The tally of wreath tags is complete and the total is in! After expenses, this year we raised $12,042 for Pathfinder’s camping and outdoor education program. That was 483 wreaths made and sold over five weeks, the  result of the hard work and dedication of our collective Pathfinder village. Thank you to everyone — and there are scores of you — who made and sold wreaths!

How did wreath funds compare to last year?

The Blue Herons try out fishing from the dock at Beacon Rock State Park on a spring camping trip.

One of the exciting results is that we raised $1,100 more than last year. We believe that is due to three factors:

1. The quality of the wreaths was better. Our new wreath video made a big difference!
2. For the first time, we offered a credit card option at the Farmers Markets and events.
3. We got started earlier, allowing us to sell $500 of wreaths at Elders Lunch.

How are wreath funds allocated?

The cost of camping for all kids will be less this year because of everyone’s hard work. Every wreath sale defrays the cost of camping.

But there is also a participation factor. Classrooms and grade bands with the most participation will see the lowest camping costs (and for a couple of classrooms, it is likely to be free). The wreath sales are allocated as follows: 40% of the price of a wreath goes to the maker’s classroom; 40% of the sales price goes to the seller; 10% is reserved for people who collect greens, make bows and clean the workshop; and 10% goes towards expenses.

Generally, wreath funds go to individual classrooms in K/1, and are pooled and divided among the grade bands of 2/3, 4/5 and each middle school year.

Which class raised the most funds this year?

Drumroll, please! In what must be a first, the Seal Class, a Kindergarten classroom with just 16 students, raised an astounding $1,744. How did they do it? They got involved. One new parent tried making a wreath,  found she LOVED it, and made and sold 40 wreaths! Another new parent organized the Farmers Markets. A third made dozens of bows. And their enthusiasm helped get other parents involved.

The Top Ten:

1. Seal (K): $1,744
2. Blue Heron (4/5th): $1,279
3. Elk (4/5th): $991
4. Kingfisher (4/5th): $832
5. Coyote (7th): $767
6. Bat (1st): $751
7. Eagle (4/5th): $733
8. Frog (2/3rd): $664
9. Bear (7th): $498
10. Salmon (K): $492

Great work, everyone! We will see you next year in the wreath workshop for more creative fun that benefits our kids’ experiences at Pathfinder.

Everything You Need to Know — And MORE!

The Details:

What:  Make and sell fully handmade wreaths to support Pathfinder School’s Outdoor Education and Camping Programs

When:  November 10 – December 16

Who:  All Pathfinder families and friends

Where:  The wreath workshop is set up in Pathfinder’s covered play-court. Farmers Markets take place on the corner of California and Alaska in front of Key Bank.

What Do Wreaths Cost?

Medium wreaths cost $25. Large wreaths cost $35. Prices may be higher at Farmers Markets or for wreaths with special bows or decorations.
PRE-ORDER WREATHS HERE!

How Do I Make a Wreath?

Anyone can make a wreath! Come during your classroom’s Wreath Night to learn from your peers or weekday mornings after drop off and on Saturdays when there will be other wreath-makers in the workshop. There will be instructions in the workshop for do-it-yourselfers or for those who need a refresher. You need not sell every wreath you make; we always need wreaths for pre-orders and for Farmers Markets on Sundays.

When Can I Make a Wreath?

The shop is always open, but the overhead lights will only be available when there is a custodian on the premises. The only reserved times are for class wreath nights (see below). If the workshop cage is locked, ask at the front office or text the number on the cage door for the combination. Be sure to lock up when you leave.

How Do I Sell a Wreath?

