Infants and Toddlers

Letter from the Acorn leaders 2017

Junior Gathering Times, Summer 2017  (last summer's edition)

Winter Junior Gathering Times, February 2017  

Junior Gathering Times, June 2016      Junior Gathering Times, June 2015 

 Infant Daily Routine

The youngest among us spend their mornings pretty much as they would if they were at home. Our experienced staff will see to it that each child's needs are met on the schedule that works best for that family. Feeding, diapering, napping, nurturing and comforting make up the bulk of the morning and evening. We strive for a 1:1 child to care-giver ratio for those under one year of age.

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

Click here for a typical day’s schedule.

Toddler Daily Routine 

Toddlers have a 2:1 child to caregiver ratio and spend their mornings in a variety of spirited indoor and outdoor activities, such as water play, ball play, and tricycle (car, fire engine!) riding. While indoors toddlers will sing songs, hear stories, and play together.

Toddlers partake in a simple snack.  Please indicate on your Parental Release Form any specific dietary needs so we can plan to meet those needs.  Any toddlers who still take a morning nap will be accommodated.

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

Click here for a typical day’s schedule.

Preparation 

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 [email protected].  You can rest assured that your child is being cared for lovingly as you attend your morning workshop or evening plenary.

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

After April 1, 2018 check out the Junior Gathering FAQs on our website.

You may wish to connect with other parents who have gone to Gathering before.

What to Bring

•  Pack for your child:
  • Stroller
  • Bathing suit
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen (fragrance free)
  • Sun hat
  • Insect Repellent (if you use it)
  • Change of clothes in case we get dirty
  • Diaper Bag
  • Necessary items (sippy cup, blanket, diapers, etc.)
  • Special toy/game/book/CD  for comfort (optional)
  • Photo of your child (Bring to Open House)
• Label all things with your child’s name.
• You may wish to bring a portable crib or playpen for your dorm room.   

A typical family day:

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   5:00-6:30 PM Dinner   

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

We will rely heavily on your opinion for determining whether your child is a Toddler or a Preschooler. Typically the preschool group will be doing activities that require more small and large motor skills, a longer attention span, and more interaction with other children. Pinecones are usually 3 to 5 year olds, while Toddlers are 2 and 3 year olds.  If you have a question, please contact the Junior Gathering Coordinator.

A word about Simple Snacks for 2018

Our main objective as we prepare for Gathering each year is to create a safe, loving environment in which our children can make new friends and explore Quakerism in an age-appropriate, child-centered way. We strive to plan activities that allow for exploration in a play-based curriculum and to build programming that holds all of our children at the center. This is a great joy for those of us who are called to this work.

One of the challenges before the Long Range Conference Planning Committee this year was to find ways to support FGC in its efforts to be careful stewards of our financial resources without compromising the excellent quality of programming we have worked so hard to create in Junior Gathering.  After much discernment and celebration of what works well, the committee felt clear that serving a simpler snack made sense. 

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A simple snack of something like crackers allows Junior Gathering to act as better stewards of our funds in two ways. It eliminates the need for the two snack coordinator positions, as all snack can be delivered to the classrooms at the beginning of the week instead of each morning, and it allows us to conserve funds for programming and rely more heavily on the dining hall and mealtimes to fill the tummies of the children in our care with healthy, sustaining food.  Though we have loved serving fresh, organic produce and juice to the children, these groceries cannot be bought in bulk and are significantly more costly than dry goods.  We appreciate the care that went into this decision and trust that as you make plans for coming to Gathering, you will plan to use the robust offering at the dining services to make sure the children are well fueled for their play and learning with us.  A hearty breakfast goes a long way toward a successful morning and a solid supper helps children thrive during evening program time.  Of course, we will serve a snack to bridge the time between meals, but this year, the snack will be simpler.

Please plan to send a water bottle clearly marked with your child's name so we can avoid using disposable cups and still make sure our children are getting plenty of water to drink, especially on hot days.

Open House: Sunday evening after dinner for all children up to those who have finished 5th grade ( Acorns, Pinecones, Sprouts, Saplings & Pinetrees). 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. Open House is a good time to share dietary or other needs with the Group Coordinator, particularly if you forgot to share them ahead of time.

Help us prepare to give your child the best possible week by sharing with us dietary needs, 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 [email protected]

Updated June 9, 2018