Tag Archives: Unschooling Conference

Woo Hooo, Year 3 of the Radiant Living & Learning Retreat!!!

Posted on by
Reply

We are so excited to see everyone in less than a month!
We cherish the time spent learning and having fun with friends old & new.

My children enjoy the time they are able to just explore nature with their friends.
My Husband and I like the informal learning opportunities and appreciate the long weekend filled with Love & Peaceful tranquility!!

Thank you Christina Wester for your vision to gather families to explore Living and Learning “Radiantly!”
~ Nina Jones and the Jones Explorers

JonesFamily

 If YOU would like to join the Jonses  and the “Radiant Tribe” this November,
click on a link below to get started!

We are looking forward to welcoming your family
and offering support you as you explore educational and parenting alternatives!

register

Click to Join the Fun!

RadiantRetreat

ALL the Details

1orangeTemplate

Money’s Tight?

FAQs

Questions?

Retreat Highlights from a First Time Radiant Family

Posted on by
Reply

Daisy McCarty and her family were new to the Radiant Retreat last year.  They were one of the “early birds” to register this year so I asked her to share a little about their experience as “newbies” last year and why they wanted to return.

Many thanks to Daisy for taking the time to share in such detail!

Notes on Radiant Living from the McCarty Clan

FallLeaves

My family was excited to attend the Radiant Living & Learning Retreat last year in lovely Cleburne, Texas. We knew it would be a wonderful chance to reconnect with unschoolers/life learners we had met at other events and meet new people—especially those in the North Texas area. We were right!

LakeView

 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Moments 

Watching the kids collaborate on creating the surprisingly amiable Hunger Games battles that spanned the entire weekend made me smile. As someone who was eclectically homeschooled and self-taught throughout my own childhood, I remember with fondness the long days spent creating new games and playing for hours without interruption. It was fantastic to see another generation being gifted with the same opportunities.

HG3

HG1

MixedAgePlay

 

 

 

 

 

My Husband’s Favorite Moments

WkshpCircle2The talks and discussions were a highlight of the weekend for my husband, Ken. He talked all the way home about the sessions he had attended. Other parents offered helpful insights into some of the challenges we were facing and we were able to implement these solutions successfully at home. As someone who was still new to the concept of whole life learning, being around like-minded people and mentors was reassuring for Ken.

Our Daughter’s Favorite Moments 

KidsInDirt2Little Jasmine (then 2 years old) had a wonderful time playing and exploring with children of all ages. She especially loved staying up in the evening to make friends with a little brown and white toad that was hopping around outside the bunkhouse. Eating delicious smoothies made with healthy, natural ingredients gave her a fresh appreciation for the potential of dates and chocolate blended to perfection.

 

Why We’re Attending AgainMcCartyFamily

Our trip in 2014 left us energized rather than feeling like we “needed a vacation from our vacation.” Over the weekend, we were able to slow down, catch up with friends, and simply revel in the presence of people who are all different from one another but dedicated to creating a more liberated and harmonious world.

Thanks for creating this space for us, Christina! We look forward to seeing everyone again in November.

register

Click to Join the Fun!

RadiantRetreat

ALL the Details

1orangeTemplate

Money’s Tight?

 

FAQs

Questions? Click Here

 

2015 Retreat is ON!!!

Posted on by
Reply

Registration for the Fall Retreat is almost ready!

[update – it’s READY – click here to REGISTER]

We are so excited for our community to gather again November 5th – 9th!  This year we are making some changes to the schedule with the goals of:

  • RadRetreatMaximizing the support attendees receive during the Retreat
  • Helping new folks assimilate into the group more easily and
  • Enabling ALL of our Radiant Community to get the most out of the workshops, activities AND just being together!

As we finalize registration details, we wanted to go ahead and announce prices so everyone can plan their finances accordingly.   In order to make the Retreat happen, we’ve had to raise some of the prices a smidge.  But don’t worry!  There are still plenty of opportunities available to reduce the fees for your family.

