Recurring Family Programs
Check out our photo gallery
to see our family nature gatherings in action!
GREAT DAY FOR NATURE PLAY
Ages 2.5 t0 8 and caregivers, siblings welcome as guests
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Our first ever program, Great Day for Nature Play classes are what put Featherfin on the map! These interactive one hour play classes connect children and their caregivers to the natural world's changing seasons through uniquely playful, child-led learning, all four seasons of the year!
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Hosted by a certified play-based educator, each mixed-age class is designed with intention to support young children in strengthening heart, body, and mind. With attention paid to early childhood development skill building themes like empathy, creativity, and problem-solving, our number one priority is giving your little ones developmentally-appropriate experiences in nature. And we do it all through play! Grown-ups appreciate the learning, but for kids, its just plain fun!
Plus! Each Great Day for Nature Play class includes early childhood tips and tricks for caregivers. That's right, grown-ups, you get to learn, too!
Keep your eyes on Featherfin's social media and email list for program registration announcements.
FEATHERFIN FAMILY SURPRISE
Full Family - All Ages
Dates Vary
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Who doesn't love a good surprise?!? While our other recurring programs follow a prescribed format, these bi-monthly programs can be about anything and held anywhere! Running the gamut of our "learn, play, love connect" mission, these programs are all over the map. But no matter the program, all programs combine outdoor experiences with community connection.
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Keep your eyes on Featherfin's social media and email list for program registration announcements.
FULL MOON FAMILIES
Ages 4 - 8 and caregivers, siblings welcome as guests
Bi-monthly Learning celebrations
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Families eager to incorporate more nature-based traditions into their family's culture rave about Full Moon Families, selected "Most Magical Family Nature Program" by Trail Kids RVA in 2023.
Held on the evening of the Full Moon, each 90 minute cozy gathering includes moon and natural world learning content, play and art creation time, a moon themed snack, and our beloved sunset "Full Moon Disco" dance party! With thoughtful decorations and a parent-photographer on site to capture moments, get ready for a unique Learning Celebration that you won't find anywhere else!
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NEW OR FULL MOON?: In the lunar cycle, the New Moon and Full Moon carry different meanings and energies. New Moons represent reflection, rest, and reset. Full Moons, on the other hand, represent completion of intentions, socializing, and an "outward energy" just perfect for play and celebration. We can't wait to share Full Moon vibes with you!
Keep your eyes on Featherfin's social media and email list for program registration announcements.
NATURE'S NURTURERS
Adults
Dates Vary​
"Nature time is important for children and families, but it's just one corner of the puzzle."
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PURPOSE OF NATURE'S NURTURERS: At Featherfin, we are mindful of the generational cycles of pain that lead children to struggle to thrive in childhood and adulthood. We believe that a relationship with the natural world is an essential protective factor for these adverse effects. But truth be told, we know that families today need much more than nature medicine to thrive. They need community of a certain type - empowering, joyful, and helpful - spaces and gatherings in which they can be nurtured through community support and shared understanding.
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Spending time in this sort of community can be like sun and rain for the growing plant. Except the plant is your family, always changing through the seasons of life.
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Nature's Nurturers gatherings are a place for laughter, learning, and safe space connection. Programs vary, but all are united by one common goal - to help caregivers feel inspired and connected on their epic journey of caring for children.
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Typical Nature Nurturer programs include:
Out Outside - small group eco-therapy experiences that prioritize inner work and emotional healing through shared vulnerability. Challenges and celebrations are shared and recognized. Held in private and public green spaces, each gathering includes a nature walk to assure that the natural world will be an active participant in all gatherings.
Curious Caregivers - learning based gatherings for parent caregivers and early childhood professionals interested in topics related to early childhood development and family wellbeing. Sample programs include film and book chats, parent skill building classes, guest lectures, casual roundtable discussions, and more.
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Keep your eyes on Featherfin's social media and email list for program registration announcements.
For Hire
Special Events
Interested in learning more about our Nature Flare options?
Please email Kim at Kim@featherfin.org
to discuss
Nature Flare
Bring a touch of nature's wonder to your outdoor event with some Nature Flare! 🌺🌳🦋​
Calling on the wisdom of trees, the super powers of animals, and the awe of a stunning sunset, our Nature Flare service helps you connect the purpose of family-friendly event with the features of your outdoor venue.
With Nature Flare decorative touches and interactive stations in place, your guests will experience the natural world as more than a backdrop; it will be an active co-creator of your event.
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Whether you are hosting your event in a suburban backyard, a wooded campground, or a historic estate, we bring an eye for detail and a passion for helping connect what's special about the natural world features of your venue with your guests. Each gathering and space is different, and so are our customizable elements. With both facilitated and self-guided features available, we will work with you to select the offering most appropriate for your unique event purpose, space, and audience.
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Nature Flare is the perfect add-on for historic site fundraisers, weddings and reunions, family friendly wineries and farm breweries, agritourism sites, eco-tourism sites, school, homeschool, and Scout celebrations, and many other outdoor gatherings.​
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Availability is very limited for these customizable offerings. Each booking includes a planning site-visit and a proposal process and must be booked at least 12 weeks in advance. Available March - November. ​​