningful connection, and action through unity. 

Play & Curiosity - We honor play as an essential gateway to learning and awakening our passionate aliveness, and recognize play is essential for healthy, joyful relationships. Experiencing wonder and asking inquiring questions are quintessential to the learning process.

Balance - We support individuals to learn, grow and discover a deeper sense of resiliency and place within a loving, caring community. Balancing individual and group health, we foster a generation of grounded, connected, resilient, and caring human beings.

Community - We create a learning community wherein each person feels at home among their peers, mentors, and nature. In this space of acceptance and interconnectedness, we can relax and embody natural communities living in peace.

Instead of asking, “Did you have fun?” or “Did you have a good day?”, try open-ended questions that invite curiosity, storytelling, and connection. Some children may be ready to share right away, while others may need time for their experiences to settle.

Easy conversation starters

• What made you laugh today?

• What was your favorite part of the day?

• What was the silliest thing that happened?

• What game did you play?

• Who did you spend time with?

• What did you eat or do at snack/lunch time?

Questions that invite a story

• What’s something that happened today that you want to remember?

• Tell me about a moment that surprised you.

• What was something you tried today?

• What was the most exciting part of your adventure?

• What was something that felt challenging?

• If you could take me to one place you visited today, where would you take me?

Questions that spark curiosity and wonder

• What did you notice outside today that you hadn’t noticed before?

• What animal, plant, track, sound, or sign caught your attention?

• What are you wondering about after today?

• What did you discover?

• What did you notice changing in the land, weather, plants, or animals?

• If something you encountered today could tell you a story, what do you think it would say?

Questions about connection and growth

• Who helped you today, and how?

• How did you help someone else?

• When did you feel brave today?

• What did you do today that you’re proud of?

• What’s something you’d like to try again next time?

• What is one thing from today you’d like to teach or show me?

We are all connected through the journey of deep nature connection, and each of us brings unique gifts, perspectives, and resources that help co-create the vibrant, meaningful, and sustainable community that is Vashon Wilderness Program. In this spirit of shared stewardship, we ask all parents to actively support VWP by participating in parent orientation, community potlucks, and end-of-year celebrations; contributing time, skills, or services when possible; and considering VWP a meaningful priority in their charitable giving. 

We are grateful for the generosity of Vashon Thriftway, which donates 1% of eligible receipt totals back to Vashon Wilderness Program. It’s an easy way to support VWP just by doing your regular grocery shopping!

Please save your Vashon Thriftway receipts and:

• Drop them in the Thriftway receipt box at program check-in or pick-up

• Give them directly to Kristy or Nadja

• Mail them to Vashon Wilderness Program, PO Box 712, Vashon, WA 98070

Please write your name and phone number on each receipt and turn receipts in flat, not rolled, so they’re easier for us to process.

Every receipt adds up. Thank you for supporting VWP!

Social-emotional intelligence is an acquired skill and our staff help guide students to create and foster caring relationships.  We want to take action and be consistent to keep our programs a safe place for us, our students, nature and the community.

Although we do not expect them to occur, there are certain behaviors that are not acceptable at VWP and are listed below.  Subtler issues like teasing or gossiping can create an unsafe emotional environment.  All behaviors of concern must be addressed promptly in order to cultivate a harmonious learning community at VWP.  Listening to each child’s feelings and needs, reviewing and/or modifying community agreements help everyone feel tended to and safe.

Staff debriefs after every program provide timely, personal communication and create a supportive space for collaboration, shared ideas, and constructive feedback. Combined with consistent and supportive tracking and management of behaviour issues, debriefs help staff identify patterns, respond proactively and promptly with parents, and maintain a safe, respectful, and harmonious community. 

Policy: Students will not display violent, harmful or abusive behavior at the program, whether it is directed at other students, staff, the public, or themselves.

Policy: Students will follow the safety requests of Mentors.  If students are unable to do this, it puts themselves and others at risk.

Policy: As part of enrollment, students agree to abide by these guidelines.

Policy: If a child is exhibiting a behavior of concern to the Mentor, VWP staff will contact the parents or guardians to discuss next steps.

