Everyone gets a job
How we learn together
A little instruction, a lot of doing, and something to be proud of. Kids and parents take on real projects side by side.
Small teams, useful skills
Ember & Axe starts with approximately six families in and around Cincinnati, with children in first through fourth grade. We build, try things, ask questions, and help each other improve.
Every child attends with a parent. Parents actively take part in every class, learning and doing the work alongside their children. Everyone has a defined job, from setting out supplies to the final cleanup.
Four projects to start
| Project | Date | What we’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Build a rocket | Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Read the instructions, prepare parts, and assemble Estes model rockets. Painting may fit too. |
| Fire & apples | Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Practice building, tending, and extinguishing a small fire. Applesauce and canning are possible extras if time and setup allow. |
| Launch day | December 5, 2026 — tentative | Bring the rockets to a farm near Cincinnati and work together through launch, observation, and recovery. |
| Family ski day | Late December 2026 or early January 2027 — date to be set | Head to Perfect North for a day of learning and practicing on the snow. |
Start times, event lengths, costs, and remaining arrangements will be announced as they are confirmed. See the dates page for the current plan.
Show, try, check, share
We begin with a short explanation and demonstration. Then families get to work, with tasks matched to each person’s ability and the supervision needed.
For paired work, one person can be the builder while the other checks the instructions. Then they swap. Children get a chance to do the steps themselves, and parents get their own hands-on learning time.
We finish by sharing what we learned, putting tools and materials away, and leaving the space ready for its next use. Families may work at different speeds; careful progress matters.
How we look after the group
Kids and adults put phones away, share tools and turns, and speak respectfully. Everyone helps with the work and cleanup. We finish with a chance to share something we learned or thank someone; passing is always okay.
An RSVP is a commitment. If plans change, let us know; a no-show without notice means sitting out the next scheduled event. Read the Family Participation Guidelines together before joining, including the essential phone exceptions and how we handle unexpected changes.
Skills that lead somewhere
October’s rocket building leads to December’s launch. Fire skills can help us cook a meal. Preparing apples gives us a reason to practice measuring, food preparation, and working together.
Children will be able to earn a simple certificate for a skill they demonstrate. The first planned example is building, tending, and extinguishing a small campfire independently with adult supervision. The child does the steps; an adult stays present.
As their skills grow, children can help an adult teach younger learners. They might demonstrate how to arrange kindling or explain a step they have practiced. An adult continues to lead and supervise the activity.
Bring your curiosity
For rocket building, each family brings an Estes kit that requires assembly and its instructions. Matt supplies shared paint, sandpaper, and glue. Other event packing lists will be shared as the arrangements are confirmed.
The family interest page is the place to express interest. It is an interest form, with no booking or payment. You can also read the FAQ and what to bring.