Grounded Wanderers: The Homeschool Retreat

This retreat, Grounded Wanderers, is designed for the homeschool family that wants more but isn't quite sure where to start. Its for the mom that finishes lessons while her coffee gets cold. It's for the dad that walks in the door to be greeted with new projects and artwork. It's for the kids that learn in the real world. Its for the families that want to explore and experience the beauty of the world around us. This retreat is designed for the homeschool family with kids of all ages (and their extended family, too...because we know it takes a village).

This retreat isn't for you if you want a tight schedule and a rigid curriculum- even on a getaway. If you don't crave connection and community, this may not be for you right now. If you are more worried about the cheapest experience instead of the most enriching experience, this isn't for you.

This retreat welcomes families with children of all ages, with the experience being especially well-suited for families with children ages 5 and up. I know that many of us rely on a village of folks, your village is absolutely welcome to join along.

Grounded Wanderers (GW) is the homeschool retreat designed with homeschool families in mind. A retreat where you can FINALLY relax and connect while still being in an environment where learning happens naturally. It's also a chance to connect with other families in similar seasons (which is always nice)

Currently, your registration fee and your cruise fare are included in the pricing. There are options you may select (Princess packages, gratuities, etc) to add on. We are working on securing a hotel block for your convenience and that pricing will be available soon. Flights are not included in the pricing as everyone has different flight needs and departure cities. I am happy to assist you in finding flights if needed. Transfers will also be available to add on once flight information is made available.

An Alaskan cruise for your first cruise is GOALS in the best of ways. Your cruise fare includes: all food (multiple dining options around the ship including the main dining room), basic drinks (water, tea, juice, milk, and coffee), on board entertainment (shows, classes, pools, live music, and more), port stops (port excursions are not included BUT you CAN get off the ship at each port stop and explore regardless of if you have an excursion), your stateroom.

Because of the high volume and unique nature of this retreat, we will be basing all pricing on what is reflected here on our landing page. There will NOT be an increase as we are locked into these rates. There MIGHT be a decrease, and this will be reflected at the time of payment. I do not control the cruise fare pricing.

Accommodations for the retreat will be booked through me whenever possible to ensure a smooth and cohesive experience for the group. If you have a preference outside of the available offerings, I’m happy to discuss it—though alternative arrangements may create complications with transfers or group logistics.

You will need to book 2 or more staterooms. Right now, we cannot guarantee that they will be near each other as it is based on availability. Cruise staterooms sleep a specific number based on lifeboat availability (in the event of an emergency). Even if you can all squeeze in a room, it is based on a strict number. You may all still sleep in the same room, but please know you will need to report the muster station assigned to your stateroom.

Payments are handled individually for each family, allowing flexibility while still participating in the shared retreat experience.

Travel insurance is strongly encouraged for all families to help protect your investment and provide peace of mind.

Yes. Families will be invited to join a private Facebook group prior to the retreat, with the possibility of an additional WhatsApp chat for optional, more casual connection and updates.

At this time, the retreat is capped at 32 families to preserve the intimate, grounded feel of the experience. If additional space becomes available, the group may expand thoughtfully as needed.

Yes, there will be a registration fee of $150 per cabin. This covers the cost of retreat materials to enhance your experience.

Grounded Wanderers is the true retreat the homeschool community has been craving- whether you realize it or not. You have the option to do it all...or simply do nothing at all.

Throughout the retreat, families can look forward to:

• Daily Meet Ups so you can connect with families in your season of life...with the people who actually get it.
• Nature moments that inspire learning and curiosity naturally; wildlife, glaciers, or even just a simple but beautiful sunrise on your balcony with your family.
• Suggested excursions and experiences I am working with the best of the best to gather group rates on some amazing excursion options for our group. When in Alaska, we want to make sure that our time is spent intentionally- local guides, a new foodie scene, unique hikes and sailings..the options are limitless.
• Adults-only meet-ups you read that right..spending time with other adults that not only hear your story, but they live it too! The kids club on board are truly AMAZING, so you can have that peace of mind.

Every aspect of the Grounded Wanderers retreat is optional by design. Families are encouraged to join in where it feels right for them, knowing that connection often happens most naturally when there’s freedom to choose. The goal is not full participation...but meaningful experience.

Families joining Grounded Wanderers receive planning support designed to make the experience feel easy and approachable from the very beginning. From guidance and suggestions to help you prepare, to resources that answer common questions, the goal is simple: less stress, more confidence.

You’ll never be left wondering what to do next or how to prepare—support is built into the experience.

Throughout the retreat, I’ll be present and available—hosting optional gatherings, offering guidance when needed, and helping things flow smoothly—without hovering or over-scheduling. My role is to support, not manage, allowing families the freedom to engage in a way that feels right for them.

One of the biggest gifts of this retreat is not having to think through every detail on your own. Families can expect support with:

• Packing guidance and preparation tips
• Port guides and excursion suggestions
• Pre- and post-trip planning assistance
• Personal preferences, including allergies, bedding needs, and special considerations

So you can focus on what matters most—being present with your family.

Grounded Wanderers is intentionally different from traditional group trips or homeschool events. There is no rigid schedule to keep up with and no focus on curated aesthetics or performance. Instead, this retreat centers on meaningful connection—between families, within your own family, and with the places you’re experiencing together.

The emphasis is on presence, not perfection.

Homeschooling is rooted in experiencing the world in real, tangible ways—and there is rarely a “right time” to try something new. This retreat embraces that truth. Alaska offers a powerful, living classroom where history, nature, science, and wonder unfold naturally through shared experience.

Families are invited to learn together, ask questions, and let curiosity lead the way—without pressure or expectation.

You won’t be navigating this experience alone. From planning and preparation to the retreat itself, I’ll be there to guide and support you each step of the way. This retreat is also an opportunity to build genuine community—connections that extend beyond the trip and into everyday life.

If you’re curious whether this retreat is a good fit, I invite you to take time to explore the itinerary with your family, reach out with any questions, and pray about whether this experience aligns with your season.

When you feel ready, placing a deposit will reserve your family’s spot and ensure you don’t miss out as space fills. There’s no pressure—just an open invitation to step into something meaningful, together.