For curious families
Good questions
Who comes, what to bring, and how we make sure everyone gets to do the work.
Who is this for?
We are starting with approximately six families, with children in first through fourth grade. The projects are for kids and their parents to learn together. Share your family’s interest on the interest page; arrangements for the starting group are still being confirmed.
Do parents stay?
Yes. A parent attends with their children and actively participates in every class. Parents have their own jobs and learning goals. Setup, project work, and cleanup are shared responsibilities.
Can we use phones during a project?
Phones stay put away for both children and parents so we can give each other our attention. Emergencies, medical or accessibility needs, and a designated photographer are exceptions. Ask before photographing another family. See the Family Participation Guidelines for the shared expectations.
What if we cannot make an event?
Let the organizer know when plans change. A no-show without notice means the family cannot register for the next scheduled event. Illness and emergencies are handled with understanding; communicate as soon as you reasonably can. This applies to a confirmed event commitment, rather than expressing interest on the website.
Do we need experience?
The opening projects introduce the skills as we go. Tasks will match participants’ abilities, and families can work at different speeds. Parents learn alongside their children rather than needing to know all the answers beforehand.
What are the first events?
- October 24, 2026: Build Estes rockets in Cincinnati.
- November 7, 2026: Fire building, with possible applesauce and canning if time and setup allow.
- December 5, 2026, tentatively: Launch the rockets at a farm near Cincinnati.
- Late December 2026 or early January 2027: Ski at Perfect North; exact date to be set.
See the projects and current dates for details. Start times and costs have not been announced.
What rocket kit should we bring?
Bring an Estes rocket kit that requires assembly, plus its instructions. Families can get kits from HobbyTown or online and may bring different models. Check the event’s kit guidance before buying; the number of rockets per family still needs to be settled.
Matt provides shared paint, sandpaper, and glue. Each family follows its kit’s instructions and drying times. Painting is optional on building day, and some rockets may need finishing at home before launch day.
Will we launch rockets on October 24?
October is the building workshop. The launch is a separate outing, tentatively on December 5, so families have time to finish their rockets and prepare.
Will we definitely be canning apples?
Fire building is November’s main project. We will have apples available, but applesauce and canning depend on the time and equipment setup. Adults lead hot cooking and hot-jar work. We may make fresh applesauce and save the canning lesson for another day.
What do certificates mean?
A certificate describes something a child has demonstrated. Fire building is the first planned example: build, tend, and extinguish a small campfire independently with adult supervision.
That means a child can perform the steps without being directed through every action while an adult remains present. The demonstration criteria are still being developed. Children who show the skill can later help an adult teach younger children.
Where do we meet?
The projects are in Cincinnati and nearby locations. The fire-building event is at a Cincinnati home; the launch is planned for a farm nearby. Exact private addresses and arrival details are shared with participating families. The ski trip is at Perfect North.
What about weather or a change of plans?
Outdoor activities depend on suitable conditions. A launch weather backup has been proposed for December 12, but it is not confirmed. Check the dates page and the event arrangements before making travel plans.
Can we book a place or pay now?
The interest page is for expressing interest. It does not reserve a place or take payment. Event costs and participation arrangements have not been announced; see cost information for the current status.