

Nature Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Enrichment Groups
Located in Ellsworth, WI
Grounded & Growin’ LLC
N6287 490th Street Beldenville, WI 54003 | (715)928-1265 | ninnemanh@gmail.com
POLICY HANDBOOK
RELEASE OF LIABILITY DOCUMENT
Important Information
Grounded & Growin’ LLC is committed to conducting its programs and activities in the safest manner possible and holds the safety of participants in the highest possible regard. Participants and parents registering their children in programs and activities must recognize, however, that there is an inherent risk of injury when choosing to participate. Grounded & Growin’ LLC strives to reduce such risks and insists that all participants follow safety rules and instructions which have been designed to protect the participant’s safety.
PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION
RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR ALL SERVICES AT GROUNDED & GROWIN’ LLC
I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury to participants in the Grounded & Growin’ LLC camp(s) and I agree to assume the full risk of any injuries, damages, or loss regardless of severity which I or my minor child/ward may sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with or associated with such program(s).
I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child/ward may have against Grounded & Growin’ LLC and its therapies, agents, volunteers, and employees as a result of participation in the program. I do hereby fully release and discharge Grounded & Growin’ LLC and its therapists, volunteers, and employees from any and all claims from injury, damage or loss with the activities of the program(s).
I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Grounded & Growin’ LLC and its therapists, agents, servants and employees from any and all claims resulting from injuries, damages, and losses sustained by me or my minor child arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of the program(s).
AUTHORIZATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT
Consent Plan
In the event emergency medical aid/treatment is required due to illness or injury during the process of receiving services from, or while being on the property of, Grounded & Growin’ LLC, and the above cannot be reached, I authorize staff at Grounded & Growin’ LLC to:
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Secure and retain medical treatment and transportation if needed.
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Release patient records upon request to the authorized individual or agency involved in the medical emergency treatment.
This authorization includes X-rays, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and any treatment procedure deemed “life saving” by the physician. This provision will only be invoked if the person(s) above is unable to be reached.
Non-Consent Plan
I do not give my consent for emergency medical treatment/aid in the case of illness or injury during the process of receiving services from, or while being the property of Grounded & Growin’ LLC.
PHOTO RELEASE
I give consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by Grounded & Growin’ LLC of any and all photographs and any other audiovisual materials taken of the child, child’s family, or guests while in treatment for use in promotional materials, Facebook photo postings, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of Grounded & Growin’ LLC.
I do not give consent for the use and reproduction by Grounded & Growin’ LLC of any and all photographs and any other audiovisual materials taken of the child, child’s family, or guests while in treatment for use in promotional materials, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of Grounded & Growin’ LLC.
EMAIL CONSENT
I grant consent for Grounded & Growin’ LLC and staff to correspond with me via e-mail for the purposes of conveying information regarding camps, retreats, or playgroups as well as information regarding my child’s experience at camp or any information that would be deemed relevant to further my understanding of my child’s time at Grounded & Growin’ LLC. I understand that e-mail is not a secure form of communication, and that confidentiality of any e-mailed information cannot be ensured.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS FOR ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY
—WARNING—
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS IN USING AND BEING AROUND CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ANIMALS. THOSE RISKS INCLUDE BODILY INJURY AND DEATH. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANIMALS ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND CAPABLE OF SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED, AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MOVEMENTS DESPITE THEIR PRIOR HISTORY. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT ANIMALS ARE EASILY FRIGHTENED BY SOUND, SUDDEN MOVEMENT, UNFAMILIAR OBJECTS, SMELLS, PERSONS, OR OTHER ANIMALS AND THAT THEY MAY RUN, BITE, BUCK, OR KICK. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANIMALS MAY ALSO ENCOUNTER NATURAL HAZARDS, SUCH AS SURFACE OR SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS AND MAY REACT UNPREDICTABLY AND THAT THEY MAY EVEN COLLIDE WITH OTHER OBJECTS, PERSONS, OR ANIMALS.
I am under full awareness that Grounded & Growin’ LLC animals may be present. I represent that I have the legal authority to enter into this release on behalf of the minor child or children. In permission granted for my child to attend Grounded & Growin’ LLC Summer Camps, I voluntarily agree to the terms of this RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS. I hereby represent that I give permission for my child to be in close proximity to any animals and their environment.
I agree to personally assume the risks associated with my child’s participation in animal interactions at Grounded & Growin’ LLC. Therefore, I hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Grounded & Growin’ LLC and any animal handlers their owners, employees, agents, officers, and volunteers from any and every claim, demand, action, or right of action, of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, arising from or by reason of any bodily injury or personal injuries known or unknown, death, or property damage resulting during my presence at Grounded & Growin’ LLC, whether or not such injury, property damage, or death is caused by negligence. I assume full responsibility for the risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage, during my presence at Grounded & Growin’ LLC and hold Grounded & Growin’ LLC and its owners, employees, agents, and volunteers harmless for any liability, therefore.
