Code of Conduct & Conflict Policy

As a family-oriented, all-inclusive community that gathers to learn, grow, and explore together, the West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) expects all members—children and adults alike—to treat one another with kindness, respect, and personal responsibility.

We understand that conflict can occasionally arise, and this policy outlines our expectations and how issues will be addressed.

*Please be advised that behavioral expectations may differ based on developmental appropriateness and capabilities of each individual child, including but not limited to abilities based on age, cognition, emotional intelligence, and social intelligence.

By participating in the Facebook group and any event, field trip, or activity organized by Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, including both indoor and outdoor programming, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the following:

💬 Behavioral Expectations

We ask that all participants (children and adults) follow these core guidelines at every event:

• Treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of age, background, or beliefs.
  
  

• Use appropriate language; avoid name-calling, teasing, or inappropriate jokes.
  
  

• Respect all personal property—your own, others', and the sites we visit.
  
  

• Respect nature, wildlife, and park rules (including no flower-picking).

• Follow safety instructions, stay within designated areas, and participate appropriately.
  
  

• Assume best intentions, but don’t ignore harmful behavior.

Note on Physical Play:
We understand that children—especially boys—often express friendship through physical play like wrestling or roughhousing. This can be developmentally appropriate as long as everyone involved is willing, no one feels uncomfortable, and it remains safe.

If a child or adult verbally expresses discomfort, that play must stop immediately. Parents and/or guardians are expected to intervene in the event of continued unsafe behavior/play. If the behavior continues, leaders may ask those involved to take a break or leave the event for the day.

🚫 Zero Tolerance for Harmful Behavior

The following actions will not be tolerated at any group event:

• Bullying, including verbal, social, or physical aggression
  
  

• Theft or damage to personal or public property, including nature and wildlife
  
  

• Physical altercations, including hitting, pushing, or other violence
  
  

• Threats or intimidation of any kind
  
  

• Harassment, including unwanted attention or inappropriate comments
  
  

Any report of these behaviors will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Please understand the difference between bullying with malicious intent and normal childlike behavioral mistakes when bringing incidents to the board of directors. Please attempt to remedy any student to student or parent to parent conflicts before requesting a mediation session.

🛠️ When Issues Arise 

If an issue arises during a WSHNG event, here is how we will handle it:

1. Immediate Safety First: If someone is in danger, parents and guardians are expected to intervene immediately to stop the behavior.
   
   

2. Private Conversation: The group leader(s) will speak with the parties involved individually and respectfully.
   
   

3. Parent/Guardian Involvement: If the issue involves children, their parent(s) or guardian(s) will be brought in as soon as possible.
   
   

4. Parent Involvement Cont. Parents and/or guardians are expected to remain alert and intervene in the event of continued unsafe behavior/play.
   
   

5. WSHNG Leadership Team Involvement: When other methods are unsuccessful at reaching a resolution, please complete the WSHNG Incident Report to file a formal complaint with the WSHNG Leadership Team. Reports can be completed anonymously or with intent for mediation.
   
   

6. Resolution Plan Through Mediation: The group leader is a trained mediator and will help facilitate a respectful conversation between those involved, if needed. The goal is to restore understanding, accountability, and community trust.
   
   

7. Consequences if Needed: Depending on the severity, a resolution may include a verbal reminder, a behavior plan, a temporary pause from attending events, or—in rare, serious cases—temporary or permanent removal from the group.
   
   

8. Documentation: For serious incidents, a brief written summary will be kept for accountability and clarity.
   
   

👨‍👩‍👧 What to Do if You Have a Concern (Parent/Guardian Guide)

We want all families to feel safe, heard, and supported. If you or your child experience a minor issue (such as unkind behavior, boundary-pushing play, or interpersonal conflict), please follow this process:

✅ Step-by-Step Guide for Handling Minor Issues:

1. Observe the Situation
   If you notice a problem (or your child reports one), stay calm and take a moment to observe or ask questions.
   
