Founders' Retreat
June 12th - 15th
For the heart of every Microschool Founder seeking to feed their soul and fill their bucket.
So what is the Microschool Founders' Retreat?
Join Rachelle Noble, Tom Bogle, Lorien Jepson & a few very special guest facilitators for an all-inclusive, 3 day/3 night retreat in beautiful Happy Jack, Arizona! It's an experience where folks like us, who live and breathe innovative education, can come together to recharge, connect, and share our journeys.
It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle that we forget to feed our own souls and fill our own buckets. This retreat is all about giving back to yourself, soaking in the serene landscapes, diving into enriching workshops, and laughing and learning with people who truly understand the rollercoaster dream ride of founding and operating a microschool.
Learn, Connect & Grow With Other Microschool Operators
Book this experience with a couple of fellow microschool founder friends, or come solo and meet new friends! Treat yourself to this magical experience and watch the glow unfold afterward with your renewed spirit and new inspiration!
What's in it for you?
The Microschool Founders' Retreat is designed to help you take a step back, reconnect with your passion, engage in meaningful personal and professional development, and build relationships with other leaders in the microschool space. This immersive experience has been thoughtfully curated with the unique needs of microschool innovators in mind.
Overcome Burnout and Stagnancy
As a microschool founder, you fill many roles and manage huge responsibilities every day. Our retreat offers a sanctuary from the daily grind, providing the space and support to recharge, reflect, and reignite your creativity. You’ll gain tools and techniques that foster resiliency and help you rediscover your sense of purpose and renewed enthusiasm for your microschool.
Maximize Your Value Proposition
Get ready to amplify your impact and articulate your vision with clarity! During the retreat, we’ll take you on a deep dive into your unique value proposition. Together, we’ll explore how your learning model, philosophy, mission, and goals intersect with the microschooling movement and the individual communities you hope to draw learners from.
Expand Your Skill Set
The Microschool Founders' Retreat is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for experiential learning - explicitly developed for microschool leaders. We bring our extensive experience and knowledge to bear in all of the learning experiences we create. Our engaging workshops invite active learning and will help you develop practical strategies for fostering student ownership, integrating place-based education, and cultivating collaborative learning environments. The Microschool Founder's Retreat is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Don't miss out on this transformative experience! Join us at The Microschool Founder's Retreat.
We have partnered with The H.E.A.R.T. Center
The H.E.A.R.T. Center was founded in 2014 with the mission of using horses and recreation to create alternative and intentional therapeutic learning opportunities for students with developmental disabilities.
Today they continue to fulfill this mission through innovative and evidence-based practices. They strive every day to empower individuals with special needs to build confidence and develop life skills through recreation and activity integrated educational programs.
This gathering is an essential touchstone for those committed to redefining what education can be, offering a unique opportunity to learn from each other and grow together.
Founders' Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Wednesday, June 12th
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Registration and settling in
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM - Equine Therapy Meet And Greet
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Dinner/Unstructured Time
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Optional semi-structured social time
Day 2: Thursday, June 13th
7:00 AM to 7:50 AM - Optional-Morning meditations, reflection, and grounding opportunities
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM to 9:50 AM - Gathering Time
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Activities/Workshops
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Lunch/ Unstructured time
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Activities/Workshops
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Dinner/Unstructured Time
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Optional Activities
Day 3: Friday, June 14th
7:00 AM to 7:50 AM - Optional-Morning meditations, reflection, and grounding opportunities
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM to 9:50 AM - Gathering Time
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Activities/Workshops
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Lunch/ Unstructured time
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Activities/Workshops
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Dinner/Unstructured Time
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Optional Activities
Day 4: Saturday, June 15th
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Closing Circle
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Departure
The Retreat Location
Welcome to Camp Colley In Happy Jack, Arizona!
Nestled amidst the towering pines of Arizona's Mogollon Rim, Happy Jack exudes an aura of serenity that washes over you like a soothing balm. The crisp mountain air whispers through the trees, carrying the scent of sun-warmed needles. Birdsong creates a gentle symphony, and the only other sounds are the rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of distant creeks. At Happy Jack, the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades away, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and tranquility – the perfect setting for a revitalizing retreat.
Pricing & Details
Special Extra Early Bird Pricing of only $599 (Regularly $849)
Only available until May 8th
*Secure your spot for only $300 then $299 due June 1st
3 nights, 3 days accommodation
All meals included
All activities & workshops
Buddy Pass Special for two people for only $1149
3 nights, 3 days accommodation
All meals included
All activities & workshops
* Please note that you will need to bring your own bedding (Sleeping bag & pillow), toiletries, clothing and closed toed shoes preferably with a slight heal for the equine activities.
Get the Special Extra Early Bird Pricing Before May 8th
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this retreat for?
Microschool educators and operators
People who haven’t opened their microschool yet
What is the cost?
Extra early bird - $599 until April 30, 2024
Early bird - $699 until May 15, 2024
Regular cost - $849 until June 11, 2024
When is it?
June 12-15, 2024
Registration - June 12 from 12-2pm
What time does the event end - June 15 at noon
Where is it?
Camp Colley in Happy Jack, Arizona
7500 elevation
2 hours and 20 minute drive from Sky Harbor
50 minute drive from Flagstaff, Arizona
If you need transportation to and from the camp, we will offer shuttle service. Details to come soon for this.
What is the sleeping and bathroom situation?
How many people in a tent?
- Tents sleep 10, but we will have a maximum of 6 people per tent
Are there separate sleeping quarters for men and women?
- Yes
Can I pick my roommates?
- You can request who you would like to bunk with, but we can’t guarantee placement
Are there any private tents available?
- No, but you can bring your own tent or RV
Can I bring my own tent or RV?
- Yes, and it is dry camping - no electric, water, or sewer at the RV site
Can I bring my children or additional people?
- This is exclusively for microschool founders
What is the bathroom situation?
- There are bathrooms that include showers near the lodge, which is a 5-minute walk from the tents. There are large, well-maintained portable toilets near the tents.
What meals and drinks are provided?
What meals are provided?
- We will provide dinner Wednesday, three meals Thursday and Friday and breakfast on Saturday.
Is there drinking water available?
- Yes
What do I need to bring?
What is the weather - average temperature, likelihood of rainfall
For sleeping - Sleeping bag, blankets, pillow, etc
For bathing - Towel, soap, shampoo, etc
Close-toed shoes
Is there wifi available?
No, and some cell carriers will experience slow or no connection. Verizon will be the most effective.
Will there be transportation available from Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)?
Yes, there will be one shuttle Wednesday afternoon and a return shuttle Saturday morning. Other carpool options available.
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