Frequently Asked Questions

Why are classes only held during school breaks?  The classes offered by O’Toolin Around are specifically held during school breaks, including Thanksgiving, winter, spring, and summer breaks, to address a critical need in the community. This scheduling decision is rooted in several key motivations and objectives:

1. Filling a Supervision Gap. There is a significant gap in supervision for thousands of kids during school breaks. Parents are often working or otherwise engaged, and many children are left unsupervised. O’Toolin Around provides a safe and enriching environment where students can spend their time productively under the supervision of a certified and experienced educator.
2. Educational Continuity. School breaks can lead to a learning gap where students may not engage in educational activities for extended periods. By offering classes that are both fun and educational, O’Toolin Around helps maintain a continuum of learning, ensuring that students continue to engage their minds and learn new skills even when they are not in school.
3. Meeting Parental Needs. Many parents seek constructive and educational activities for their children during breaks but may lack the time, resources or knowledge to provide these experiences themselves. O’Toolin Around offers a solution by providing a variety of classes that cater to different interests, including sports, outdoor adventures and engineering projects.
4. Encouraging Exploration and Curiosity. The classes are designed to ignite students’ curiosity and allow them to explore new interests in a safe environment. School breaks provide the perfect opportunity for students to delve into areas outside the traditional academic curriculum, such as hiking, camping, basketball and fun engineering projects, fostering a love for lifelong learning.
5. Building Confidence and Skills. Activities like hiking fourteeners, camping and engaging in engineering projects challenge students and help them develop resilience, confidence and practical skills. These experiences, offered during school breaks, provide unique opportunities for personal growth that students might not otherwise have.
6. Creating a Community. By bringing students together during breaks, O’Toolin Around fosters a sense of community and belonging. Students from various schools and grades have the chance to meet, work together and form friendships based on shared experiences and interests.

In summary, holding classes during school breaks serves multiple purposes: it addresses a care gap for children, offers continued educational opportunities, meets the needs of busy parents, encourages exploration and skill development and fosters a sense of community among participants. This approach not only benefits the students by providing them with enriching experiences but also supports parents by offering a trustworthy and constructive option for their children’s time off from school.

What are the costs? Depending on the specific course, costs range from $10 for a 2-hour open gym basketball session to $499 for multi-day backpacking trips. We offer discounts for veterans, sibling and family registration.

Can parents or guardians participate or observe? Yes, family involvement is encouraged, especially in activities like the Christmas gingerbread house building session. We value community involvement and believe that family participation enhances the learning experience.

What if a student has special needs or requirements? We strive to accommodate all students. Please contact us in advance to discuss any specific needs or considerations so we can ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for every participant.

Does participating in the basketball sessions guarantee my child will make the middle school team? No it does not, but as a middle school coach, Mr. O’Toole can identify what skills need to be improved. He can provide specific drills to strengthen these skills to boost the chances of your child making the middle school team.

Are there any age restrictions for your programs? Yes, programs are designed for specific age groups to ensure optimal learning and safety. Check individual program descriptions for age requirements. Email Mr. O’Toole if you would like to discuss an exemption to the age requirement.

What is the cancellation policy? Full refunds are issued for cancellations made up to 2 weeks (14 calendar days) before the program start date. Within 2 weeks (less than 14 calendar days), a credit for future programs is issued.

How do I register my child for a program? Go to the Registration page on our website to begin signing up.