Seasonal rhythms, festivals, and student experiences at Mindful Journey Academy
At Mindful Journey Academy, our school year is woven together with seasonal festivals, meaningful traditions, and special learning experiences that nourish the head, heart, and hands. This calendar highlights school events and student-centered programs that are part of the MJA experience.
Choose your racer and cheer them on!
Each sponsored chicken supports Mindful Journey Academy and helps fund student programs and scholarships. Your support makes nature-based education possible for children in our community!
π Every chicken supports our students π
Our biggest spring fundraiser is here! Sponsor a chicken, watch the racers train, and join us for an unforgettable Derby Day celebration.
π Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Wondering Woods Farm
@gardenerguru
Watch one of our Clucky Derby racers in action and follow the excitement as we count down to Derby Day.
β¨ Follow the race countdown, meet the chickens, and cheer on your favorite racer!
The events on this page are designed for enrolled students and their families. Looking for community workshops or public farm events? Visit our Community Programs page or Wondering Woods Farm page.
View all events, school days off, festivals, and community gatherings in one place
Seasonal celebrations woven into our school year, honoring the rhythms of nature and childhood.
March
A celebration of new beginnings as students plant seeds and welcome the renewal of spring.
Facebook EventSpring
Open to the community β all are welcome.
Grace, strength, and sportsmanship β students meet challenges in the joyful spirit of the ancients.
Save your spot and follow event updates:
May 2, 2026
Open to the community β all are welcome.
Our beloved chicken race! Watch the racers train on TikTok and cheer on your favorite feathered runners.
Join the fun and reserve your spot:
End of School Year
A heartfelt farewell ceremony celebrating our eighth graders as they cross the rainbow bridge to their next adventure.
Families are invited to walk through the displays to see the progression of learning across the grades.
Facebook EventWondering Woods Farm
An evening of storytelling and song beneath the stars β held at Wondering Woods Farm and open to the community.
View Farm EventsAdditional hands-on learning opportunities for enrolled students.
Our Friday outdoor program where children build confidence and real-world skills through hands-on nature learning at Wondering Woods Farm.
Learn more about Nature Skills GuildStudents participate in Equine Therapy & Horsemanship as part of our curriculum connecting head, heart, and hands. This partnership with Myrtle Beach Therapeutic Riding & Vaulting Club in Loris, SC, led by Ms. Amy and her team, helps students cultivate confidence, empathy, and balance.
Visitors and community members are also welcome to participate.
Throughout the year, our community gathers for service projects that help care for the land, support neighbors, and model generosity for our children.
Current Service Event (February):
View February Service EventAt Mindful Journey Academy, families contribute to the life of the school through shared work and care for our campus. Several times each year we gather for Community Stewardship Days where families help with garden work, campus improvements, building projects, and land care.
August 22, 2026
Kick off the school year with community garden work and campus preparation.
October 10, 2026
Fall campus improvements and preparation for the colder months ahead.
January 23, 2027
Mid-year campus care and planning for spring projects.
March 20, 2027
Garden preparation and outdoor learning space enhancement.
May 15, 2027
End-of-year campus preparation and celebration of the growing season.
July 10, 2027
Summer maintenance and building projects during break.
Many seasonal events at Wondering Woods Farm are open to the public and help support scholarships and programs at Mindful Journey Academy.
An evening of storytelling and song beneath the stars.
Games, costumes, and spooky forest adventures.
Learn ancient metalworking skills in our forge.
Hands-on historic building restoration projects.
There's something truly magical about watching your child glow during a festival they helped create. Come see the wonder for yourself β attend an event or schedule a tour today.
Events open to the public β including festivals at Wondering Woods Farm, blacksmithing workshops, and Restoration Barn classes β now have their own dedicated pages.
Our blacksmithing workshops and other community programs now have their own dedicated pages.
View Community ProgramsTools. Skills. Confidence. Community.
Mindful Journey Academy's hands-on mechanics and restoration program, where students learn real-world skills by working on real machines under the guidance of Mr. David.
Location:
Wondering Woods Farm
Schedule:
Saturdays, 10:00 AM β 3:00 PM
Students:
Middle & High School preferred (younger students may inquire)
Cost:
$60 per class | $150 for 3 classes
Students don't just observe β they participate. They work on classic vehicles like a 1964Β½ Ford Mustang and a 1974 Volkswagen dune buggy, learning how engines function, how to use tools safely, and how to diagnose and repair real mechanical problems.
This is real tools, real parts, real responsibility.
We welcome families, friends, and the wider community to join us for select events throughout the year.
If you're new to Mindful Journey Academy, attending an event is a wonderful way to experience our school and farm firsthand.
A Shared Vision for 2026 and Beyond
At Wondering Woods Farm and Mindful Journey Academy, we are growing something much bigger than events.
We are cultivating a place where children, families, homeschoolers, makers, farmers, artists, and nature-loving neighbors can gather in rhythm with the seasonsβlearning, creating, celebrating, and building lasting connection.
This year, we are expanding our vision for the farm to become a living community space filled with opportunities for belonging, creativity, skill-building, and joy.
When you subscribe, you are joining us in shaping this vision.
Help us shape the gatherings, programs, and traditions our community wants most.
Together, we imagine a year filled with meaningful gatherings, seasonal traditions, creative workshops, community markets, family events, volunteer opportunities, and peaceful moments in nature.
This is a place where hands create, hearts connect, and community grows.
By subscribing, you'll receive early invitations, event announcements, seasonal updates, volunteer opportunities, and special community news.
Most importantly, you'll help us shape what comes next.
Be Part of the Wonder
Follow along for daily moments from the farm, school life, seasonal events, student projects, festivals, volunteer opportunities, and community gatherings.
Be part of the wonder. Join us as we grow something beautiful together.
Sign up to receive updates about upcoming events, festivals, and community gatherings.