Our very first Educate, Empower, Enrich Homeschool Retreat is coming!
June 5-6, 2026
Nestled in the foothills of Elk Ridge, Utah
Come step away from the noise. Return with clarity.
Who is hungry for community and a little bit of inspiration?
Who wonders sometimes if you’re still doing this right?
Then you’ve found the right place.
Whether you’re just finding your footing or you’ve been at this for years, something brought you here.
Maybe you’re tired of carrying it all alone.
Maybe the questions have shifted over time but they haven’t gone away.
Maybe you just need someone to look you in the eye and say what you’re doing matters. (It does.)
This retreat was built for exactly that moment — the one you’re in right now.
You won’t leave with a perfect curriculum or a spotless schedule.
But you will leave knowing
you are already doing something remarkable —
and with the clarity and courage to keep going.
If right now you are saying:
“I’m drowning.”
“I need a break from the chaos.”
“I want to be heard and seen.”
You will leave feeling:
“I feel like I can do this homeschool thing.”
“My effort is enough.”
“This escape was exactly what I needed”
WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO
A setting that does something to your soul
Nestled in the foothills of Elk Ridge, Utah, with the mountains rising up around you and the noise of everyday life somewhere far behind — this is the backdrop for your weekend. There is something about the foothills that slows you down before you even walk through the door.
“I needed this time to breathe.”
Friday evening — for those who can stay
If you can arrive Friday, the evening is pure gift. A delicious homemade dinner, a gentle nature hike, hand and foot massages, pampering, games, and good conversation — and when the night winds down, “tea and crumpets” around a book discussion that will leave you thinking. This is what it feels like to be taken care of.
“It felt so good to sit down and laugh with other women and find myself again.”
Saturday — The Heart of the Retreat, open to everyone
Whether you’re joining us for the full weekend or just arriving Saturday morning, a beautiful full day is waiting for you.
“I am so grateful I took this time to fill my cup.”
Food that actually nourishes you
Every meal has been thoughtfully prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients — the kind of food that makes you feel cared for. Saturday includes a full breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea throughout the day.
“I really needed someone to take care of me for a change.”
Classes that stretch and inspire
Choose from sessions on everything from the practical to the delightful — microgreens and maple syrup, music and history, homeschool rhythms and the hard days when your kids push back. Three full class sessions on Saturday morning mean you get to learn what you need most.
“I learned I don’t have to be perfect to have success in my homeschool. This idea brought me so much peace.”
A keynote that will stay with you
Saturday afternoon you’ll gather together for a keynote address designed to do one thing: remind you of the hope, purpose, and power behind the work you do every day.
“I am grateful to know I don’t have to get everything right. It really is okay to make mistakes.”
Afternoon experiences made just for you
Spend Saturday afternoon learning something new that feeds your soul — a watercolor painting experience, a creative writing session, or a nature hike through the foothills with a knowledgeable guide. This is your time to play, create, and simply enjoy being a person, not just a mom.
“I was made for this moment. My effort is enough.”
An evening you won’t forget
The weekend closes with a beautiful dinner and an evening program that will send you home full — not just fed, but genuinely, deeply full – educated, empowered and enriched.
“I thought I was being selfish to come but, honestly, I’m ready to return home – uplifted and strengthened.”
Speakers & Guides
Rebecca McLaughlin
Lap Songs to Lifelong Bonds: Early Childhood, Family, and the Power of Singing Together | Sing Your Way Through the Homeschool Day
Anna Mock
A Nature Study in Action
Amanda Thorn
Bigtooth Maple: How Maple syrup is made right here in Utah
Georgia Buchert
Discover the Writer Within
Morning
Session 1
The Great Basin: Where did it come from and where did it go? with Elise Lee
Coming Soon!
Lap Songs to Lifelong Bonds: Early Childhood, Family, and the Power of Singing Together with Rebecca McLaughlin
Coming Soon!
How to Teach Your Child to Think Historically with Brittany Couper
Coming Soon!
A Nature Study in Action with Anna Mock
Coming Soon!
Session 2
Bigtooth Maple: How Maple syrup is made right here in Utah with Amanda Thorn
Coming Soon!
Sing Your Way Through the Homeschool Day with Rebecca McLaughlin
Coming Soon!
