Preschoolers

Pinecones

Pinecones are what we call our preschoolers in the Junior Gathering Program. Click the links in the menu below to learn about this group.

Daily Routine
Preparation
What to Bring (list coming soon)
Toddler or Preschooler?
Typical Day
Open House

Daily Routine

Preschoolers spend their mornings in a variety of spirited outdoor activities, such as water play, ball play, and tricycle (car, fire engine!) riding. They will sing songs and hear stories and make beautiful crafts. Children who are able to take care of their bathroom needs but have not yet entered Kindergarten are in this group.

Preschoolers partake in a healthy snack, typically fresh locally grown fruit (when possible), fruit juice, cheese and crackers. Those preschoolers who still take a morning nap will be accommodated.

While we provide programming in the evenings, some families choose to have an earlier bedtime or to keep their little ones with them during their evening activities.

These young friends are grouped primarily by age, and lovingly cared for and under the supervision and direction of a handful of adults -- one primary coordinator with approximately 3-4 well qualified staff, among which may be a High School Young Friend who is taking the Ministry With Children workshop.

Please be sure to tell us of any special dietary needs or preferences. Help us prepare to give your child the best possible week by sharing with us joys, struggles, achievements, challenges and/or recent significant changes in your child's life. You can indicate these on your Parental Release form or by email to patsym@fgcquaker.org.

You can rest easy knowing that your preschooler's needs for fresh air, nutritious food and rest are being met.

Preparation

Before Gathering

Help us prepare to give your child the best possible week by sharing with us:

• joys
• struggles
• achievements
• challenges and/or
• recent significant changes in your child's life.

Indicate these on your Parental Release form or by email to patsym@fgcquaker.org.  You can rest assured that your child is being cared for lovingly as you attend your morning workshop or evening plenary.

Carefully read your confirmation email and the mailing from Junior Gathering in early June. (JG Times & a letter from your child’s group leader).

Check out the Junior Gathering FAQs on our website.

Connect with other parents who have attended Gathering before.

What to Bring (list coming soon)

Please clearly label anything you wish to take home at the end of the week.

What's the difference between Toddlers and Preschoolers?Or how do you tell an Acorn from a Pinecone?

For the purpose of our groups, if your child still needs to have a diaper changed, your child will be in the Acorns. Children who can "use the big potty" are in the Pinecones.

A typical family day:

• Our Family Place: 1:30 - 4:30
• MultiGen activities
• Field Trips
• Make your own plans

5:00-6:30 PM Dinner

Open House: Sunday evening at 4:45 for all children up to those who have finished 5th grade ( Acorns, Pinecones, Sprouts, Saplings & Pines). This is a time for you and your child to come and get acquainted with the caregivers / staff and the other children. Coordinators will discuss their plans and expectations for the week. Parents and/or Responsible Parties will be asked to list those adults who have permission to sign out their child. If permission has not been granted, your child will not be released. If you forget to share special needs with us ahead of time, Open House is a good time to share dietary or other needs with the Group Coordinator.

Help us prepare to give your child the best possible week by sharing with us joys, struggles, achievements, challenges and/or recent significant changes in your child's life. You can indicate these on your Parental Release form or by email to patsym@fgcquaker.org.