Welcome to Signal Fires, Inc!
Signal Fires, Inc. (previously known as Beacon Hill Farm Learning Cooperative) is a unique, non-profit enrichment center where homeschooled youth ages 8-16 learn together through hands-on experiences, guided by specialist teachers in a working farm environment. Our self-directed approach encourages students to explore their interests and connect deeply with nature and life skills, while parents participate actively in the learning journey, creating a vibrant community of growth and discovery.
Farm School Fridays
Fridays from September 5-November 21
Ages 8-13 | Fridays from 9am-1pm | Small Groups of 6 Students/Teacher Maximum
Cost: $300 per student plus $50 materials Fee
Real Farm Work. Real Learning. Real Fun.
Forget classroom walls – at Farm School Fridays, education happens in the fresh air with dirt under your fingernails and farm educators guiding your child through the work on a regenerative farm. Your child will tie on their boots and dive into authentic farm work alongside our family & TEACHERS, gaining invaluable life skills & building community while caring for our sheep, donkeys, chickens, and turkeys.
This isn't just a farm visit – it's real agricultural education where students take on genuine responsibilities and see the direct impact of their work.
This Autumn: Discover the Wisdom of Permaculture
Our fall sessions focus on the 12 Principles of Permaculture, exploring one principle each week through hands-on activities and real farm applications. Students will learn sustainable farming practices that work with nature, not against it – lessons they'll carry far beyond our farm gates.
What Your Child Will Experience
Animal Husbandry & Care
Daily feeding and watering routines
Learning animal behavior and needs
Demonstrations with Hands-on veterinary/Farrier care
Understanding the responsibility of animal stewardship
Permaculture in Action
Observing and interacting with natural systems
Catching and storing energy on the farm
Designing sustainable solutions
Using renewable resources
Valuing diversity in ecosystems
Real Farm Skills
Tool safety and proper usage
Seasonal farm maintenance
Problem-solving in agricultural settings
Working as part of a farm team & building community!
We provide all tools, equipment, and farm-specific safety gear. A Clothing and Gear List will be provided in a welcome email.
Introduction to Knitting with Marcia
Ages: 8-99 years *Parents also welcome to register themselves!
3 Sessions on Thursdays | september 11-25 from 1-3pm
Cost: $60
Discover the timeless art of knitting in this hands-on introduction designed for complete beginners. Students will learn fundamental knitting techniques while creating their very own scarf using natural fibers. This course provides the perfect foundation for exploring the rich world of fiber arts.
What you'll learn:
-Basic knitting stitches (knit and purl)
-Proper needle holding and yarn tension
-Casting on and binding off techniques
-Troubleshooting common mistakes
Each student will complete a personal scarf made of wool. Students are welcome to bring their own knitting needles & yarn if they prefer, though we will provide all materials to those who do not have them already.
Future Learning Opportunities: This introductory course opens the door to advanced fiber arts class with Marcia, including but not limited to:
-Spinning fiber into yarn
-Felting techniques
-Wool preparation and processing
- dyeing methods
Join us for this engaging introduction to knitting and discover a rewarding craft that connects you to generations of fiber artists!
Birds of Prey Presentation with Cornell Raptor Program
Birds of Prey at Beacon Hill Farm
Join us for an unforgettable wildlife experience as the Cornell Raptor Program brings magnificent birds of prey to Beacon Hill Farm! This family-friendly presentation offers a rare opportunity to meet hawks, owls, falcons, and other raptors up close while learning about their remarkable adaptations and ecological importance.
Cornell's expert presenters will showcase the unique characteristics of different raptor species, from their incredible hunting abilities to their vital role in local ecosystems. Families will have the chance to observe these powerful birds at close range, capture memorable photos, and ask questions about raptor behavior, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation.
This interactive program combines education with excitement, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're fascinated by the silent flight of owls or the incredible eyesight of hawks, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable predators.
Cost: $30/family
Lantern Making Workshop
Family Friendly
Prepare for our magical autumn lantern walk by creating your own beautiful, nature inspired lantern! This hands-on workshop is another opportunity to come together as a community and create! Using an assortment of materials, your family can craft lanterns to carry on the Autumn lantern walk on saturday, November 15.
