MuddyFaces
Summer Program is fully enrolled for 2022
please contact for wait list or to be our fill in family!
MuddyFaces is the summer program of Sandpipers Early Learning, a small, home based preschool program for 6 children (with limited provision for 2 school aged siblings and or alumnae, should families need it). Licenced year round by the Massachusetts Dept EEC.
“By forging connections with plants, animals and land, by finding ways to experience some relationship to the Earth, individuals can gain a sense of worth, herein lies security... The natural world does not judge… It merely exists... The Earth enfolds people in storm or warm sun, in the glory of light filtering through the canopy of deep woods, or in the eddying flow of rivers -- without regard for whether we say the right words, wear the right clothes… the land releases us from competition. Such acceptance restores us for the social fight…”
Stephen Trimble et al, “The Geography of Childhood” (1991)
MuddyFaces is exclusively outdoors (unless thunder and lightning). Child-centered, play-based, experiential, focusing on timeless self directed play and investigation, promoting imagination, mental and physical well being as an important component to children's lives. Based at Sandpipers Early Learning outdoor classroom at 165 Hummock Pond Road, MuddyFaces involves field trips to the trails, beaches, creeks, woodland and forests to play and explore Nantucket’s natural habitats and our place within them. We visit the Library, MMA and NHA properties, as well as Land Bank, Linda Loring Foundation, Audubon and Conservation Foundation properties. Observing plants, trees, mini-beasts, birds, pond and ocean life allows children to indulge their natural propensity to micro-explore. It is also imperative to their developing sense of self, and their spiritual inner lives.
* the almost 3s are considered at my discretion.
Wee Wild Ones
The outdoor classroom and carefully selected field trips are perfect for the littlest outdoor adventurers. My primary goals are safety, enjoyment and comfort level. When these needs are met, experiences can be enjoyed and learning can take place (Maslow). All the hands-on activities are open-ended and give children lots of opportunities to try things out at their own comfort level. Younger children need a lot more personal attention and care giving than big kids in camps; They can be less robust and tire of heat and sun quicker, and they might have some fears and anxieties or tactile issues about the outdoor experience. They need a bit more help changing clothes, looking after belongings and reminders to drink water, wear a hat etc.
They can be tired from the late night fun of summer and anxious from changes in routine that summer fun brings. They need careful, loving and patient attention to help them enjoy a successful summer camp experience. MuddyFaces is a good place to start to build those skills that will help them rock the big camp world as they get older.
NOTE: Toilet training must be completed before attendance.
The Returning Adventurers
These children are familiar and comfortable with the fun of being in an outdoor summer program. They are ready to build on learned skills, and try out new things as their experience of being in natural surroundings grows. They are ready to build on old friendships, make new ones, share their skills and knowledge, and engage with the natural world and each other on a deepening level.
Program Details Finalised January 15th 2022
Due to ongoing COVID 19 concerns weekly sign up is not available at the moment. It may be possible to sign up for part of summer. Please inquire by email or phone.
Spaces can only be held with a signed contract and half payment
Please contact me for up to date availability.
Available now...
-
9 weeks MuddyFaces22 Summer Program: June 20th to August 17th (closed July 4th).
8.30am to 2.15pm (to be confirmed, possibly longer day)
M T W Th F ( 5 day) $ TBD
M W F (3 day) $
T Th ( 2 day) $
If weekly sign up becomes available:
If and when available:
-
Choose your weeks MuddyFaces22 Summer Program:
M T W Th F $ per week.
Same as above but pick and choose weeks that suit you.
Registration:
If I offer your child a space I will send you the policy handbook, an enrollment form and a contract.
Please read the policies carefully, then reserve your space by completing a Muddy Faces 2021 Contract and Enrollment packet, and return to me immediately, with payment for ½ the total full summer attendance fees (full fees required for attendance of 5 weeks or less). On receipt of these I will confirm your child has a reserved space. Payment balance of summer fees is due on or before April 30th 2022. All enrollment paperwork and med forms must be on file by April 30th 2022
Registration is not complete without up to date medical information on file. Sorry, children may only attend if all registration paperwork is on file.
Sally Ure
165 Hummock Pond Road
C 508 901 3048
Important: Children need to be able to stay with the group and fully participate in activities. Because I do not get the opportunity to observe summer session enrollees the way I would carefully assess readiness for a school year program, I am reliant on parents to assess their children's readiness to comply with safety parameters. Since I would have to terminate a child's attendance if their behavior endangered themselves or others, and there is no refund policy, it is in everyone's best interest to get it right!
Parental Responsibilities:
Read policies and agree to follow them, including late pick up policy and illness policy. Thank you for your diligence.
Please ensure your child arrives each day with the following labeled items:
In a backpack:
-
A hat
-
Refillable water bottle
-
Nutritious food for two meals. easily managed picnic style. Resealable containers please.
-
A bathing suit and lightweight towel.
-
Sunscreen (please apply a basecoat at home. I will top up during the day).
-
bug spray (for use on shoes and socks daily (or use mine).
-
extra change of clothing (top, bottom, undies and socks, can stay at Sandpipers if you wish)
-
weather appropriate outerwear: (you may leave rain boots here)
-
I provide disposable masks for indoor wear, if we need to resume this practice.
Please remember to apply sunscreen prior to camp even on cloudy/foggy mornings. I will reapply sunscreen mid morning.
Please contact us for up to date availability and program and admission details.
