Experience Renewal at Taproot
💗August 14 - 17, 2025💗
Imagine 4 days of hands-on workshops, personal development, and summer camp
✨Taproot is a homeschooling retreat like no other✨
Join us for a weekend of personal and professional renewal as you replenish your mind, body, and spirit.
So you can craft your homeschooling journey with freedom and flexibility.
Taproot is a place where you'll find the support and inspiration you need to brighten up your homeschool.
Experience engaging workshops throughout the weekend...
Circle time, singing, storytelling, painting, drawing, recorder, main lessons, handwork, inner work.
Along with time in nature, campfires, conversations over meals and so much more.
Ready to experience the lessons yourself?
You'll leave feeling empowered and confident to bring engaging lessons to your kiddos.
🌱 No right or wrong.
🌱 No shoulds.
🌱 No shame.
Taproot is an immersive homeschooling experience for whole-hearted parents where you can learn fresh approaches to teaching while supporting your inner growth.
Choose small-group workshops to complement our whole group experiences and evening programs.
Plus you can join in for yoga, hiking, swimming in the lake, three meals a day, snacks, and tea. 🍵
Rest and recharge, stay up late into the night singing, laughing, and telling stories, whatever you need to refill your cup.
Soak in the energy of a beautiful community of like-minded homeschoolers.
We’ve been doing this for 18 years ~ let this be YOUR year to join us at Taproot!
This year's theme is...
🌱🪴🌳
Bloom Where You Belong
Sign Me Up for Taproot 2025
choose your payment plan ~ Early bird prices good thru 4/10/25
Pay in Full
early bird special
All-Inclusive one-time payment
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
2-PAY PLAN
early bird special
All-Inclusive, two payments
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
1st payment today, 2nd in 30 days
3-PAY PLAN
early bird special
All-Inclusive, three payments
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
1st payment today, next two 30 days apart
TAPROOT TEACHER TRAINING 2025
WHEN: August 14-17, 2025
WHERE: Camp Asbury in Hiram, Ohio 44234
WHO: Homeschooling Parents & Teachers
WHY: Experience hands-on main lessons & the lively arts. And know that you're not alone!
COST: $697 EARLY BIRD (Reg. $767)
This special EARLY BIRD price is good through Thursday, 4/10.
All-inclusive of lodging, meals, snacks, and all workshops for the whole weekend, Thursday through Sunday
Our Theme
BLOOM WHERE YOU BELONG
Homeschooling is not about fitting into a mold ~ it’s about embracing the unique path that’s just right for you and each of your children.
Every lesson, story, and moment of connection in your homeschool is a seed planted for the future.
At Taproot, you’ll discover how to create a learning environment that nurtures both your child’s curiosity and your confidence as a homeschooling parent.
Through hands-on workshops, community connections, and inspired guidance, you’ll learn to trust the process ~ knowing that both you and each of your children will bloom exactly where you are meant to be.
You don't have to follow a formula or even a fixed curriculum.
You can surrender to the natural journey of learning that unfolds for each child.
When you bloom where you belong, you learn to allow space for creativity, curiosity, and connection knowing that the seeds you sow today will grow into a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Join us for a weekend of growth, support, and inspiration at Taproot 2025! 🌿✨
You Deserve This Experience!
Come relax and get away for a long weekend. Reconnect with yourself along with your hopes and dreams for your family.
Taproot is the place to learn all about a Waldorf-inspired approach and how to infuse your lessons with the lively arts.
We gather at a summer camp in Ohio for lots of summer fun ~ new friends, yummy snack time, and walks in the woods.
What past participants have to say...
About the TAPROOT TEACHER TRAINING
LOVED by +100s of homeschoolers
"Before Taproot, I was feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward. This training really helped me build confidence to continue this journey."
~ Moriah
"Taproot has become a place a learning haven and a communal family where I add tools and resources every year to sharpen my skills to become a better parent, teacher, husband, and person."
Joe
"There aren't any Waldorf homeschoolers near me, so I loved gathering with like-minded people at Taproot, knowing that there is a support network out there. The singing & self-reflection made it feel like a retreat for me, as well as inspiration for our homeschool year."
