Are Children’s
Circle meetings FREE?
You bet! All regular monthly meetings are free for everyone. Some projects may require a materials fee or special outings may have an admission fee (e.g. Cornfield MAiZE outing). All other expenses, such as the cost of the website, craft materials, etc. comes out of my pocket. I am happy to take donations to help offset my overhead expenses.
What age or who can attend?
Everyone! Even if you are not a child or do not have children, you are welcome to come to the class if the topic is of interest to you.
Do I need to attend with my child or can I just drop them off?
You must stay with your child(ren). One of the goals of
Children’s Circle is for parents/guardians/caretakers/elders to observe their
child as they explore and discuss topics. The reason for this is to
continue our cycle of Wisdom Sharing. Parents gain new insights to the
thoughts and ideas of their children. This facilitates and opens future
conversations between parent and child, creating avenues of trust,
communication, awareness and understanding.
What is “Wisdom
Sharing”?
Well, that’s a little
phrase I coined. The concept of Wisdom Sharing is the idea that we are
all Teacher/Learners. During Children’s Circle, we not only share lessons
with the children, but we let them teach us as well through their spontaneous
conversations and exploration of topics. Wisdom is shared and learning
flows both ways. We also give parents an opportunity to share with the
group a subject they are passionate about. This gives the children an
opportunity to see their parents or elders in the role as a source of
information and wisdom. All of this leads to strengthen trustworthy
communication between children and elders within their community.
What do you mean by
“explore” topics?
It is quite simple
really. During Children’s Circle we have a brief presentation of a topic,
followed by conversation or interaction from the children relative to that
topic. For example, our January 2005 meeting we had a presentation of the
origin, use and design of Dreamcatchers. After that we asked the children
questions about their dream experiences. They shared with us their fears,
joys and tales of their dreams. They shared with us some special moments
where they found “meaning” in a particular dream. Each story prompted new
questions and we continued to listen to the children tell us of their great
dream adventures. Some siblings told us of how they both had the same
dream on the same night as each other. Another child shared of how she
dreamed of her aunt’s dog passing away a week before it happened. One boy
shared dreaming of his mother’s pregnancy with his sibling just before he was
told about it. All those things pushed the conversation to a different
level. Children are honest and their experiences are true for them.
Creating a space that they feel safe to share their awareness, no matter how
unusual, is integral to the success of Children’s Circle.
Why don’t you have
meetings every month of the year?
Children’s Circle meets monthly from January through September with a special event in October. We do not have circle in November or December due to the busy, holiday time of year.
Who are you and why
are you doing this?
Please see the “About
Children’s Circle” section.
I have a topic; can
I share it with the group?
Fabulous! Talk
to the facilitator about your idea. We’ll see how we can make it work.
Many that attend
are Pagan. What if I’m not Pagan? WHY are they Pagan?
Children's Circle is
very compatible with Pagan beliefs. Pagan beliefs are Earth-Centered and
learning about the world we live in makes sense to Pagan families. Children’s
Circle is interfaith and open to ALL families regardless of religion, race,
family structure, etc. CC is for the Pagan and Metaphysical *friendly* family.
We are not “path” oriented. We believe that our spiritual paths are not
necessarily the paths of our children. We honour their own choices with
regards to their spiritual development. Any family that comes to circle
with an open mind and open heart is welcome to attend. We do not teach spirituality but we do allow each child/family to share their
spiritual experiences if they choose. Growing spirituality is something
each child does in his own way, on his own terms with the support of his
family. That said, we have had families that are Atheist and they enjoy the
fact that the topics we explore stand independently… no spirituality necessary.
Can you teach my child magick?
No. While we may
look at subjects that are often included in many forms of ritual (e.g.
elements, solar/lunar cycles, etc.), we do not believe in teaching the children magick. However, our subjects are intended to be adaptable to
families that choose to teach their children path-related ritual or magick in
the privacy of their own homes. I do have articles on this website that can assist families and children
in ritual.
I have a
problem/conflict with the facilitator/another child/another parent; who can I
talk to?
While we all like to get
along famously, conflicts and disagreements do happen. We encourage you
to resolve that issue with the person directly. Avoid involving another
individual or family in the conflict. If it is a personal conflict we ask
that you try to keep it out of Children’s Circle. Disruptions like that
can break the foundation of safety and trust that the children have grown to
depend upon. Children’s Circle and its coordinators will NOT TOLERATE any
form of harm, threat, abuse or unethical treatment of any member of Children’s
Circle. Conflicts of this nature should be brought to the attention of
the facilitator immediately. We will not hesitate to deny access to any
individual that brings harm or disrupts the sanctity of Children’s Circle and
the safety of all that attend. If you do not know how to contact another
member of the circle, with permission, I will share your contact information
with the person you are in dispute with and they will contact you. I will
stay out of it! Now, if you have a problem with me, the facilitator,
please feel free to call or speak to me in person. I do not offend easily
and I am open to concerns and criticism as they only serve my personal growth
and awareness. If you are not comfortable speaking with me directly,
please contact me with your concerns.