Since it’s its inception in 2013, we have tried to keep the Radiant Retreat affordable for as many families as possible.  So the prices started out very low compared to other conferences. We want you to know that we have wrestled with the numbers to keep it as affordable as possible, but due to everything that is involved in putting on the Retreat, we feel that the prices this year are still very fair for everyone.  The organizers make a considerable investment of time, energy, expertise and money to plan and execute the Retreat, and the prices must support that.

We also want to highlight the fact that this event takes a considerable amount of COMMUNITIY EFFORT to make it happen because we don’t have a hotel staff taking care of us and the facilities like many other conferences.  We have to take care of it ALL – and that’s what’s so great about the Radiant Community – the way members step up to help where help is needed!

In 2013, when I was planning our stay at Cleburne State Park, the Rangers said that because our group would be over 50% kids, the park would be littered with trash by the end of the weekend and they were sure that “something would get torn up” because middle school aged kids were included.  I assured them that our group would not be typical in that manner and they just laughed.  Sure enough, the “Radiant Tribe” was very respectful of the grounds and facilities and we proved those Rangers wrong!

The Radiant Tribe IS remarkable and EVERYONE’S contributions make the Retreat GREAT!

So here are the prices so you can plug them into your budget.  If it turns out that you need “Tuition Assistance” you can apply for Radiant Staff jobs here in exchange for Registration Credits to reduce your fees.

{f1} 2015 Registration Prices

Early Bird (until June 30)Regular Price (until Oct 31)Late Registration – Space PermittingAt the Door
First 4 Household Members$50 each$60 each$70 each$80 each
Household Members #5 – 8 (including grandparents)$25 each$30 each$35 each$40 each
Kids 3 and under who will NOT attend Kid Village ChildcareFreeFreeFreeFree
Single Day Pass (per person) $25 each

 

LodgingNightly Price
Private Campsites – Screened Shelter, Tent, RV – (up to 8 people)$25-$35per SITE
Group Campsite – Tent Only$9per TENT
Bunkhouse – Heat & AC – Bathrooms Adjoining$10per PERSON

Click here to learn more about the different Lodging Options.
Click here for MORE lodging options for NON-CAMPERS.

Please contact the Radiant Team if you have questions about the Retreat, and keep an eye out for registration in the next few days so you can take advantage of the Early Bird prices!

Heaps of Love,
Christina and your Radiant Team
TDM-LicenseeBadge-Vertical4$50off Retreat withDM

Young Adult Unschoolers Q&A, Mini-Fig Swap, Bikes, Swords & Mp3’s

Posted on by
Reply

sq logoRADIANTKIDSWe’re so excited to announce the Young Adult Unschoolers’ Panel.  We have 5 unique individuals who will answer your questions and share their experience growing up Unschooled!  (Well 4 were Unschooled and one was a “very relaxed Homeschooler using many Unschooling principles”)

Click here to read their Bios and see what other contributions they will be making at the Retreat!

We also want to make sure all the kids know about some things they might want to bring to the Retreat:

  • Lego Mini-Figs – we’re having a SWAP!   Bring your tired, old Mini-Figs and take home some fresh, new ones!
  • Bikes – It’s a great way to get around camp, plus it’s just super fun to ride with friends – on the roads or on the camp’s bike trails.  We will also have an organized Bike Race around the Cedar Grove Camping Loop!
  • Nerf Swords or Duct Tape Swords – “Hunger Games” is a favorite camping activity among our Home Ed community and we will be organizing a couple of rounds Thursday & Friday.  After that it’s up to the kids to “round up” a game.  Click here for the rules.  There will also be an opportunity to make your own foam sword at the Arts & Crafts Table on Thursday and Friday.
  • Mp3’s for Dancing – Bring your favorites to play at the Halloween Dance Party.  The DJ with start things off, but requests will be difficult since we don’t have internet access.  We’ll be happy to play songs from your device though!  Our sound system can connect with most bluetooth devices as well as Apple and Android products.
RegisterNow sq logoRADIANTbucks Click here for menus and reservations.
MoreTopics MoreInfo TheVoiceSq2
 

 

Give yourself the gift of Community + Retreat Schedule

Posted on by
Reply

Hands-Holding-Seedling-TogetherGoing to Unschooling conferences always leaves me feeling renewed and refreshed in my resolve to parent and educate my kids in more respectful and gentle ways.  Great conversations and workshop sessions have given me new tools and a fresh perspective on things I was struggling with.   I’ve always loved the feeling of gathering with a like minded community, but after revisiting The Continuum Concept at the RE conference last year, it became clearer than ever how VITAL it is to REGULARLY gather with my tribe!  In our journeys toward more freedom and a more harmonious family life, it is SO important to seek the support of other individuals who have similar values, goals and struggles!