Kylie
"The best part of Taproot was developing a community & renewing my spirit. So much more than I expected! I miss everyone & can't wait to go back to Taproot!"
Sarah
"Before Taproot, I was stressed and feeling like I couldn't do this. I read so many books and curricula but the way I was educated growing up was stuck in me, creating a barrier to feeling the magic that I want to bring to my child. Now I get it, like it's alive inside of me. What a blessing!"
Tara
"I learned more at Taproot than I expected, and not just about my homeschool journey. This was a retreat just as much as homeschool teacher training!"
Katie
"I left Taproot feeling relieved and empowered, full of inspiration but in a completely non-overwhelming way. I have doable advice as well as a sense of peace and excitement about these subject areas. Thank you!"
Leah
"My first experience of Taproot was filled with such nuggets of wisdom. Taproot was a magical experience that continues to inspire my day-to-day struggles as a homeschooling parent. I’m already making plans to go back again next year."
Iola
"The people at Taproot are some of the best humans on the planet. You can have a lovely, kind, deep conversation with anyone because love is just the essence. At the same time, you also get all these amazingly practical real-life ideas for improving yourself and your thoughts, and for bringing more beauty to your kids, your home, and your home school days."
Megan
During our weekend together, you'll discover...
The joys of learning alongside other heart-centered homeschoolers in immersive hands-on workshops at the beautiful Camp Asbury.
You'll leave with a renewed spirit!
The magic of Taproot is the warmth and community, homeschooling support, great conversations, and laughter that emerge during our four-day weekend.
Taproot provides a unique opportunity to gather with like-minded parents. Plus unparalleled access to the Taproot Team of presenters all with Waldorf homeschooling experience.
The Taproot Team shares lived experiences of homeschooling, not just theory or dogma.
Our weekend together is designed for you as a homeschooling parent or teacher of a small group to experience the lessons as if you were a child so you can bring a Waldorf approach to your own unique family or situation.
The registration fee is ALL-INCLUSIVE: it includes all workshops, accommodations, meals, and snacks for the entire weekend, Thursday through Sunday. No searching for a place to stay or figuring out where to eat.
Each retreat center room has 3 bunk beds that will house 3-5 people per room. Or you could bring a tent and camp out on the grounds of Camp Asbury.
The Camp Asbury staff provides delicious family-style meals with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available.
Let us know about food allergies and we'll do our best to work with them. You're also welcome to bring your own food and snacks to supplement what's offered.
Camp Asbury is set among forests and fields in northeast Ohio with beautiful views, hiking trails, an outdoor fireplace, and campfire circle.
Gathering in person is so powerful!
OUR LOVELY LOCATION
Camp Asbury in Hiram, Ohio
Sign Me Up for Taproot 2025
choose your payment plan ~ Early bird prices good thru 4/10/25
Pay in Full
early bird special
All-Inclusive one-time payment
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
2-PAY PLAN
early bird special
All-Inclusive, two payments
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
1st payment today, 2nd in 30 days
3-PAY PLAN
early bird special
All-Inclusive, three payments
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
1st payment today, next two 30 days apart
OUR SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 14th to Sunday, August 17th
Our long weekend together begins on Thursday afternoon. On Sunday, we finish up after lunch. We have small group workshops on Friday and Saturday ~ you'll get to choose your workshops after registration.
