Snails & Turkey Tails Outdoor Adventure Preschool

China Camp State Park, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901

Play-basedNature
Availability!

Young children have an innate curiosity about the natural world and at Snails & Turkey Tails we support, and build on, that curiosity through full on nature immersion experiences. Nature provides a stimulating environment for exploration, encourages imaginative play, and offers sensory rich experiences with sights, sounds, and textures that are often new and exciting. In our opinion, nature is the original, and best, playground where children can discover and learn about the world around them; contributing to a sense of wonder and connection to their surroundings.

Studies show that nature-based education benefits children’s development and the environment, with increases shown in prosocial development, physical activity, and language development along with greater respect for nature. Nature-based preschools are powerful programs that fuse early childhood and environmental education to develop a child’s lifelong connection with the natural world.


While no two days are ever the same, we do follow a daily rhythm that provides a sense of structure and calm for students. We begin the day with a MORNING CIRCLE where everyone has a chance to settle and connect. This is a time for greetings, an introduction to the day's topic and a story. Next, children explore and engage in NATURE PLAY which is an unstructured time for connection with the land and environment. This time is a major component of our program. Children can be found exploring in pairs or groups and sometimes individually. Since this period is often filled with running and climbing, we take a break for SNACK. At Snails & Turkey Tails we love BUILDING, MAKING & CREATING and each day includes time for a creative activity. Sometimes we work together to build a den or collect objects and sometimes students follow a guided lesson to craft a nature-inspired project. Every day also includes a short HIKE and sometimes we bring our LUNCH along for a picnic. Depending on the location we may hike to a grove of climbing trees, search for a picnic table beside a creek or hideout in a tree fort. After lunch students have more time for NATURE PLAY and if everyone is interested we'll play a game. Finally, we gather together for our GOODBYE CIRCLE where we take time to recap our day and share our discoveries and review what we've learned.


China Camp State Park in San Rafael, CA. Field trips within the park! We meet at China Camp Beach, Miwok Meadows and Back Ranch Meadows Campground. China Camp State Park is a 1,514-acre park nestled along the shoreline of San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California. The park boasts panoramic views, lush oak woodlands, and over 100 acres of protected tidal salt marsh. From the shores of San Pablo Bay to the heights of San Pedro Mountain, China Camp State Park teems with life. In total, 26 species of mammals, 140 species of birds, 44 species of fish, and 15 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found here, some year-round, some as seasonal visitors. 

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Classes are offered daily. Choose from a 1-5 day weekly schedule. Ours is an intimate group, with just 8 children. School year classes are booked on a monthly basis. Join us for one month or attend every month. Our school year classes run from mid August - May and in June, July and early August we offer weekly summer camps!



Policies

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel within 30 days prior to your camp start date, you will receive a full refund. We offer no other refund options.

Preschool Terms & Conditions

PRESCHOOL TERMS &CONDITIONS

By engaging in our services you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.


Please check-in with staff upon arrival to class. We will be checking students into and out of class every day.


All classes must be attended in the month for which they were purchased. We ask that your child please refrain from attending class should you or your child have a contagious illness. We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave a class should they display symptoms that may be contagious to others. Due to hire charges, preparation and material costs, your class purchase is non-refundable or non-changeable for any missed day or week, other than illness. If your child has to miss an entire week of class, and if there is space in another week of class, we will do our best to schedule a make-up session.


Snails & Turkey Tails reserves the right to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances. All participants will be contacted as soon as possible and a credit for a make-up class will be provided for use within the next 6 months or a refund will be offered.


Snails & Turkey Tails is not responsible for any personal belongings left on site. We expect all guests to maintain a respectful and courteous behavior during their visit to Snails & Turkey Tails programs. This includes damage to property, causing discomfort to other guests or staff and this may lead to eviction from class premises without a refund.


Snails & Turkey Tails staff may take photos and videos during class that may be used on our website, social media pages and for advertising or promotional purposes. If you do not wish to have photos taken of yourself, or your child, please state this on your registration form and let us know when you check-in.


