Thorne Program Policies

Cancellation and Refunds
Inclement Weather
Sick Policy
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Cancellation and Refund Policies

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy provides flexible options while helping us plan and staff our programs effectively.

Cancel Within 1 Week of Registration

If you cancel within one week of registering, you may receive a refund of your program fee, minus a $20 administrative fee.

Cancel More Than 1 Week After Registration — Before the Program Begins

If you cancel more than one week after registering but before the first day of the program, you may receive a credit for the full value of your registration.

Credits can be applied to future Thorne programs available through Sawyer, including:

  • Birding Club

  • Spring Break Camp

  • Summer Camp

  • Nature Together

Cancel On or After Program Start Date

Once the program has started, refunds and credits are not available. There is no proration or partial refund for individual missed classes. This includes absences due to illness, travel, scheduling conflicts, or other personal circumstances

Exception: Extended Medical Absence

If a participant experiences an extended medical situation that prevents them from attending three or more classes, please contact us. We will work with you to determine whether a partial credit may be appropriate based on the circumstances.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our Nature Center Director, Natalie Becker:

Weather Related Policies

At all Thorne programs, we do our best to encourage and facilitate positive and enjoyable experiences outdoors.

HEAT

In cases of extreme heat, participants are encouraged to engage in water play, and staff will require inside breaks and water breaks as necessary.

FIRES & AIR QUALITY

Thorne will monitor wildfires in the area and air quality. Programs will continue to run when AQI is 150 or below with breaks indoors as needed.

RAIN

Programs will continue in rainy conditions. Staff will monitor for lightning and slippery conditions.

LIGHTNING

If lightning is less than 10 miles from camp, participants will be moved to lightning-safe areas including under grounded shelters or indoor classrooms.

OTHER SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

In the case of high winds, hail, flash floods or tornado, Thorne staff will move participants to a safe area and communicate with families about potential early pick-up or program cancellation to avoid campers and families being out in severe weather.

Illness Related Policies

We strive to reduce the spread of illness and support the health and well-being of our program community.

Participants

  • If a child is ill, Thorne asks parents to keep them home until 24 hours after children are symptom-free and fever-free. When a child shows signs of a severe or communicable illness while participating in a Thorne program, they will be separated from other children, the parent/guardian will be notified, and a doctor or medical facility consulted as needed regarding treatment.

  • In case of a known communicable illness, the Camp Director will report to the local health department pursuant to regulations of the State Department of Public Health and Environment and contact all parents/guardians of children in care.

  • If a child says that they are feeling ill, Thorne Staff will determine whether immediate pickup is needed. In case of mild discomfort (i.e., stomach ache), campers may have the option to rest to see if discomfort passes. If the illness persists, we will ask a parent or guardian to come as soon as possible to pick up their child.

Staff

  • If an employee is ill, Thorne asks them to stay home until 24 hours after they are symptom-free and/or fever-free. When an employee shows signs of a severe or communicable illness, they will be asked to go home and a substitute teacher will fill in.