Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my child will be safe?

My child has never slept away from home, Can he/she call me?

My child needs special medication at night, who is responsible for seeing that he/she takes the meds?

What if my child gets hurt?

My child is a very picky eater? What happens if he/she won’t eat the food?

My child is a vegan, vegetarian, only eats kosher food. What do you do?

Can my child bring his/her cell phone?

My child has _________, who needs to know this?

How do I send mail to my child?

It’s my child’s birthday the week he/she is at ODE, how will you celebrate?

What about taking showers?

What if my child starts her menstrual period at Outdoor School?

My child has a special event---or practice during the week he/she is scheduled to attend ODE. Can I pick him/her up and return him/her?

What can I expect when my child gets home?

How do I know my child will be safe?
       Las Virgenes and the MRCA are committed to creating a safe environment at all times. The King Gillette Ranch is locked at sundown. We have 2 security guards (one male and one female) who will be on duty through the evening hours. There are 2 MRCA Rangers and one site manager on the campus at all times. All of the Naturalists and the Directors are First Aid and CPR trained. Our high school counselors are screened on several different levels. We have a Health Clerk on duty from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Your classroom teachers are part of the regular program. Your principal and the Director of Elementary Education, Rose Dunn, are a phone call away and regular visitors. Emergency drills are conducted and evacuation plans are in place. 

My child has never slept away from home, what if he/she gets homesick. Can he/she call me?
       Students are not allowed to call home. We work with the counselors, naturalists, teachers and directors to create a comforting environment for your child. If the director feels it is necessary to contact you about homesickness then you will be called. It is normal for children to have these feelings. The staff is trained with strategies to support students who may be feeling a little homesickness. Usually, redirecting and talking are all that are needed. The first night is often the most difficult and then after that many do not want to leave to come home.

My child needs special medication at night, who is responsible for seeing that he/she takes the meds?
       A detailed schedule is kept for giving all medications. If your child does not come to take their medication the health clerk will call for the child to come to the health office for medication. The Health Clerk or the Site Directors give all medications. Please make sure you have completed the medication list very carefully and turned in all of the necessary medicines to you school health clerk.  If there are any questions you will be called.

What if my child gets hurt?
         Immediate first aid will be given, the injury will be assessed and if necessary you will be contacted. The philosophy is to “Call sooner than later.”  

My child is a very picky eater? What happens if he/she won’t eat the food?
       Our experience is that the children often try new foods and eat things at Outdoor School that they do not eat at home. They are very physically active and are generally very hungry. The menu is child friendly and healthy. The meals are served family style.
If your child has a food allergy please call the Director of Elementary Education 818-878-5219 and request a copy of the menu. Depending on the request you may be asked to send special food in a cooler. The food is taken to the outdoor school by your child’s teacher and given to the director. Then at meal times your child is given the food. Please make sure your child knows that special food has been sent and to ask for it. Please note any special food requests on the Student Enrollment form.

My child is a vegan, vegetarian, only eats kosher food. What do you do?
       On your enrollment forms please indicate this request. Also let your child’s teacher know. All meals will have options to meet the needs of a variety of special needs.

Can my child bring his/her cell phone?
         Cell phones ARE NOT RECOMMENDED! First, the reception is very poor. This is a week to experience nature and learn from our outdoor environment. One of the joys of being in the natural environment is to experience the sounds of nature—both the natural noises and the quiet. This is also a school environment and the same rules apply. If it is necessary to call you the Director and the school directors will make the decision.

My child has _________, who needs to know this?
       If your child has a special need please talk to your child’s teacher and/or the principal. The goal is to have all of the students attend and have a wonderful experience. We make special accommodations for many differences. For example, if your child is a bed wetter, we have many strategies to help and support. This information is kept confidential and only given to the individuals who need to know.

How do I send mail to my child?
       To help ensure that your child receives mail, please send it the Friday or Saturday before your child even leaves. We watch to make sure that all students are receiving mail. If a package is sent it is opened in front of the directors. No candy or gum are allowed. Please notify any relatives who could be sending letters or packages of these rules. Please do not send special balloons or special gifts. They are very distracting and on occasion do not get delivered. A card and letter are the best.
Also, please make your comments positive. Try not to say, “Oh, I miss you so much.” A better way might be, “I know you are having a great time!  I look forward to hearing all about the exciting adventures. Love you, -------“

       Address: Your childs name
                   Name of your childs school
                   C/O King Gillette Ranch
                   26800 West Mulholland Highway
                   Calabasas, Ca. 91302

It’s my child’s birthday the week he/she is at ODE, how will you celebrate?
       Your child will be recognized if the directors know of the birthday. The whole group will sing to your child and wish He or she “Happy Birthday.” A birthday card would be great. We do not do birthday cakes or special foods. Please hold special events when your child gets home.

What about taking showers?
       Students will have opportunities in the daily schedule for taking a shower. The shower stalls are private. At this age many children are shy about their bodies and do not want to undress in front of their friends. Privacy is honored. If your child would be comfortable taking a shower in his/her swimming suit that would be appropriate. 

What if my child starts her menstrual period at Outdoor School?
       If it is the first time, we generally try to contact her mother. This can be an anxious and exciting time in the life of a young girl. We want the parents to be a part of this. If your daughter will be having her period during her outdoor school time, please make sure she has all of the necessary supplies to be comfortable. You may choose to talk with the teacher or health clerk.

My child has a special event---or practice during the week he/she is scheduled to attend ODE. Can I pick him/her up and return him/her?
         Generally NO. One of the experiences of Outdoor School is to build independence and get away from the daily schedules. We have learned by past experiences that it is very difficult to have students coming and going. If you feel you must take your child out early, you may pick them up, but they may not return to outdoor school. If you feel there are unusual circumstances, please talk to your principal first and you may then be directed to the Director of Elementary Education. A student who is sent home ill may return after being free of fever and illness for 24 hours. Please let all of your child’s coaches, special teachers, religious school teachers, etc. know that your child will be at Outdoor School and not attending any after-school hours events.

What can I expect when my child gets home?
       Your child will be very tired. They have hiked for many hours and may not have slept as well as they do at home. Over the next few days, weeks and months you will hear many of the wonderful experiences about Outdoor School. They will have developed many new ideas and made some personal connections with new adults—both high school counselors and the Naturalists.
The King Gillette Ranch has many special events on weekends and in the summer. You may want to bring the whole family and enjoy the beauty of our Santa Monica Mountains and take advantage of this amazing resource in our own backyard!

If you hear a story that you are concerned about, please talk with your child’s teacher immediately.