CFIN's Family Nature Club--Programming For The Whole Family!

CFIN's Family Nature Club will meet about two times per month.  Our event activities are generally geared towards the interests and abilities of kiddos ages 5 -10 and their grownups; but, there's something for everyone in nature and at these  gatherings the whole family is welcome!  Event Leaders will make every effort to make sure that children of all ages are engaged.

Events take place either at CEI's properties --Freetown Farm and Green Farmacy Garden-- or in natural areas in (or nearby) Howard County, Maryland. 
Our 'on-property' Art and Farm Experiences combine arts based projects with seasonal interactions and exploration of our two properties. Our 'off-property' nature adventure outings emphasize teachable moments, creative exploration, free-play, and land stewardship activities.

12 Family Minimum.

Event Details for our Winter/Spring Semester:
Join us in community as we explore, learn, and play in nature!  Together we'll watch our local environment emerge from dormant winter to full blown late spring.  This will be our longest 'semester' with a total of 12 events.  Information about individual CFIN events will be updated below as we firm up plans; our Event Leaders plan activities best suited for kids ages 5-10; modifications to activities can easily be made to include older and younger siblings; there's something for everyone in nature!  Event plans are sent prior to each gathering with details of planned activities, stroller-friendliness of the outing, and anticipated mileage.  We encourage families to attend as many of the 'semester' outings as they can to establish a familiar rhythm and build community; perfect attendance is certainly not a requirement for registration.
Winter/Spring Event Dates and Details (dates are set, some locations are subject to change)
Sunday, January 5th: Community Event (included in Membership) First Sunday Family-friendly Hike with Nature Center Visit, Soldiers Delight NEA
Sunday, January 26th: A visit to Robinson Nature Center
Sunday, February 9th: Art and Farm Experience, Freetown Farm
Sunday, February 23rd: Exploring the trails of Howard County Conservancy
Sunday, March 9th: Art and Farm Experience, Green Farmacy Garden 
Sunday, March 23rd: CEI Equinox Celebration (included in Membership), Freetown Farm
Sunday, April 13th: Art and Farm Experience, Freetown Farm
Sunday, April 27th: Spring visit to CFIN's Adopt-a-Spot: Land Stewardship event
Sunday, May 4th: Art and Farm Experience, Green Farmacy Garden
Saturday, May 31st through Sunday, June 1st: Spring Community Event (included in Membership) Camping 101 with optional Campout - Patapsco Valley State Park
Sunday, June 8th: Art and Farm Experience, Freetown Farm
Sunday, June 15th: Father's Day adventure (with water access if conditions are favorable) -- Middle Patuxent Environmental Area

​Explore the local landscape together with engaging outdoor events; fun for the whole family!--Registration is open!