Activities and classes for youth this year may include craft projects, nature awareness games, playing with worms, dissecting owl pellets, studying mushrooms, learning about fire, and more!
In order to nurture a framework of more collaborative leadership throughout the gathering, the Youth Program is made up of a crew of competent, experienced leads and worktraders with the agency to plan their own programming, and scheduled guest instructors.
There will be four age groups 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, and Teen Fire. Youth Programming runs at the same time as adult classes, 10-12:30 and 2-4:30 (with the exception of Teen Fire which happens after dark). Each age group will have a class tarp location where they will have the space to play, learn, and engage with their age group. This will be a place to roam from and return to, under the care of the leads and worktraders, during class sessions. We aim to make this a place where they will feel at home and welcome.
We continue to offer the ‘unassisted transition policy’ for parents who’d like to allow their children to leave youth programming on their own once class is over. Parents, please make sure your child has water and snacks, necessary medications, and any other item your child will need when you drop them off for youth programming. Please also be on time when picking up your child. Children who aren’t picked up within ten minutes of class ending will be taken to First Aid to hang out while the parent is called. Lost and Found for children is also First Aid. The First Aid tarp always has a walkie talkie with which to contact all organizers, so your child can be found as quickly as possible.
Leads and worktraders caring for the children at the gathering will continue to be vetted and experienced in childcare and instruction as well as thoughtful, curious members of the community, as they have been for years.
Please remember that all minors must have a legal guardian with them at the event unless other arrangements are made with the core organizing team well in advance.
Children, who wish to participate in Youth Programming, should be signed in with the Lead for their age group at the beginning of each adult class time. Children may only attend adult classes with a guardian or guardian-appointed adult or if previously discussed with the instructor.
Please help your children be aware of potential hazards on the site. Parents are responsible for their children when they are not involved in youth programming.
Teens are welcome to take classes with adults and to be a part of the larger community during the day, and to be themselves at Teen Fire every night starting Wednesday.
We welcome your feedback and questions! Contact us at earthskillsflgathering@gmail.com or efgyouthprogramming@gmail.com