Often we feel isolated when we are living a life that is so different from the societal norm.  That isolation can actually be detrimental – not only eroding our resolve to honor the principles we try to live by, but it can also be harmful to our health and relationships if we don’t have the support we crave as humans!

With less than 3 months to go I am getting SO excited about this year’s Radiant Retreat and this opportunity to support each other.  Whether we are new to this way of life or we have been at it for a while, we ALL need this community and each other’s support!

As you Register and plan your travels to this year’s Retreat, I wanted to provide a basic outline of our Retreat Schedule to help with that process.  In the upcoming weeks we will be filling this in with the details for kids’ activities and workshops for parents, plus opportunities to just visit and connect with our Radiant Tribe throughout the weekend.

We hope you can join us for the fun, support and camaraderie that only a like minded community can offer!

Below is a BASIC SCHEDULE outline.

 

Thursday
Nov 5

10am-6pm
Registration/Information Desk Open
Set Up Campsites/Bunks
Kid’s Activities

12-4pm
Smoothie and Snack Bar

4-6pm
First Workshop Session of the Retreat: Meet and Greet Happy Hour

Since Kid Village doesn’t open until Friday, we’re going to do this session “Park Day” style while the kids play on the playground.  Bring your camping chair and a cold beverage (in an opaque container for adult beverages!) and say, “HI.”

Whether you’re new to this way of life or you’ve been doing it a while, join us to share your questions for the weekend and your fears, joys and triumphs with Unschooling and Partnership Parenting!

6-8pm
Chili Cookoff and Community Potluck Dinner

Bring a pot of your famous chili OR a side dish to share and get to know the Radiant Tribe.

8-10pm
Community Campfire and S’MORES!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Nov 6,7,8
(same basic schedule each day)

8am-2pm
Registration/Information Desk
Coffee, Smoothie and Snack Bar
Massages
Face Painting
Canoe Rides

9-11:30am
Kid Village Childcare
Kids’ Activities
Workshop Sessions

12-2pm
Lunch Break

2pm
Campsite Checkout for anyone leaving early
(you can remain in the Park until 10pm however)

2-6pm
Kid Village Childcare
Kids’ Activities
Workshop Sessions
Massages
Face Painting
Arts and Crafts
Canoe Rides

6-8pm
Dinner
(BYO or pre-purchase catered meal)

8-10pm
Evening Activity
Each night will be different: Community Campfires, Dance Party, Women’s Sacred Circle, SUDS (Secret Society of Unschooling Dads), Open Mic Night

Monday

Morning
Break Down Campsites
Clean Up

11am
Check out of Dining Hall and Bunkhouse
(can remain in the Park until 10pm)

Noon
Playground: BYO Lunch/Snacks and Feedback/Planning for next year!

2pm
Campsite Checkout
(can remain in the Park until 10pm)

Click here if you still need to Register.
Click here for  Staff Opportunities to reduce your registration costs.
Click here for general info on the Retreat.

Can’t wait to hang with the Radiant Tribe!  

Heaps of Love,
Christina and the Radiant Team
ctwJUMPrainbowRectangle r

Digging Deeper into Unschooling with Sue Patterson

Posted on by
Reply

sq logo WORKSHOPIf you have begun living a life of freedom in learning, but are having a hard time balancing the “Self-Directed” aspects of Unschooling with your parental instinct to offer guidance to your children, this session might be for you:

Balancing Parental Guidance and Self-Directed Learning

Unschoolers let their children choose when, how and what they learn, what role does parental guidance play? Sometimes parents feel that offering ideas and suggestions will prevent their child from unfolding naturally. It all depends on all the intentions, emotions, and stories wrapped up in those ideas and suggestions. Children need their parents’ experience and knowledge to grow and thrive – how we share it makes all the difference! Sue will share her experience in this area and help parents explore the boundaries of guidance vs. self-directed learning.

