KIDS!
Kids are welcome at GMS!
We welcome parents to bring their children to the Summit. We have an on-site child care system that’s a mixture of paid caregivers, the parents themselves, and rotating volunteers from the Greenermind community. We strive to create an environment for both parents and kids to relax, express themselves, and grow.
This is a big step for our community. Having kids is a big life step, and we’ve learned that hosting kids at an event like this is a non-trivial thing. In many ways Greenermind is an experiment in creating the world we want - for ourselves and our society. Having all ages of people present, connected, and learning and sharing with each other is part of that vision.
Ticket Policy for Kids
We offer childcare during the day for children over 5 years old. Parents work together to care for children in the evenings. We only have a limited number of spots available for children so sign-up early! Deadline to sign-up kids is May 23rd.
If your child is under five years old, they are welcome to join us but we cannot offer child care for them at this time. You will have to ensure they are safe and entertained. If there is enough interest to bring young kids, we may be able to help facilitate arranging additional childcare. Because our lodging costs increase with every person who comes, tickets for all ages of children (infants to teenagers) is required, but these ticket prices are offered at below-cost.
Cost
Kids’ tickets are offered at a subsidized price. This cost helps offsets the cost of the lodging, paid caregivers, and food.
Space
GMS is set in immersive natural environment of redwood trees and creeks that is wonderful for children. The entire landscape is a playground. The kids have a dedicated building that’s both connected to, and separate from, the main action. Families with children usually sleep in a cluster of cabins in a more quiet location.
Activities
Both the paid caregivers and others from the Greenermind community bring activities for the children to do. In the past, teenage children have also helped facilitate activities for the younger kids.
Activities are a mixture of art, crafts, games, hikes, nature activities, cooking, and whatever else folks decide. Just like the main Greenermind experience, the exact program emerges based on the contributions and ideas of the community. There are some activities that are designed for both parents and adults, and some activities that are adults only.
Children are welcome to join for lunch and dinner, and those times are often break times for the paid caregivers.
Planning
About a month before the conference, parents and the paid caregivers will get together via e-mail and phone to align expectations and plan. The types of things we plan are:
How many paid staff are needed, covering which children and ages
Games, toys, and activities that each family is planning to contribute
Carpooling and other logistics
Safety
We strive to create a safe, fun, and mutually-accountable environment for children at GMS. Some of how we do this is by:
Setting clear expectations, ground rules, and intentions
Introducing both children and parents to the entire group at the outset of the experience
Having dedicated areas for kids’ activities and family lodging
Confining some adult subject matter to after kids’ bedtime
Having walkie-talkies on-site to communicate with and between caregivers
Given that the Summit an event designed primarily for adults, parents should be forewarned that kids may be exposed to subject matter and behavior relevant to adults (hopefully in ways that are healthy and constructive for all involved).
If this is an environment that you think may be uncomfortable to you as a parent, we suggest that you not bring your child and instead consider coming solo (to see if you’d like to bring your kids in a future year).
Questions?
Email info@greenermindsummit.com.