   

2. If It Is Not a Safety Issue, Pause Before Intervening
   Every family has different rules, expectations, and boundaries. Unless someone is unsafe or clearly being harmed, please avoid directly correcting or disciplining another child.
   
   

3. Find the Parent or Guardian First
   Whenever possible, find the child’s parent or caregiver and let them know what you have observed. This keeps communication respectful and avoids misunderstandings. Please be direct, but kind, in your communication and avoid accusations.
   
   Example: “Hey, I just wanted to give you a quick heads up—my son felt a little overwhelmed while wrestling with your son. I wasn’t sure if you had noticed.”
   
   

4. If You Can’t Find a Parent/Guardian or the Issue Continues After Speaking With a Parent/Guardian
   Please come and find a group leader or organizer. You are never bothering us—we want to help protect a safe, fair space for everyone.
   
   

5. Trust the Mediation Process
   The group leader is a trained mediator. A leader will help guide a calm, fair resolution that keeps relationships intact and restores community trust. When possible, this will occur immediately. Otherwise, a mediation session may be scheduled at a later date, when the issue can effectively be addressed.
   
   

A Note on Supervision:
Unless an event is designated as a drop-off, parents/guardians are expected to supervise their own children and be reachable throughout the activity.

A Note on Speaking Up:
We encourage open communication. If something feels "off," too rough, or emotionally hurtful—even if it seems small—please bring it to the other parent or guardian’s attention. If the issue is not resolved after that, please bring it to our attention. It is always better to check in early than to wait until things escalate.

🌿 Respect for Nature & “Leave No Trace” Commitment

As a nature-based group, we are guests in every forest, prairie, trail, and preserve we explore. We expect all participants—children and adults—to follow “Leave No Trace” principles and respect the natural spaces we visit:

• Take only memories, leave only footprints
  
  

• Stay on trails when requested (this is for child safety- we have seen a lot of poison ivy next to trails this year!)
  
  

• Do not pick wildflowers, plants, or mushrooms (per Illinois park rules)
  
  

• Do not disturb or feed wildlife
  
  

• Dispose of all trash properly (including snack wrappers and wipes)
  
  

• Leave park and picnic areas cleaner than we found them
  
  

Our goal is to foster wonder, stewardship, and responsibility in our children. Please model and reinforce these values as a family at every outing.

❤️ Our Shared Commitment

By participating in this group, each family agrees to:

• Take personal responsibility for their children’s actions and supervision.
  
  

• Support a safe and welcoming space for all members.
  
  

• Communicate respectfully and constructively with group leaders and other families.
  
  

• Uphold the values of kindness, community, and accountability.
  
  

🗣️ No Gossip Policy & Encouraging Direct Communication

WSHNG is committed to fostering a respectful, supportive community. In order to maintain trust and unity within the group, we ask that all members follow a no gossip policy:

❌ What We Mean by Gossip:

• Talking about issues or people involved in conflict without being part of the solution
  
  

• Sharing one-sided stories or assumptions about another family, child, or situation
  
  

• Using group chats or social media to vent frustrations rather than resolve them
  
  

This kind of communication can hurt feelings, cause misunderstandings, and divide our community.

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Go directly to the person involved (if appropriate and safe), or
  
  

• Encourage them to reach out to the group leader or board for mediation
  
  

We understand that we are all human and sometimes need to vent to friends. It is at the heart of our group to have a safe and loving environment for our kids and families. If you are approached as a third party in the spirit of venting, we request that you support healthy resolution by encouraging those involved to first discuss the issue with the other parent/guardian and then reach out to WSHNG leaders via direct verbal communication or the email address to begin conflict resolution. 

🤝 Mediation & Accountability:

The WSHNG leadership team is here to help resolve conflict—not to punish or take sides, but to listen, mediate, and restore peace where possible. We will:

• Record reported issues in a private document accessible only by WSHNG board of directors.
  
  

• Maintain privacy as much as possible
  
  

• Encourage mutual understanding and growth
  
  

• Offer support to all parties involved
  
  

We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, included, and heard. Please help us uphold this standard by choosing direct communication and discouraging gossip.

