The second annual retreat for Farm and Garden-Based Educators Inspired by Anthroposophy will be held Wednesday, November 3rd — Friday, November 5th in southeast Wisconsin.

All across the country, biodynamic farms and gardens are becoming educational environments for children and adults who are eager to gain an intimate connection to the sources of their food and to learn how to do grow it themselves.

Who are the teachers? For many such individuals, this is a new vocation, thrust upon them by their CSA members or nearby Waldorf school children, who peer over the gate, wanting to help and wanting to learn. For others, this is a chosen vocation, newer on the landscape of career options; many of these educators see farms and gardens as ideal settings for children and young people to develop responsibility, resourcefulness, and healthy respect.

Last year’s retreat was a significant first step towards forming a collegiate, connected group of farm- and garden-based educators inspired by anthroposophy. Retreat organizers intend for this year’s gathering to further develop this collegiality and to deepen awareness of this vocation.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore curricula, discuss funding possibilities, and learn about integrating animals into their programs. Also included will be work and artistic activities at a nearby site as well as a Theory U Case Clinic session.

If you are a Farm-Based Educator inspired by anthroposophy, we invite you to join us!

If you wish to support this developing field financially or otherwise, please let us know!

Participants in the first Farm-Based Educators Retreat in 2009