Cost: $5/lantern materials cost
Lantern Making Workshop
Family Friendly
Prepare for our magical autumn lantern walk by creating your own beautiful, nature inspired lantern! This hands-on workshop is another opportunity to come together as a community and create! Using an assortment of materials, your family can craft lanterns to carry on the Autumn lantern walk on saturday, November 15.
Cost: $5/lantern materials cost
Autumn Lantern Walk
All ages welcome | Family friendly event
As autumn’s shorter days invite us to slow down and turn inward, join our community for a magical lantern walk that celebrates the light we carry within ourselves. This gentle evening experience honors the natural rhythm of the season while creating space for reflection, wonder, and connection.
As twilight settles on the farm, we’ll set out together on a peaceful walking meditation, our lanterns casting a warm glow in the evening shadows. The Walk provides space for reflection on resilience and hope as we head into the darkest months of the year. Children will have the opportunities to share what brings them joy and strength and are encouraged to think about this before the walk.
The evening concludes with warm apple cider and a circle time where children can reflect on their experience and the lights they want to kindle in their own lives.
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Join us earlier in the week at the farm to craft your own simple lanterns or make some at home and bring them along.
Suggested $20/family tax deductible donation
Meet the Chicks
SATURDAY, May 10 2:00-4:00pm
Here at Beacon Hill Farm, we raise chickens for eggs & meat. Come meet the chicks and learn about different breeds, chicken lifecycle & how we raise chickens in the pasture. This is a family friendly event and we welcome folks of all ages & stages of life. This is a great opportunity to visit the farm and see the many projects that are underway. OPEN TO FAMILIES
Free!
Horsemanship
Wednesday, May 7. 2-4pm
Horsemanship is much more involved than sitting in a saddle. This class focuses on the groundwork. Learn an assortment of skills like how to read horse body language, anatomy, how to groom, tack up, lunge, and care for a pony. This class is taught by Reina Baizman, owner and trainer at Little Creek Farm in Fulton, NY. She'll bring her delightful Haflinger pony, Poe, to Beacon Hill Farm for a fully hands-on class geared towards those with little or no horse experience. Your student will gain confidence as they pick out Poe's feet and lead him around the barn. Ages 6-16
Cost: $35/person
Speak Up, Play On: Building Public Speaking Confidence Through Games
Wednesday, April 30
1:00-3:oopm
Help your kids turn speaking jitters into their superpower through fun games that build real confidence. Our workshop ditches boring scripts and stuffy rules, instead teaching kids to trust themselves, take good pauses, and find their own words naturally using games developed by Ultraspeaking (a fun public speaking company). Your children will leave knowing that great speaking isn't about memorizing perfect lines, but about showing up as themselves and enjoying the conversation.Ages: 8-16
Cost: $10
Wet Felting Goat Milk Soap
Wednesday, April 23
1:00-3:oopm
Learn about some properties of wool, try out hand carding brushing, and experiment with wet felting by making a colorful felted bar of goat milk soap from St. Fiacres Farm in Ira, NY. We encourage parents to sign up as well! Ages: 8-16
Cost: $15 includes materials
Cancelled: Plastic Free Seed Starting
Cancelled: Wednesday, April 16
1:00-3:oopm
Join Farmer Tess to use seed blocking techniques to start seeds for the garden without using seed trays or plastic. Learn how we use leftover wool from shearing sheep as the perfect fertilizer for our plants, why we stay away from “hot manure” for planting, and how you can start your own compost pile at home. We will use wool fertilizer pellets from Otter Lake Farm & Fiber that provide a N-P-K ratio of 9-0-2. We'll talk about what a N-P-K ratio is, what different nutrients are important for when it comes to plant growth, and test some of our soil. Students will take home newly planted seeds to care for until they are ready for the garden.Ages: 8-16
Cost: $10 includes material
Basic Carpentry for Kids (FULL)
Wednesday, April 9 (FULL)
1:00-3:oopm
Help Farmer Derek construct a mud kitchen for the Imagination Space at Beacon Hill Farm. Students will be learning about basic hand tools (saws, phillips vs. regular screwdriver, measuring tape, speed square) through using them. Power drills and screwdrivers will be used with careful supervision. The mud kitchen will then be used in the Imagination Space for younger siblings to play at while older siblings are in classes. Please wear closed toe shoes and bring work gloves if you have them. Ages: 8-16
Cost: $5
Pinch Pot Pottery
Wednesday, April 2 1:00-3:oopm