For those of you that are finding it hard to let go of curriculum or “schooly” materials for learning, you might like:

Curriculum as a Crutch

Buy this, and your kids will be smarter! Use this, you’ll be more organized! Get this series and you will unleash their inner genius!

Or something like that. Ahh… the lure of curriculum.

Marketing has targeted our community for some time now. Advertisers realize that while we are an independent lot, we still harbor a lot of fears. And isn’t that how marketing works best? Identify the fear or the lack, and then convince people that they need the product to fill their void. It’s as if they’re handing us crutches and telling us to lean on them – when in fact, we have no weakness, no lack of opportunity. The whole world awaits our children and these crutches they offer will simply hold them back.

Pre-planned materials often inhibit learning, keeping the child from all the benefits of discovery and exploration. It keeps parents from continuing to engage and facilitate new interesting opportunities out in the world. Don’t look wistfully at those crutches – embrace freedom!

Come talk with Sue and we can discuss awesome ways kids can learn from whatever interests them!

And for all the questions you don’t get answered during the Retreat, Sue and other parents of grown Unschoolers will make up the panel for:

Veteran Unschoolers’ Q & A

Bring your questions, concerns, fears and doubts to these parents who have the benefit of time and perspective.  Come hear about their journeys as they Unschooled their children who have now left the Unschooling Nest!

Sue has so many great topics prepared for this year’s Radiant Living & Learning Retreat!  Click here and here to read more about who she is and what she has in store for us!

 

Follow these links to learn more about the Retreat and to Register.

 

LOVE YOUR RADIANT LIFE!

Curious about Self-Directed Learning? Sue Patterson can help!

Posted on by
1

Sue is a veteran Home Educator with 3 grown kids.  All of her children were Unschooled, and Sue is a wealth of information on many aspects of alternative education.

From transitioning away from the curriculum mindset and into a learning partnership with your kids, to Unschooling through the teen years and supporting young adults as they transition into college or work, Sue’s perspective is invaluable.

If you are struggling with an aspect of Home Eduction or Partnership Parenting, Sue’s wisdom and experience can help reassure and guide you through the moments of doubt.

If you are simply curious about what Unschooling family life is like, she can share a comprehensive look based on her own experience and what she’s learned from her extensive network of Home Ed families.

Here are some of the sessions Sue will be leading at the Retreat.  We will hit the ground running on Friday morning with workshop sessions and circle discussions, so getting there Thursday to set up your bunks, tents and campers will ensure you don’t miss any of the action!

Learning All the Time: Unschooling 101
Friday Morning (Oct. 24)

Life Learning, Whole Life Learning, Self-Directed Learning, Organic Learning, Natural Learning, Interest-Led Learning.  There are so many different names for this type of alternative education and almost as many definitions.

Come discover the core principles behind this method of education.
Gain clarity on what Unschooling IS and is NOT.
Is there a “right” or “wrong” way to Unschool?  Is it still Unschooling if we require a few math or phonics worksheets here and there?    What is “Strewing?”  What is “Deschooling?”  What is “Radical Unschooling?” What are the benefits and drawbacks to Unschooling?  How can we be sure our kids will turn out OK educationally and otherwise?  What if I give my children freedom and all they do is play video games all day?  What if my child HAS to or WANTS to return to school in the future?  How do I comply with Homeschooling laws as an Unschooler? Can I do it as a single parent, or when both parents must be earners?
We’ll tackle these questions and help newbies, spouses, grandparents and in-laws understand this complex and rich form of education and help you discover tools to move forward with Unschooling in confidence.
To read more from Sue on this topic click here.