There are three ways to sell a wreath:

1. Make and Sell Wreath: Make and sell your own creation. Collect cash or check and submit tags with your money to the front office. Make sure your name and child’s class is listed as both the maker/seller on the tag. Alternatively, the buyer can pay online by pre-ordering the wreath, starting November 12.
2. Sell Wreath Only: Have someone else make the wreath and you sell it to a friend or family member. You can select one from the wreath workshop! Alternatively, pre-order online, starting November 12. Pre-orders will be available to pick up on Tuesdays and Fridays this year, and we will notify you when your order is ready in the wreath workshop. Orders will be filled in the order in which they are placed.
3. Sell a Wreath at a Farmers Market: Pathfinder will be selling wreaths at West Seattle Farmers Markets on four consecutive Sundays from 10am-2pm. Working a shift (or helping with set-up or take-down) is a great way to earn credit for your class! Sign up TODAY for a shift on Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9  and/or Dec. 16.

Clipping Greens & Ornamentals

We can always use evergreens and ornamentals! Begin dropping off clippings as early as Nov. 10 at the Wreath workshop. We need lots and lots of evergreens: firs, pines, spruce, arborvitae and more. These provide the base of every wreath. Then we spice up the wreaths with berries, seedpods, cones and other interesting ornamentals. Ideas and photos of ornamentals to clip can be found here.

We are also looking for volunteers who will be a part of our Rapid Response Green Team. You can sign up for a job (swinging by tree lots, gathering fallen branches, trimming ornamentals) and a week, and be on-call to bring in materials to the wreath workshop for class nights. Your child’s classroom can get credit for the time you spend foraging for wreath goodies. You may tally your time in the logbook in the workshop.

How Do I Get Credit for My Child’s Class?

Each wreath will have a tag that needs to be filled out completely, including the name (and classroom) of who makes the wreath and the name (and classroom) of who sells the wreath. Pre-orders must include a bow choice.

When you deliver your wreath, make sure you keep the information portion of your tag to turn in with the money you collect. The short stub goes to your customer as a receipt.

Please seal tags and checks in an envelope together before you turn them in. Wreath tags and money need to be turned into the office by the first week in January to ensure your child’s classroom gets credit.

Wreath Schedule

• Online and paper pre-orders:  Order-taking begins Dec. 12 and pre-orders can be picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning 11/27
• Sunday Farmers Markets:  Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16

Classroom Wreath Nights: 5:30 – 8:00pm unless otherwise noted. The workshop is also open during the school day and on weekends, if you would prefer to make your wreaths then.

Tues. 11/13:          Open

Wed. 11/14:          Earth Project

Thur. 11/15:          Eagle

Fri. 11/16:              Open

Mon. 11/26:          Owl/Octopus

Tues. 11/27:          Raven/Kestrel

Wed. 11/28:          Heron/Elk

Thur. 11/29:          School Event – no wreaths

Fri. 11/30:             Open

Mon. 12/3:            Frog/Spider

Tues. 12/4:            Turtle/Otter

Wed. 12/5:            Salmon/Hummingbird

Thur. 12/6:            Bee/Fox/Lynx

Fri. 12/7:                Open

Mon. 12/10:          Seal

Tues. 12/11:          Open

Wed. 12/12:          Open

Thur. 12/13:          Snake

• Dec. 16:  Last day wreath workshop open. Any remaining wreaths will be donated.
• Dec. 17-18:  Break down and cleanup of workshop.
• Jan. 10:  Final day to turn in tags and money for classroom credit.

How is My Child’s Classroom Credited?

Your efforts directly benefit your children’s classrooms: 40% of the price of a wreath goes to the maker; 40% of the sales price goes to the seller; 10% is reserved for people who take to collect greens, make bows and clean the workshop; and 10% goes towards expenses. Generally wreath funds go to individual classrooms in K/1 and are pooled and divided among the grade bands of 2/3, 4/5 and each middle school year.

Questions? Like to Volunteer?

Wreaths@pathfinderk8ptsa.org

NOTE:  For the safety of our students the Wreath shop needs to remain locked, but we encourage people to make wreaths on their own time during the day, evenings or weekends. Text the number on the workshop door for the code or check in at the office. Please lock up when you leave.