THURSDAY 8/14
Arrival & Snack Time (1:30-3:30 pm)
Opening Workshop (3:30-5:00 pm)
Dinner (6:00-7:00 pm)
Evening Program (7:30-9:00 pm)
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8/15 & 8/16
Morning Walk or Yoga (7:30 am)
Breakfast (8:00-9:00 am)
Morning Circle (9:00-9:30 am)
Morning Workshops (10:00-11:30 am)
Lunch (12:00-1:00 pm)
Afternoon Workshops (1:30-3: 00 pm)
Snack Time (3:00-3:30 pm)
Late Afternoon Workshops (3:30-5:00 pm)
Dinner (6:00-7:00 pm)
Evening Program (7:30-9:00 pm)
Group Activity, Campfire & Sing-Along ~ Friday
Sharing & Giveaways ~ Saturday
SUNDAY 8/17
Morning Walk or Yoga (7:30 am)
Breakfast (8:00-9:00 am)
Morning Circle (9:00-9:30 am)
Workshop & Closing Circle (10:00 am-12:00 noon)
Lunch (12:00-1:00 pm)
Departure (1:30 pm)
WORKSHOP OPTIONS
You'll Choose Your Workshops in June or July ~ here are some of the possibilities
- Kindergarten at Home
- Phonics for the Homeschooling Parent
- Language Arts & History for Grades 1-4
- Language Arts & History with the Book Hearth for Grades 5-8
- Math for Grades 1-4
- Math with Perspective Drawing for Grades 5-8
- Science & Nature Study for Grades 1-4
- Science of Weather for Grades 5-8
- Beginner Wood Carving
- Watercolor Painting
- Crayon Drawing
- Making a Shadow Puppet Theater
- Making a Music Plan for Your Homeschool Year
- Songwriting
- Circle Time: How to Bring Music & Movement at Home
- Beginning Knitting
- Crochet Mandalas
- Advanced Knitting: Making Socks
- Making a Leaf & Flower Press
- Candle Dipping for All Seasons
- Practical Inner Work Practices
- Group Games with Children
- Keeping Educational Theory & Practice in Balance
- Supporting Your Non-Traditional Learner
Meet the Taproot Team
Jean Miller
As the homeschooling mother of three grown children, Jean has loved sharing stories through the years ~ reading, telling, and dramatizing stories. Over almost 25 years of homeschooling, she’s savored the stories as the vehicle for teaching new content and all of the creative ways of combining stories with the lively arts. Plus of course time outdoors and circles of song and movement. Jean spends her time these days mentoring parents at Art of Homeschooling, along with hiking, singing, cooking, gardening, and reading with a cup of tea nearby.
Barbara
Barbara of Waldorf Without Walls has consulted with homeschooling families throughout the world, written many guides and publications, and provided training workshops for Waldorf homeschoolers. She spends her spare time enjoying her unique solar home, and developing her farmland. Barbara, a Master Gardener, and her husband Quimby, a Forest Entomologist, lead workshops and field days on the environment and backyard food production. She is the mother of four, grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to two. Barbara holds an M.S. in Waldorf education from the Waldorf Institute of Sunbridge College in Spring Valley, NY. She's been teaching in various settings since 1960.
Sarah Jean Etheridge
Sarah is a homeschooling mother of four with a degree in Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement. She has many years of teaching experience in early childhood, cooperative, and home education settings. Sarah has been a Waldorf-inspired homeschooler for eighteen years. And she finds inspiration in sustainable living, fresh air, homegrown food, creative work and play, so many books, and her dear sweet pets.
Rebecca Christie
Rebecca has always had a passion for numbers, patterns, sequences, and art. A former Industrial Engineer turned homeschooling mom of four, she found the one course she never had the opportunity to take in school, “The Art of Math, the Math of Art," inside the Waldorf curriculum! She will integrate the lively arts into math and science and also give you lots of tips on combining lessons for multiple grade levels.
When not homeschooling, Rebecca volunteers at the local food pantry and coordinates the pantry’s holiday program. She also hosts a parent discussion group at her church and teaches faith formation classes, both influenced by Waldorf ideas. She enjoys yoga and traveling with her family.
When not homeschooling, Rebecca volunteers at the local food pantry and coordinates the pantry’s holiday program. She also hosts a parent discussion group at her church and teaches faith formation classes, both influenced by Waldorf ideas. She enjoys yoga and traveling with her family.
Jodie Mesler
Jodie Mesler is a multi-instrumentalist, a private music teacher for over 20 years, and founder of livingmusic.net where she has created music books, courses, and music for Waldorf homeschool families. She has been on the Taproot team for 10 years, weaving music throughout many of the magical camp moments.
Her musical journey has included: being part of a blues rock band with her husband, director of the South Metro Flute Choir, a bass player/keyboardist for Harvest Point, a guitarist and singer in her family band with her daughter and brother, Colorful Bones. Her current project, Memories and Dreams, is her 9th album which includes 2 songs written at Taproot.
Jodie homeschooled her three children, now grown, during their early years while continuing to live the Waldorf lifestyle even after her kids transitioned to public school. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for 29 years.