The Homeschool Swing with Molly Wren Christensen
Why you keep going from “doing it all” to “I’m done”, and how to finally get your homeschool steady
You’re not inconsistent, you’re stuck in a pattern. One week you’re all in, excited to try out something new, and the next, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. This session will show you why that swing keeps happening (and why it’s not a discipline problem). You’ll learn what actually causes the cycle, how to step out of reaction mode, and the simplest way to start creating steadiness, without overhauling your whole homeschool or doing more! You’ll leave with one clear shift you can use right away to stop the swing and move forward with more calm and confidence.
Joy in the Middle with Jenny Spadafora
Come be encouraged as we discuss how to notice the joy already growing in your homeschool and discover simple ways to create more of it. Even in the middle of the mess, routine, and hard days, joy can still be cultivated through small shifts in perspective and purpose.
Session 3
Ditch the Stress, Create a Life you Love with Donna Goff
8 Habits That Change Everything for the Overwhelmed Mom
A transformational session designed to help moms move from chaos to calm with simple, sustainable habits.
Q&A with a seasoned homeschool mom with ToriAnn Perkey
Coming Soon!
Why Your Kids Push Back (and What Actually Works Instead) with Molly Wren Christensen
The real reason homeschool turns into resistance and how to get out of the power struggles
If your homeschool feels like a cycle of reminding, pushing, and dealing with resistance, you’re not alone, and it’s not because your kids are “difficult.” Learn why different kids respond so differently to expectations, routines, and pressure. Learn why what works for one child can completely backfire with another. More importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to adjust how you lead so your kids are more cooperative, more engaged, and less resistant without turning into the drill sergeant or giving up altogether. This is about understanding what actually works in real homes, so you can stop fighting your kids and start working with them.
Joy in the Middle with Jenny Spadafora
Come be encouraged as we discuss how to notice the joy already growing in your homeschool and discover simple ways to create more of it. Even in the middle of the mess, routine, and hard days, joy can still be cultivated through small shifts in perspective and purpose.
AFTERNOON
KEYNOTE
The Hope Chest Journey with Donna Goff
A vision-casting session on restoring family culture, reclaiming the lost arts, and raising children prepared for a full and meaningful life.
Experiences 1
To Be Announced
Coming Soon!
Discover the Writer Within with Georgia Buchert
Coming Soon!
Game Changers with Jenny Spadafora
Your kids think they're just playing. You'll know better. In this experience, Jenny Mae walks you through some of her favorite board games that sneak in real math and reading practice — no worksheets required. Come ready to play, and leave with a game plan.
Experiences 2
To Be Announced
Coming Soon!
Paper Bag Scrapbooking with DeDe Smith
Come learn how to make a fun paper bag scrapbook journal that is perfect to make with the kids or for yourself!
It’s a fun mini album to make and remember special trips, events, and/or seasons!
To Be Announced
Coming Soon!
Questions? We have answers.
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
This retreat is for homeschool moms — brand new and seasoned veterans alike. If you’re in the thick of it and need a breath of fresh air, you belong here. Classical, Charlotte Mason, eclectic, unschooling, or just figuring it out as you go — there is a seat at the table for every one of you.
Do I have to come with someone or can I come alone?
Come solo or come with your whole co-op — either way you are going to fit right in. One of the best things about this retreat is that you will leave with friends you didn’t have when you arrived. And if you bring a group of four or more, a group discount is available. More friends, more fun, less cost.
What is the difference between the Friday + Saturday and Saturday Only options?
Saturday is the full retreat experience — classes, keynote, meals, afternoon experiences, and an evening program. Friday evening is an optional add-on for a smaller, more intimate group of women who want to arrive early, enjoy a leisurely evening of dinner, pampering, and connection, and spend the night.
If I stay Friday night, where do I sleep?
This is a come-as-you-are kind of sleepover. Bring your sleeping bag and your coziest blanket, or opt for a twin size blow-up mattress if you want a little more comfort. Groups will be assigned to rooms based on size so you can bunk together — and if you’re coming solo, don’t worry. You will be settled into a comfortable spot and surrounded by women who are quickly becoming friends. It’s relaxed, it’s warm, and it’s exactly as charming as it sounds.
What should I bring?
A notebook, a water bottle, and an open heart. If you’re staying Friday night, add your sleeping bag and pillow to that list. Leave your to-do list at home.
What do I do about my kids?
