Frequently Asked Questions

—> Refer to our Overnight FAQ for the Young Shedders program (ages 9-12)

General Program Information

  • We run programs throughout the school holiday periods for children ages 3-12yo, including:

    • Autumn Camp (October half term)

    • Winter Camp (Christmas holidays)

    • Lunar New Year Camp

    • Spring Camp (Easter holidays)

    • Summer Camp (summer holidays)

  • We collaborate with schools year-round on bespoke programs tailored to their students and educational goals. You can learn more here: https://www.theshedhk.com/school-programs

    We also offer a year-round program for ages 1–4 at our Shek O space — you can learn more here: https://www.theshedhk.com/shek-o

    Alternatively, we can organise private sessions (minimum 8 children) and may be able to accommodate your preferred dates. Feel free to reach out if you have a group in mind.

  • The Shed provides experiential, skills-based learning designed to foster global competencies across three key areas: ME (the needs of self), WE (the needs of others), and US (the needs of the world and nature).

    Rather than solely focusing on outdoor activities, we use diverse tools like outdoor exploration, cooking, building, and permaculture to create reflective experiences in a safe, caring environment with supportive mentors.

  • In the multi-day programs such as Mini Shedders (3-4yo), Little Shedders (5-8yo) and Young Shedders (9-12yo), the activities are intentionally designed to build on one another over multiple days, forming a structured journey that is different from the standalone daily Shedders program.

  • Our programs are intentionally designed to be unaccompanied, as it allows children to fully engage and grow through the experience. For this reason, parents and caregivers are not able to join the sessions.

    We hope parents understand the intention behind this, and that it’s part of why they choose The Shed for their children.

    Our mentors are there to support them throughout — helping them settle in, feel secure, and explore with confidence.

  • All our programs are taught in English.

  • Our staff/mentors are adults from diverse backgrounds. Our team undergoes training in child safeguarding, protection, and risk management, ensuring a safe and well-managed environment at all times.

    All mentors are trained in first aid and CPR, enabling them to respond promptly to any injuries or health concerns with care and professionalism.

    Many of our mentors have a teaching background or extensive experience working with children, and where relevant, bring specialised training or experience related to the activities they lead — allowing them to guide children with both confidence and expertise.

  • We generally recommend enrolling children in their designated age group, as each program is thoughtfully designed to match their developmental stage, pace, and social dynamics.

    This helps ensure they feel confident, comfortable, and able to fully engage in the experience.

    If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise based on your child — feel free to reach out and we can guide you to the best fit.

  • No. Pick-up and drop-off are only available at the designated locations and times communicated by The Shed.

    This helps ensure the safety of all participants, provides a clear handover between families and The Shed, and supports the smooth operation of our programs.

Readiness + Independence

  • A good indicator is if your child can:

    • Separate from you with some support

    • Follow simple instructions

    • Participate in group settings

    • Communicate basic needs

  • Children joining our program should ideally be toilet trained.

    If your child is still in the process of toilet training, we don’t change diapers, but our mentors are happy to accompany and support them in using the bathroom — or a “bush wee” when outdoors — with a same-sex mentor, as needed throughout the day.

  • That’s very common, and something we see often. Our approach is gentle and supportive.

    Children are never forced to participate. Many begin by observing and naturally join in once they feel ready.

    If your child is hesitant, we recommend starting with enrolling in a single-day Shedders program first. This allows them to ease into the environment without feeling overwhelmed. If they enjoy it, you can always continue with more sessions afterward.

  • Each of our programs are carefully designed to be age-appropriate, with routes and activities adapted to each group, along with regular breaks for snacks, hydration, and rest.

    Locations are also thoughtfully selected based on the season — for example, during the hotter months, we choose environments with shade, water access, and opportunities for beach and water play, so children can stay cool, comfortable, and engaged throughout the day.

    If there is still hesitation, we recommend starting with enrolling in a single-day Shedders program first. This allows them to ease into the environment without feeling overwhelmed. If they enjoy it, you can always continue with more sessions afterward.

Logistics + Preparation

  • Lunch is not provided as part of our programs.

    For full-day programs (i.e. Little Shedders and Young Shedders), children will need to bring a packed lunch.

    A detailed packing list will be shared closer to the program date.

  • For activities held at outdoor locations, a private shuttle bus will transport children to and from the site, with convenient pick-up and drop-off at the Hong Kong Central Post Office.

    For indoor days held at our sister charity, More Good, located in Chai Wan, participants will need to arrange their own transportation there.

  • A detailed packing list, tailored to the day’s activities, will be shared closer to the program date.

  • The Shed has a clear No Technology policy as an important aspect of all Shed programs is to build connections with others and practice the act of being present. To help achieve this The Shed asks that no mobile phones, smart watches or any other electronic devices are sent with a child for any programs.

