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FAQ

This page is dedicated to frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer that you seek. Please head over to the contact page and send us an email or call.

1 \ Who is allowed to attend?

Wilder Guides goal will be open to the public however, as an extension of the Homeschool Community Center non-members of the center will pay tier-two dues to cover the extra costs incurred by Wilder Guides and the Center.

2 \ What does Wilder Guides Cost?

Wilder Guides is a weekly program and will incur costs depending on the activities planned. Therefore, weekly dues will be required to cover operating expenses. Rent, Ink, Paper, Pens, Clipboards, etc…
There is not membership fee at this time, however there will be weekly dues that will be collected.

3 \ What type of Dues will be collected?

$3 per kid per week dues

5 \ ​Does my son need to be a certain age to join?

We recommend no younger than 5. However, we strongly encourage early involvement.

6 \ Do father’s have to participate?

Absolutely! The point of Wilder Guides is to build a connection between fathers and their sons in a community environment. If a father isn't available a trusted uncle, grandfather will do.

7 \ ​Are mothers welcome?

The goal is to connect boys and their fathers but, we understand that isn’t always possible. We recommend that an uncle, grandfather, or other strong trusted male adult be the one to attend with your son. If you don’t have that but would still like your son to participate of course we won’t turn him away.

8 \ Do I need a background check?

Any participant 16 or older must submit proof of a State and FBI background check. To be kept on file with the Wilder Guides. This must be renewed every five years.
Under Act 18 of 2020 (Act 18) individuals required to renew their FBI fingerprint-based background checks every 60 months, as found in Section 6344.4 of the Child Protective Services Law.
​The service code for the FBI Background Fingerprints is: 1KG6ZJ

9 \ Is there a uniform?

​We ask that you dress in clothes meant for the weather and that you don’t mind getting dirty. Currently there is no formal uniform requirement. The goal is not to drain your bank account but rather to provide a time and location for you and your son to learn together.

10 \ Is this a religious organization?

No, this is not a religious organization however, many in the group are Christians of one faith or another. We will have prayer during the meetings but, if you are not of a faith, you and your son are free to sit that portion of the meetings out.

11\ Will we be required to stay at the meetings with our sons?

Yes, this is intended to provide a platform for father/son bonding while learning survival skills.

12\ Cellphones

​During all meetings and events, cell phones should only be held by the parent/guardian and should only be answered or used in emergency situations. The time for the wilder guides should be used for its intended purpose, to grow closer with our sons.

13\ Mandatory Reporting

If you suspect abuse of any kind all members are mandatory reporters and should immediately report any instance of or suspected abuse.
Suspect abuse? Report it! Call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

14\ Child Safety and Youth Protection Policies

All members - Both Adults and Youth - share the responsibility of protecting and safeguarding our members. These responsibilities include attention to the following areas:
Volunteer Leader Screenings
Volunteer leaders are to submit a PA State and FBI criminal background check. To keep on file with the Wilder Guides Leadership Team.
Complete the Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Course which will need renewed every two years: https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/Login.aspx
Know the Environment
  • Be aware of other events and individuals who might have access to the area.
  • Previewing facilities before events and evaluating the safety of the location
  • Knowing who will be in attendance
  • Ensuring there is no 1 -1 interactions between an adult and child outside of their parent.
Education about protecting the health and safety of youth
  • All members 16 years of age and above will need to take the online Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Course and renew their certificate every two years.
  • Everyone should be vigilant in looking for and recognizing signs of neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse - including sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual contact between youth members.
  • ALL SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR OF VILATIONS OF POLICIES MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY.
Mandatory Reporting and documentation of incidents and/or allegations
  • As a member of Wilder Guides, You are a mandated reporter.
  • Regardless of whether you observe it or hear it second hand, wilder guides requires that you report through the Childline reporting system first, and then inform the Wilder Guides Leadership Team of any good-faith suspicion or reasonable belief that any child is or has been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused or neglected, has been (whether in person, online, or through communication devices) exposed to sexual exploitation, pornography, solicitation or enticement, or obscene material.
  • It is also mandatory that you report to Wilder Guides Leadership Team of any violations of Wilder Guide Child Safety and Youth Protection Policies.
  • Report and document what you have seen and heard.
All members of Wilder Guides are to adhere to all policies, our motto, and Oath.
Immoral conduct including:
  • Physical Violence
  • Insults
  • Illegal Drug Use
  • Alcohol or Tobacco Use by under-age members
  • Sexual Conduct
  • Inappropriate language
  • Theft
  • Deceit/Lying
Are not tolerated and will be subject to review by the Wilder Guides Leadership Team for review.
Any criminal activity will immediately find the wilder guide family expelled from the program and Wilder Guide Leadership will forward a report to local authorities for any violation including:
  • Illegal Drug Use
  • Alcohol or Tobacco use by under-age members
  • Sexual conduct
  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Theft
Two-Deep Policy
  • A minimum of two (registered) adult leaders must be present for each activity. A registered adult leader is one that has submitted both background checks (FBI, State) and, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Course completion certification.
  • Until such time that all documents are on file with the leadership team you are not considered a registered leader. Non-registered adults are not included in the two-deep policy.
No 1 on 1 policy
  • A youth member should never be alone with only one adult (unless it is his parent).
  • This includes electronic communications such as texting and on-line communications.
  • This includes transportation to and from Wilder Guide activities.
  • Stay in areas designated for the activities and keep doors open.
  • Adults and youth are not to have “Secrets,” nor are adults to provide “special treatment,” gifts or “forbidden items” (e.g. tobacco, alcohol or allowing risky behavior) to youth.
  • Appropriate clothing should always be worn
  • Hazing, bullying, physical hitting, and/or corporal punishment (even if intended as discipline) are strictly prohibited.
  • Youth Leadership should always be monitored by adult leaders.
Inappropriate Physical Contact
  • No “Rough-Housing”, butt slapping, massages, or inappropriate hugs.
  • No touching of children in the genital, breast, or buttocks areas
  • Children may not sit on the lap of an adult other than their parent
  • Children should never be touched against their will unless in clear danger