Family FAQ

This page is aimed toward all people that will bring children and have questions for Team:Family.

We tried to answer some of the common questions from the past, so please before asking us, please read the questions below. And in case you cannot find the answer here, then please mail us at: family@list.why2025.org

General

What is the best way to stay informed about Team:Family?

If you want to be informed about our plans, or even just planning to visit WHY2025 with your kids, subscribe or mail to the mailinglist.

You can also join us on IRC (#why2025-family on irc.oftc.net). If you are not used to IRC, you can follow the following Matrix instructions to easily use IRC on your phone or it in your browser.

We are also present on X (Twitter) under: @why2025family

We will also try our hands at Mastodon at: @why2025_family@hsnl.social

There are monthly meetings that can be joined by anyone.

How do I volunteer as a parent for my children

You are welcome to join the Team:Family and make WHY2025 an awesome experience for the next generation of hackers, and their nerdy parents.

Yes, you can join this team. Having kids, or experience in dealing with them is useful, but certainly not required. It doesn't have to be a lot of work, even just brainstorming during the meetings or on IRC is really appreciated.

In your experiences: Is this event safe and child friendly?

One of our other parents described it nicely on our list:

"It really depends on the parents and their expectations.

Just sharing my own experiences.

My eldest learned to walk at one of the previous camps and I've seen
plenty of young kids & even babies being brought along with their
parents to one of the various Dutch, German and Belgium hacker camps
I've attended over the years."

Can I bring my children of all ages? Or is there minimum age?

There will most definitely be more young kids and Team:Family aims to accommodate for all age groups as best we can. If you have special wishes or requests, feel free to join our meetings and let us know what you need to make it happen!

Will my kid be the only one of his age?

The stats as of (2025-03-05):

Out of 2527 sold tickets:

• 56 Baby (0-5yo) (2.2%)
• 103 Kids (5-11yo) (4.1%)
• 64 Young (12-15yo) (2.5%)

Is there a childcare facility, so I can volunteer?

No, the FamilyZone field is not a day care facility. Do not leave your child unattended during the event at any time. This said, you can of course bring you child to the FamilyZone and have a wonderful time. We are looking into official child care, and will announce this if it happens.

Buildup and kids

Can I bring my kids during buildup?

Please note that during build up kids <12 are not allowed on the terrain. Older kids (12+) can help but have to be under adult supervision and wear a hi-vis vest AT ALL TIMES when outside their own tent. Even during non-working hours. If they don't help with build up, they have to be in the designated safe area. We'll update this section when more information comes available.

Can I help you out in buildup and during the event?

Most of the buildup of the FamilyZone will happen on Day 0 and Day 1, and we can definitely use all the help! We'll make a better planning when we get closer to the event, also taking into account the safety of kids before Day 0.

Content for kids:

Is there a program for children?

Yes, there is a separate workshop tent with activities for children! This is self-organised, so look at the wiki what is already proposed, and propose your own workshops and events!

Do you have a closed area for children? Like a playpen?

The FamilyZone is an area for children, but it will not be a closed area. You are still expected to watch over your own children. We're planning to have bouncy castles, ball pits, sand pits, and many other cool things in the area!

About FamilyZone

What is FamilyZone?

The term FamilyZone refers to a specific area in the event with a focus on families and kids. You can camp on this area with your kids. This area is organized by Team:Family.

Will there be a "family" friendly village with other family's?

Yes! There will be villages with many families that will be on the FamilyZone. But, you don't need to be part of a village to camp on the FamilyZone.

Miscellaneous

Are their certified child care specialists?

To be determined, we are currently looking into possibilities.

Do you have a medicine cabinet for my child medicines?

There is no medicine cabinet specific for your child medicines. There is an EHBO post on the camp itself, and we plan to have a fridge you can use for storing medication for your child. A first-aid kit is also available.

Is there missing child protocol?

Yes! This protocol will be made available before the event, will be available in the main workshop tent and we plan to have a drill in the beginning of the event to test the protocol.

I still have a question after reading all of the above.

So if you are here and you still have not found your answer to your question, then please join us on IRC (#why2025-family on irc.oftc.net). If you are not used to IRC, you can follow the following Matrix instructions to easily use IRC on your phone or it in your browser.

Alternatively, you can use subscribe to our mailing list via subscribe or mail to the mailinglist.