This one is yours to figure out — but it is worth it. Make the arrangements, ask for the help, and give yourself permission to go. Your kids will be fine. You deserve this day.
Will there be food for dietary restrictions?
Yes! Every meal is prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients and all meals are mindful of gluten-free and dairy-free needs. Please contact us with any additional dietary needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
I’m not sure which classes to choose — how does that work?
This retreat is for homeschool moms — brand new and seasoned veterans alike. If you’re in the thick of it and need a breath of fresh air, you belong here. Classical, Charlotte Mason, eclectic, unschooling, or just figuring it out as you go — there is a seat at the table for every one of you.
Do I need to be a certain kind of homeschooler to attend?
Not at all. Classical, Charlotte Mason, eclectic, unschooling, just-figuring-it-out — all are welcome. This retreat is about the mom, not the method.
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. If something comes up, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another mom.
I still have questions — who can I contact?
Reach out to Jenny Mae directly at jennymae@wholehearted-
Early bird pricing
April 6 through May 1
Friday + Saturday
The Full Experience
$285 $240
Saturday ONLY
The Heart of the Retreat
$195 $160
Don’t wait — early bird spots are limited and this discount disappears May 1.
What’s Included:
Friday + Saturday includes everything below plus:
- Friday evening dinner
- Pampering, massage, hiking, and games
- Tea, crumpets, and book discussion
- Overnight accommodations
- Full breakfast Saturday morning
Saturday includes:
- Lunch and dinner
- Morning tea
- Three class sessions — your choice
- Keynote address
- Afternoon experiences
- Evening program featuring a singer-songwriter performance
- Swag bag
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable.
REGISTRATION STARTS HERE
| Ticket Type | Price | Cart |
|---|---|---|
| EARLY REGISTRATION | Friday + Saturday – The Full Experience | $240 | |
| EARLY REGISTRATION | Saturday Only — The Heart of the Retreat | $160 |
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
4:30pm – Welcome & Check-in
5:30pm – Dinner
6:30pm – Activities & Pampering Begin
9:30pm – Book Discussion with Tea & Crumpets
** For Friday participants: Saturday morning will include a full breakfast.
SATURDAY
8:30am – Check-in
9:00am – Welcome
9:30am – Session 1
10:30am – Session 2
11:30am – Session 3
12:30pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Keynote
2:30pm – Experiences 1
4:00pm – Experiences 2
6:00pm – Dinner
6:30pm – Program
7:00pm – Closing
Coming Soon!
about your
hostess
Hi, I’m Jenny Mae — and this retreat is something I wished had existed for me.
I spent 30 years in public education before stepping into the world of homeschooling, and that transition was no small thing. I know what it feels like to be new to this, to question everything, to wonder if you are doing it right. And I know that what most of us need in those moments is not a better curriculum — it’s someone to sit with.
The Educate, Empower, Enrich Retreat in the Foothills was born out of that desire. I wanted a place where homeschool moms could step away from the daily weight of it, sit with women who truly understood, learn something that lit them up, and return home reminded of why they started. That place didn’t exist — so I decided to build it.
Every detail — the meals, the classes, the keynote, the experiences — has been chosen with one woman in mind. The homeschool mom who is giving everything she has and just needs someone to pour back into her.
That woman is you. I built this for you. I can hardly wait to welcome you.
Wholehearted Homeschooling with Jenny Mae
You’ve found the right place. Now come.
You started out curious about this retreat wondering if it was for you. You read through the schedule, the classes, the meals, the experiences — and something in you is still here. Still reading. That’s not an accident.
You came here because something in you is tired of carrying it alone. Because the questions haven’t gone away. Because you just need someone to look you in the eye and say what you are doing matters.
So let us say it one more time, clearly, before you go:
What you are doing matters. The imperfect days and the beautiful ones. The curriculum you cobbled together and the one you threw out. The mornings that went sideways and the quiet moments that took your breath away. All of it. It matters. You are enough.
This retreat will not fix everything. But it will educate your mind with ideas worth carrying home. It will empower your heart to let go of the guilt and embrace the good you are already creating. And it will enrich your life — and the lives of your children — in ways that will outlast the weekend.
Two days in the foothills. Women who get it. A keynote that will remind you why you started. And a seat at the table with your name on it.
Come step away from the noise. Return with clarity.
Register today — we can hardly wait to welcome you.