K.I.W.I. programs are conducted entirely outdoors and will proceed rain, snow or shine. Please be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather as we will be outdoors for all activities. A wise man once said: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." 

In the case of severe inclement weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms & lightning, snowstorms or high winds over 50 km per hour, we will advise of any session cancellations. Adventures cancelled due to extreme weather will be rescheduled where possible.  

Please remember to check the daily weather forecast, pop your head outside your door and dress your child appropriately. If you have any questions please contact us.

Please click here to read a wonderful article on the benefits of children playing in so-called "bad" weather.  

Weather is our friend…there is no need to fear:-)

 If your child would like to bring a snack and something to drink, a backpack is recommend.

There are no permanent washroom facilities in Rouge Park. There are a few portable toilets for use in the park. Please ensure that you and your child  use the washroom facilities prior to arriving at Rouge Park.

Mosquitoes and ticks are active in the park. All participants should consider wearing effective insect repellant.

Be “Tick Smart”

• 1. Inspect all of your child's skin and clothing at the conclusion of each trip in the Rouge for any ticks that may be present. If you discover a tick remove it immediately.  

• 2. Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants while in the park. 

How To Spot A Tick

Ticks are insects that vary in size. They can be as small as a poppy seed, so it is important to inspect your child thoroughly and completely. Be sure to check in the following areas:

In and around ears

In and around hair

Inside Belly button

Groin area

Back of Knees

Around the waist

Under the arms.

Back & Chest

 Please click here for more tick information.

Dress for the Weather: Please check the forecast for the day and dress appropriately. Kids should be wearing a hat, and appropriate footwear.

We keep a ratio of 1 staff/volunteer for every 6 children

At K.I.W.I.,  we strive to create a safe, inclusive environment for everyone. We want to work with children and parents/guardians to overcome challenging behaviours. Our staff use positive reinforcements, empowering language, and friendly reminders of what appropriate behaviour looks like, sounds like, and feels like. When conflicts arise, we guide children through conflict resolution discussions so they can develop empathy and interpersonal skills. When necessary, staff will discuss with parents/guardians strategies for improving behaviour.

We only have two rules:

1. Listen.

2. Be kind. Kind to yourself. Kind to everyone in the group. Kind to everything in the park.

However, in some cases the Executive Director may need to remove the child from the program. Parents/guardians will be asked to pick up the child immediately. A refund will not be given in this event. Examples of behaviour that will result in removal include (but are not limited to): violence to themselves or others, bullying, damaging property, refusing to follow safety rules, repeatedly running out of sight, or continued disruption of the program.

Outside of Valley Baby and Rooted in the Rouge for homeschoolers, we do not have parents join us for programming. The purpose of our programs at K.I.W.I. is to help build independence and resilience in children.

COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future and we must all do what we can to protect ourselves and those we come in contact with. We have developed our policy based on the best medical and science advice made available to us from Toronto Public Health. We all must adhere to the protocols below to keep participants, staff and volunteers as safe as possible.

1. Parents must screen children for COVID-19 symptoms prior to attending program COVID-19 symptoms can vary. If your child or anyone in your household is feeling unwell in any way, please do not attend the program. Immediately seek medical advice. If your child or anyone in your household becomes exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, please do not attend the program. If you have returned from travel outside Canada in the past 14 days, or at any time during the program, please do not attend the program. A negative COVID-19 test result and being clear of symptoms for 24 hours are required to rejoin the program.

2. Explain the concepts of physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette Parents, please explain to your child how physical distancing works. We will be using the 2 metre rule during the program. We will do our best to apply the rule, and the better your child understands physical distancing the easier it will be to apply during the program. Please explain good hand hygiene (use of hand sanitizer) to your child. Your child should also understand the safest way to cough or sneeze.

3. Using cloth and non-medical masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained K.I.W.I. is conducted entirely outdoors and we will not be using non-medical masks as a rule, except in situations where the 2 metre rule cannot be maintained. Your child is welcome to bring and wear a non-medical mask.

**Please note** Unfortunately, we will not be refunding or able to accommodate make-up adventures if you miss adventures due to COVID-19.

Yes, Poison ivy is in Rouge Park. Click here to review our Summer Camp safety guidelines.