OFFERINGS FOR CHILDREN

Each day begins with an activity that brings awareness to our bodies and nature. We then gather for our opening circle, giving us an opportunity to give gratitude, share names (& nature names) and engage as a group. We travel with curiosity down the trail exploring animal signs and plant life as we go. Once we arrive at our spot for the day, we set up our "base camp". This is where we eat, craft, build, tell stories and observe the local habitat and evidence of the cycles of the seasons. Respect and reverence for one another and the natural world in instilled in all that we do. Seasonal activities and celebrations are incorporated to mark the continuous changes of the environment.

Please send children with:

• A comfortable and well fitting backpacking to carry all of their gear in (they will carry ALL of their own things)
• Healthy & Hardy Lunch and Snack (with more food than an average school day would require)
• Reusable & Full Water Bottle (32 oz. is ideal)
• Seasonal clothing - Layers and/or Bathing Suit & Sarong (or a very lightweight towel)- weather permitting
• Hat & Sunscreen already applied upon drop off
• A change of clothes
• Comfortable shoes that are okay to get wet and dirty (no flip flops)
• Rashguard (optional)
• TOYS & ELECTRONICS NEED TO STAY AT HOME PLEASE

The number of children varies depending on how many families register. A group may range from 6 to 12 children.

FNL's homeschool program Tracks & Trails will be held at the Ventura River Preserve in Ojai. We will spend time on the trails, in the shade, up the trees and in the river. Exact trailhead locations vary for each seasonal program.

Each day begins with an opening circle, giving us an opportunity to check in, share gratitude, and hear the rough plan for the day. We then move onto either a game or activity that brings awareness to our bodies and nature. With our first fall season focused on gaining a lay of the land, we will spend time throughout the day reading and drawing maps and discussing basic geography, following and giving one another directions, nature journaling, exploring locations connected to the bike trail and the watershed, and recording our questions of curiosity that arise to help direct future study.

Each week will build upon the next with some goals being the creation of our own map of the valley and engaging with community businesses and organization through collaborative projects and teambuilding challenges.

Please send children with:

• A comfortable and well fitting backpacking to carry all of their gear in (they will carry ALL of their own things)
• Healthy & Hardy Lunch and Snack (with more food than an average school day would require)
• Reusable & Full Water Bottle (32 oz. is ideal for summer)
• Hat & Sunscreen already applied upon drop off
• Comfortable shoes that are okay to get wet and dirty (no flip flops) 
• A spiral bound blank note book and a pencil case with pens, pencils and color tools of choice (more info about this will be sent after you register)
• TOYS & ELECTRONICS NEED TO STAY AT HOME

The number of children varies depending on how many families register and staff availability. A group may range from 6 to 12 children.

We will meet close to Libbey Park each morning. Throughout the day we branch out from their on foot. We'll visit places such as the community garden, the library, the Ojai Museum, the Pratt Trail & Shelf Road (which will be drop off locations on certain days) as well as little creek beds that connect all around town adjacent to green spaces and indicator species. Field trips to further out places will likely occur as well as "bring your bike day" if that works for all participants. Much will be inspired by the interests of the group.

Each day begins with time to greet one another, swing on the giant rope swing and gather for our opening gratitude circle where we share names, nature names and introduce our theme for the day. We then wander our way to our sweet campsite with an ocean view and collectively get our fire going. We spend the morning at our base camp crafting, feasting, engaging with nature and telling stories. After lunch we will spend time on the beach and in the water. Spontaneity is a part of each day as we gather materials for our projects from the land and follow the cues of song birds, Osprey, Harbor Porpoises and other majestic visitors. 

Please send children with:

• A comfortable and well fitting backpacking to carry all of their gear in 
• Healthy & Hardy Lunch and Snack (with more food than an average school day would require)
• Reusable & Full Water Bottle (32 oz. is ideal for summer)
• Bathing Suit & Sarong (or a very lightweight towel)
• Hat & Sunscreen already applied upon drop off
• A change of clothes
• Comfortable shoes that are okay to get wet and dirty 
• Rashguard (optional)
• Electronics need to please stay at home

The number of children varies depending on how many families register. A group may range from 8 to 12 children.

Crafty Ravens will be held at OCRK (Oceanfront Campground at Reach Knolls) in Brooklin, Maine. We have the best site booked with an ocean view and plenty of room for our group to spread out.