Gayle Gone Feral Policies

Arriving: We will meet on private property in Vicksburg. The owners are generous enough to let me teach on their property, but that means we need to be extra mindful of respecting their land. Unless noted with a different location, we meet near E TU Ave & S Sprinkle Rd. There will be a Gayle Gone Feral sign visible from the road. 

Parking: Please park off to the sides (in the grass) of the parking lot so everyone has room to get through. Make sure you have all your necessary belongings with you as it’s a little bit of a hike (¼ mile) to get to the outdoor learning space. I will guide the hike back to our learning space. 

What to Bring: Unless otherwise noted, classes do not require any special equipment, but please be prepared with sturdy outdoor shoes, a water bottle, and bug spray. Also dress for the weather, we will meet even in the rain. Longer, Nature School days, will also require you to bring a lunch and a picnic blanket. Feel free to bring a wagon or stroller if needed. As a reminder, we will be outside the entire time.

Natural Hazards: Classes at our Vicksburg location take place in the woods. As with any untouched outdoor space, there is a risk of running into hazards such as poison ivy, insect stings, and ticks. Wear tall socks and check for ticks either before you leave or once home. The use of insect repellant is advised, but please use caution when spraying around others. 

Learner Expectations: Be Kind and Respectful to Others. Gayle Gone Feral encourages an inclusive learning space, which includes being mindful and accepting that everyone is different and unique. Disrespect and offensive language will not be tolerated at Gayle Gone Feral’s classes. We live in a diverse community and encourage all who wish to learn regardless of race, gender identity, religious affiliation, etc. 

It's our differences that make us unique, and make us awesome. So be awesome and be kind.

Parent/Caregiver Expectations: During Nature School Pop-Up Days, parents and caregivers are required to remain on the property and supervise their children as needed. During Wilderness Survival Classes, parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay on the property whether enjoying the trails, sitting by the creek, or observing the class. Please feel free to walk with us to the learning space and take full advantage of the beautiful scenery. If your child has special needs or you have any other concerns, please feel free to reach out to make a plan.

Stay on site and take in the beautiful landscape.

Class Structure: Once in our learning space, we will begin by reviewing Outdoor Ethics and Safety Guidelines for the use of the learning space. Then, we will dive into the topic, have hands-on activities, a bit of exploration, then finish up by heading back to the parking lot. The off-grid learning space has an outdoor classroom, composting toilet, and a water station with drinking and hand washing water. Nature School Pop-Up Days will have lunch after activities, with unstructured exploration until 1pm.

We keep it somewhat flexible and allow time for exploration.

Cancellations/Sick Policy: Class will be canceled during dangerous weather (thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, etc.). Please keep an eye on our social media accounts for closings related to inclement weather. In addition, an email will be sent out no later than 1 hour before the start time to announce a closure. Typical sanitation, hand washing, and good hygiene will be encouraged. Any person who is ill and displaying symptoms of flu, Covid, or any other communicable disease should stay home. Masks are optional.

We will email you if we close for thunderstorms or dangerous conditions. Stay home if your sick.

Photography/Media Use

Registration permits Gayle Gone Feral to use images of participants as promotional material for Gayle Gone Feral. This includes any printed material, broadcast and print advertising, promotional videos, and GGF website. I understand that my child's name will not be published.

Pictures and videos are taken and used for marketing, your child's face may be in the picture.

Payment Policy

Registration fees are required to participate in classes and events. Prices are subject to change. A 3% non-refundable processing fee may be added at checkout.

Registration fees are required to participate. 

Refund Policy: Non-attendance does not entitle a refund. No refunds or adjustments are granted for illness, vacation, or when classes are canceled due to inclement weather.

If you paid and don't show up, that doesn't mean you will get a refund.

Gift Certificates are now available for tuition at Wilderness School! Upon purchase, an email will be sent to the purchaser with a printable certificate. Each certificate contains a unique alpha-numeric code which must be presented at registration. 

Gift certificates purchased from November 1, 2024-October 31, 2025 (a $97.00 value) are valid for one participant's enrollment in one 6-week session of Wilderness School during the 2025 calendar year. Non-enrollment will not qualify for a refund. Gift certificates hold no cash value and are non refundable.

To redeem a gift certificate: The participant (or parent or guardian of) must register for a 6-week session of Wilderness School during the 2025 calendar year. Upon submission of the registration form, participant must email contact@gaylegonerferal.com requesting to apply the gift certificate to their registration and supply the Certificate Number found on the right side of the certificate next to the QR code.

If a gift certificate is lost or you have any questions, please email contact@gaylegonerferal.com.

 I hereby give my approval for my child’s participation in any and all activities prepared by Gayle Gone Feral LLC during the selected workshop. In exchange for the acceptance of said child’s candidacy by Gayle Gone Feral LLC, I assume all risk and hazards incidental to the conduct of the activities, and release, absolv,e and hold harmless Gayle Gone Feral and all its respective officers, agents, and representatives from any and all liability for injuries to said child arising out of traveling to, participating in, or returning from selected workshop sessions.

In case of injury to said child, I hereby waive all claims against Gayle Gone Feral LLC including all teachers and affiliates, all participants, sponsoring agencies, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event. There is a risk of being injured that is inherent in all activities, including a level of risk-taking appropriate to the age group and skill level of the workshop. Some of these injuries include but are not limited to, the risk of fractures, paralysis, or death.

As Parent and/or Guardian of the named learner, I hereby authorize the diagnosis and treatment by a qualified and licensed medical professional, of the minor child, in the event of a medical emergency, which in the opinion of the attending medical professional, requires immediate attention to prevent further endangerment of the minor’s life, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, or other undue pain, suffering or discomfort, if delayed.

Permission is hereby granted to the attending physician to proceed with any medical or minor surgical treatment or x-ray examination for the named learner. In the event of an emergency arising out of serious illness, the need for major surgery, or significant accidental injury, I understand that every attempt will be made by the attending physician to contact me in the most expeditious way possible. This authorization is granted only after a reasonable effort has been made to reach me.

Release authorized on the dates and/or duration of the registered course.

This release is authorized and executed of my own free will, with the sole purpose of authorizing medical treatment under emergency circumstances, for the protection of the life and limb of the named minor child, in my absence.

The certification courses require a certain level of mobility to complete. Learners certify that they are able to move their body into a kneeling position on the floor and get back up without assistance. Learners confirm that they are physically and psychologically fit to participate in the training.
Learners certify that they understand the risks involved in this training activity and that the risk is serious and life-threatening.
Learners release Gayle Gone Feral LLC for any liabilities like injuries, damages, accidents, or death.
Learners release, waive, and indemnify Gayle Gone Feral LLC including the employees, owners, and in addition, any property owners from any accidents, injuries, damages, or death during the training course.
Learners understand that should the instructor feel that they have not successfully completed the course, they may not be granted the 2-year certificate nor are eligible for a refund.
Learners confirm that all information entered in the registration form is true and accurate.