top of page

Mid-Summer Roundup: Stitching Together a Year of Joy & Looking Ahead


What a year it’s been—stitching together the colorful quilt of our homeschool community here in the Valley.


Each of us may walk a different path—unschooling, eclectic, classical, project-based—but what we share is a deep desire to create the best life for our children: one full of curiosity, joy, and the freedom to keep unfolding alongside them.

Before we dive too deep into summer mode, we wanted to share some highlights from the past year, a few simple ways to stay connected over the next couple of months, and a glimpse of what’s already in motion for the 2025/26 season.


A Look Back:

Moments That Mattered


This past year was full of firsts, friendships, and creative sparks. We built community through:


  • Craft Days, Picnics, & Friday Co-Op gatherings that brought us together in playful, meaningful ways.

  • Spanish Immersion in the Garden where children sang, played, tended chickens, and soaked up language and culture naturally.


We marked the turning of the seasons with:

  • Whimsical Autumn Nature Fairy crafts

  • A magical Midwinter Storyfire with an epic storyteller by the fireside

  • Joyful May Faire festivities with ribbon weaving, jousting, and handcrafts

  • And wrapped it all up with the colorful, laughter-filled June Jubilee & Variety Show, where the kids shone in every way imaginable.


Summer "Recess" + Field Trips/Event Planning


While many programs are on pause, there are still a smattering of activity this summer:

ree

  • Summer "Recess"/Park Days

    • click flyer icon on left for dates and locations


  • Field Trips & Events Planning Meeting– Thursday June 17 @ 3:30 : 

    Share ideas for field trips and events for the coming year. We’re already in touch with nearby homeschool groups to dream bigger—some field trips just need more boots on the ground!

    • Are you able to join on Thursday July 17 at 3:30?

    • Location:

      • Hans Christian Anderson Park playground area (Solvang). Kids welcome.

    • If you are not able to join,

      • please send ideas and support my way. I’ll make sure to include those in the discussion.

    • RSVP helpful


Looking Toward Fall & 2025/26


👉 Pre-registration/Interest Forms are open until Wednesday! 

  • Families who complete the form will receive

    • early details on fall classes, first enrollment options, and more.

  • Full open enrollment resurfaces in early August, space permitting.


We’ll roll through August with:


  • An End-of-Summer Beach Social

  • A Homeschool Roundtable 

    • where we’ll swap stories, hear from seasoned homeschoolers, and build connection across generations

  • Class Meet & Greets 

    • so kids (and parents) can ease into fall

  • Nature Ranger Camp Days to soak up the last golden days of summer

Dates for these will be shared soon—keep an eye on your inbox and Instagram.


Together, We Keep Growing


This community grows because of you—the parents, grandparents, and kids who show up with open hearts and curious minds.

Let’s keep weaving this tapestry together. Here’s to more learning, more laughter, and more ways to feel at home—wherever we gather.


With warmth and gratitude,

Nicol


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page