We are a community built on trust and shared effort. Thank you for helping keep this group a safe, respectful, and joyful experience for everyone involved.

If you have questions or concerns at any time, please reach out to a group leader privately.

Our group’s email is monitored by the West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) board of directors. Please send concerns to bbrown@wshng.org  and we will respond as we are able. Please refrain from contacting group leaders via personal phone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, etc.

📧Contact Information

West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group

bbrown@wshng.org

Board of Directors

• Bridgette Brown

• Amanda Sievert

• Albert Cuevas

Last Updated: 03/03/2026

NOTICE OF WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group
Participation Terms for Co-op, Nature Group, Field Trips, and Events

By participating in the Facebook group and any event, field trip, or activity organized by Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, including both indoor and outdoor programming, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the following terms:

1. Scope of Activities

Events may take place at a variety of locations, including but not limited to forest preserves, farms, parks, libraries, nature centers, community centers, and other public or private venues. Activities may involve walking, nature exploration, educational programming, animal encounters, crafts, recreational games, informal social time, and more.

2. Assumption of Risk

Participation in indoor and outdoor events involves certain risks, including but not limited to:
• Personal injury or illness
• Allergic reactions
• Environmental hazards (weather, insects, uneven surfaces)
• Contact with animals or plants
• Equipment use (e.g., craft tools or recreation gear)
• Interaction with the public or other participants
By attending, or allowing your child or dependent to attend, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with these activities.

3. Supervision of Minors

These are not drop-off events. Children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult. Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group does not provide childcare and does not monitor which adult is responsible for which child. By participating, you agree that you are fully responsible for supervising your child(ren) or arranging for another trusted adult to do so. The Organization assumes no responsibility for unattended minors.

4. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent allowed by law, you agree to release and hold harmless Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, its directors, officers, staff, volunteers, and partner venues from any and all claims or liabilities for injury, illness, loss, or damages that may arise from participation in the Organization’s activities, regardless of cause, including potential negligence.

5. Medical Authorization

In the event of an emergency, you authorize Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group and its representatives to obtain medical treatment for yourself or your child. You agree to be financially responsible for any associated costs.

6. Media Release

Unless you notify us in writing, you grant Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group permission to photograph or record participants during activities, and to use these images or recordings for nonprofit purposes such as promotion, educational content, or grant reporting. Media may appear on the Organization’s website, print materials, and/or social media.

7. Personal Property

Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Participants are encouraged to keep valuables at home and to monitor their belongings during events. You agree to accept full responsibility for your own property and that of any dependents you accompany.

8. Implied Agreement

By participating in any of Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group’s programs, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this waiver and agree to its terms. If you do not agree, please refrain from attending or allowing your child to attend.

WSHNG Field Trip Attendance & No-Show Policy

West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is committed to maintaining positive relationships with the businesses, farms, museums, and organizations that generously host our group.

When families register for a field trip, they are reserving limited space not only for themselves but also representing our entire homeschool community.

Our Expectations

When you register for a WSHNG field trip, you are agreeing to:

-Attend the event as scheduled

-Arrive on time

-Notify the event organizer as soon as possible if you cannot attend

Why This Matters

“No show, no call” absences:

-Reflect poorly on WSHNG as an organization

-Damage our credibility with local businesses

-Jeopardize future partnerships and discounted opportunities

-Take spots away from other families who could have attended

-May cause financial loss when venues require minimum numbers

We work hard to secure group rates, free programming, and unique opportunities. Consistent no-shows put those efforts at risk.

Our new No-Show Policy

A “no show, no call” is defined as:

Failing to attend a registered event without notifying the event organizer prior to the start time.

If a family has:

1st no show: Written warning and reminder of policy

2nd no show: Temporary suspension from registering for field trips for 1 future semester

3rd no show: Removal from field trip participation for the remainder of the year.

Emergencies happen — we understand that. Communication is the key difference.

If something unexpected arises, simply send a email to events@wshng.org or bbrown@wshng.org as soon as possible.

We are building a culture of respect, responsibility, and professionalism, not only for our children, but for our entire homeschool community.