ariser faq
Answers to our most frequently asked questions
about Mentoring, Bright Knights, and more
mentoring FAq
scroll down for Bright Knights FAq
What is heart-based mentoring?
Heart-based mentoring is an impactful combination of practical life guidance and compassionate support based on connection, trust, understanding. Our mentoring program focuses on emotional intelligence and practical life skills as we work on the goals and growth edges set by kids and their families.
Mentoring can include deeper social-emotional work like identifying and processing emotions, communication, and knowing oneself. It can also include student-driven study, academics, musical guidance, or a customized curriculum based on our Ariser guiding principles (AKA Polestars) like leadership, collaboration, integrity, tenacity, etc.)
What typically happens at a mentoring session?
Whether it be in-home, at a park, online, or even at school, mentoring typically starts with a simple check-in that fosters connection, trust, and understanding. We discuss how their week has been, how school is going, and how their relationships with family and friends are. Depending on what we discuss during our check-in and the goals established by both the kid and their family, we will dive into our session with care, encouragement, and guidance designed to build life-skills, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness and love. No matter the focus - academic, creative, or social-emotional - our time is always spent gainfully.
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What can we expect from the first mentoring session?
The first mentoring session is designed to build a strong connection between the student and their mentor. We start with casual conversation or play that centers around the student’s hobbies and passions in order to build bridges and get to know one another. One of our main goals at the first mentoring session is to establish trust and rapport to ensure kids feel seen, heard, respected, and safe, which is essential for them to be authentic, honest, and open-minded.
We often divide the first mentoring session into two parts - one half for the families to discuss expectations, goals, etc., and the other half for the student and mentor to connect. Since we collaborate on goals with both the kids and families that we mentor, it’s important to get to know everyone involved.
What ages are best for mentoring?
While we most often work with kids who are 5 - 12 years old, we also work with teenagers and preschool aged kids. We strongly believe that people of all ages can benefit from mentoring, and we love working with them all.
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How are results measured?
We believe in the importance of setting and achieving clear goals, so we utilize before and after metrics called Ariser Likerts to track progress. Both students and parents are included in determining progress and success, so it is truly an empowering collaborative experience. We also write summary reports highlighting wins, break-throughs, and growth edges, as well as frequent parent check-ins. Smiling kids are also a good indicator of success. :)
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions generally take place in-home, online, or at neutral locations like local parks or coffee shops. We also work within schools and classrooms.
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How long are mentoring sessions? How frequently are they scheduled?
The length of each session is determined beforehand and customized to fit the student's personality, goals, and schedule. They average 60 - 90 minutes, but can be shorter or longer.
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How often we meet also depends on the personality, goals, and schedule of the student. We find that weekly sessions are best, but frequency of sessions can vary depending on the family and mentors’ schedules.
What is the ideal amount of sessions?
Depending on the needs of the student, sessions can range from 1 month to multiple years. We ask that families commit to at least 4 sessions to start.
What are some of the main values/goals that underlie all mentoring sessions?
The underlying values behind everything we do at Ariser - our North Star - are our Polestars. These values and principles help us lead with love and aim to bring out the best in everyone we work with. Read more about our Polestars in the next FAQ.
We want each one of our students to feel unconditionally loved, accepted, supported, and encouraged by their mentors. We do this by staying centered and present with our students, fostering connection and respect with one another, and honoring who our students are and what they’re feeling. We’re also careful to lead by example and guidance rather than dictating or pontificating.
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What are Polestars?
Polestars can be defined as something that serves as a guiding principle or is the center of attention. For Arisers, Polestars serve as the ideals each student and mentor strive to embody. Compassion, gratitude, humility, perseverance, and other values are at the core of all we do and teach. As with mindfulness, these values are a practice that we cultivate in mentoring sessions, Bright Knights adventures, and everyday life. They are universal and benefit not just the student, but their communities and the world beyond.
Head over to our About Page for a list of other Polestars.
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How are goals determined and pursued?
As mentioned above, the first mentoring session involves both students and parents in order to determine goals and ensure we are all on the same page. Once clear goals are agreed upon between the student, parents, and mentor, we custom tailor a plan to achieve them.
