Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Community of Families in Nature (CFIN)?
We are a family nature club! It is our goal to gather children, families, friends, and community members to share outdoor adventures and experience the benefits of time spent together in nature. Families with children of a range of ages - from infants to teens - are invited. Details for each event will be given in advance for you to decide if it is a good fit for your family.
Can children attend events by themselves? No. CFIN requires that adults stay with their children at all times. We encourage you to come prepared to make a memory with your child(ren).
Is there a fee to join?
While we will offer free CFIN events periodically, consistent weekly events are accessible through our paid family memberships. One paid family membership covers events for an entire season (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall) for your entire family! Discounted membership and sponsorships are available for families in need.
Why is there a membership fee?
Our membership fee covers the administrative costs associated with organizing and hosting our fun family events. That said, we believe that outdoor fun is for everyone--families in need of financial assistance can choose a discounted membership or email cfin@cei.earth for further assistance. Families who would like to help those in need can choose to sponsor another family's membership--what a beautiful gift!
How do I register for a Winter Family Membership?
Our Winter session is open exclusively to families who have participated in CFIN events before. Emails have been sent to all past CFIN participants with details and a registration link--check your spam or "Promotions" section of your inbox if you can't find it. Still need assistance? Email cfin@cei.earth for help!
What happens if I can't attend a membership event?
No worries! While we don't offer refunds for missed events, your family membership covers events for an entire season of the year and we hope to see you next time!
What happens if there is inclement weather?
We take note of the weather forecast and will contact you via email in the event of a cancellation. Our paid membership includes one "make-up" inclement weather date. While we would definitely be bummed if there were additional weather cancellations, we thank you for your support of CFIN and the Community Ecology Institute.
Do families need to wear masks?
Masks are required for all Winter Membership events. Members may separate from the group for mask breaks (e.g. to enjoy a snack, drink water, etc), as needed.
Do we need to have much experience with outdoor activities?
No! Come as you are, just wear sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothes, a face mask, and bring water and a snack for your family. We will take care of the rest and help you learn what you want to know about getting outdoors as a family as we go.
What do we need to know to come prepared for events?
We will send an email with event details two days before each event. Broadly, everyone should be dressed for the weather in clothes and shoes that are comfortable enough to move in and are OK to get dirty. The weather can change quickly so wear or pack layers and bring rain gear if it may be needed. It is a good idea to have a spare set of clothes and shoes in the car in case they are needed. Each family member should have their own full water bottle. Snacks will be helpful for keeping energy up and little bellies happy during outings. Trail mix, dried fruit, energy bars, cheese slices, crackers, and sliced veggies all make good snack options. A backpack is helpful to carry your water and snacks and we also recommend filling it with: sunscreen, insect repellent, hats and sunglasses, tissues, a small garbage bag, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and any medication your family may need (such as an inhaler and small first aid kit). Other items you may want to bring are: binoculars, magnifying glass, field guide, a camera, a small container for each child to use to collect nature "treasures", and a towel or small blanket. Older kids may want to wear their own packs too! If you have little ones that may tire quickly, a baby carrier will usually work better than a stroller. Be ready to have fun, get dirty, and enjoy nature and each other!
May we bring our dog to outings?
While we love dogs, some children may not be comfortable around them or be allergic and some venues have animal restrictions. Please leave the furry family members at home.
Was this program called Columbia Families in Nature before?
Yes! CFIN started as Columbia Families in Nature back in 2014 and has provided nearly 20,000 hours of outdoor fun to local families! Families from all over the region have been excited about our events so our most asked question has been "Do I have to live in Columbia to participate?" We're so excited about the community of families that has grown around this program and want to reflect that in our new name while keeping our acronym the same!
This sounds great! How do I get involved? Yay!!! Follow us on Facebook to find out about our next Seasonal Membership enrollment period when it is announced!
We are a family nature club! It is our goal to gather children, families, friends, and community members to share outdoor adventures and experience the benefits of time spent together in nature. Families with children of a range of ages - from infants to teens - are invited. Details for each event will be given in advance for you to decide if it is a good fit for your family.
Can children attend events by themselves? No. CFIN requires that adults stay with their children at all times. We encourage you to come prepared to make a memory with your child(ren).
Is there a fee to join?
While we will offer free CFIN events periodically, consistent weekly events are accessible through our paid family memberships. One paid family membership covers events for an entire season (Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall) for your entire family! Discounted membership and sponsorships are available for families in need.
Why is there a membership fee?
Our membership fee covers the administrative costs associated with organizing and hosting our fun family events. That said, we believe that outdoor fun is for everyone--families in need of financial assistance can choose a discounted membership or email cfin@cei.earth for further assistance. Families who would like to help those in need can choose to sponsor another family's membership--what a beautiful gift!
How do I register for a Winter Family Membership?
Our Winter session is open exclusively to families who have participated in CFIN events before. Emails have been sent to all past CFIN participants with details and a registration link--check your spam or "Promotions" section of your inbox if you can't find it. Still need assistance? Email cfin@cei.earth for help!
What happens if I can't attend a membership event?
No worries! While we don't offer refunds for missed events, your family membership covers events for an entire season of the year and we hope to see you next time!
What happens if there is inclement weather?
We take note of the weather forecast and will contact you via email in the event of a cancellation. Our paid membership includes one "make-up" inclement weather date. While we would definitely be bummed if there were additional weather cancellations, we thank you for your support of CFIN and the Community Ecology Institute.
Do families need to wear masks?
Masks are required for all Winter Membership events. Members may separate from the group for mask breaks (e.g. to enjoy a snack, drink water, etc), as needed.
Do we need to have much experience with outdoor activities?
No! Come as you are, just wear sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothes, a face mask, and bring water and a snack for your family. We will take care of the rest and help you learn what you want to know about getting outdoors as a family as we go.
What do we need to know to come prepared for events?
We will send an email with event details two days before each event. Broadly, everyone should be dressed for the weather in clothes and shoes that are comfortable enough to move in and are OK to get dirty. The weather can change quickly so wear or pack layers and bring rain gear if it may be needed. It is a good idea to have a spare set of clothes and shoes in the car in case they are needed. Each family member should have their own full water bottle. Snacks will be helpful for keeping energy up and little bellies happy during outings. Trail mix, dried fruit, energy bars, cheese slices, crackers, and sliced veggies all make good snack options. A backpack is helpful to carry your water and snacks and we also recommend filling it with: sunscreen, insect repellent, hats and sunglasses, tissues, a small garbage bag, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and any medication your family may need (such as an inhaler and small first aid kit). Other items you may want to bring are: binoculars, magnifying glass, field guide, a camera, a small container for each child to use to collect nature "treasures", and a towel or small blanket. Older kids may want to wear their own packs too! If you have little ones that may tire quickly, a baby carrier will usually work better than a stroller. Be ready to have fun, get dirty, and enjoy nature and each other!
May we bring our dog to outings?
While we love dogs, some children may not be comfortable around them or be allergic and some venues have animal restrictions. Please leave the furry family members at home.
Was this program called Columbia Families in Nature before?
Yes! CFIN started as Columbia Families in Nature back in 2014 and has provided nearly 20,000 hours of outdoor fun to local families! Families from all over the region have been excited about our events so our most asked question has been "Do I have to live in Columbia to participate?" We're so excited about the community of families that has grown around this program and want to reflect that in our new name while keeping our acronym the same!
This sounds great! How do I get involved? Yay!!! Follow us on Facebook to find out about our next Seasonal Membership enrollment period when it is announced!
