I run The Field Cooperative, a Philadelphia area group of homeschooling families who gather for field trips, workshops, social time, hikes, etc.
I'm also the parent of three sons, one of whom is on the verge of teen-hood, so I am always trying to learn more about how to make life and learning more of an adventure.
I'm also a human being ever in the making (that's a strange phrase I don't think I've ever typed), so I appreciate your candor about your evolving goals. The recent post about selling your bike was particularly moving. Thank you for continuing to write!
hi June! Feel free to check out our website if you think you'd want to trek into the city a few times a month. You can go an as many or few field trips as you want! (www.thefieldcooperative.com)
I’m amber, I have 5 children 5-25, I grew up mostly self directed. I have looked into many modalities of “education” and it has always felt to not work to me in its intended design. I have been a facilitator @ ALC Mosaic for 11 years and deeply believe in free children. I desire to hold space as you do and travel the globe with my humans/aquired humans. So you inspire
Hi! I’m Fran. I’m an unschooling parent and I write a Substack about living a life unschooled. I’m totally here for the Blake variety show, wherever you want to take it. I was/am a fan of your podcast, it really helped me in the early days of unschooling, so now I’m here!
Hi, I am Cat. I love adventure but have not been able to dive into the lifestyle as deeply as you. I follow with a voyeuristic look at someone doing what I would like to have done from my young adulthood. I started following you through the alternative educational community. I am a huge supporter and facilitator of self directed education. Your stories are well written and fun to read. Very inspiring! Last year on this day, I was prepping to climb Kilimanjaro. It was amazing!
I unschooled my 2 kids (always wanted them to go to NBTS camp, but they weren’t interested!) and used to be an outdoor guide myself. Tethered to a house, dogs and job, I live a bit vicariously through you!
Hey Blake, I found you through a summer camp alumni Facebook group I’m in. I heard a lot of stories about you during my time working at the camp and when I saw you share this Substack in there I knew I had to subscribe👋🏻
I ended up here because I unschool my five kids, and I read your book Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School?
I also write about unschooling on my website, and have a small email list with homeschooling/unschooling parents who I share our experiences with.
I’d love to read more about your experiences interacting with older unschooled teens. We are about the enter the high school years, and while I’m not intimidated, there always lurks the “will they really be ok” question in the back of my mind.
A friend of mine, Tim Mathis, referenced one of your pieces in his newsletter. I instantly related to it, and have been following you since.
I also live a very similar lifestyle to you. I travel between 4 to 9 months out of the year, adventure constantly, write about similar interests, and I’m always curious.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures!
Thanks, Blake. I’m retired military and am now a travel / per diem nurse. I’m also an ultrarunner, backpacker, new climber, and insatiable traveler.
I also had a midlife crisis at the age of 38 that sent me down this path. And, as you know, it’s an amazing path.
My writing is primarily on Facebook, but a couple pieces have been published. Here’s something you might relate to:
“It started as a distant grumble somewhere deep inside me - an aching, a yearning, an unexpected tug in an unknown direction. I don't know when it started, or if there was a singular moment that began the tectonic shift. It was the beginnings of a fantasy, a dream, an abstract.
I guess it was only a matter of time before it imploded.
What preceded this were years contemplating the blurry outlines of a dream, a year of travel, and the beginnings of redefining happiness.
What followed were mind-blowing adventures, world travel, a seismic career shift, friends, dating, sex, love, a realignment of life values and priorities, and transformative experiences that touched the soul.
What followed was life being lived. What followed was happiness.
I’m a longtime fan of your unschooling advocacy, and I want to keep tabs on opportunities for my four kids. I’m also living vicariously through you until I can travel more and live more simply. I love reading your perspective on your choices and lifestyle, and I appreciate people who are willing to lightly psychoanalyze themselves “out loud” :)
Unschooling parent of three kids who have never been to school, the oldest of whom is a teenager. SDE advocate and researcher. Here for obvious reasons. ;)
Hi Blake! It’s Jessica- Erik and Leif’s mom. I’m too inspired by your thoughts and experiences to miss a post; and I don’t think I’ve missed many! I’m glad you’ve invited us to comment, it’s a good opportunity to say hello and thanks!
I'm in the friend camp, the future parent that's preparing early camp, and the I find education intrinsically interesting camp. Go Blake!
Hi Blake! I'm Ashley.
I run The Field Cooperative, a Philadelphia area group of homeschooling families who gather for field trips, workshops, social time, hikes, etc.
I'm also the parent of three sons, one of whom is on the verge of teen-hood, so I am always trying to learn more about how to make life and learning more of an adventure.
I'm also a human being ever in the making (that's a strange phrase I don't think I've ever typed), so I appreciate your candor about your evolving goals. The recent post about selling your bike was particularly moving. Thank you for continuing to write!
