Families Together in Nature
Group Planning Guide
More Green, Less Screen:
Let’s Put Nature Back in the Family Calendar!
From exploring local parks to hiking, paddling and even camping adventures, Families Together in Nature Groups make it easy and fun for families to enjoy healthy outdoor activities together. Groups are self-organized and self-directed. You don’t have to be an expert naturalist, or do it all alone. We’ve created this toolkit to help you plan and share outdoor experiences with like-minded friends and families who are yearning for “more green, less screen.”
Families Together in Nature Group Planning Guide
You’ll find everything you need to organize and lead a Families Together in Nature Group, including planning guides, tips, ideas, checklists and ready-to-use forms.
Toolkit Components
Quick access to individual planning tools, checklists and forms found in the Families Together in Nature Group Planning Guide.
Schedule and Calendar Decisions
Good planning is key to a successful Families Together in Nature Group. Use this worksheet to plan schedules and outings. (Page 2 of the full toolkit.)
Planning Considerations
Print this checklist to help you consider the many factors involved with planning an outing. These considerations will vary according to your location, experience and conditions. (Page 3 of the full toolkit.)
Confirm Ahead
Use this guide to help craft your message to site managers, i.e. park directors, to confirm your outing and gather important information. (Page 4 of the full toolkit.)
Get the Word Out!
Check out suggestions for inviting others to join your group or an activity. This guide will help you think through options for involving other community members. (Page 5 of the full toolkit.)
Plan for Safe, Fun and Hassle-Free
This list of essential items and safety supplies will help ensure fun, safe activities and outings. (Page 6 of the full toolkit.)
Leader’s Event Day Checklist
This checklist includes considerations for the day of your activity or outing, including logistics and forms. (Page 7 of the full toolkit.)
Marketing Your Next Event
Get others excited about your next outing with these tips and ideas. (Page 8 of the full toolkit.)
Comments and Suggestions Sheet
Use this form to gather comments and input from participants after the event to help you plan future events.
Event Sign-in Sheet
Use this sheet to have participants sign-in at the beginning of each event, helping both for head-counts as well as future outreach efforts.
Photo Release Sheet
Use this document to secure permission to use photos of participants for future outreach efforts.
Liability Waiver Sheet
Accidents do happen. Use this liability waver—a common practice for outdoor events. Some locations and programs provide liability insurance to groups visiting their properties or participating in their activities, which can be very helpful for your group.
Version en Español | Spanish Version
Esta es una versión en español de la Guía de Planificación para Familias Juntas en la Naturaleza. (This is a Spanish version of the Family Group Planning Guide.)
More Resources
Families Together in Nature Groups act independently. The Children & Nature Network is not responsible for the actions of specific groups, group leaders or individual participants. When taking part in any outdoor activity, be aware of changing conditions in terrain or weather. These and other variables may increase risk.
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