VWP programs are held at Camp Sealth, accessible via the entrance on Wax Orchard Road at SW Camp Sealth Road. Look for the large Camp Sealth sign at the entrance.

Unless otherwise announced, most program days begin and end at Dupar Meadow.

Please remember to sign your child in at drop-off and out at pick-up. Children should not be dropped off without being checked in with a VWP mentor.

Please park in the designated parking lot across from Dupar Meadow for program drop-off, pick-up, and VWP programs and events.

For the safety of children, families, Camp Sealth staff, and other visitors:

• Do not park, stop, or block the roadway at any time. The road must remain clear for Camp Sealth staff and emergency vehicles.

• 10 minute load/unload possible on side of road near outhouses

• Please follow Camp Sealth’s posted speed limits and drive slowly and carefully throughout camp.

• Use extra caution during busy drop-off and pick-up times, when children and families may be walking near the road and parking area.

Thank you for helping us keep Camp Sealth safe and accessible for everyone.

Please arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up. Timely arrivals help children transition into the group, allow mentors to begin the day together, and support the rhythm, connection, and flow of the program.

If your child will be arriving late, please contact Kristy, Program Director, as soon as possible. Our groups often move away from Dupar Meadow and explore different areas of Camp Sealth, so late arrivals may require special coordination to safely connect your child with their group.

We strongly discourage early pick-ups except when necessary. VWP program days are intentionally designed as a complete experience, with activities, wandering, transitions, stories, closing circles, and group connection woven throughout the day.

Early pick-ups can significantly impact the flow of the day for your child, the mentors, and the entire group. They may require mentors to alter plans or change the group's location or activities to accommodate a departure.

If an early pick-up is necessary, please contact Kristy in advance to coordinate. Because groups may be moving throughout the land, we cannot always accommodate an early pick-up at a specific requested time or at Dupar Meadow.

Whenever possible, please schedule appointments and other commitments outside of VWP program hours. Thank you for helping us protect the continuity, connection, and rhythm of the program day for everyone.

Our program runs for 33 weeks from early September-June.  Below is the schedule for the program year and here is a link to calendar on our website.

At VWP, we celebrate the changes and rhythms of the seasons rather than specific holidays. Throughout the year, children are invited to notice and celebrate what is happening in the natural world around them, from changing leaves and returning rains to longer days, new growth, and other seasonal changes.

Birthdays are welcome celebrations, too! If a child wishes, their group may sing a special VWP birthday song to honor them on or near their birthday.

To keep celebrations simple, inclusive and to accommodate food allergies and dietary needs, birthday parties, treats, or other food items to share with the group are discouraged during program time.

Our celebrations are simple, inclusive, and rooted in connection with one another and the natural world.

We aim to maintain consistent programming, but may occasionally need to close due to severe weather, safety concerns, or significant access disruptions (e.g., earth quake, trees falling blocking access to land, etc.).

• Closure Decisions: We generally align with the Vashon Island School District (VISD) regarding weather-related closures but may also close for independent safety or staffing reasons.

• Weather Related Closure Considerations

• High Wind Conditions: Children are not permitted in the forest (programs stay in the field or at the beach) when sustained winds exceed 20 mph or when wind gusts are forecasted to exceed 25 mph, due to the risk of falling branches and trees.

• High Wind Closure Conditions: Programs will be canceled when sustained winds exceed 30 mph, or when wind gusts are forecasted to exceed 40 mph.

• Wind Chill Advisory: Forest access will be restricted when the wind chill factor falls below 20°F (-6°C). In such conditions, outdoor activities will be modified to shorter durations in open or sheltered areas, or moved around fires when appropriate.

• Air Quality Related Closure Considerations

• AQI 0–100 (Good to Moderate): Programs operate as scheduled.

• AQI 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Outdoor activities may be modified or reduced. Participants with asthma or other respiratory conditions should limit outdoor exertion.

• AQI 151–200 (Unhealthy): Outdoor activities are canceled. Indoor programming may continue if the facility has adequate air filtration and indoor air quality is safe.

• AQI 201 or Higher (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous): All youth programming will be canceled or closed until air quality improves.