Her musical journey has included: being part of a blues rock band with her husband, director of the South Metro Flute Choir, a bass player/keyboardist for Harvest Point, a guitarist and singer in her family band with her daughter and brother, Colorful Bones. Her current project, Memories and Dreams, is her 9th album which includes 2 songs written at Taproot.
Jodie homeschooled her three children, now grown, during their early years while continuing to live the Waldorf lifestyle even after her kids transitioned to public school. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for 29 years.
Amber Adams
Amber is the mother of five and has been Waldorf homeschooling for the past 15 years. She understands the challenges of homeschooling with a large family and working with multiple grades. Amber has degrees in history and art, and appreciates the way that Waldorf-inspired curriculum and philosophy bring such beauty to learning in the home and to family culture. She and her children currently own and operate a nonprofit studio for the arts in Columbus Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys sketching, hiking, handwork, and being with her children. And Amber created our beautiful Taproot logo!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
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Can I bring my family & children with me to Taproot?
We don't have a children's program or childcare. Think of Taproot as a retreat for YOU! Nursing babies are welcome with a participant caregiver who can step out if the child becomes disruptive. With a very active or vocal baby, or with a nursing toddler, it's best to come with a companion (think Grandma or partner) so that your child also gets the attention he or she needs. If you wish to travel to Ohio with your family, please look into other accommodations nearby and then register at the commuter rate as we do not have programming or sleeping accommodations for families or children. Two possibilities are Punderson State Park or the Hiram Inn.
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What are the sleeping facilities like? What if I prefer to bring a tent & camp out?
You can choose whether you stay in the retreat center with bunk beds or bring a tent to camp out on the grounds of Camp Asbury. The retreat center rooms have 3 bunkbeds each which means there will be 4-6 people in a room. Nearby, Punderson State Park is a wonderful place for families to stay and offers a lodge, cabins, and camping facilities within a twenty-minute drive of camp. Or if you want a more pampered experience, the Hiram Inn is lovely. If you choose to stay off-site, you'll want to register as a commuter.
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Can I bring my own food to camp?
Yes, you can! There is a refrigerator and microwave in the retreat center (but no stove or oven). The Camp Asbury staff provides family-style meals with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. We also serve afternoon snacks each day. You're welcome to bring your own food and snacks to supplement what's offered.
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When is the deadline to register for Taproot 2025?
Registration for Taproot 2025 is now open! The registration deadline is August 7th. Or when we fill up, whichever comes first. We encourage everyone to get their registration in as early as possible because we build the schedule around the needs of those attending.
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Can I pay by check rather than credit card?
Yes! You can absolutely pay by check if you prefer. Just email [email protected] and we'll respond with the address for mailing your check. Then we'll email you details for creating a login to the learning platform that has all the details.
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What is the Cancellation Policy?
If you need to cancel your registration, your payment will be refunded minus a $50 processing fee up until July 15th. After July 15th, 50% of the registration fee is refundable. There is no refund within seven days of the event. However, if you can find someone to take your spot, we can transfer your registration to them.
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Are there any scholarships or discounts?
We offer an EARLY BIRD discount when registration first opens and also a discount for returning Taproot alumni. Payment plans are always available. We have no scholarships at this time. We are happy to work out a payment plan with you.
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What do I need to know if I plan to fly to Ohio?
You have two choices of airports. Both Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) are good choices, and both are less than an hour from Camp Asbury. Most attendees fly into Cleveland.
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Are there ride-sharing opportunities to travel to Ohio?
Yes! We've had participants meet new friends this way! If you would like to coordinate rides with others from your area, please join the private Facebook group after registering and post in there.
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I still have questions, what should I do?
If your questions have not been answered, please email [email protected].
Questions About the Weekend
Registration Questions
Travel Logistics
More Questions?
Sign Me Up for Taproot 2025
choose your payment plan ~ Early bird prices good thru 4/10/25
Pay in Full
early bird special
All-Inclusive one-time payment
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
2-PAY PLAN
early bird special
All-Inclusive, two payments
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
1st payment today, 2nd in 30 days
3-PAY PLAN
early bird special
All-Inclusive, three payments
Includes ALL workshops, lodging, meals, snacks & more
Goodies & Giveaways
Access to handouts from every workshop
1st payment today, next two 30 days apart