Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, we will have a limited number of slots so we will be sticking to the 7-11 age range. The activities and presentations will be geared to this age range.

Our first priority is safety. The best max ratio to meet our goals of safety and engaged participation is 2:6. In addition to safety, the goal is to encourage a sense of community with the group so keeping the group small helps encourage that as well.

That would be up to you. Teaching knife safety will be one of the elements of the program. We will also have activities that include using a knife to whittle wood and it will necessary for various skills so not having one would limit what your child would be able to do.

Yes. That is actually a big part of what many kids enjoy. They will learn how to look for sticks that are good for kindling, look for wood that is good for burning, learn a few different ways to arrange wood to make a fire, fire safety, etc. The fire will also be used to warm drinks or soups during lunch.

This was one that caught me too when we first started. While we will be at a park that has porta potties, we may not always be close to one to use. In those cases, they will have to use the great outdoors. We will show how to do this safely, discretely and in a way where we leave no trace.

Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to offer a trial class. In fact, we are asking all families that join to commit to the full course from September, 2025-June, 2026. We believe this consistency will help the kids build camaraderie. Moreover, the program will be built around how many kids we have since they will each have a role to perform at each meetup.

No, but we are considering arranging a "meet and greet" day for attending families...stay tuned! In addition, my husband and I will take time during pickup and drop off to discuss anything that's come up during the day with families and are available via email and phone after class time when necessary.

There is an application fee to use the park. We have a couple of naturalists who are volunteering their time but if I am unable to find others, I may have to ask the park and their programs cost approximately $7 per child. I also plan to provide journals specific to our group so there will be a nominal fee for that as well.

Generally, we will use BAND to get assignments, post pictures, get updates, etc. However, when out at the park, text will be the primary source of communication should that be necessary.

Kids will pack a lunch and some snacks. Ideally, you don't want to have too many containers adding unnecessary weight. They'll be times when we may share in cooking things over a fire but you will get notice of that ahead of time. That will generally happen in the colder months.

What the kids will need to put in their pack may vary a bit depending on weather conditions. I will send out a recommended list based on the weather conditions prior to our meetup.

Generally, we will meet rain, shine, snow, or heat. The key will be to have the right gear and to make smart choices regarding our environment (e.g. not being near water in freezing temperatures, doing hydration checks, etc.). Of course, if weather conditions would make it unsafe for travel, we do not want to put families at risk so we will have to take those cases as they come.

As of now, no makeup class has been added to the schedule. However, should we need to miss a class (e.g. inclement weather, sickness, etc.), I will do my best to work with families to set up a make-up class if at all possible.

If you are a member of Charlotte's Circle or Mother's Coffee and are interested in registering, please fill out the contact form so you can be sent a registration via email. You email will be sent in accordance with your group affiliation (i.e. if Charlotte's Circle on June 30, otherwise July 2).