Debuting this Year, Revival Farms Homestead School! by Peri Hayes Jennifer Jacquelyn and Mark Van Troost are excitedly preparing for their next venture, launching a Homestead stay and Revival Farms Homestead School located in Elgin County this year with the goal of being fully self-sufficient in the upcoming two to five years. “Picture the old-school farm and school that your grandparents had,” Jen describes. Their rural, week-long rentals will facilitate a glimpse into life on the family farm. The property will offer both off-grid and solar-powered cabins nestled around the farm and in the woods -- which can sleep up to six people. Furthermore, various workshops centred on traditional skills and well-being will be available for guests to enjoy during their visit. There will be an on-site farm store, with products which include bug spray, sunscreen, local goods and an optional food-box of home-grown, delicious meals which can be prepared during guest stays. This is also a space of consignment for local artisans and artists -- each cabin will be furnished with original artwork which visitors are welcome to purchase directly off of the wall. Moreover, this spacious venue will host business conferences, photography and weddings, among many holiday events. Jacquelyn and Mark have begun booking through the summer months, as well as in December, and they are filling up quickly. Revival Farms Homestead School will be offered to children in Grades 1 through 12, with space for a total of 20 students. Studying in this single-room schoolhouse celebrates learning together under one roof. Older students will experience guiding the younger grades through activities, facilitating leadership development. Presenting on a weekly basis, guest speakers will include a beekeeper, emergency services, a local farmer and more. Jen describes the school as, “Scouts meets Montessori.” Through morning and afternoon chores, as well as caring for the animals and garden, students will have the opportunity to earn badges for proficiency in nature; there will be chickens and grass-fed cows on the property. With a focus on health and wellness, students will be educated on cooking techniques, as well as how to grow and preserve food. The art of dance, meditation and yoga will also be included in this child-centred curriculum, cultivating creative outlets which nourish the body, mind and soul. There will be a nurse on-site, and trained first responders. Students will also be invited to create items for their Homestead market as a means to connect with the community and learn valuable budgeting skills from an entrepreneurial perspective. These markets will occur on a monthly basis. The Revival Farms Homestead will be operating summer camps this upcoming season, with
activities involving foraging, identifying trees, planting, and more. There will be an abundance of art in nature, campfires, games, songs and interactive fun during the ‘Explorer Series’. Jen exclaims, “I feel that it’s important to learn from people who are passionate.” She envisions growth on the Homestead, educating youth in a hands-on learning environment about life on the farm, home economics and much more. There will be an Art Department, a French teacher with immersion opportunities, a mathematics teacher,
a science teacher and more. “We can branch out!” Jen enthuses. Additionally, their Before School Program will operate from 8:00 am until 9:00 am, with their After School Program offered from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. While not a Christian school, Jen points out that Revival Farms is rooted in community, environment and traditional family values. The public will have an opportunity to attend an Open House on the farm in June, as Jen shares, “There will be family-friendly events, along with local vendors and cabin tours.” In unison, Jen and Mark conclude, “We are excited to have a positive impact in the community where families can come together. We are most excited to see the school that we wish we had learned in.” With their website under development, call or text message Jen at 519-808- 9473 with inquiries about their Revival Farms Homestead.
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DO NOT LEAVE DEVICES PLUGGED IN ONCE FULLY CHARGED
ONLY USE BATTERY AND CHARGING CORDS DESIGNED FOR THE DEVICE
KEEP DEVICES AND BATTERIES AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
DO NOT CHARGE YOUR DEVICES UNDER YOUR PILLOW, ON A BED OR ON A COUCH
DO NOT DISCARD LITHIUM ION BATTERIES IN THE TRASH
STORE BATTERIES AWAY FROM FLAMMABLE OBJECTS
DO NOT CHARGE DEVICES IN EXTREME HOT OR COLD TEMPERATURES
PURCHASE AND USE DEVICES THAT ARE LISTED BY A QUALIFIED TESTING LAB
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Page 6 Real Living • Spring 2024
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