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Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Can you help us plan an event for our group?
How long are your events?
What does California Nature Treks provide at events?
What should participants wear or bring to an event?
What can we expect to see on a nature trek?
What is the weather like in Northern California at different times of the year?
Is transportation included?
Can you customize events and change venue locations?
Can we schedule an event around a picnic or barbecue?
Can we bring our own facilitator, management consultant, or human resources specialist?

Reservations
How do I make a reservation?
Is a deposit required to hold a reservation?
What happens if it rains?
What if we have to cancel?

Fitness Requirements
What fitness level is required for your treks and adventures?
What if a participant is uncomfortable with an activity or physical challenge?
Are your events appropriate for families and/or children?

Safety and Insurance
Is California Nature Treks insured?
Is your staff trained in First Aid and CPR?
Do you have a safety and emergency response plan for events?

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Q: Can you help us plan an event for our group?
A: We make it simple for you and/or your planners to choose the program/s that will make for an outstanding and memorable event. To assist you, we will provide a timely and accurate proposal that outlines the specifics of your event, including team building elements and their specific purposes, scheduling, meals, transportation, and other logistical information.

Q: How long are your events?
A: Most events last from 3 to 5 hours. We will work closely with you to design a Trek or Team Building event tailored to your requirements and schedule.

Q: What does California Nature Treks provide at events?
A: Our programs are designed to be full-service events. We provide all the necessary equipment, including kayaks, parkas and jackets, binoculars, spotting scopes, bottled water, Clif Bars¨, permits/reservations, and meeting and greeting services.

Q: What should participants wear or bring to an event?
Depending on the time of year and activity, we recommend running or hiking shoes, windbreaker, sweater or fleece, hat, and pants or shorts.

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Q: What can we expect to see on a nature trek?
A: An amazing variety of wildlife along with spectacular natural scenery. Treks are picked for their natural scenery, abundance of wildlife and unique natural events. You will also learn about the plants and animals you see from our experienced naturalist/guides.

Q: What is the weather like in Northern California at different times of the year?
A: Spring is sunny but windy along the coast. Summer is often foggy and cool on the coast, but hot inland. Autumn is the start of San Francisco's summer. The fog is gone and it is sunny and warm along the coast. Winter can mean warm days and cool nights. Rainy days often give way to warm sunshine.

Q: Is transportation included?

A: For all of our Nature Treks and kayaking trips, transportation is included for groups of up to 40. You may also wish to provide your own transportation. We will work with you and your provider to ensure a smooth event from pick-up 'til drop-off.

For Team Adventures and Team Building events, transportation is not included, but can be arranged for groups of up to 30. Certain conditions, limitations, price reductions and increases may apply concerning the above.

Q: Can you customize events and change venue locations?
A: Yes. All of our programs are customized according to your needs and specifications, and this can include a venue location not listed in our programs. We make every effort to design events according to high standards so that you will be completely satisfied with the results. If a location does not meet our standards or your requirements, we will try to suggest an alternate event and/or location.

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Q: Can we schedule an event around a picnic or barbecue?
A: Many of our clients ask us to include a picnic lunch or barbecue with a program. We can easily design your event so that it starts or ends with a meal on a beautiful beach, meadow or forest. We are happy to work with you and/or your caterer or provide a gourmet boxed lunch for a modest fee.

Q: Can we bring our own facilitator, management consultant, or human resources specialist?
A: Yes. Although we may not, for quality and insurance purposes, allow them to facilitate the adventure training and skills portions of the event, we are happy to work closely with outside consultants and specialists to let them lead debriefings and focus sessions.

Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: Please contact us by telephone or email to inquire about the type of event and date(s) you are interested in. We will send you a contract outlining the event specifics, such as times, guest count, etc. For Team Adventures, we will first create a proposal and outline for your review prior to the contractual agreement being drawn up.

Q: Is a deposit required to hold a reservation?
A: Yes, a 50% deposit is required to confirm all reservations. Events cannot be confirmed until the deposit has been received. We will invoice your accounts payable department for the balance after the event. Terms are 30 days.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Events run rain or shine. If we deem that there are hazardous conditions at the time of the event we will reschedule the event for a later date or, if necessary, issue you a full refund.

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Q: What if we have to cancel?
A: If you need to cancel for any reason, our policy is as follows: 30+ days notification, full refund minus any site reservation or permit fees. Less than 30 days but more than 15, 50% will be refunded minus the above fees. Less than 15 days, the full cost of the event is due.

Q: What fitness level is required for your treks and adventures?
A: Most of our treks are easy to moderate in difficulty and most participants have no trouble keeping up with their guide. Our Team Adventures are designed to match each group's abilities and fitness levels. Most programs are designed to accommodate all fitness levels at the same time, especially our Orienteering and Team Survival events.

Q: What if a participant is uncomfortable with an activity or physical challenge?
A: We believe in allowing participants to decide whether or not they want to take part in the physical challenges, while still encouraging everyone to push themselves in a supportive, non-threatening manner. "Challenge by choice" is the standard we operate our adventures by.

Q: Are your events appropriate for families and/or children?
A: Yes, certain treks and kayaking trips are suitable for children 8 years or older, but a parent or guardian must accompany them. Special family trips are also available.

Q: Is California Nature Treks insured?
A: Yes, we are fully insured and licensed/permitted to operate and run programs in all the areas we utilize.

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Q: Is your staff trained in First Aid and CPR?
A: Yes, at a minimum, all of our staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR. In addition, all are trained in emergency response procedures and carry 2-way radios and operable cellular or satellite phones in case of emergencies.

Q: Do you have a safety and emergency response plan for events?
A: Yes. We take pride in our impeccable safety record and believe that proactive planning is the cornerstone of an adventure company's safety plan. We start every event with a safety discussion designed to make each participant aware of any hazards. All programs are then closely supervised to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. We are happy to provide all clients with a copy of our safety and emergency protocols.

Customized Corporate Outdoor Adventures
Nature Treks, Team Building and Team Adventures throughout Northern California and beyond !
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