We live about an hour from Philadelphia! Wish we lived closer - there’s so many more options for homeschoolers in your area!
hi June! Feel free to check out our website if you think you'd want to trek into the city a few times a month. You can go an as many or few field trips as you want! (www.thefieldcooperative.com)
Awesome! How often do you have events?
Approx. 4 to 8 events/month. Happy to field any and all questions if you want to email me! (ashley@thefieldcooperative.com)
I’m amber, I have 5 children 5-25, I grew up mostly self directed. I have looked into many modalities of “education” and it has always felt to not work to me in its intended design. I have been a facilitator @ ALC Mosaic for 11 years and deeply believe in free children. I desire to hold space as you do and travel the globe with my humans/aquired humans. So you inspire
Hi! I’m Fran. I’m an unschooling parent and I write a Substack about living a life unschooled. I’m totally here for the Blake variety show, wherever you want to take it. I was/am a fan of your podcast, it really helped me in the early days of unschooling, so now I’m here!
Hi, I am Cat. I love adventure but have not been able to dive into the lifestyle as deeply as you. I follow with a voyeuristic look at someone doing what I would like to have done from my young adulthood. I started following you through the alternative educational community. I am a huge supporter and facilitator of self directed education. Your stories are well written and fun to read. Very inspiring! Last year on this day, I was prepping to climb Kilimanjaro. It was amazing!
Hi other Cat! 😀
Homeschool/unschool parent here to keep learning!
Hi Blake! I’m a mom of 3 unschoolers, 2 who are now adults. I enjoy reading about ways you’ve cultivated a life without the common restraints.
I unschooled my 2 kids (always wanted them to go to NBTS camp, but they weren’t interested!) and used to be an outdoor guide myself. Tethered to a house, dogs and job, I live a bit vicariously through you!
I am a former homeschool mom (birth to graduated) and a very active homeschool advocate.
And, you are leading an interesting life that is enjoyable to watch unfold.
Hey Blake, I found you through a summer camp alumni Facebook group I’m in. I heard a lot of stories about you during my time working at the camp and when I saw you share this Substack in there I knew I had to subscribe👋🏻
Hi Blake! I’m June.
I ended up here because I unschool my five kids, and I read your book Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School?
I also write about unschooling on my website, and have a small email list with homeschooling/unschooling parents who I share our experiences with.
I’d love to read more about your experiences interacting with older unschooled teens. We are about the enter the high school years, and while I’m not intimidated, there always lurks the “will they really be ok” question in the back of my mind.
Hi, Blake. I’m Anthony.
A friend of mine, Tim Mathis, referenced one of your pieces in his newsletter. I instantly related to it, and have been following you since.
I also live a very similar lifestyle to you. I travel between 4 to 9 months out of the year, adventure constantly, write about similar interests, and I’m always curious.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures!
Hi Anthony — I'd love to learn more about how you make your life work! Do you have a website, public writing, or otherwise?
Thanks, Blake. I’m retired military and am now a travel / per diem nurse. I’m also an ultrarunner, backpacker, new climber, and insatiable traveler.
I also had a midlife crisis at the age of 38 that sent me down this path. And, as you know, it’s an amazing path.
My writing is primarily on Facebook, but a couple pieces have been published. Here’s something you might relate to:
“It started as a distant grumble somewhere deep inside me - an aching, a yearning, an unexpected tug in an unknown direction. I don't know when it started, or if there was a singular moment that began the tectonic shift. It was the beginnings of a fantasy, a dream, an abstract.
I guess it was only a matter of time before it imploded.
What preceded this were years contemplating the blurry outlines of a dream, a year of travel, and the beginnings of redefining happiness.
What followed were mind-blowing adventures, world travel, a seismic career shift, friends, dating, sex, love, a realignment of life values and priorities, and transformative experiences that touched the soul.
What followed was life being lived. What followed was happiness.
This is my story.”
Here is my FB link, if you’re interested:
https://www.facebook.com/anthony.epps
I really enjoy reading about your thoughts and adventures, Blake. Thanks!
I'm here because I love you and your existence in the world, my friend.
I learn a lot with what you share and HOW you share.
Thank you for being... Blake. :)
I’m a longtime fan of your unschooling advocacy, and I want to keep tabs on opportunities for my four kids. I’m also living vicariously through you until I can travel more and live more simply. I love reading your perspective on your choices and lifestyle, and I appreciate people who are willing to lightly psychoanalyze themselves “out loud” :)
Unschooling parent of three kids who have never been to school, the oldest of whom is a teenager. SDE advocate and researcher. Here for obvious reasons. ;)
But I write so seldomly about SDE/unschooling! So I'm not so sure what the obvious reason is ;)
I guess I just keep hoping you come back around to it. ;) Sometimes you do!
Hi Blake! It’s Jessica- Erik and Leif’s mom. I’m too inspired by your thoughts and experiences to miss a post; and I don’t think I’ve missed many! I’m glad you’ve invited us to comment, it’s a good opportunity to say hello and thanks!