Communication: Please rely on official program communications for all status updates.

Note: Classes cancelled due to severe weather, poor air quality, ferry disruptions, or unforeseen circumstances are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.

These criteria are widely adopted across WA school districts and align with Washington State Department of Health guidance.  VWP may tighten policies during outbreaks.

• Fever:  100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher — child must stay home and remain fever-free (without fever‑reducing meds) for at least 24 hours before returning

• Vomiting or Diarrhea:

• Vomiting two or more times within 24 hours → keep home until 24 hours after last episode.

• Diarrhea (three or more watery stools in 24 hours, or bloody) → same 24-hour symptom-free rule

• Severe Cough, Breathing Problems, or Draining Eyes: Stay home for persistent or disruptive symptoms like bad coughs, trouble breathing, or eye discharge (yellow/green)

• Sore Throat with Fever or Swollen Glands, or Suspected Strep: Keep home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics

• Contagious Illnesses or Undiagnosed Rashes: Stay home and follow health‑care provider or district nurse instructions until cleared.

If you know your child will be absent, please call (206) 651-5715 x2 or email the Program Director, Kristy Friend, to let us know. 

Please note that we are unable to offer make-up days for absences.

Instructor/Parent Communication

Communication between mentors and parents is of the highest priority in our program. Mentors are available before and after program times for a brief check in. They are also available via email and phone call during the week for more in-depth communication. Please reach out to your child’s mentor and courtesy copy the Program Director to coordinate a time that works for everyone.  (Important Note: Although mentors will be available for brief check-ins/discussions after class, you are responsible for your child once the program ends unless you have made arrangements for another parent to pick up your child.)

Program Concerns

If you have an issue about the program, the curriculum, the instructors or any other more serious topic, please contact our Executive Director, Nadja Wilson.  Issues of this nature should be addressed with the appropriate leadership and stakeholders to ensure that necessary changes and adjustments are collaboratively considered and communicated throughout the organization. 

Nadja can be reached at (206) 651-5715 (extension 1) or at nadja@vashonwildernessprogram.org 

Our field phone is: (206) 651-5715 extension 1 Nadja (ED), extension 2 Kristy (PD)

If we don’t answer right away, we are with the children and will respond as quickly as possible.

A non-refundable deposit per child is due with the registration forms.

The remaining tuition balance is due in four equal payments on August 1, Oct 1, Jan 1 and March 1 by invoice online or by check made payable to the Vashon Wilderness Program and sent to:  

VWP, P.O. Box 712, Vashon WA 98070.   

Hand-delivered tuition payments will not be accepted.

Payment plans can be arranged by contacting the Executive Director, Nadja Ochs, nadja@vashonwildernessprogram.org

We have a five-day grace period, including the due date. After this grace period, there is a $25 charge for late tuition payments.

Each time a payment is late, the late fee needs to be paid; and each time a payment contract is made and then changed, the late fee applies.

For school-year weekly programs:

• Should your payment extend past 20 days, we reserve the right to ask that your child not attend any classes until payment is made.

• Payment must be made, or plan to pay must be worked out, within 30 days of payment due date or VWP will consider the student “de-enrolled.”

• Current year’s program tuition must be paid in full no later than March 31st in order to be able to re-enroll in the next year’s program.

For school-year weekly programs:

• In the event that a student withdraws from the program before the end of the year, tuition through the current quarter will be retained.

• We plan on having 33 weeks of class during the school year. In the case of severe weather (ice storm, blizzard, etc.) we will do our best to hold class, perhaps at an alternate location if possible. We are unable to offer refunds if any duration of a program is cancelled due to inclement weather, or circumstances out of our control.  

For monthly and other school-year programs, if you cancel, or leave a course for any reason:

• 15 or more days prior to the course starting date; you are entitled to a full refund, minus the deposit.

• Between 8 and 14 days prior to the course starting date, VWP will retain 50%  of the course tuition.

• Fewer than 8 days prior to the course starting date and once the course has begun, there will be no refunds.