This release is an ongoing and remains in effect until I have revoked it in writing. I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT. I UNDERSTAND IT IS AN AGREEMENT AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE AND A RELEASE AND INDEMNITY FOR ALL CLAIMS. I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AFFIRM THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS MEANING, AND SIGN THIS RELEASE VOLUNTARILY.
Camper Safety, Supervision & Fit
Grounded & Growin’ LLC Therapeutic Nature Camps are designed to provide safe, supportive, and enriching nature-based experiences for children in a small group, therapeutic environment. Safety is our top priority, and the following outlines our supervision, boundary, and camper fit policies.
Supervision & Staff Ratios
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We maintain a maximum ratio of 3 children to 1 adult to provide attentive support while encouraging independence and group participation.
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Staff are trained in trauma-informed practices, child development, and occupational therapy–informed approaches to support emotional regulation, sensory needs, and social participation.
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Campers remain within designated camp boundaries and under staff supervision at all times during all activities, including outdoor exploration.
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While we have ample staff and small groups, we are not able to provide one-to-one supervision. Children must be able to participate safely within a group environment without continuous individual attention for safety concerns such as fleeing or elopement.
Wandering & Boundary Safety
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Clear physical boundaries are established at the beginning of each session, and staff review these boundaries with all campers.
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Campers are expected to stay within boundaries and remain with the group unless directed otherwise by staff.
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If a child begins to move beyond the designated boundaries, staff will provide immediate redirection, offer co-regulation support, and adjust activities or positioning to maintain safety.
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Children demonstrating repeated attempts to leave boundaries or significant safety concerns may require parent contact and early pick-up for that session.
Camper Fit
Grounded & Growin’ LLC Therapeutic Nature Camps are best suited for children who:
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Can remain within established camp boundaries with group support
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Can participate safely with a 3:1 child-to-adult ratio
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Follow basic safety directions with support and verbal cues
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Manage typical group transitions and routines with extra time if needed
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Benefit from nature-based, sensory-rich, therapeutic activities
Children who require continuous one-to-one supervision due to safety or regulation concerns may not be appropriate for the program. Families are encouraged to share relevant information about their child’s needs, triggers, and regulation strategies to help staff prepare for a safe and supportive experience.
Our goal is to provide a safe and enriching environment where children can develop independence, social-emotional skills, confidence, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR PLAN
The intention of all staff of Grounded & Growin’ LLC is that each camper has an amazing experience at camp. However, there are extremely rare occasions where the camper may have difficulty acclimating to the camp environment. In the event that your child’s behavior significantly impacts his own safety or the safety of others in a harmful way, the following plan will occur. The below plan is to ensure that all campers have a safe and meaningful experience. Behaviors such as aggression toward others or self, destruction of camp, fleeing the camp area, or repeated verbal disrespect cannot be tolerated at camp.
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On the first observation of an unsafe behavior, the staff will inform the parents as soon as is conveniently possible.
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On the second observation of an unsafe behavior, the parents will be called immediately and will be asked to come pick up their child as soon as possible.
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After you have picked up your child, a phone conversation will take place with Hannah Ninneman (owner) as to the appropriate return of your child to camp.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that plans can change. Because camp staffing, supplies, and preparation are arranged in advance, the following cancellation policy helps ensure that we can plan effectively for all campers.
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Cancellations made more than 2 weeks before the camp start date:
A full refund will be provided. -
Cancellations made 1–2 weeks before the camp start date:
A 50% refund will be provided. -
Cancellations made the weekend before camp begins, on the first day of camp, or after camp has started:
No refund will be issued.
To help keep all campers healthy and ensure a positive camp experience for everyone, children should stay home if they are not feeling well.
A child should not attend camp if they:
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Have a fever
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Are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea
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Have symptoms of a contagious illness
Children who have had a fever may return to camp after being fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
If a child becomes ill during camp, parents or caregivers will be contacted and asked to pick up their child as soon as possible.
We appreciate your partnership in helping maintain a healthy and supportive environment for all campers.
WEATHER POLICY
Grounded & Growin’ LLC camps take place outdoors in a variety of weather conditions as connecting with nature across the seasons is an important part of the program. Safety remains our top priority.
Weather-Related Cancellations
Camp may be cancelled if:
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Local schools close due to severe weather
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A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued
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Weather forecasts indicate a significant likelihood of tornado activity
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Travel conditions are unsafe
Families are encouraged to prioritize safety when making travel decisions.
***Weather-related cancellations are not eligible for reimbursement.
Severe Weather During Camp
If severe weather develops while campers are on site, children will move to the home on the property, which serves as the designated severe weather shelter. Campers and staff will gather in an interior space away from windows until the weather threat has passed.
Seasonal Weather Adjustments
Winter:
If the actual temperature falls below 10°F or if windchill temperatures fall within the dangerous category, camp will need to be cancelled due to Grounded & Growin’ LLC being a nature based business with no heated indoor space.
Summer:
During periods of extreme heat:
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Campers should bring a water bottle each day
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Activities will move to shaded areas when possible