Welcome to Kith Homestead

We’re delighted to have you here! Whether you're planning your upcoming visit or simply eager to learn more about Kith Homestead, we’re thrilled to connect with you.

At Kith, we believe in creating spaces where children (and everyone) can thrive. Everything we do on the homestead is guided by the Pillars of Kith—earth connection, homestead skills, community, creativity, and spirit. There’s a little more to facilitating a trip than simply what’s-on-offer though, as an adult helper, your role is crucial in supporting the young people. The guidance below serves to help understand how to facilitate experiences at Kith Homestead.

Key Principles for Adult Helpers

Be a Facilitator, Not a Director
At Kith, children are encouraged to lead their own learning. As an adult helper, your role is to provide guidance without taking over. Support their curiosity by asking questions rather than giving answers and trust their ability to problem-solve and navigate experiences on their own.
Example: If a child is struggling to start a fire during a skills session, offer support rather than jumping in and doing it for them. Ask, “What materials might work best here?” or “How can we adjust the structure to catch the flame?”

Encourage Respectful Communication and Boundaries
Respect for oneself, others, and the natural world is central to our ethos. Model respectful communication and help children understand the importance of boundaries in all respects. Guide them in listening to one another and expressing their needs clearly.
Example: During group activities, remind children to take turns speaking or use respectful language. Encourage them to voice when they need space or might feel uncomfortable, reinforcing consent and personal boundaries.
If one child is on the swing with others waiting, we use this phrase often to help those waiting, not to hurry the child having their turn;
”Jo knows you’re waiting, when they’re done, they’ll let you know. I can wait with you if you like. Waiting can be hard sometimes.”
It lets the child on the swing finish their turn in their own time and supports the child waiting.

Enabling Connection to the Moment
Our connection to the land is at the heart of Kith. Encourage children to slow down and observe the moment around them. Children don’t need any encouragement to use their whole bodies to explore but they sometimes need a little guidance not to miss the finer details of the magic.
Example: If you see children rushing through an activity, gently point them in the direction of some additional skills/add-ons/things/thoughts they might have missed about the moment. We don’t coerce our young people into doing things they’re not keen for (including sitting still) but we are in the habit of giving opportunity to expand their worlds/ideas/concepts.

Model Community and Collaboration
At Kith, community is essential. Whether among peers or with adults, togetherness is such a valuable pillar of Kith. Demonstrate how to work together, share responsibilities, and value diverse ideas. Your role in helping build these interactions is vital.
Example: During group tasks, such as preparing a meal or setting up and activity, involve the children in decision-making and task allocation. Encourage them to think about how they can support each other to achieve shared goals, errands and meaningful tasks are a big part of a community.

Creativity and Spirit in Everything
Creativity is one of our key pillars, not just in arts but in problem-solving, storytelling, and how we approach life. Equally important is spirit—honouring the emotional and spiritual journey children are on as they connect to themselves and the world around them.
Example: Whether during play, crafts, or practical skills, celebrate creative expression. Help children find joy in the process rather than focusing on the outcome. Additionally, provide quiet moments where children can reflect on their experiences and emotions, helping them ground in their personal spirit.

Honour the Land
Every session at Kith begins with a moment of gratitude to the land. As an adult helper, your presence can set the tone for this practice. Encourage children to reflect on their relationship with the environment and how they can act as stewards of the Earth.
Example: Before starting an activity, take a moment with the children to offer thanks to the land, acknowledging the gifts it provides. This can be done through words, silence, or a simple gesture like touching the earth.

Observe Before Intervening
A cornerstone of our practice is giving children the space to explore and learn at their own speed, in their own way. Step in only when necessary for safety or guidance.
Example: If you notice a child approaching a challenge (such as climbing or using tools), watch to see how they handle it before stepping in. Offer gentle encouragement or safety guidance if needed, but trust in their capability to try.

Safety as a Foundation
While independence is encouraged, the safety of all participants remains a top priority. Your attentiveness to both physical and emotional safety ensures the wellbeing of the children in our care. Know when to step in and how to maintain a safe and welcoming demeanour
Example: Keep a close eye on physical boundaries, such as fire or tool use, but also be mindful of emotional safety. If a child seems distressed or unsure, check in with them, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.

Practical Considerations

Approach with Flexibility: Nature and children both have their own rhythms. Be prepared for plans to shift based on the weather, group dynamics, or new interests that arise. Go with the flow, and encourage children to do the same.

Dress for the Outdoors:
Ensure you yourself are properly dressed for the weather and activities. Sturdy shoes, waterproof layers, and hats are always good ideas. Part of the experience is being prepared to engage fully with the natural world, rain or shine. Once we’re fully ready, we’re more prepared to help the young people when they need it.

Respect Personal and Cultural Differences:
Kith Homestead is a space that welcomes diversity. Be mindful of each child’s background, experiences, and needs. Encourage an atmosphere where differences are respected and celebrated.

Take Initiative in Leadership Moments:
While we encourage children to lead, there will be moments when adult helpers need to step into a leadership role. Whether it’s guiding transitions, organising materials, or assisting in a ritual, don’t hesitate to lead by example when necessary.

Thank you for your support and commitment to the vision of Kith Homestead.
If you have questions or would like any further clarification, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, lorna@kithhomestead.com