Every session will include exercises, discussions, and lessons that will guide students toward their goals. We are careful to respect each student’s temperament, social-emotional needs, and personality by pacing ourselves, checking in frequently, and ensuring our students feel safe to be authentic and honest. With guiding principles like our Polestars leading the way, each mentoring session gets us closer to achieving our goals.
We track progress with our before and after metrics system, also known as ‘Ariser Likerts,’ as well as write summary reports highlighting wins, break-throughs, and growth edges.
Why is mentoring so impactful?
When kids are met with teachers who connect with them authentically, it makes a huge positive impact. Each mentor is trained in being centered and present, bridge-building, and conveying unconditional positive regard - we want each student to feel seen, heard, supported, safe, and accepted! Having mentors who hold space for the many facets of a kid’s being while guiding them creates powerful effects; we inspire, nurture, guide, hold accountable, and connect with kids on a personal level, so we can achieve goals collaboratively.
What music mentoring services do you offer?
Here at Ariser we have a huge passion for music! We offer beginner and advanced lessons in guitar, bass, and ukulele, as well as music theory, songwriting, arranging, and production assistance.
Who are the mentors and what are their qualifications?
Ariser mentors have completed our unique Arise Shine Center Teacher Training program with our founder, Jimmy Murn. This 8-module course is complete with a workbook and lessons that combine exercises, writing, practice, and Q&A that covers everything from centering and connection to classroom management and heart-based mentoring practices.
All our mentors are grounded in wellness and mindfulness practices of their own and bring a diverse background of experience - and they love working with kids!
What other services do you offer?
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, we offer an amazing immersive class that teaches life skills through the Hero’s Journey. Offered both in-person and online, Bright Knights is sure to be an amazing addition to your child’s development. We also offer songwriting workshops and mentoring, music theory, and guitar lessons, and we are developing more workshops to offer in the future. For more information, see the Bright Knights FAQ..
What if my child misses a session?
We understand that life can be unpredictable - especially with kids! If you can’t attend a purchased class or session, please notify us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. We will do our best to reschedule your session. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
What is your refund policy?
If an emergency undermines your ability to use purchased classes or sessions, we will do our best to reschedule. While we don’t typically offer refunds, exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, but they are not guaranteed. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
​​Have more questions? Email us at Connect@ariser.center and we will get back to you soon!
Bright knights
FAQ
What safety precautions do you take on adventures?
Every adventure will have at least one adult who is fully certified in CPR/First Aid for both children and adults (we are in the process of getting all staff certified). The lead instructor carries a fully stocked first aid kit at all times.
We take safety very seriously. We discuss rules and expectations before every adventure and emphasize that our #1 goal is to keep everyone safe.
​What typically happens on an adventure?
While each adventure is unique, they all follow a general flow that ensures each class is fun, safe, and jam-packed with life lessons. We start with a pep talk where we discuss rules, introduce new Knights, and form a game plan. From there, we go "Game On" and get into character, so we can start our adventure! We follow clues, explore, and collaborate with one another to solve mysteries and interact with the story. On each mission, we practice mindfulness, nurture connections, and perform training exercises that may include anything from basic martial arts moves and breathing exercises to team-building activities and dance parties. Depending on the mission, we may also play games, do art projects, or conquer obstacle courses. No matter what the plan is, we always have fun, connect and honor one another, and learn something new.​​
What can my child expect for their first adventure?
The lead instructor will ensure that new students feel safe and welcome with a friendly greeting and some casual questions, so they can get to know each other. It is our goal to make your child feel safe, included, and accepted from the moment they join our adventure, and we make sure they know that they can dive into Bright Knights in whatever way they feel most comfortable. Generally speaking, if a child can come to class with an open mind and a plan to go-with-the-flow, they’ll catch on and find their place quickly. At the beginning of every session, your child can expect to go over a “Mission Brief,” where we go over general gameplay, expectations, safety rules, and the mission details. Prior to adventure day, you will receive more information on the adventure’s storyline, so your child knows a bit more about what to expect.Once we go “Game On,” new students will be encouraged to complete a simple obstacle course and participate in a “Naming Ceremony,” where they’ll choose a character name and persona (this can be as casual or as imaginative as your child wants it to be). ​​
My child is shy and/or nervous… is Bright Knights for them?
