Scouting gets a little more rugged at OARS!

Kids Bushcraft Course: Explore, Create, Survive!

Our Kids Bushcraft Course is an exciting, hands-on outdoor adventure where children discover the skills and confidence to connect with nature like never before! Designed for ages 7–12, this program teaches fundamental bushcraft and wilderness skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

Participants learn how to:
🌲 Build shelters from natural materials
🔥 Start a campfire safely and responsibly
💧 Find and filter water in the wild
🪵 Identify useful plants and trees
🦌 Track animals and read signs of wildlife
🔪 Practice basic safe knife and tool skills

Through games, challenges, and creative activities, kids gain not only practical skills but also teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for the natural world. Each session emphasizes environmental stewardship, personal safety, and leaving no trace.

Whether building a lean-to, crafting simple tools, or making nature art, every day is an adventure full of exploration, discovery, and confidence-building!

The School Craft clubs run from September to June (starting 2025) and Summer Craft runs from late June to the end of August (starting June 2026).

This group will meet on Thursdays from 5pm - 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. We are structuring the courses as Thursday for concept introduction and skills learning and Saturday would be skill implementation day. Courses are held every week.

Youth Bushcraft Program Policy & Liability Waiver (Ages 8–13)

Parent & Guardian Safety Guidelines

Our youth bushcraft program is designed to help children ages 8–13 build outdoor skills, confidence, and respect for nature. Safety is our highest priority; however, participation in outdoor activities always carries inherent risks. By registering your child, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the policies outlined below. Parents/guardians are required to remain on site for the duration of the program.

1. Assumption of Risk

Outdoor activities may involve the use of tools, interaction with natural elements, uneven terrain, variable weather, and exposure to insects, plants, and wildlife. While instructors take precautions to minimize risks, injuries, accidents, or unexpected events may occur. By allowing your child to participate, you voluntarily assume all such risks on behalf of yourself and your child.

2. Release of Liability

By registering for this program, parents/guardians agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless:

• Program instructors, staff, and volunteers

• The organization sponsoring the program

• The owners of the land and facilities where programs are held

from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liability of any kind arising out of participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

3. Parent Presence & Responsibility

• A parent/guardian must remain on site at all times during the program.

• Parents are responsible for immediate care and supervision if their child is removed for unsafe behavior, illness, or injury.

• Parents are responsible for administering any personal medications their child requires.

4. Health & Emergency Preparedness

• Parents must disclose all known allergies, medications, or medical conditions in writing.

• Instructors carry a stocked first aid kit and communication devices, but emergency response times vary by location.

• In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, parents agree that instructors may take reasonable actions to protect the child, including contacting emergency services.

5. Safety Practices

• Children will receive instruction in Leave No Trace ethics, safe tool use, and outdoor awareness.

• Use of tools (knives, hatchets, fire-making equipment) is permitted only under direct instructor supervision.

• Proper attire is required: closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

6. Behavioral Expectations & Conduct

To maintain a safe environment for all:

• Children must listen to and follow instructor directions at all times.

• Throwing rocks, sticks, or other objects; unsafe handling of tools; or aggressive physical behavior is strictly prohibited.

• Disruptive behavior (yelling, interrupting, horseplay) that endangers others or interferes with instruction will result in removal from activities.

• Parents agree to promptly supervise their child if removed due to behavior.

7. Property Use & Site Rules

• The property is to be respected as a shared outdoor learning space.

• Parents and children must remain within designated program areas.

• Parents accept responsibility for any property damage caused by their child.

8. Photography & Media Release (Optional Section)

By participating, you consent to reasonable use of photos or video of your child for program documentation and promotional purposes, unless you opt out in writing.

Acknowledgement & Waiver

By registering my child, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood this policy and waiver in full.

• I recognize that outdoor activities carry inherent risks.

• I agree to release the program instructors, sponsoring organization, and property owners from liability for ordinary negligence.

• I agree to remain on site and take responsibility for my child’s conduct and well-being during the program.