Programs:

Swift Eagle

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Earthwork Frequently Asked Questions

For prospective students:

1. Why were EarthWork programs created?
2. Who can attend one of your programs? What kind of experience should I/my child have?
3. Who are the instructors?
4. What is class like? Is there an academic component to the program?
5. Where are EarthWork programs located?
6. How much do EarthWork programs cost?
7. Can I receive school credit for a program?
8. May I come observe the program before attending?
9. Is it possible to enroll in more than one program at once?

For enrolled students:

1. What should I/my child bring to an EarthWork program?
2. What about in winter?
3. What kind of knife is needed for the program?
4. My child wants to use her knife at home. How do I help her be safe?
5. I’ve heard EarthWork staff talk about “mentoring.” What does this mean?
6. How can I empower myself and my child to stay safe around ticks?

Prospective:

1. EarthWork programs was started by Frank Grindrod in 1999 as an expression of his desire to build connections – with the Earth, with our ancestors, with our communities, and our own hearts.
2. Anyone with an interest in learning what we have to offer.
3. Our instructors are all seasoned Earth Skills practitioners who believe in and live the vision of EarthWork. Click on “who we are” (hyperlink) for information on some of our staff. Within our mentoring tradition we welcome special guests and visiting instructors from other outdoor schools.
4. Our classes are taught in the mentoring tradition, in which we lead individuals to conclusions through the art of questioning. We spark passion, develop the need or desire to know, ask leading questions and then offer resources to gain answers and understanding. This creates a method of deeper awareness in between classes and after the program ends. While we teach some topics and skills that are also taught in academic programs, that is not our focus. We aim to give students skills that will empower them in their relationships with themselves, their communities, and the earth.
5. Each program is held at a different site in western Massachusetts or southern Vermont. Click on the program you are interested in for information on its location.
6. Click on “for homeschoolers” (hyperlink) for current tuition information for our programs. We offer monthly programs for those who may not be able to commit to a weekly class.
7. This depends on your individual situation. Find out what your school’s requirements are, and we will work with you to see if credit is possible.
8. We find that it interrupts the rhythm of our classes to have visitors, but we offer open houses where you can visit and see what a program is like. Call for details.
9. Yes. We have students who are enrolled in weekly homeschooling programs and also attend our monthly specialty programs.

Enrolled:

1. Here is a list of things to bring on each program day:
   • Lots of personal stories of nature adventures.
   • Backpack
   • Extra layer/Fleece
   • Bandana
   • Water bottle
   • Nature books/Resources (optional) encouraged
   • Sun screen
   • Knife for carving (see below)
   • Rain gear
   • Bug repellent (no deet please)
   • Hearty Lunch
   • Snacks
   • A Journal
2. We have prepared a document outlining the special things to bring and keep in mind on our outdoor winter programs, please take a look at it here. Some important points include:
   • Wear several warm, non-cotton layers, and have extras along in a backpack. Plan for rain or snow and include a water-proof or water-repellent outer layer (rain pants and top are great)
   • Neck warmers/scarves, warm hats, socks, and waterproof gloves are all essential to staying comfortable in the winter, and extra socks and gloves are always advised for when the first set gets wet or snowy.
   • Waterproof boots should come up past the ankle and have enough room inside for an extra pair of socks and for toe-wiggling to keep warm and comfy.
   • Plan for your child to eat a heartier lunch and one or two more snacks than he or she would usually. It's easy to burn extra calories fast in winter to keep warm.
   • Send your child with a full water bottle, as hydration is key to regulating body temperature in the winter. Also consider a warm beverage or soup in a thermos. Please remember that milk, soda, and juice are great additions to water, but they cannot be substituted.
3. Your child needs a lock-blade or small sheath knife for carving and as a wilderness tool. An excellent source for inexpensive knives is www.ragweedforge.com (hyperlink). We recommend the Mora 510, 545, 840 or 860.
4. Every program participant creates a Knife Safety Contract. You should read and sign your child’s contract; he or she should also bring it in a plastic bag, to all program days. The contract includes important knife safety principles to be followed anytime a knife is used, including but not limited to:
   • Posture: Use a knife sitting cross-legged with elbows on knees
   • A knife is a tool, not a toy
   • Always consider where your blade will follow through and adjust if necessary
   • Only use and store your knife in a safe place
   • Use the hand without a knife in it to draw an imaginary “safety circle” and make sure no one steps into it (always be aware of your safety circle’s boundaries)
   • A dull knife is a dangerous knife
   • Never use your knife when you are emotional
5. Mentoring is much more than simply teaching knowledge or skills. As mentors, we lead individuals to conclusions through the art of questioning. We spark passion, develop the need or desire to know, ask leading questions and then offer resources to gain answers and understanding. We also encourage the children to ask parents, grandparents and other people in their circles. This creates a method of deeper awareness in between classes and after the program ends.
6. Safety Reminders
   
   Dear Earthwork students and Parents,
   
   The weather is warm and the leaves are out - it's a beautiful season
   for spending time in the woods.  Since your kids will probably be
   outside a lot, not only in our programs but at home, we wanted to
   remind you of important safety tips.
   
   TICKS
   It is prime tick season.  Ticks can be found anywhere in our region
   where there is brushy vegetation.  They are tiny - deer tick nymphs
   are smaller than a period at the end of a sentence - and can carry
   diseases such as Lyme which, untreated, can be permanently disabling.
   Please check your child for ticks every day if they have spent any
   time outdoors. Have you children learn how to check themselves too it is a
   great awareness and skill.  Check entire body, especially warm hidden areas
   like hair, armpits, and groin etc.  Check yourself, too, as well as your
   pets.  It's also a good idea to wash outdoor clothes immediately in
   very hot water; otherwise the ticks can crawl off of clothes in a
   hamper and bite later.  If you find a tick that is not embedded,
   remove it and kill with alcohol.  If it is embedded, use tweezers to
   carefully remove it, grasping at the head and pulling straight back.
   You may want to get the tick tested for disease, and you certainly
   should be alert for any symptoms of Lyme disease.  More information is
   at http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/lyme/lymehp.htm
   
   EDIBLE PLANTS
   At Earthwork Programs your child learns to identify and use many
   edible plants.  However, their identification skills are not
   foolproof, and there are poisonous plants in our woods as well.
   Please emphasize with your child like we do in classes that they must have a
   knowledgeable adult identify a plant before they sample it.  If they are not with an
   adult edible plant expert, they shouldn't eat anything they find in
   the woods.
   
   HYDRATION
   Please please please make sure your child brings plenty of water to programs
   -mornings may start cool but by midday they really need the hydration.
   Fruit juices are OK in small amounts, but most of their liquid should
   be pure water. chronic dehydration is a reality in our culture water is good
   for muscles organs discs and also the brain and more it helps our entire
   system function at its optimum. If you get a chance read your bodies many
   cries for water by F Batmanghelidj
   
   We really appreciate your support of the teaching and learning that
   happens on our programs.  Reminding your children of the same safety
   rules that we insist on in the field will help them stay safe whenever
   they go in the woods.  Thank you!!!

Call us at 413-522-0338 find out
more about Earthwork Programs!!!
Contact and Registration Form

Earthwork Programs
PO Box 9
Williamsburg Ma 01096

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