Junior Gathering

Acorns is our group of youngest Friends, including infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Infants spend the morning as they would at home. Our experienced staff support each child’s needs of feeding, diapering, napping, comfort and care. Older Acorns spend the mornings in a variety of spirited outdoor activities, including water play, ball play and tricycle (car, fire engine!) riding. They will sing songs, hear stories and make beautiful crafts. Though we provide programming in the evening, parents may choose to have an earlier bedtime or keep their little ones with them during the evening. Acorns are lovingly supported and cared for by a coordinator and 3-4 well qualified staff. Please indicate special needs, including nap times on the parental release form.

Children in this age group must be signed in and out of the group by a responsible adult.

Sprouts is our early elementary group. They spend their morning and evenings with peers and are lovingly supported and cared for by a coordinator and 2-3 well qualified staff. Activities are planned by the coordinator and can include anything from art-making to singing, dancing, outdoor play and worship. Many activities are tied to the Gathering theme and are designed to introduce children to Quaker testimonies and values.

Children in this age group must be signed in and out of the group by a responsible adult.

Pinetrees is the older elementary group. Pinetrees spend their morning and evenings with peers and are lovingly supported and cared for by a coordinator and 2-3 well qualified staff. Activities are planned by the coordinator and can include anything from art-making to singing, dancing, outdoor play and worship. Many activities are tied to the Gathering theme and are designed to introduce children to Quaker testimonies and values.

Children in this age group must be signed in and out of the group by a responsible adult.

Oaks is our Middle School group and the oldest Friends in Junior Gathering. Oaks is a time to explore leadings, discover more independence and create a Quaker community with Friends from across the continent. During Morning Program, Oaks participate in a workshop with other participants and a pair of workshop leaders. There are typically a variety of workshop choices that offer artistic, active, and spiritual options. Evening Program is spent in small support groups for worship-sharing, games, check-ins and explorations of identity, spirituality and other topics. There is also time for recreational activities as a large group such as sports, cooking, music, and arts projects. Different activities are offered every night. Staff tailor the activities to participant interests.

Outside of Junior Gathering, youth and parents begin practice setting boundaries as youth build independence and trust. Oaks can sign themselves in and out of the program (with parent/sponsor permission). We encourage families to check-in regularly, preferably several times a day. It’s important to stay in touch throughout the day, so we strongly suggest meeting up:

• at meals
• during the afternoon
• during the evening, right after program time

We count on Oaks to:

• make good decisions
• follow all guidelines
• actively work to maintain a healthy community inside and outside of the program

Parents and sponsors, we remind you that you are in charge of setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries during the mornings before program time, all afternoon, and evenings after 9 pm. The dynamic community we look forward to creating every year comes together best when parents/sponsors, Oak participants, and staff work together to ensure a safe and happy environment for everyone.