Castaways – TimberNook Chicago Southland

Castaways children on a four day stranded island adventure!  Left only with the bare essentials means being creative- creating unique opportunities for play and discovery throughout the week.  Kids will build structures and make tools from materials found in nature along with other basic supplies.

NOTE: We offer a sibling discount of 50% for each additional child enrolled in the same program after one child is registered, email [email protected] for the link to resister!

Dates & Details:
• Monday, June 24th through Thursday June 27th, 9:00am-2:00pm
• Children are required to bring the following with them every day of TimberNook
1. a backpack

2. a filled water bottle

3. a snack
4. a hearty lunch
5. a towel
6. a change of clothing
7. shoes/boots attached securely to the foot, no sandals or crocs
8. clothes that are able to be played in and can get dirty, muddy or wet
9. bug spray/sunscreen
10. any medication needed (must have health form completed and complete directions provided prior to attendance to assure compliance and safety of child)
• 4 days of unique 5-hour play-based TimberNook nature programming, allowing time for your child to fully engage in child-led exploration and rhythms.
• Specifically designed for children to engage all of their senses, practice and develop new skills, freedom to choose, build capacity and resiliency and become their best selves.
• We are 100% outdoors. Appropriate outdoor wear is required (if there is a question or concern, please reach out to us, and we will work together to make sure everyone is dressed for the weather, ensuring comfort and safety).
• Bathroom facilities available on-site
• Exclusive access to 20 acres of outdoor space designed explicitly to support and encourage the senses, creativity, imagination, adventure and the whole child.
• We maintain a 6:1 child/adult ratio where the role of the adult is to step back and tune in. TimberNook staff maintain visual contact with children but may be out of arm’s reach. Staff allow children the opportunity to build conflict resolution skills but will step in when required such as when safety is a factor.
• We expect children to maintain visual contact with a TimberNook staff person, stay within the designated boundaries of our site, and manage their needs (such as eating, drinking fluids and using the restroom).
• We understand that children are individuals and sometimes have varying abilities and unique needs. If your child requires additional support, please contact us to make a plan. If the child requires 1:1 support to attend, you must provide the support person as we are unable to meet this level of supervision within the program.
• In the event of impending severe weather during a TimberNook program we will take shelter in our designated storm shelter
• Programs are held rain, shine, heat or snow. If the weather is just too severe to be safe, programs are cancelled, and a make-up class will be scheduled (Friday as the probably make up day).

We operate from a Christian worldview. Although we will not be teaching a specifically Christian curriculum, our faith will be evident in the songs we sing, the blessings and prayers we say, and through our reverence for God including Bible stories, the birth and resurrection of Jesus, and God’s unconditional love.

A comprehensive welcome packet will be emailed a few days in advance with complete information on where to go, what to wear, what to bring and what to expect. (hint: expect lots of fun and memories to be made)

CANCELLATION POLICY:
If cancellation occurs 4 weeks prior to the start date of the program, there will be a refund minus 15% cancellation fee. There is no refund for cancellations that are within 4 weeks of the start date. There is no refund for illness, quarantine, or undesirable weather.
If, for whatever reason, we have to cancel the program prior to the start date, you will be given the option to enroll your child in another available comparable program, receive full credit for up to 18 months after the original program start date, or, you may receive a full refund minus the 15% non-refundable deposit.
If, we have to cancel the program AFTER it begins due to Covid related reasons, we will issue credits for the prorated amount.