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Youth
Programs
Wetu & Fall Equinox 2023 Celebration
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Free and open to All
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Join us to celebrate the completion of our Wet8 [wetu] and the Fall Equinox in Sassafras' Main Camp. Families, youth, teens, adults, elders, all are welcome, children need to be accompanied by an adult. Experience our beautiful wet8, and learn about this traditional Wôpanâak home-building and why it is so significant during this day and age. Visit with our new staff team, learn more about our fall programs, enjoy a craft, or help cook some yummy food over the fire.
With gratitude to our builder Annawon Weeden, Mashpee Wôpanâak and crew.
Date: Saturday Sept 23, 2023 from 1-4pm
Location: Sassafras Earth Education, 5 Church St, Aquinnah, MA 02535
Forest Kindergarten - not currently offered
For ages 4, 5 and 6
Ages 7 and up can enroll in our concurrent Homeschool Program
Parents and scientists alike, are beginning to recognize what our ancestors already knew; the vital importance for young children to spend time outdoors, in the wild, and to discover the world through unrestricted play and curiosity. Children’s innate curiosity for nature brings about connection, and learning naturally follows in their own unique rhythm. Sassafras’ nature connection mentors truly listen to their stories and help deepen experiences.
Children will move their bodies, wander and explore, take on responsibilities, practice fine motor skills, do hands-on projects, tell their own stories, make up songs, and play to their heart's content. As Richard Louv’ points out, we need vitamin “N” (Nature time) to become whole and Sassafras offers unlimited nature time in a structure that can be compared with the setting of a small village.
This is an all-outdoors program with seasonal learning and activities that will include learning about and participating in our LandCulture Project, beginning earth and ancestral skills, harvest and outdoor processing, naturalist skills, and natural and Indigenous history. Activities to quiet the mind, to learn how to tap into our inner knowing, and following a natural and relaxed pace of our day together are vital. Children will spend time in a mixed age group, and a portion of the day in smaller groups according to age.
Youth need to be dressed for the weather (on rainy days in full rain gear, on colder days in snow-suits, waterproof boots, wool socks, hats, gloves) for a full day of reconnecting to your wild side! Bring a lunch, snack and water bottle in a day pack.
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Dates: Fall Series of 8 Fridays rain or shine:
Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, 2022 -
Time: 9am – 3pm at Sassafras (half days available)
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Cost: Regular Price is $480 for the Forest Kindergarten Series
We offer payment plans, financial aid, and our Repair Fund covers full tuition for Wôpanâak and IBPOC families that choose this option. -
Try-out: Please schedule a visit with us in advance.
Sassafras Homeschool - not currently offered
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For ages 7 and up
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This is an all-outdoors program with seasonal learning and activities that will include learning about and participating in our LandCulture Project, beginning earth and ancestral skills, harvest and outdoor processing, naturalist skills, and natural and Indigenous history. Activities to quiet the mind, to learn how to tap into our inner knowing, and following a natural and relaxed pace of our day together are vital. Children will spend time in a mixed age group, and a portion of the day in smaller groups according to age.
Youth need to be dressed for the weather (on rainy days in full rain gear, on colder days in snow-suits, waterproof boots, wool socks, hats, gloves) for a full day of reconnecting to your wild side! Bring a lunch, snack and water bottle in a day pack.
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Dates: Fall Series of 8 Fridays rain or shine:
Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, 2022 -
Time: 9am – 3pm at Sassafras
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Cost: Regular Price is $400 for the Series
We offer payment plans, financial aid, and our Repair Fund covers full tuition for Wôpanâak and BIPOC families that choose this option. -
Try-out: Please schedule a visit with us in advance.
Saturday Youth Fall 2023
For ages 6 - 14
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Sassafras’ Saturday Youth program is an all-outdoors program during the school year for ages 6 and up. In this program, we focus on seasonal outdoor learning and activities that will include learning about and participating in our LandCulture Project, earth and ancestral skills, harvest and outdoor processing, naturalist skills, natural and Indigenous history, and activities to quiet the mind to learn how to tap into our inner knowing, all while following a natural and relaxed pace. Children will spend time in a mixed age group, and a portion of the day in smaller groups according to age.
Are you ready for some fantastic outdoor adventures and learning some amazing life skills?
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Youth need to be dressed for the weather (on rainy days in full rain gear, on cold days in snow-suits, waterproof boots, wool socks, hats, and gloves) for a full day of reconnecting to your wild side! Bring a lunch, snack, and water bottle in a day pack.
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WETU & EQUINOX CELEBRATION on Sat Sept 23 from 1 - 4pm
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Dates: Fall Series of 6 Saturdays:
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4 and 1, 2023 (weather make up date on Nov 18) -
Time: 9am – 3pm at Sassafras
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Cost: Regular Price $350 for the Series of 6 Saturdays.
(We offer payment plans and financial aid, and our Repair Fund covers full tuition for Wôpanâak and IBPOC families that opt in)
Sassafras Afterschool
This program runs according to interest, please email us with your request.
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For youth ages 6 and up.
After-school program on Thursdays for girls & pre-teen girls to deepen their connection with the land, themselves, and each other. Explore woods, trails, streams, and coastline, delve into natural mysteries, find wild edibles and medicinals, play games that heighten your awareness, laugh with friends, and express yourself. Engage in storytelling, cooking over a fire, singing, and following your passion. Learn to take the lead and work as a team to experience the empowerment of meeting edges together with other girls, guided by women mentors.
Girls can take the school bus to Aquinnah and will be picked up at the Aquinnah Town Hall bus stop. At the end of the program, parents pick up at Sassafras.
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Dates: Series of Thursdays: dates t.b.a.
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Times: 3 pm - 5 pm (or when the school bus arrives in Aquinnah)Times:
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Cost Series: t.b.d.
April Vacation 2024
Grades K and up.
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Join a “classic” day at Sassafras in April Vacation, for outdoor skills, games, and fun survival challenges! Sign up for the entire week titled “Spring into Nature”, organized by Felix Neck and the MVEEA, of which Sassafras is a part, with a different location every day.
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Date: April Vacation
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Registration thru Felix Neck
Programs for Schools & Colleges
Sassafras offers a variety of programs for elementary and highschools, for colleges, and other organizations. In the past, we have facilitated day programs as well as overnight experiences, for the Oak Bluffs School, the Chilmark School, the Charter School, Montessori School and schools and colleges from off-island. Together with the school’s team or teacher, we create a format that includes the school's objectives and financials.