Yes, your child is in the right place! With an emphasis on social emotional learning, Bright Knights strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusion for all children, whether they’re shy, quiet, outgoing, or boisterous. We want each Bright Knight to feel comfortable being their most authentic self and trust that they are celebrated exactly as they are. Visit our testimonials page to read more about individual experiences. ​
What should my child pack for an adventure?
1. Hiking attire (clothing kids can get messy in)
2. Closed toed shoes
3. Backpack
4. Water bottle
5. Snack / lunch
6. Sunscreen (as needed)
7. Umbrella, coat, and rain boots (as needed)
8. As little or as many accessories and costumes as the kids can comfortably hike in
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Please ensure kids can be responsible for their own items. Teachers will be carrying their own supplies and may not be able to carry extra items.
Can parents join the adventure?
Parents are always welcome, but we encourage kids to join us independently. Heads up - if you do join us, you may be assigned a character role! ​​
What ages are best for Bright Knights?
It depends on the child, but usually most groups range from 5 - 12 years old. Four year olds are welcome depending on their ability to keep up with the hike, and children above 12 may join if they embody the Bright Knights spirit and are open to imaginative play.We love having a wide range of ages on BK adventures! Older children often find themselves in mentor positions, and younger children love learning and playing with the older kids. It's a win-win! ​
Is Bright Knights for any gender?
Absolutely! Any child can be a Bright Knight. We encourage any child with a taste for adventure and mystery to join in the fun. ​​​
How do you teach mindfulness on adventures?
Besides modeling the mindfulness learned in our signature Ariser Teacher Training Program, we discuss presence and awareness in discussions, activities, and guided meditations. On adventures, we pause often to practice connecting to the environment with all of our senses, perform emotional check-ins, and do body scans. We also emphasize our connection to others, the environment, and our authentic selves via Bright Knights’ storylines and missions.​​
What if my child misses a class?
One class per session can be made up within 4 months of purchase - preferably at the following session. See our terms and conditions for more information.​ What is your refund policy? W
e understand that life can be unpredictable. If you can’t attend a purchased class, you may roll it into the next session (as indicated in our terms and conditions). If an emergency undermines your ability to use classes, we will try to accommodate your needs, but we cannot make guarantees. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.​​
What is your rain policy?
If light rain is in the forecast, we will go out as planned. We keep a close eye on the local forecasts and will notify families via email if we recommend bringing umbrellas, rain gear etc.
Classes canceled due to weather are rescheduled for after the last class of the session. Details will be worked out as-needed and communicated via email.​
How do you resolve conflict between children on adventures?
Besides being clear about codes of conduct and expectations, we model self-regulation, treating each other with respect, and consider conflict an opportunity to learn and grow. We focus on non-violent communication, active listening, compassion, and shame-free acknowledgment of all emotions in order to diffuse difficult situations and show kids that conflict is a normal part of life that can be resolved with heartfelt connection and compassion. While most conflict can be settled within gameplay, we may go ‘game-off’ to address conflict more directly, so that everyone feels safe, heard, and understood. ​
What other services do you offer?
We have quite a large range of services to offer including one-on-one mentoring, Bright Knights Cyber, summer camp, special single-day events, songwriting workshops and mentoring, music theory, and guitar lessons. Contact us for more information.​
What kind of training do BK teachers have?
In addition to CPR/First Aid training, each teacher goes through our signature Ariser Teacher Training Program - a heart-based education program that emphasizes presence, mindfulness, and connection. Upon finishing our program, teachers are empowered to facilitate learning inside and outside the classroom, build bridges between individuals, and manage larger groups to cultivate an ideal learning environment. We believe that when the students and teachers are centered, present and connected, everyone is learning - even the teacher! To learn more visit our Ariser Teacher Training Program page.​
How do you teach leadership on adventures?
We believe everyone has leadership qualities inside them. While some naturally tap into the ability, others need to nurture and cultivate it through experimenting with it. At Bright Knights we encourage all kids to periodically step into leadership roles in order to learn how to navigate and understand the needs of the self vs. the needs of the group, grapple with the nuances of logic vs. feeling, and think through if/then scenarios. We believe that leaders are not ‘better than’ but are part of a whole, and that good leadership considers the whole group and ensures all voices are heard and valued.​​​
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