For summer camp, if you cancel, or leave a course for any reason:

• 30 days or more prior to the camp start date: 75% refund

• 16-29 days prior to the camp start date: 50% refund

• 15 days or less prior to the camp start date and once the course has begun: no refund

If VWP cancels a program before it gets started, VWP will refund the full tuition.

Severe weather: In the case of severe weather (ice storm, blizzard, fire/smoke, etc.) we will do our best to hold class, presuming it is safe to do so. If class is cancelled due to severe weather, we are not able to make up that day, and refunds will not be given for these cancellations.

If you transfer from one program to another:

• 15 or more days prior to the course starting date – no additional charges. Tuition is fully transferable.

• 14 days or less prior to the course starting date, regular cancellation and refund charges will apply.

Scholarship requests are non-transferable and a new request would need to be submitted with the transfer.

VWP is committed to making our programs accessible to families across our community and supports many families each year through the Salish Sea Fund and Equitable Access Fund. The Salish Sea Fund provides free program access for eligible Indigenous children, while the Equitable Access Fund offers tuition assistance to families experiencing financial barriers. Learn more about eligibility, available support, and how to apply on here.

VWP reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time, at the sole discretion of the organization, if the child’s continued enrollment is not in the best interest of the program.  Circumstances resulting in dismissal may include, but are not limited to: violations as noted in this Parent Handbook, behavior detrimental to the program or other constituents of VWP, or failure to meet financial obligations.

Re-enrollment of returning students is contingent upon payment in full of all outstanding charges from previous years no later than June 30th, 2026.

VWP welcomes visitors to attend our programs. Mentors must confirm with any prospective visitor an appropriate day/time for the visit. Mentors are required to connect the visitor with our Program Director/Executive Director to communicate expectations and any additional follow-up. No visitor is to be alone with any student at any time. Visitors who wish to volunteer more than three times will need to pass a background check.

Please see the gear list sent in the welcome email for your child’s program.  Each list is slightly different.  This list serves as a general guideline for all programs.

• Clothes to get grubby

We immerse ourselves in the natural world.  This means we’re crawling through bushes, walking through mud, and playing games where we hide in the bushes.  Dress your child in clothes they don’t mind getting dirty.  Older students often choose earth tones or camouflage colors so they can practice stealth.  However, some children prefer bright colors and that’s ok too!

We are out in all weather so layering is essential.  We encourage you and your family to check the weather the day before the program and dress for the weather.  In September and May, the weather can still be warm.  During the colder seasons, clothes for the program should be warm and layered. 

Rain pants and rain jacket are essential. Snow gear is inadequate in our rainy season as it is often not waterproof. 

• Layering System

Base Layer: The clothing closest to the skin. Its job is to wick moisture away from the body to keep you dry and warm. Wool or synthetic materials (fleece or polypropylene) are best. No cotton.

Mid Layer: The clothing that goes over your base layer to trap body heat and insulate against the cold. Great options include fleece jackets, wool sweaters, or synthetic puffy jackets. Once more, no cotton.

Outer Layer: The outer layer is your waterproof or water-resistant shell that protects against wind and rain. A quality rain jacket and rain pants are essential for staying dry—you wouldn't want to be caught outside without it.

Layering Examples:

• Tail end of Summer, Autumn, + Spring: A light base layer paired with rain gear works well for warmer, damp days. Bring a light sweater or fleece mid-layer in a backpack just in case.

• Winter: A full setup is needed: cozy wool or synthetic base layers (top and bottom), a thick insulating mid-layer (like fleece or wool sweater/jacket), waterproof rain pants and rain jacket on top, plus a warm hat and insulated waterproof gloves or mittens.

• Materials Note: Wool and synthetics retain warmth even when wet. Down is lightweight and very warm when dry, but loses insulation when wet, so ensure it stays covered by a waterproof shell. Remember: Avoid cotton entirely for cool or wet days, as it holds moisture and chills the body!

• Shoes

We require that all students have close-toed shoes (not sandals/tevas/etc.) for class. Sneakers work great in the warmer months.  Boots are the choice of many students as the weather gets wetter and colder.  Warm, waterproof boots in winter are essential (i.e., Muckboots, Bogs or insulated water resistant hiking shoes). 

