Yes, all our staff, volunteers included, have been background checked as well as fingerprinted at a national level through IdentoGo and the Texas Department of Public Safety at a state level. In addition we also train all of our staff in Domestic & Sexual Abuse Awareness Training through TrainRight which is certified through the Texas Health and Human Services. Each of our staff are also trained as a Youth Development Professional that is certified by EOT (Expert Online Training). Our nature staff are also certified in both Basic & Wilderness First Aid as well as CPR through NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Finally, there is always one certified lifeguard with each group of students each week of the school year while along the various creeks we frequent.

The staff at Natureversity are all trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Camp directors are certified at the higher level of Wilderness First Responder. We follow an established medical policy and emergency procedure guide developed by multiple outdoor wilderness schools around the country. All teachers carry first aid kits at all times and a full first aid kit is on site for more serious injuries. If further medical assistance is required we will call the parent immediately. If necessary, we can take the student to the nearest clinic or hospital from the camp. Our on site camp directors always have the ability to call 911 or the school office for additional support or assistance.

If you cancel, withdraw or drop from any monthly program for ANY reason:

• 30 days or more prior to the course starting date you will be given a full refund, minus the $200 deposit.
• Fewer than 30 days prior to the start date or after the first class – you be given a 50% refund of the total program tuition.
• After the 2nd class, no refund will be given and you will still be responsible for paying the remainder of your payments.

Yes! We offer scholarships for qualifying families for up to 25% off ($200) of the school year tuition. Minimum scholarships are available each year April – August and are given on a first come first serve basis.

Yes. We offer sibling discounts that apply immediately on registration of students. 5% off ($40) off each additional enrollment. 

Unfortunately no. No class substitutions or date changes are possible for our weekly program.

If the program has not begun and there is space for the Saturday you are requesting to switch too, yes. However once class begins, changing days is not possible.

Feel free to add any requests during registration or simply reply to your registration email. While we do our best to accommodate friends and families, its not always possible. Groups are created by age. Groups are created a few week before class starts. 

We firmly believe that the outdoors is for everyone, and we do our best to accommodate all camper needs as best we can. We also acknowledge that sometimes we are not able to meet all the needs and requests for all our campers.

Many of our staff are passionate about supporting mental health, neurodivergence, and accessibility for our students, however most are not specifically trained or licensed to provide additional care beyond the scope of Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Our counselors are in charge of the safety, well-being, and instruction of 8 students at a time, and when situations arise in which spending a disproportionate amount of time tending to one student’s needs may have a significant impact on the instructor’s ability to keep the rest of their group safe and engaged. In these situations, our staff will work with your family and student to determine what adjustments we can make and whether our class is the best fit for your student.

One thing you can do to increase your student’s chances of success at camp is to ensure that their medical information is complete when you register. This gives each camp’s director a chance to speak with you ahead of time about what you can expect, and how they may best support your student. Please be as detailed as possible so we can prepare as best that we can.

In particular, younger children attending day class may find themselves without some of the resources and routines that are vital to their well-being. We believe in cultivating independence, healthy risk-assessment skills, and social and emotional skills, and we know that nature school is a great place to practice and explore these things. However, we admit that these challenges may not be appropriate for every camper. Please consult with your child and use your best judgment about signing up for our outdoor school.

All children must be the age of the program by October 31 of each school year. No exceptions.

No. You must provide your student a lunch as well as morning snacks each day of class. However, there are some days where we will bring different types of things to cook for the kids that include hot cocoa, hot apple cider, different vegetables and meats and other items that we use to practice primitive styles of cooking. If you have limitations or dietary restrictions please let us know upon registering. Often times emails go out prior to these specific days to let families know about our intentions for the day. 

No, your child will need to carry all of their belongings in their backpack all day. Please take cooling methods and weight into consideration when packing.

Yes! Each day of class is special and unique that focuses on some area of naturalist studies, survival skills, archery or scouting skills.

Our best answer is shoes that are closed toed and comfortable that also can get wet and dirty. Keens, chacos, Tevas, are all great options. NO FLIP FLOPS. NO CROCS.

Safety is always our first priority at any of our programs so we take heat into consideration when doing all of our planning for camps. This includes ensuring kids are getting signed in and picked up in the shady parts of the park, making sure our game fields and activity stations are also in the shade and most importantly we are constantly ensuring that kids at class drink plenty of water to make sure everyone stays hydrated and cool.

Cold weather needs to be met with proper clothing. Layer your students clothing and consider rain gear, gloves, mud boots, wool hat, scarf, winter coat and all things one would need to enjoy time outside without suffering from the weather.

We do not swim per se, we more extremely wade in the water, explore up and down the river walking in usual shin deep water. The goal for us is to go to the river to enjoy the ecology of the water and atmosphere of the river rather to swim. So when we get there the river is utilized as a way to keep cool and enjoy but more importantly its to help us facilitate the experience of the outdoor classroom. Catching fish, turtles, crawfish, watching water birds and collecting unique pigment rocks for our arts and crafts. 

You can always visit this link: https://www.hisawyer.com/account/orders
to see your order history and see what add ons you may or may not have purchased.

Yes! We always have extra knives on hand for students at class. Each knife is $20 and can be paid through your account on Sawyer or cash is also fine.

YES! We cant stress this enough. In fact, it would be a great idea to bring a towel, trash bag, and a change of clothes for after warm weather day classes.

Although we run our school rain or shine, we will cancel or possibly have a delayed start to classes in cases of severe/dangerous weather (i.e. tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, etc.) If class is to be canceled/postponed we will email and text the primary contact on your account.

Yes, but please remember to always label ALL your students belongings with a first and last name. If you believe your child has lost something at at class, please contact info@natureversity.org with a description of the item in question. 

Our TAX ID is 83-2020295 and it is printed on your registration receipt located on Sawyer as well.