Featherfin Family Services
Child and Family Offerings
Check out our photo gallery
to see our family nature gatherings in action!
GREAT DAY FOR NATURE PLAY
Hands-on Nature Classes for Children and Caregivers
Ages 2.5 t0 8 / Younger and older siblings welcome as guests
Dates and Locations Vary and are announced on our social media and in our email newsletters
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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!
Hosted by a certified play-based educator and Master Naturalist, each mixed-age class is carefully created to support young children in strengthening heart, body, and mind. Designed around early childhood development skill building themes like empathy, creativity, communication, and problem-solving, these child-led gatherings welcome children fully to explore and connect with nature in their own way. 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!
GREAT DAY FOR NATURE PLAY
Destination Play Dates for Children and Caregivers
All Ages Welcome
Dates and Locations Vary and are announced on our social media and in our email newsletters
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Inspired by the seasons and the natural features of each unique hosting destination, our playdates bring a deconstructed spin on our Great Day for Nature Play classes,
Knowing that true play is chosen and directed completely by children, we provide the space and the stuff and the story, and leave the rest up to the kids! Some dabble, some dive deep, and some take their play in a completely new direction. No matter what, the instincts of children to guide their own play are trusted. During playdates, we grown-ups observe and support and keep safe, but the kiddos take the lead.
STAUNTON MOON FAMILIES
Moon Cycle Learning Celebrations
Ages 3 - 8 / Younger and older siblings welcome as guests
Coming 2026 / Watch for enrollment fall 2025
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Families eager to incorporate a rich, nature-based tradition into their family's culture rave about Staunton Moon Families (formerly, Full Moon Families), selected "Most Magical Family Nature Program" by Trail Kids RVA in 2023.
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NEW OR FULL MOOON? In the lunar cycle, the New Moon and Full Moon carry different meanings and energies. New Moons represent going inwards - slowing down, reflecting, setting intentions and making plans. Full Moons, on the other hand, represent going outwards - completing tasks, expressing ourselves, and being social.
With the unique energies of these moon phases in mind, Staunton Moon Families come together each month to celebrate the Full Moon with an evening of earth-calendar creativity and celebration! Opening and closing circle rituals help us create child-friendly routine, and timely connections to the seasonal spirt of each unique lunar month keep us learning!
This full-family learning celebration is joyful and curious, filled with play, art, music, and snacks, and culminating with our famous "Full Moon Disco" dance party! Core memory building potential, for sure!
Check out this reel from last year's program -- can you picture your family enjoying this type of fun and fellowship? If so, we would love to have you become a part of our year-long group.
Mycelium's Muse: Child and Family Edition
Nature Surprises for Children and Caregivers!
All Ages Welcome
Dates and Locations Vary and are announced on our social media and in our email newsletters
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The mystery and intrigue of the natural world is fascinating and diverse. Just as the fungal mycelium network stretches and moves and grows underground, our senses are always met with nature's changing and shifting inspirations. The blazing colors of fall. The buzzing sound of a bee in the garden. The rich smell of fresh dirt. The soothing ripples of the river.
Our Mycelium's Muse programs embrace the wide variety of nature's inspiration with ever changing and community offerings. As the name implies, the programs move all over the map, "as the muse strikes!" From fire starting tutorials to baby and toddler river splashings to leaf catching competitions to sunrise yoga, Mycelium's Muse is the program that knows no boundaries, and each gathering is truly one-of-a-kind.
PS - We also offer adult and teen versions of this program!
Want to learn more about our Child and Family Programming?
Interested in hosting a class or playdate at your site?
Please email Kim at Kim@featherfin.org to discuss!