If you have any further questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Snails & Turkey Tails School Year Preschool Policies

Snails & Turkey Tails School Year Preschool Policies


Program Hours

8:30AM-1:30PM, Monday-Friday


SIGN-IN/OUT POLICY AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES:

Sign-In Policy:


Parent/Guardian Presence:

Students should be signed in by a parent or guardian at the beginning of each day.

This will happen at our drop-off location each day.

Check-In Time:

Drop-off is between 8:20am-8:30am. 

Identification Requirement:

A student is not allowed to be signed in or out by anyone who is not listed as an authorized individual.

Health Screenings/Forms:

Please notify us of any allergies. If you child needs to take medication during the school day please let us know before the first day so we can make time to review the procedure.

Sign-Out Policy:

Authorized Pick-Up List:

Only parents, guardians and caregivers listed on the registration form will be allowed to pick-up a student at the end of the day.

Pick-Up Procedures:

Students will be signed out by a parent or authorized person at the end of the day. This will be done at the pick-up location.

If a student is not picked up within the specified time window, we charge a late fee of $1/minute.

ID Verification:

At sign-out, a staff member might verify the identity of the person picking up the child by requesting ID, especially if the person is not already on the authorized pick-up list.

Emergency Protocol:

If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a student from class we will notify the parent/guardian on file as well as the emergency contact. The student will not be released to anyone unless they are on the pick-up list.

Late Pick-Up Policies:

If you are late to pick up your student you will be charged a fee of $1/minute.


WHAT TO WEAR:

Lightweight, breathable clothes: Cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics are great for keeping them cool and comfortable. Avoid anything too tight or heavy.

Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect their face and neck from the sun.

Sun protection: Make sure they wear sunscreen (and possibly a long-sleeve shirt for extra protection).

Comfortable shoes: Closed-toe shoes like sneakers or sturdy sandals are ideal for outdoor play and activities.

Socks: Breathable socks to prevent blisters, especially if they’re running around a lot.

Light jacket or hoodie: Even in summer, mornings or evenings can be chilly, so a lightweight layer is a good idea.

Extra change of clothes: Accidents and messy activities happen, so it’s always a good idea to pack a backup outfit.


LUNCH AND SNACKS:

As we are an outdoor nature school, it's important to pack a lunch that’s portable, easy to eat, and not too complicated to prepare. You’ll want something that can handle being outside in various weather conditions without getting soggy or spoiled. You'll want lunch boxes that are durable, easy to carry, and able to keep food fresh in the heat. Here are some great types to consider:


Insulated Lunchboxes:

These lunchboxes have built-in insulation to help keep food cool for longer. Some also come with compartments to separate items.

Example: Yeti DayTrip Lunch Box or Fit & Fresh Insulated Lunch Bag.

Soft-Sided Cooler Bags:

Lightweight and flexible, these are perfect for carrying food in a compact form. They're easy to fold up when not in use and often have an extra layer of insulation.

Example: Lifewit Insulated Lunch Bag or Carhartt Deluxe Cooler Bag.

Bento Boxes:

Great for organizing different food items, such as sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, in separate compartments. Some Bento boxes come with built-in cool packs.

Example: OmieBox Bento Box or PlanetBox Rover.

Hard-Sided Lunch Boxes:

A more durable option with sturdy exteriors to protect the contents. These lunch boxes typically have better protection against crushing and might include coolers or ice packs.

Example: Rubbermaid LunchBlox or Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar.

Collapsible Lunch Boxes:

These are great for saving space and are very portable. After the meal, you can fold them down for easy packing.

Example: Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag or Hydroflask Lunch Box.

Eco-Friendly Lunchboxes:

These are sustainable and great for minimizing waste. Many eco-friendly lunchboxes are made from bamboo, stainless steel, or recycled materials.

Example: LunchBots Stainless Steel Lunchbox or Bee's Wrap (for wrapping sandwiches).

You’ll want to make sure everything is packed in reusable containers or bags to keep it organized and environmentally friendly. And don’t forget a small ice pack if any items need to stay cool!