• Supplies

• Backpack - Your child must bring a comfortable backpack that fits their body well and can hold all of their gear for the day. We strongly recommend a backpack with a chest (sternum) strap, which helps keep the shoulder straps securely in place while hiking, running, and exploring.

To help determine the right size, measure your child’s torso from the top of their shoulders to their waistline (around the belly button) and add approximately two inches. A well-fitting backpack should sit comfortably below the shoulders and extend no more than a few inches below the waist.

Most importantly, make sure the backpack feels comfortable when fully packed and that your child can carry, put on, and take off their pack independently.

• Food - Children are required to bring a snack and lunch to each program.  Please do not send candy or sugary drinks like soda, Gatorade or energy drinks.

We practice a “no-food sharing” policy to keep everyone safe.

• Water - Each child must arrive with full, two small (8oz) or one large (16-20oz) each program day. Please make filling your child’s water bottle part of your morning routine, as opportunities to refill water while we are out exploring for the day can be limited or challenging.

Choose a durable, leak-proof bottle that your child can easily open, close, and carry in their backpack independently. Please label it clearly with your child’s name.

We want every child to have the gear they need to be comfortable, warm, dry, and ready to explore, and we know that outdoor gear can get expensive, especially as children grow!

VWP hosts a Gear Swap at the beginning of the program year, where families can bring gently used outdoor clothing and gear to share and find items their children need.

We highly recommend secondhand and thrifted gear whenever possible. On Vashon, Granny’s Attic is a great place to look for rain gear, layers, boots, backpacks, and other outdoor clothing. Online, families can also find affordable used gear through Facebook Marketplace, Patagonia Worn Gear, Buy Nothing groups, eBay, Poshmark, and REI Re/Supply.

Before buying new, check the swap, thrift, borrow, or look secondhand. Kids grow fast, and outdoor gear is meant to get muddy!

Please let us know if purchasing or finding required gear or supplies is a challenge for your family. Reach out to Nadja or Kristy. We are happy to help explore options so that gear is not a barrier to participating in VWP.

Please keep electronics, including smart watches, and toys at home. 

We recommend writing names on backpacks, clothing, lunch boxes, etc., as we have noticed that sometimes students don’t recognize that these personal belongings have disappeared.  We will attempt to collect lost items and have them available at sign in the following week.

To ensure everyone stays healthy, students are not permitted to drink untreated water from natural sources. All water gathered from the land must be properly treated—either filtered, boiled, or purified with iodine—before it can be consumed. Please note that grapefruit extract is not an approved method for water treatment.

We spend a lot of time wandering and exploring in the woods, where sticks naturally become part of children’s play and discovery. Children are welcome to use sticks as walking sticks, tools, or for other safe and creative play.

For everyone’s safety, sticks may not be used or pretended to be weapons, including swords or guns, or used in ways that could hurt or threaten another person.

If a child uses a stick as a weapon or in an unsafe way, they will be asked to put it down and take a break from carrying or playing with sticks for a period of time. Mentors will help children redirect their play and return to safe stick use when they are ready.

Our goal is to encourage imaginative outdoor play while keeping our community safe and caring for one another.

bows/arrows, throwing sticks, atl-atls, slings, spears, etc.

We know that practicing throwing skills can be fun! To ensure everyone stays safe, all throwing activities must take place in designated areas under direct Mentor supervision and using only VWP-provided equipment. Activities are strictly directed at inanimate objects with a clear, safe backdrop. For the safety of all children, please ensure your child does not bring their own throwing equipment (such as slingshots or boomerangs) from home. Our archery program has specific policies to be shared with those attending that program.

We know tree and rock climbing is fun! For everyone’s safety, climbing is only permitted when allowed by our land partner and when under direct Mentor supervision. To keep all students safe, climbing is restricted to no higher than a student's standing head-height.

While our curriculum does not include swimming, we know children love to be near water. For safety, swimming is prohibited at our programs. Wading is permitted only in shallow, slow-moving water that has been inspected by a Mentor, with depth limited to the knee. Additionally, students are not permitted to use logs or objects as boats to float across water or walk on bulkheads at Camp Sealth.

