FAQs
Where is Alameda Young Naturalist Club?
We offer club at 2 locations in Alameda - ‘Calhoun/Krusi’ drop off and pick up is on the East End of Alameda (near Krusi Park). Exact address is emailed to you once you sign up for a club activity. R.E.A.P. Center is located on the West End of the island (2133 Tynan Ave). All activities take place outdoors, rain or shine. Our adventures will take us anywhere with-in walking distance from Krusi Park and R.E.A.P. Center.
Do you offer after-school pick up?
Currently we offer after school pick up from Otis Elementary school every day. One of our teachers will pick up your child and walk them to club. We also offer a walking school bus from Edison Elementary school and Maya Lin on Tuesdays only. Please let us know of this need when registering. As we grow, we hope to offer more pickup days at more locations.
What ages can sign up for AYNC? How many kids are in each group?
Our activities are designed for kids aged 6-12. Afterschool Clubs have two pods of 7 kids per pod, with 2 adult instructors. Summer Camp and Holiday Clubs allow for 14 kids per week, broke into two pods, with 3 adult instructors.
What should my child bring to club?
We will have all the tools necessary for daily activities, but we recommend our campers arrive with a backpack with their own water bottle, extra layers, rain gear or sunscreen, a hat and some snacks. Please make sure they are wearing walking shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty.
What protocols are you taking for COVID safety?
We will be following the local recommendations for COVID safety. To limit the exposure of germs and allow for social distancing, we allow 7 children in each pod. All AYNC activities take place outside, rain or shine. We currently follow AUSD guidelines which allow for optional masking outside. We do ask you to bring a mask for activities that take place at the work stations, which involve children in close quarters. We also have a health screening and take temperatures at check in each day. For the safety of our community, please keep your children home if anyone in your home comes down with cold/flu like symptoms (fever, sore throat, excessive runny nose, aches and pains). Families will be notified if there is a COVID exposure during your child’s club, for awareness, contact tracing and next steps.
Who are your teachers?
Currently groups are taught by our qualified and passionate educators. Stay tuned to learn more about our teachers Liam and Emily.
Do you give scholarships or discounts?
We currently offer a 10% discount for siblings. For 2023, we are offering scholarships for families who need a bit of help. Thanks to the generosity of Alameda Natural Grocery (1650 Park St, Alameda), we have options. Please contact us for more information: alamedayoungnaturalistclub@gmail.com.
What is your refund policy?
We offer credit for future offerings if your child or someone in your family has COVID and therefore is unable to attend club for a week(s).
We are unable to offer refunds if your child stays home for other illnesses (fever, chest congestion, stomach flu, etc). We do encourage families to keep their children home if they are sick, for the safety of our community. Let us know if this occurs, as we would be willing to welcome them to attend a make up class.
With the uncertainty of the fall Fire Season, we will monitor air quality. Outside club activities may be cancelled due to ‘Very Unhealthy’ (purple) Air Quality and refunded or credited towards future club sessions.
If there is a schedule conflict, please contact us for a possible class transfer. If there are other conflicts and you would like to cancel, please contact us for options. We can provide refunds if there is a waitlist of students and someone takes their place.
Bottom line, feel free to contact us. We’re parents, we understand. We’ll work with you to serve your family’s needs.
Are you hiring?
We are always looking for qualified and passionate Outdoor Educators to join our team! Feel free to check out our jobs page for current opportunities.