HOW TO REACH STAFF DURING CAMP HOURS:

We carry a mobile phone with us at all times and you can reach Liesha at 415-748-2939. Sometimes we can’t hear the phone ring but as soon as we find your call or text, we will return it.


PERSONAL ITEMS:

Students are asked to bring a backpack with a sealed water bottle, lunch and snack, a change of clothes (or two), a change of underwear, diapers/wipes if applicable and a bag for waste, sunhat and sunscreen and a jacket. Snails & Turkey Tails is not responsible for any lost or damaged items. We set up a small tent and that is where backpacks are kept during the class day.Please do not bring any special or favorite items of value as we don’t want to risk them getting lost or damaged!


MEDICATIONS:

Parent/Guardian Consent: Parents/Guardians are asked to complete a medication consent form. This form includes information about the medication, dosage, and instructions. Please contact us if your child will need to take medication during their class day.

Medication Administration:


Parents/Guardians will need to bring medications to class and work with staff to ensure medications are taken properly.


Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications:


Prescription medications need to be in their original packaging with a pharmacy label that includes the child’s name, dosage, and instructions.

Over-the-counter medications (like pain relievers or allergy medicine) need to be approved in advance, with written instructions on use.

Medication Storage: Medications are typically stored in a locked and secure location, and kept by our school director to ensure safety and proper administration.

Emergency Plan: Please provide an emergency contact number and an action plan in case of adverse reactions to medication.


DIRECTIONS TO CHINA CAMP STATE PARK:

To get to China Camp State Park from Highway 101 North, follow these directions:


Take the San Marin Drive exit (Exit 460) from Highway 101 North.

Turn left onto San Marin Drive (heading west).

Continue on San Marin Drive and follow the signs to China Camp State Park. This will take you through the area of Marinwood and into the park.

To get to China Camp State Park from Highway 101 South, follow these directions:

Take the Exit for North San Pedro Road

Stay on Highway 101 South and take the exit for North San Pedro Road (Exit 455).

Follow North San Pedro Road

Turn left onto North San Pedro Road and continue for about 3.5 miles.

Turn Right onto China Camp Village Road

Turn right onto China Camp Village Road. This road leads directly into China Camp State Park.

Arrive at the Park

Follow the road until you reach the park entrance.

We will be providing a schedule of drop-off and pick-up locations once we get closer to your camp date.


RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS:

1. Be Kind to Others


Share toys and materials.

Use kind words and gentle hands.

Help friends when they need it.

2. Stay with Your Group

Always stay close to the teachers.

Wait for instructions before moving to a new area.

3. Use Indoor Voices and Outdoor Voices

Inside: Keep your voice quiet.

Outside: You can talk loudly but be respectful of others.

4. Listen to Your Leaders

Pay attention when someone is speaking.

Follow directions to stay safe and have fun.

5. Be Safe

No running indoors or in dangerous areas.

Don’t climb on things unless a leader says it’s okay.

Wash hands before eating and after using the bathroom.

6. Take Care of Our Camp Materials

Use toys and supplies properly.

Clean up after activities and games.

7. Respect Nature

Take care of plants and animals.

Don't pick flowers or disturb wildlife.

8. Keep Your Hands to Yourself

No pushing, hitting, or grabbing.


9. Ask for Help When You Need It

If you feel sad, scared, or need help, tell a teacher.


10. Have Fun!

Try new activities.

Enjoy spending time with friends.


Location

China Camp State Park, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, CA 94901
Snails & Turkey Tails Snails & Turkey Tails

Snails & Turkey Tails is an outdoor adventure preschool program for children ages 2.6-5. 100% of our days are spent outdoors, rain or shine. We meet at China Camp State Park in San Rafael. Children learn about local nature and wildlife as part of a small community of 8 students. All classes are taught by Liesha Eberst, a certified early childhood educator with several years of experience working with kids in local museums and wildlife centers. Liesha lives near downtown Larkspur with her 17 year old daughter.

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