When Your Unschooler Chooses School

After being radically unschooled her whole life, Sue’s youngest daughter decided she wanted to go to the local public high school. While Sue supported her daughter’s choice, they “did high school” on their own terms. After a year and half, Sue’s daughter had enough and returned to the freedom of unschooling.

We will explore the ways that Unschoolers use mainstream schools, alternative schools and “schooly” classes and lessons to achieve their goals.  Can this still be considered “Unschooling?”  How can we support our children when they choose methods of education and institutions that we as parents are ideologically opposed to – or just feel are not the best “place” for our kids?  How can we allow our children to be exposed to the negative aspects of school that we have tried to shield them from all their lives?  Can a school truly be a place of Unschooling freedom?

Unschooling Teens

Are you worried about unschooling your teen? Are you afraid that your choices may close doors instead of opening them? Sue’s three grown unschoolers took completely different paths through the teenage years. Come hear how they navigated these years and rest assured that it does NOT have to be as scary as society makes it sound! Sue also wrote a book, Homeschooled Teens that will be available in October. She interviewed 75 teens and young adults who homeschooled/unschooled as teenagers. She will share their responses to her questions about what life was like for them: finding friends, learning opportunities, hobbies, sports, work, travel, advantages they feel they have now, advice for worried parents, and more!!
To learn more about Sue’s book click www.homeschooledteens.com
Join us for a fun and informative weekend that will give you more confidence as you navigate a different approach to Home Education and Parenting.
For Retreat details or to REGISTER: Click HERE

Can’t wait for the Retreat?
Hear what Sue has to say on her Unschooling Blog:

Read about her Unschooling journey HERE

Uncover your Highest Values and Life Purpose with Donna Vail

Posted on by
Reply

DonnaVailWelcome Donna Vail to our Radiant Tribe!

Donna is the mother of six and has been educating her children at home for almost 20 years.  She empowers families to find and follow their Life Purpose through her writing, speaking, workshops and private coaching.  Donna helps families who are moving from school to home education, as well as those who are moving from a school-at-home approach to one that is led by the Highest Values and Life Purpose of each family member.  Join Donna at the Radiant Living & Learning Retreat for her 2 part workshop:

Unveiling Life Purpose for You and Your Children

Unschooling is an experience to be shared as a family, but it can be greatly enhanced when parents have the vision to facilitate children to their individual greatness.  One of the most stressful areas in unschooling is the inability to understand how your child is communicating their life purpose so you can accurately provide for their needs and not distract them from their purposeful path.  Many parents struggle with knowing their own life purpose and how to manage it productively.  This can make it impossible to facilitate the life purposes of the rest of the family.

The key ingredient is knowing how to identify your highest values and priorities, and those of your children.  Once you know these highest values, you can begin applying them directly to your everyday life.  Raising your children, providing an inspiring learning environment, doing your own work to provide for the family and relate to others is enriched when you identify with your highest values. This process can make the difference between living a meaningful life or one of quiet desperation. Let’s face it, freedom is never free. It comes with great responsibility and if we’re not tuned in or we’re unsure, we become enslaved by our indecisiveness.

In this workshop Donna will take you through the process of determining your highest values, discovering the key to family dynamics and how your perceptions shape your life.  We will also learn how to determine your children’s highest values and how to customize their learning experience into every day purposeful living and learning.

You will walk away from this workshop not only listening better, but also going through the process to have a clearer breakdown of what’s most important in your and your children’s lives.

  • Discover why you do what you do
  • Let go of pushing
  • Hear what your children are really telling you

You will be empowered with new self-understanding and inspiration to love more, live more and learn more.

This workshop is designed for parents but Part One is also appropriate for teens that are interested in using Donna’s process to discover their Highest Values and Priorities.

Part One:
Values Determination Process for Parents and Teens,
Prioritizing

Lunch Break

Part Two:
Values Determination Process for Children’s Values,
Family Dynamics and Customized Learning
(Pre-req: Must have attended Session One)

To learn more about Donna and her process visit www.AnInspiredEducation.com

Connect with Donna at: www.facebook.com/DonnaVailInternational

Links for
More info on the Radiant Living & Learning Retreat
or
Registration

Early Bird discounts are available through August 15.

