FAQs

Where is Alameda Young Naturalist Club?

We offer club at 2 locations in Alameda: ‘Calhoun/Krusi’ and R.E.A.P. Center.

For Calhoun/Krusi location, drop off and pick up is on the East End of Alameda (near Krusi Park). Exact address will be emailed to you prior to the start of your child’s club activity.

R.E.A.P. Center is located on the West End of the island (2133 Tynan Ave).

All AYNC activities take place outdoors, rain or shine. Our adventures will take us anywhere within reasonable 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 and Edison.

Otis pick up is M-Th. Edison is Tuesday and Thursday only.

An AYNC teacher meets your child at an agreed upon location and everyone walks as a group to our Calhoun/Krusi location.

Please make sure to mention your interest in the free walking school bus when registering for after school programs.

If you’d like us to offer school pick up at your child’s school, send us an email at alamedayoungnaturalistclub@gmail.com and we can discuss some possible ways to make that happen.

What ages can sign up for AYNC? How many kids are in each group?

Our activities are designed for kids aged 6-12. After School Club has two pods of 8 kids per pod, with 1 adult instructor for each pod. Summer Camp and Holiday Clubs allow for 16-28 kids per week, depending on the location. We aim to keep our child to teacher ration between 4:1 (summer and holiday) and 8:1 (after school)

What should my child bring to club?

We will have all the tools necessary for daily activities, but we recommend kids arrive at minimum with a backpack, water bottle, and snacks. Depending on the season, extra layers, rain gear and sunscreen are also important. Please make sure they wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty.

What protocols are you taking for COVID/cold safety?

We will be following the local recommendations for COVID safety. To limit the exposure of germs and allow for social distancing, we allow 8 children in each pod. All AYNC activities take place outside, rain or shine. 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. Take a look at our Staff Bio page for more information.

Do you give scholarships or discounts?

We offer a 10% discount for siblings on all registrations.

We also offer need-based scholarships for families who have a nature-loving child but need help with the cost of registration. In partnership with Alameda Natural Grocery, we offer a limited number of scholarships for up to 50% of registration costs to kids who are particularly passionate about being in nature. Please send us an email at alamedayoungnaturalistclub@gmail.com. Tell us a bit about your child’s love of the natural world and your present financial circumstances. Its our hope that every child has lots of time in the natural world.

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. For illness during After School Programs, please email us a request to attend a make up class on a different day, and we will attempt to make that available.

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 you must withdraw from an activity, please contact us for options. We will provide a prorated refund if a child on a waitlist 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.