Frequently Asked Questions
Everything parents ask before signing up.
Who supervises my child?
Two trained staff on every outing. Every guide is background-checked and field-trained. On hiking days the ratio is 2:10 (max); on climbing days it is 2:6 (max). The two-adult rule is in effect at all times — no child is ever one-on-one with a single staff member.
What if my child gets hurt?
At least one Wilderness First Responder (WFR)-certified staff member is on every trip, trained to manage medical emergencies in remote settings. Every venue has an Emergency Action Plan. Guides carry a comprehensive first aid kit and a satellite communication device. You will be notified immediately if your child is injured.
Is Dogwood Mountain School insured?
Yes. Dogwood Mountain School LLC carries full liability insurance. Coverage will be in place before our first outing.
What is the refund policy?
Joining the waitlist is free and has no commitment. Enrollment and refund terms will be shared with families before the first outing.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Every outing has a backup venue. The go/convert decision is made the morning of, and parents receive a text confirming the plan. If conditions are unsafe at both venues, the outing is cancelled with a full refund or credit.
Logistics
We are forming in the Chattanooga area. Drop-off is at a designated meetup with access to local trails and crags around Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, and the Tennessee River Gorge.
We serve kids ages 7–14 in two age bands: Explorers (7–10) and Trailblazers (11–14). We group participants by age and ability so everyone gets the right challenge level.
Parents drop off at a designated Chattanooga meetup — not door-to-door pickup. Enter your neighborhood or zip when you sign up and we will confirm the meetup that fits your co-op.
Just a water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. We provide everything else — snacks and all specialized gear (helmets, harnesses, climbing shoes).
Tuition is not public yet. Join the waitlist and we will share pricing with families as the first season takes shape. There is no commitment to join the list.
The lead instructor is Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified and NOLS-trained. All guides are background-checked and field-trained in backcountry first aid, risk management, and youth leadership.
Outings are half-day — morning drop-off and midday pickup, once a week, aimed at homeschool co-ops. Exact weekday and times will be confirmed with waitlist families.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Join the waitlist or reach out directly.