WSHNG Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG)! 

This page is designed to help new and returning families understand how our community works, what to expect each week, and how to get involved.

Getting Started

What is WSHNG?

WSHNG is a 100% volunteer-run homeschool nature and community group based in the western suburbs of Chicago. We exist to help families connect through outdoor learning, social time, and shared experiences in nature.

I’m new — how do I get started?

Welcome! The best way to begin is simply to show up.

Our weekly structure:

• Wednesdays: Co-Op (seasonal), Clubs, and Teen/Tween Hikes

• Thursdays: Nature Group (our original weekly meetup)

• Fridays: Field Trips (seasonal, RSVP required)

You can jump into most events without formal registration unless otherwise noted.

🌲 Weekly Schedule Overview

Wednesdays – Co-Op, Clubs, and Teen Hikes

• Co-Op is seasonal and may have a waitlist when full

• Clubs rotate and may include activities like:

  • Survival Club

  • Books & Bites (early elementary reading club)

  • Yearbook Club (last Wednesday of the month)

• Teen/Tween hikes provide a relaxed space for older kids to connect outdoors

Cost: Many Wednesday activities and hikes are free

RSVP: Co-Op and Clubs require RSVP through our Event page. Hikes are drop-in no RSVP required.

Thursdays – Nature Group 🌿

This is our longest-running weekly meetup.

• We gather at 10:30 to socialize and start hiking at 11:00 AM

• You do not need to come for the full half hour before hikes. Just please be on time to start the hike!

• Locations rotate across DuPage, and we occasionally visit Cook, Will, and Kane counties

• Designed for the whole family

Who can attend?

• Toddlers, children, teens, and adults are all welcome (yes, even grandparents!)

• Thursday hikes are stroller-friendly

RSVP: Not required (drop-in friendly)

Tip: Always check the event post for exact meetup spots and parking details.

Fridays – Field Trips 🎟️

• Organized outings to nature centers, museums, farms, and more

• Requires RSVP through our Event page

• Some may include a small participation fee 

• Spots may fill quickly! If you missed out, please join our "waitlist"

I need to Cancel an Event

We can no longer make it to an event we RSVP'd for, what do I do?

• Please post on our facebook group about your newly-available tickets! Once someone claims them (it is up to you if you want to "sell" or "donate" your tickets to another family) you can forward them the email with your tickets for the event.

• I don't have facebook, what can I do?

  • Please message events@wshng.org and they can post them online for you.

• WSHNG does not offer refunds- we typically have to pay ahead in full or via a deposit with the # of participants who RSVP'd. 

👩‍👩‍👧 Who Can Join?

WSHNG is open to:

• Homeschooling families

• Families exploring alternative education

• Anyone who values outdoor time and community connection

We welcome all ages and stages of learning.

🧑‍🎓 Teen Participation

Yes — teens are absolutely welcome, and we encourage them to attend!

We offer:

• Wednesday Teen/Tween Hikes: Casual outdoor social time

• Monthly Teen Hike (First Thursday of each month): A consistent meetup designed specifically for teens to build friendships and familiarity

• Tween/Teen Semester Project through Co-Op

Many parents ask whether there are teens in the group — and the answer is yes, though participation varies by week. Teens who attend often find it easier to connect over time.

💬 Is everything really free?

Most weekly hikes, clubs, and meetups are free.

Field trips or special events may have costs depending on the venue or activity.

WSHNG is volunteer-run, and we do our best to keep activities accessible to all families.

📍 Where do events take place?

We rotate locations throughout the western suburbs, including forest preserves across:

• DuPage County

• Cook County

• Will County

• Kane County

Exact meeting locations are always listed in each event description.

🧭 Do I need to RSVP?

• Wednesdays (hikes & clubs): No RSVP for hikes, yes RSVP required for clubs and Co-Op

• Thursdays (nature hikes): No RSVP required

• Fridays (field trips): RSVP required

If in doubt, check the event post details.

🌧️ What about weather cancellations?

We are an outdoor group, and most events continue in light weather conditions.

However, events may be canceled or adjusted due to:

• Severe weather

• Unsafe trail conditions

• Park closures

Any cancellations or updates will be posted in the group/event listing or sent via email if applicable.

🎒 What should I bring?

We recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing (this is what makes or breaks your experience!)

• Water bottles

• Snacks (especially for kids)

• Stroller or carrier if needed

• Bug spray and sunscreen (seasonal) 

🤝 Is WSHNG really volunteer-run?

Yes. WSHNG is fully volunteer-run.

Everything you see — from organizing hikes to planning clubs, field trips, communications, and scheduling — is supported by parents and community members.

If you would like to help, there are many ways to get involved (big or small), including:

• Leading or assisting clubs

• Helping with event organization

• Administrative support (posting events, calendars, communication)

• Field trip coordination

• Social media or community updates

📬 How can I stay updated?

Updates are shared through:

• Group posts

• Emails

• Featured announcements

We recommend checking the group regularly so you don’t miss new events or sign-ups.

How can I view my purchases and tickets?

• The good news is that you can do this right from your phone or computer using Zeffy! Here is a quick how-to video:

https://youtu.be/cGE09GvgtHk

I need Tech Help- where do I go?

If you are having trouble accessing the Google Group, member website, or other member resources, please use the tech support form linked below for faster assistance.

Please note: if you are a brand new member, it may take up to 4 hours for your access to fully update in the system.

Tech support form:

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSexEwluOJX.../viewform...

💚 Still have questions?

We’re happy to help.

You can:

• Send an email to info@wshng.org

• Ask at any in-person meetup

WSHNG exists to build community, encourage outdoor exploration, and make nature accessible for families of all backgrounds. We’re glad you’re here.