Not a Camper? We can help!

Posted on by
2

From a “non-camper” at last year’s Retreat:

“Reflecting on this weekend…I have to say that I really loved our camping experience at Cleburne State Park!  We don’t do a lot of camping (yet)…don’t even own a tent or gear! (yet)…but the facilities were clean & the restrooms were clean & warm…the layout of the campground & cabins was perfect!  We loved it!  I would definitely like to go back!”
                                                     – Michelle

Never fear!  There are several options for non-campers at the Radiant Living & Learning Retreat!

1. If you’ve never camped or haven’t been in years, we can hook you up with a Radiant Family who is more experienced.  They can give you pointers before hand and help you set up your tent.  To sign up for a Camping Liaison mention it in the notes section of your Registration Form.

Also check out these posts from last year:
– Camping Tips (part 1 and part 2)
– Camp Packing Lists
or post your camping questions to the RL&L Facebook Group

2. If tent camping just isn’t your thing you have several options:

  • Bunkhouse – We have several families who loved the Bunkhouse so much last year that they have already requested a space there again.
    We have 2 bunkhouse rooms with 24 bunk beds each.  The beds can be rearranged and blankets/sheets hung to create privacy.  The Bunkhouses have heat and AC and the restrooms/showers are just across a breezeway.  Choose “Bunkhouse” in the accommodations section of your Retreat Registration Form.
  • Rent an RV – Our family did this last year to accommodate our child with intense special needs.  We had been considering a motel room for him and my husband, but we wanted them to be IN the park with us and all of the other Radiant Families.  We found an RV through El Monte RV that was comparable to motel prices and MUCH less expensive than any other RV company we shopped in DFW or in Cleburne.
    This year we have negotiated a group rate with El Monte.  5-10% off depending on how many in our group.  They have locations in McKinney and Palmer and their website has prices for all of the different models.
    On your Retreat Registration Form choose a Private Tent/RV Campsite and mention in the notes that you would like to join our group for the discount.  A couple of months before the Retreat El Monte will be ready to take our group’s reservations.  You can choose a campsite with or without sewer hookups as there is a free dump station in the state park.
  • Stay in a hotel in Cleburne – If you just can’t make the camping leap this time, the town of Cleburne is only 10 miles from the State Park and has many hotel and motel options.  Your daily entrance fee is covered each day by your Weekend Retreat Registration, so you can leave each night and return each morning to attend workshops, hang out with all the other families and enjoy all of the Retreat activities.  Park rules state that daytime guests must leave the park by 10pm.
  • Single Day Passes – Cleburne is close to DFW!  Come out for the day! Single Day Passes are available for Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  The cost is $25 per person.
    Click Here to purchase Single Day Passes for you or your family.
    Map it to see how far you are from the State Park.

If you have further questions, please contact us.

Whatever accommodations are the best fit for your family, we want to help make it possible for you to attend the Retreat and benefit from the support of our Radiant Tribe!

Love Your Radiant Life!
Christina

Finding the Courage to Forge Your Own Path with Dr. Adrienne Carmack

Posted on by
Reply

Radiant Living & Learning is pleased to welcome Adrienne Carmack, MD as a workshop facilitator at the Retreat!

AdrienneCarmack
Mother of three unschooled children, Adrienne began her adulthood on a very traditional path to the American dream. Once she got there, she realized the inherent flaws of the dream and began to tune in to her own intuition. She became a mother, reworked her medical practice to create an entirely new practice model to fit her life, and has published a book blasting the medical profession for its absurdities:
Reclaiming My Birth Rights.
Read more at: AdrienneCarmack.com

 

Join Adrienne for her session at the Retreat:
Finding the Courage to Forge Your Own Path where she will share how trusting her intuition has helped her move from Medical Doctor to Birthing Rights Advocate and what she envisions creating for her future.  Adrienne invites attendees to share how they have (or are hoping to) untangle themselves from society’s webs in order to live a life they love. “Let’s learn from each other as we all move closer towards that which feels true.  Let’s share what has worked or what is holding us back so we can visualize what’s possible together!”