Mentors will instruct students that no wild edibles may be consumed at VWP unless expressly confirmed safe by a Mentor. Consumption of mushrooms, fungus, sweet cicely, wild carrots, or wild onions/camas is strictly prohibited unless the Mentor has received specific training and individual approval from the Program Director. Mentors may permit independent eating of specific edibles only after assessing a student’s ability to accurately identify the plant and its poisonous look-alikes. Furthermore, Mentors must confirm students have no known nut allergies before allowing the consumption of wild nuts. Consumption of roadkill, slugs, or other animals is prohibited unless approved by the Program Director for specific survival classes. Students may touch mushrooms but must never eat wild mushrooms while at VWP. 

Knives are valuable tools that help us build skills and deepen our connection to the outdoors. Because they require careful handling, we take safety very seriously and maintain clear guidelines to ensure everyone’s physical and emotional well-being.

• Training First: Before using any tools—including knives, axes, hatchets, saws, or mauls—every student must receive thorough safety training from their Mentor. Only students who have completed this training are permitted to use these tools. You can review our full Knife Safety Protocols for more details.

• Knife Training & Certifications are provided for the following programs only:

• Fire Tenders

• Wild Wanderers

• Wild Wanderer Teens

• Earth Walkers

• Knife Purchasing: A link and details for how to purchase fixed blade knives recommended for the program will be provided.  Knives will cost: $22.00 per knife 

• Mentor Supervision: Mentors have the final say on when and how a student may possess or use a tool. This includes determining when a student is ready to carve, what they are allowed to carve, and when a tool should be put away.

• Respectful Play: To keep our community safe, any misuse of tools or mock violence—even when intended as a joke—will result in the tool being taken away immediately.

• No Power Tools: Students are not permitted to use power tools, such as chainsaws, during our programs, as we do not provide training for them.

To support a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment for all children participating in VWP overnight activities, the following tent-sharing policy applies:

Tent Sharing

• Children may only share a tent with their sibling(s).

• Non-sibling participants are prohibited from sharing a tent, regardless of friendship, age, or family preference, unless prior approval is obtained from VWP staff before the overnight.

• Children attending without a sibling must have their own individual tent/sleeping space, unless another sleeping arrangement has been specifically approved by VWP.

• Tent assignments and sleeping arrangements must be communicated to and approved by VWP staff prior to the overnight.

• Children may not switch tents or sleeping arrangements overnight without permission from VWP staff.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility

Parents and guardians are responsible for providing an appropriate tent and sleeping supplies for their child based on the overnight packing requirements provided by VWP. VWP can provide tents, blankets, tarps, sleeping pads, if needed.

Safety and Supervision

VWP staff will establish appropriate staff sleeping locations and supervision procedures for each overnight. Staff will respect children’s privacy while maintaining the level of supervision necessary to support safety and respond to emergencies.

Policy Compliance

All families and participants are expected to follow this policy for every VWP overnight. Exceptions to the sibling-only tent-sharing requirement must be made before the overnight between families and approved by the VWP Program Director in advance. Any questions regarding sleeping arrangements should be directed to the Program Director before the overnight.

The Vashon Wilderness Program is manaed by a dedicated team committed to our mission of nature-based education and community building.

• Executive & Program Directors: These leaders oversee the organization's operations, program delivery, and family support. Please contact the Program Director for program-specific questions, or the Executive Director for organizational matters or serious concerns.

• Mentors: Our passionate team of Mentors, Assistant Mentors, and Young Mentors work directly with your children to provide safe, transformative nature experiences.

• Support Staff: Our administrative team, including the Photographer, Marketing Coordinator, and Bookkeeper, ensures the smooth daily operation of VWP.

• Governance & Community: Our Board of Directors, Elder Circle, Equity Council, and various committees (Program, Infrastructure, Development, and Marketing) provide long-term vision, fiscal responsibility, and strategic support to ensure the health and longevity of our programs.

We operate under a shared-leadership model, centering our values of equity and belonging in all we do.

If you are interested in joining the board or a committee please contact the Executive Director, Nadja (nadja@vashonwildernessprogram.org) for more information.