Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Columbia 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. Please read the details for each outing to see 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?
No! We are a free group and there is no membership fee. In some rare cases, however, there may be a small fee required for specific events. Full detail about any fees will always be outlined upfront in the event details.
Do we need to have much experience with outdoor activities?
No! Come as you are, just wear sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothes, 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, 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.
This sounds great! How do I get involved? It’s easy! Either register on the contact us page of this site to receive event invitations, or follow us on Facebook to do the same.
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. Please read the details for each outing to see 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?
No! We are a free group and there is no membership fee. In some rare cases, however, there may be a small fee required for specific events. Full detail about any fees will always be outlined upfront in the event details.
Do we need to have much experience with outdoor activities?
No! Come as you are, just wear sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothes, 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, 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.
This sounds great! How do I get involved? It’s easy! Either register on the contact us page of this site to receive event invitations, or follow us on Facebook to do the same.