Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Canadian Wild Schools, operating as WILDE School Blue Mountains ("we," "us," or "our"), collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your personal information when you visit our website at https://www.wildeschool.ca/ (the "Website") or participate in our outdoor education programs. We are a not-for-profit organization based in Ontario, Canada, dedicated to providing wilderness education, leadership development, and experiences that foster a connection with nature for youth. This policy complies with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) where relevant.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, such as your name, email address, postal address, phone number, and payment details (processed securely through third-party providers like Stripe) when you register for programs, purchase gift cards, or contact us. For program participants, particularly youth, we may collect additional details including age, health information (e.g., allergies or medical conditions for safety purposes), and emergency contact information, provided by parents or guardians. We also automatically collect certain information through cookies and similar technologies, including your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and interaction data. We use tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Google Tag Manager, and Microsoft Clarity to analyze website usage. These tools may collect data via first-party and third-party cookies or identifiers to measure traffic, improve site performance, and generate insights like heatmaps and session replays. Data collected includes non-personally identifiable information about your visit, which may be shared with Google and Microsoft under their respective privacy policies. We do not enable Google Analytics Advertising Features, but standard analytics may involve data sharing with Google for processing.

In Everyday Terms

We gather info you share with us, like your contact details when signing up for a program, and stuff our site picks up automatically, like how you browse. For kids in our programs, we get details from parents to keep everyone safe. Tools like Google Analytics help us see what's popular on the site without spying on you personally.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to provide and improve our services, including processing registrations and payments, communicating about programs (e.g., newsletters or updates), ensuring participant safety, and analyzing website performance to enhance user experience. Automatically collected data helps us understand site traffic, troubleshoot issues, and optimize content. We may use aggregated, anonymized data for internal reporting or program development. For minors, information is used solely for educational and safety purposes in our programs.

In Everyday Terms

Your info helps us run programs, handle sign-ups and payments, send you updates, and make our website better. We look at overall trends to improve things, but we keep kids' details just for safe, fun learning.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Website uses cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect usage data. Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Tag Manager track metrics like page views and sources; this data is governed by Google's privacy policy. Microsoft Clarity captures behavioral data, including session replays and heatmaps, using cookies to improve site functionality, prevent fraud, and enhance services, as detailed in Microsoft's Privacy Statement. You can manage cookies through your browser settings or opt out of Google Analytics via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Note that disabling cookies may limit some Website features.

In Everyday Terms

Cookies are tiny files that help us track how the site is used. Google tools show us visitor stats, and Clarity lets us see anonymized clicks to fix problems. You can block them in your browser if you want, but the site might not work as well.

4. Sharing Your Information

We share personal information only as necessary: with service providers (e.g., Stripe for payments, analytics providers like Google and Microsoft) bound by confidentiality; with authorities to comply with legal obligations; or in the event of a merger or acquisition. We do not sell, rent, or trade your information for marketing purposes. For minors' data, sharing is limited to what's required for program delivery or legal reasons, with parental consent where applicable. Data may be transferred to servers outside Canada (e.g., in the U.S.) by third parties, subject to equivalent protections under PIPEDA.

In Everyday Terms

We only share your details with trusted helpers like payment processors or if the law requires it. We never sell your info. Kids' data stays extra protected and only goes where needed for the program.

5. Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures, such as encryption, access controls, and secure servers, to protect personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against all risks.

In Everyday Terms

We use locks and alarms (digital ones) to keep your info safe, but like anything online, it's not 100% hack-proof.

6. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal requirements, or resolve disputes. For example, program registration data may be kept for up to 7 years for administrative and tax purposes, while academic or participation records for minors follow Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines where applicable. Once no longer needed, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

In Everyday Terms

We keep your info only as long as we need it for our work or by law, then we delete it safely.

7. Your Rights

Under PIPEDA and applicable laws, you have the right to access, correct, or withdraw consent for the use of your personal information, subject to certain limitations. Parents or guardians may exercise these rights on behalf of minors. To make a request, contact our Privacy Officer. We will respond within 30 days. You may also complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if unsatisfied.

In Everyday Terms

You can ask to see or fix your info, or tell us to stop using it. Parents handle this for kids. Just email us, and we'll sort it out quickly.

8. Children's Privacy

As an educational organization serving youth, we take extra care with minors' information. We collect data about children only with parental consent for program participation. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. Parents can review, delete, or refuse further collection of their child's information by contacting us.

In Everyday Terms

Kids' privacy is super important to us. We only get their info with mom or dad's okay, and parents can check or remove it anytime.

9. International Transfers

Personal information may be stored or processed outside Canada by third-party providers (e.g., Google, Microsoft), where it is subject to foreign laws. We ensure such transfers include safeguards equivalent to Canadian standards through contracts or other measures.

In Everyday Terms

Some data might go to servers in other countries, but we make sure it's protected like it is here.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on the Website with the revised effective date. Continued use of the Website or services constitutes acceptance of the updates.

In Everyday Terms

If we change this policy, we'll put the new version online. Keep using the site means you're cool with it.

11. Contact Us

For questions, access requests, or complaints, contact our Privacy Officer at info@wildeschool.ca or by mail at WILDE School Blue Mountains, 316362 3 Line, Kimberley, ON N0C 1G0, Canada.

In Everyday Terms

Got questions? Email privacy@wildeschool.ca or send a letter to our address.