Critter Kids Nature Playgroup

Join WisCorps for our upcoming Critter Kids sessions!

For children of all abilities, ages 2-5 with an adult. Each week we will explore a different nature topic through hikes, outdoor education, music, puppetry, songs, stories, and more! All abilities welcome!

Max group size: 10

Winter Wonderland Session:

Tuesdays, January 17 - February 21, 2023

Thursdays, January 19 - February 23, 2023 [Thurs. session is full]

Spring Saunter Session:

Tuesdays, March 21 - April 25, 2023

Thursdays, March 23 - April 27, 2023

Time: 9:30–10:45 am

Cost: $55 for one adult and child, 6-week session

For accommodations and more information: 608-860-5363 cindy.blobaum@wiscorps.org

Additional Child Policy

Critter Kids is designed as a bonding experience between one adult (doesn’t have to be child’s parent) and one child. However, we understand that not all circumstances permit this design. Therefore, if a sibling or friend is attending along with you that is old enough to participate, they should be registered as a participant at a reduced cost of $49 for the six week session (10% discount).

Younger siblings are welcome, but parents and caregivers must be prepared to remove a sibling from the program in order to preserve the parent-child experience for you and for others. If our instructors and other participants feel that younger children are affecting the quality of the program for others participating, you may be asked to leave. There is no additional cost for a younger sibling.

COVID Protocol Questions

What protections and procedures are in place to fight community spread of COVID-19?

WisCorps & Myrick Park Center are following CDC guidelines. Face coverings are currently optional (see question below for more details). Teachers or children must stay home if they are not feeling well. Teachers will teach and reinforce good hygiene practices and hand washing. Close contact will be minimized and cleaning protocols are significantly enhanced.

What measures are in place to foster a sense of normalcy for children in a pandemic world?

Daily routines and structure offer stability during times of stress and create an environment that empowers children to build confidence and independence. Social and emotional learning is an important area of development for children. WisCorps Nature Camps create a structured environment with small group sizes to continue socialization in a safe environment. Social distancing will be taking place throughout the day but we work within these parameters of the pandemic to still provide important aspects of socialization such as using manners, acts of kindness, inclusion, and emotional awareness.

Will the staff, adults, and children have to wear masks?

Masks are currently OPTIONAL for staff and adults, and children age 2 or older. As educators in science, we feel strongly it is important to follow where the science takes us! Current research shows masks are a simple and effective tool during the pandemic. This tool offers stability to programs by decreasing the risk of virus spread which helps us create a safe environment and continue to provide services.

What is your illness protocol?

Staff, parents, and campers should know the symptoms of COVID-19:

(list updated from La Crosse County Health Department 8/20/20)

Fever
Chills
Runny nose
Congestion
Muscle or body aches
Cough
Tiredness
Headache
Loss of sense of taste or smell
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Staff and families should notify WisCorps and contact healthcare providers if they develop symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness and will be asked to STAY HOME until they are symptom-free for 72 hours.

Children have always been monitored for signs of illness during programs and now this will include signs of COVID-19. Any camper who becomes unwell during programs will be immediately asked to return home. Children or staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow the county’s current recommendations for self-isolation.