Question 1

Do I need previous outdoor experience to attend one of Kaykima's classes?

Accepted Answer

No.  Most Kaykima classes provide a foundational skill set that can be built upon. However, experienced students are welcome to come and put their skills into practice in a group setting, as well as learn new techniques.  More advanced private classes are available by contacting us directly.

Question 2

Do parents need to stay for the classes?

Accepted Answer

Nope.  Parents are welcome to stay and observe, and we even welcome them free of charge! 
 
However, parents are asked to give their children space to work at their own pace.  This may mean allowing a child to struggle and perhaps not be immediately sucessful at the task at hand. We highly value the lessons learned from failure, and ask that parents respect our teaching process and all participants' outdoor experience. Who knows, you may even learn something yourself!

Question 3

How much do your classes cost?

Accepted Answer

Within the Calgary area, where we are based out of, a typical 2-hour class is usually $22 + GST. However, we often offer workshops and day-programs, and prices will be advertised accordingly. 
Outside the Calgary area, a typical 2-hour class is $27.00 + GST. 
 
Kaykima Wilderness also offers programming in Alberta, B.C., and Saskatchewan. As such, our prices are determined by the location and duration of class. We aim to keep costs as affordable for families as possible while also making the outdoors accessible to families across the province. For this reason, we base our out-of-town prices on each individual program. 
 
For more information on prices and fees, please take a look at our Book a Class page.

Question 4

Where do you teach your classes?

Accepted Answer

We teach at many locations across Alberta. These include crown land, public land use zones, civic and municipal parks, private land, and with some notice, select provincial parks. If you are considering booking a class, we take suggestions on location, or we can find somewhere nearby.

Question 5

How old does my child have to be to attend one of your classes?

Accepted Answer

Our classes are designed for all ages and stages. However, many of our classes are offered to school-age children. We typically suggest that students are a minimum of 6 years old, especially if parents are dropping them off for the program. Our oldest students are generally 17-18 years old, and seem to enjoy their experiences just as much as our youngest students!
 
That being said, we trust that parents know their kids best. Students under the age of 6 are welcome to register, but we ask that parents stay with them for the duration of the program. We don't suggest that students younger than 4 participate, however, as the content may be a little advanced for them. Parents of younger students are encouraged to keep an eye out for our preschool classes instead!

Question 6

Do you still run classes in poor weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We believe that engaging with nature is an all-encompassing experience, including weather conditions that are less than perfect. We encourage participants to check the weather on the day of class, and to dress accordingly. 
 
Our exception to this rule will occur if Environment Canada issues any weather warnings that are in effect during class. In this event, we will reschedule the class, and will contact all participants affected.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We require 48 hours notice to cancel individual registration in order to receive a refund.
 
We run our programs rain or shine, so we encourage participants to check the weather the day of class and dress accordingly. In the event that a weather warning is issued by Environment Canada, we will reschedule/cancel the class. Participants will then have the option to apply credit to the next class or be issued a refund. 
 
For group bookings, we require 72 hours notice to cancel/reschedule a program. In this event, you will receive a refund of any fees paid, with the exclusion of our $20 non-refundable booking fee.

Question 8

What should I pack for class? What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

We encourage participants to bring a backpack with a water bottle, snack, and any weather appropriate gear, regardless of time of year.
 
For cold weather classes, we encourage students to dress in layers, including a base, middle, and outer layer. In addition, we recommend hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, winter boots, and any other gear that keeps participants warm. We also recommend packing an extra pair of dry socks in the event that feet get wet. We do not recommend leggings or jeans, unless used as a middle layer. For more information on dressing for winter weather, check out this blog article.
 
During the summer, we suggest that students wear layers again - a tank top, with a light jacket or shirt over top. We also recommend that students wear long pants rather than shorts whenever possible, as well as closed-toed shoes or hiking boots. We do NOT recommend flip-flops due to safety concerns. It is also suggested that students wear a sunhat, pack sunscreen and/or bug spray, as well as lots of water to stay hydrated. For more information on how to prepare for our summer classes, click this link.

Question 9

Can I bring my own knife to class?

Accepted Answer

Well, yes AND no. 
 
Students are welcome to bring any knives they have to class, however, they will be asked to keep the knife sheathed and out of sight until given further direction from our instructor. Our Knife Skills classes begin with a knife safety discussion before students are allowed to handle any knife or sharp tool. Once students have completed the knife safety discussion, they are welcome to show their knives to our instructor and ask for permission to use them.
 
We are quite particular about the types of knives used for our programs. We do not use or allow folding knives of any kind. We also encourage students to use full or half-tang knives with a safety guard, use sharp knives only, and they must have a sheath or protective case for when they are not in use. 
 
For more specifid details regarding the use of knives in our classes, please contact kaykimawilderness@gmail.com.

Question 10

What kind of knives do you use for your classes?  Where can they be purchased?

Accepted Answer

Kaykima almost exclusively uses Morakniv knifes.  Morakniv offers a variety of quality knives for all ages and abilities at an affordable price. To learn more, visit the website here.

Question 11

Where can I purchase a ferro rod/striker set?

Accepted Answer

Ferro Rod/Striker sets can be purchased at many outdoor lifestyle stores such as MEC, Bass Pro, and Cabellas. We like these ones that were purchased on Amazon.

Question 12

Where can I find waiver and registration forms?

Accepted Answer

You can find our waiver here. Registration can be done on our website, here.

Question 13

Do you have a non-discrimination policy?

Accepted Answer

Kaykima Wilderness values all participants and employees, and we welcome the variety of experiences they bring to our business. As such, we have a non-discrimination policy. We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic based on law.