How we show up for each other

Family Participation Guidelines

Ember & Axe brings families together to learn useful skills and enjoy time with one another. These guidelines apply to children, parents, organizers, and other adults. Adults model the same care, attention, and respect we ask of children.

Every child attends with a parent who actively participates throughout the event. We review these expectations together at the beginning of each gathering.

1 Honor your commitment

An RSVP is a promise to the group. Supplies and activities are planned around the families attending, so let the organizer know as soon as your plans change.

A family that misses an event without notice cannot sign up for the next scheduled event. After sitting out that event, the family may sign up again. Illness and emergencies happen; communicate as soon as you reasonably can, and discuss unexpected circumstances privately with the organizer.

2 Put phones away

Children and adults keep phones put away during the event. Give the people and the project in front of you your attention.

Exceptions include emergencies, necessary medical or accessibility use, and an agreed designated photographer. If an adult needs to step away for an essential call, arrange supervision for their children first. The photographer asks permission before taking pictures and respects anyone who prefers not to be photographed.

3 Everyone helps and everyone cleans up

Children and parents both do meaningful work, from setting out supplies to putting the last tool away. Jobs match each person’s ability and the supervision needed.

Take turns doing and checking. Before taking over someone’s task, ask whether they would like a hint, a demonstration, or more time to try. Shared supplies and spaces are everyone’s responsibility.

4 Speak respectfully and repair harm

Listen without interrupting, give children room to explain their ideas, and ask for help when you need it. Teasing, ridicule, shaming, and put-downs have no place here. Mistakes are part of learning.

When something goes wrong, pause, listen to the people involved, and work out how to put it right. That might mean apologizing, helping repair a project, or changing how we speak. Adults model this too. Corrections should be calm and, when possible, private.

5 Make room for others

Share tools, take turns, and invite someone into the work. Mix with other families and make sure quieter participants have a chance to contribute.

Respect that people learn at different speeds. Offer help kindly, and let others try for themselves. We can appreciate another family’s progress without turning the activity into a competition.

6 Ask first and speak up for safety

Ask before using gear, borrowing materials, or handling someone else’s project. Follow the activity leader’s instructions and use tools only with the guidance and supervision required.

Anyone, child or adult, can call “Stop” for safety. Pause the activity, listen to the concern, and wait for the responsible adult to check before restarting. Respect personal space and a person’s request to stop.

7 Finish with appreciation

We close with a brief chance to share something we learned, something we are proud of, or thanks for someone who helped. Children and adults both get a turn, and passing is always okay.

Putting the guidelines into practice

The organizer introduces the guidelines at the start, and everyone helps uphold them. Usually, a calm reminder and a chance to reset are enough. Unsafe activity stops immediately while the concern is addressed. If a problem continues, the organizer and parent talk privately about what needs to change.

Questions or circumstances that affect your family’s participation are best discussed with the organizer before the event.