Curious by nature
Curious By Nature is a (nearly) weekly meetup for kids age 6-9ish.
We will connect with a specific nature topic every week via picture books, art, exploration, and free play. This is not your typical “nature story time” type event - we want kids to participate in discussion during the books, share what they already know about the topics, ask creative questions (that we probably can’t answer right away), engage with art opportunities related to the topic, and of course - go explore together!
The important Details
This meetup is intended for kids age 6-9ish. A parent/adult gaurdian must attend and supervise their child during the meetup.
During the meetup, we will spend roughly half an hour reading and discussing a few picture books then collaborating on an art activity/interactive project. The final hour will be dedicated to hands-off free play in nature. While the kids are playing and connecting further, the parents will be supervising from afar while also connecting, reading, etc themselves.
(If you would need to bring a younger sibling in order for your tween to attend, please email us to discuss prior to attending.)
Who is invited? What do the kids do during the meetup? what about the parents?
1
We meet at a small rotation of outdoor locations in/around Durham to give the kids a variety of enviornments to explore and play in. Occasionally we will have some special locations to match particular nature topics as well as “field trips” on other days/times. Our meetup starts at 10:30am and we do try to begin reading our first book fairly promptly. The meetup officially wraps up at 12:00pm, after which some people choose to stay for an additional BYO picnic “lunch bunch” hour.
When and where do you meet?
2
When you indicate your interest in Curious By Nature you will receive an automatic confirmation email that includes the location details as well as the group leader’s email and cell phone number. There will not be a confirmation email for every single meetup, but there will be a monthly email listing the next several dates. Be sure to add them to your calendar! And you will always get an email if a meetup is cancelled due to weather or other reasons - so be sure to check your inbox before you leave the house. You can always contact the group leader to double check as well.
You don’t have to attend every meetup to be part of the group, but we hope to cultivate a consistent group of kids who attend regularly. (Schedule changed, not a good fit? Simply email and we’ll remove you from the meetup emails.)
How will i know when the next meetup is?
3
What should my kid bring or not bring?
4
Books and all art supplies will be provided. An occasional special request for specific items may be made in the monthly email. Please bring any items you and your child need to stay comfortable outside for the meetup including things like a picnic blanket, snacks/water bottles, bugspray/sunscreen, appropriate outer wear, change of clothes, etc. The group is generally rain or shine.
Please do not allow your kid to bring phones, handheld games, or other non-essential technology. The group leader will occasionally bring things like field guides, microscopes, or other nature-exploration tools. You and your child are welcome to do the same if you have tools/resources you would like to share.
Why was this created for tweens specifically? Third spaces.