Use air drying clay to your own pinch pot to take home at the end of the day. Once the pots are dry, students can paint them with acrylic paint or leave plain for a beautiful, natural look. Pinch pots are a great introduction to working with clay. We encourage parents to sign up as well! Although called simply "Pinch Pots" this class will teach much more than the ancient art of pottery. We aim to teach kids about different types of soil (clay, sand, silt) through doing a soil test analysis from soil they harvest on the farm. We will dig the soil, evaluate the different particle sizes that settle in a test jar, and determine percentages based off the data we collect (real life fractions & percentages!). After we spend a bit of time with the experiment, we will create our pinch pots from air dry clay that students can take home.Ages: 8-16Cost: $15 inCLUDES MATERIALS
Indoor Archery (FULL)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 from 12:30-3:30pm (FULL)
Join Dan Edmonds from Rangers Ridge as he teaches Traditional Archery basics with a recurve bow and gives an opportunity to practice in our indoor space. Classes are small (5 kids) for individualized attention. Each group will practice for 1 hour. 12:30 pm Session1:30pm Session2:30pm SessionAge Restrictions: 8-16 years oldcost: $20/personWAITList - We are currently full for the Archery Classes on Both dates. please place your name on the waitlist and we will reach out if space opens
Indoor Archery (SOLD OUT)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 from 12:30-3:30pm
Join Dan Edmonds from Rangers Ridge as he teaches Traditional Archery basics with a recurve bow and gives an opportunity to practice in our indoor space. Classes are small (5 kids) for individualized attention. Each group will practice for 1 hour. 12:30 pm Session1:30pm Session2:30pm SessionAge Restrictions: 8-16 years oldcost: $20/personWAITList - We are currently full for the Archery Classes on Both dates. please place your name on the waitlist and we will reach out if space opens
Become A Volunteer
We welcome anyone who feels moved to help in this mission of sustainability to share their experience with our farm. Are you a teacher, artisan, carpenter, farmer or community member who would like to share your skills or teach a class? Please fill out this form!Are you interested in teaching a group of self-directed learners in a hand-on, experiential class? Do you have a suggestion of a type of class that your homeschooler would like to take? Do you have a recommendation for an engaging, enthusiastic and all around amazing teacher? Please let us know!What is the Cancellation Policy?
Classes are canceled when enrollment minimums are not reached. Cancellations are determined no later than 2 business days before the class starts. If Signal fires Inc. Or BEACON HILL Farm cancels a class or workshop, the student will have the option to transfer to another class, as long as space is available, or receive a 100% refund.
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What is the Refund Policy?
If a student chooses to withdraw from a class or Workshop, the refund policies are as follows:
Classes & Workshops:
100% refund withIn 24 hours of registration, as long as it is not within Seven Days Prior to the start date of the class.
100% RefuND If we are able to fill your spot in the Class, even if it is within seven days prior to the start of the class.
No refunds Will be made otherwise. Our Instructors are independent teachers and we plan on filling classes.
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Creating a Foundation for Growth: Our Code of Conduct
Students participating in multi-week programs at Signal Fires are asked to agree to and sign our Code of Conduct Contract. This commitment establishes clear expectations and creates an environment where every student can thrive.
Our Three Core Principles
Safety First
We prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every student within the setting of a working farm. Our safety standards ensure that all participants can learn, explore, and take meaningful risks in a secure environment.
Mutual Respect
We foster a community where students, instructors, and peers treat one another with dignity and consideration. Respect for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and learning styles is fundamental to our educational philosophy.
Personal Integrity
We encourage students to act with honesty, take responsibility for their actions, and demonstrate accountability in both their work and interactions with others.
Our Student-Centered Approach
At Signal Fires, we believe that students have the capacity to make thoughtful decisions and contribute positively to our learning community. Our Code of Conduct isn't just a set of rules—it's a framework that empowers students to develop essential life skills including self-discipline, empathy, and ethical reasoning.
By signing this agreement, students become active partners in creating an environment where everyone can pursue their educational goals with confidence and enthusiasm.
This commitment to shared values helps ensure that every Signal Fires experience is both transformative and meaningful.