FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE RATIO FOR HIKES?
Exact group numbers fluctuate, but our ratio is typically 1:3 or 1:4. If your child would benefit from a 1:1, let us know and we may be able to work this out.
CAN PARENTS ALSO ATTEND THE HIKES?
Given the goal of fostering peer friendships, hikes work best when parents plan to drop off/pick up. However, many parents opt to take advantage of the location and get in a hike of their own in a different area of the park!
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO DCSH TEAM MEMBERS HAVE?
Hikes are run by experienced pros. Learn more about us here.
WHAT TYPE OF KIDS DOES DCSH CATER TO? HOW DO I KNOW IF IT'S A GOOD FIT FOR MY KID?
Inclusivity is core to the mission of DCSH. Our goal is to make hikes accessible to any kid, while also ensuring they appeal to different kids with different interests, skills, personalities, goals, maturity levels, etc. To accomplish this, we form breakout groups within each hike, and we tailor the activities and amount of support provided to the needs and interests of the group.
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Most hikers join DCSH with some social skill objective, such as managing emotions/anxiety, improving peer communication, improving problem solving skills, learning to work together as a team, and gaining confidence in social situations. One hiker may join us with very limited language skills, while another may have no communication issues and may just be looking to gain confidence in social situations and make some friends.
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Using information from you and our intake process, we will get to know your child and we will group them with other hikers that may be a good fit for them.
WHERE DO I DROP OFF/PICK UP MY CHILD?
We will begin and end each hike session at PICNIC AREA #18.
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Click here to find Picnic Area #18 on the map/get directions. You will see parking spots lining one side of the road directly in front of out meeting spot. If all parking spots are taken, simply pull off to the side and we will help make sure your child crosses the street safely!
WHAT IF MY KID IS OUTSIDE THE AGE RANGE?
Age is one of the variables we use to enroll and group hikers, but we know it is not always the best indicator of someone's abilities and interests. If your child is outside our age range, or if you think your child would be better suited to a different group, just let us know! You can send us an email, give us a call/text, or leave us a note on your registration form.