The table is being set.
This Year’s Feast
Over the sessions of the weekend, we’ll take up each of the descriptions Miss Mason assigned to the teacher: Philosopher, Guide, and Friend.
Philosopher
Knowing begets knowing. At its base, the word ‘philosopher’ means “loves knowledge.” We’ll consider our relationship with the knowledge of God, of man, and of the universe — and how our own desire to know bubbles over into our homeschools.
Guide
Attaining the great vistas. A good guide knows her party and the path — their capabilities and fallibilities, the terrain and the best views. She doesn’t leave anyone behind, and she chooses a path that is neither too easy nor too hard, toward the greatest vistas of knowledge.
Friend
Commend me the yak. “As a friend to the children, commend me the yak,” wrote Belloc. Our role as friend is to seek their good — this session contemplates being a friend to our children with the tools given to us: Atmosphere, Discipline, and Life.
Your Speaker
Dawn Garrett
Dawn lives in her native Central Ohio with her husband Jason. All three of her children are graduates of her AmblesideOnline-informed homeschool. She continues to follow the principles of Charlotte Mason in her own life — studying the liberal arts to know God better, imitate Him and His ways, and share Him with others.
She helps coordinate and host the Charlotte Mason Ohio: Set Your Feet retreat each summer, and her ebook I Am, I Can, I Ought, I Will: Charlotte Mason’s Motto Explained for Upper Elementary Students is a free download on her blog. Find her on Instagram, Substack, and sundry places online.
Breakout speaker
Breakout speaker
Breakout speaker
Breakout speaker
Breakout speaker
Breakout speaker
The Shape of the Weekend
January 14
- 4:00Registration opens & book sale
- 5:00Supper & welcome
- 6:15Plenary I — hymn, folk song & our theme
- 8:30Group dancing · pool & bonfire
- 9:00Afterparty
January 15
- 7:15Morning prayer
- 8:00Breakfast
- 9:00Plenary II & artist study
- 11:00Breakout sessions I
- 12:00Lunch
- 1:00Reflection (aka nap)
- 2:15Breakout sessions II
- 3:45Book discussion — Silas Marner
- 5:00Supper
- 6:45Makers’ Evening — calligraphy, or bring your own handwork
- 8:00Thirty-minute Shakespeare — Twelfth Night
- 9:00Afterparty
January 16
- 7:15Morning prayer
- 8:00Breakfast
- 9:00Plenary III
- 10:30Panel — meet the breakout speakers, then Q&A
- 12:00Lunch · Bluestem Education Guild co-ops info meeting
- 1:00Departure — until next year!
Snacks appear whenever you need them — it is a feast, after all. Session details may shift a little as the weekend comes together.
Getting There
The Crossing Retreat Center
Lexington, Nebraska 68850
A quiet retreat center on the edge of Lexington, just a few minutes off I-80 — comfortable lodging, a dining hall that keeps us well fed, and room to wander between sessions.
Carpooling? The WhatsApp community (coming soon) will be the place to find a ride or fill your passenger seats.
Get directions →Reserve Your Spot
Here’s what a weekend at the feast costs — pick the room that suits you when you register. It takes just a few minutes: your details, your roommate request, and payment, all in one place.
Single Occupancy
A quiet room of your own — just a handful of these, and they go first.
Double Occupancy
Share with a friend — or let us match you with a kindred spirit.
Triple Occupancy
Bring your people. Three to a room, stories after lights-out likely.
Slumber Party! Dorm Style
Dorm rooms for four to six, camp-style — the full retreat experience, giggles included.
Drive-In Guest
Local? Join every session, meal, and dance — then sleep in your own bed.
Registration is open until November 15. Need to cancel? Registration is refundable (minus a $50 fee) through December 15.
Last Year, at the Feast
Living books by the armful, candlelight, handwork, singing, and a room full of mothers who get it. Here’s a taste of FIR 26.
WhatsApp Community
A place to connect ahead of time, find your people, and coordinate carpooling. Coming soon
Packing List
Everything you’ll want in your bag, from journal to slippers. Coming soon