    For more details please see our Program Polices under our Terms and Conditions.

Safety, Health + Supervision

  • For our programs for ages 3–8 (Mini, Little, and Shedders), we maintain a low 1:4 mentor-to-child ratio to ensure each child receives close attention, guidance, and supervision throughout the experience.

    Group sizes are typically up to 12 children for Mini Shedders, and up to 16 for Little and Shedders.

    For our older group, Young Shedders (ages 9–12), we operate with a minimum 1:6 ratio, supporting greater independence while still ensuring strong oversight.

  • We try to pick locations where there is usually a public toilet available at the starting point of our adventures, and we always remind children to use it before we set off. During snack time, we’ll also check in with the children to see if anyone needs to use the toilet.

    If a child needs to go during the activity, a same-sex mentor will accompany them to do a discreet bush wee, following our safety and privacy guidelines.

    We always have both male and female mentors present with each program and group, so children can be supported comfortably with toileting as needed.

  • For activities such as stream scrambles and beach swims, PFDs can be provided if needed, though they are not required.

    Our team is trained in first aid and emergency response, and carries appropriate safety and rescue equipment at all times.

    We maintain a low 1:4 mentor-to-child ratio for younger groups (ages 3–8) and 1:6 for Young Shedders (ages 9–12), ensuring close supervision throughout.

    All mentors are trained in The Shed’s emergency procedures and evacuation protocols, providing a safe and well-managed environment at all times.

  • We take a proactive and dynamic approach to risk management — continuously monitoring weather conditions, the environment, and each child’s wellbeing. Activities are adapted as needed to ensure safety at all times.

    Based on risk assessments all participants will wear appropriate safety equipment based on the relevant activity.

  • The health and safety of all our participants is of utmost importance. If your child requires any medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, during their time at The Shed, we are happy to assist with administration.

    For any medication please ensure it packaged in a zip lock bag that is clearly labeled with instruction on how to administer. Any requirements to take medication must be clearly communicated to The Shed’s admin team and lead mentors. Please ensure these details are stated when completing your child’s registration form.

  • We have a health center with trained medical professionals to assess and treat minor issues.

    Our mentors are trained in first aid and CPR and can respond promptly to minor injuries or health concerns.

    For more serious situations, we have clear protocols in place to access medical support and emergency services if needed. Parents will always be informed promptly of any significant concerns.

  • We have clear emergency protocols in place. Our team is trained to respond quickly and appropriately, including accessing medical support if needed. Parents will always be contacted promptly in the event of any significant concern.

Bad Weather Policy + Arrangements

  • During the hotter months, we thoughtfully select environments and routes that offer shade, water access, and opportunities for beach and water play, helping children stay cool, comfortable, and engaged throughout the day. Our mentors also carry extra water and ensure children take regular hydration and rest breaks throughout the session.

    When weather conditions become particularly hot, mentors will guide children to shaded areas, encourage regular hydration, increase the frequency of rest breaks, and adapt activities, routes, and intensity levels to ensure children remain safe, comfortable, and engaged.

    As temperatures are typically highest later in the day, additional precautions apply to our afternoon Shedders Program (3-6yo). If temperatures reach 36°C or above, the session will be cancelled to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the children. Families will be notified at least 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled start time wherever possible.

    In this event, families will receive a full credit for the cancelled session, which can be redeemed for another available session during the current holiday program or applied toward the next scheduled holiday program.

  • We usually go ahead with the outdoor plan even if it is raining. Our trail is well covered with frequent shelter spots for breaks and it’s a great opportunity to experience nature in a different state.

    The Shed is always monitoring the weather and will feedback to all families regarding potential bad weather and its impact it may have on a program.

    For more details please refer to our Weather Policies under our Terms & Conditions page.

  • Please refer to our Weather Policies under our Terms & Conditions.

Enrollment + Refund Policy

  • Promotions are not combinable, Our Early Bird rate is the best value we offer and is not combinable with other discounts, including the 5% Family & Friends discount.

    Once the Early Bird period has ended, families enrolling more than one child — or friends joining together — will be eligible for a 5% Family & Friends discount.

  • Refunds are only available for cancellations made at least 4 weeks prior to the program start date. Please note that a $500 administrative fee will be applied to process any refund.

    For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

  • The Shed will not issue refunds, course credit, or make-up classes for personal reasons of any kind (including illness).

    For more details please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Communication

  • Before the commencement of the program all family members will be invited to join a WhatsApp group chat that will be used to communicate critical details and daily updates regarding the program they are enrolled in.

    At the end of each day, lead mentors will share updates, photos and content here to keep everyone up to date with their children’s progress.

  • We appreciate that sometimes it can be harder for the families to be away from their child than it is for the child to be away from their families.

    For any messages please reach out to the lead mentor via the group chat or privately. Should further communication be required this can be arranged on a case by case basis.