Signal Fires is a 501(c)(3) secular farm-based learning cooperative at Beacon Hill Farm (near Syracuse, NY).

We run one-off events and regular educational programming that teach kids science, math, engineering, and relationship-building through hands-on farm activities.

Farms are rich in opportunity for hands-on learning.  Real farm work becomes real education. We are working to:

1. Create STEAM learning opportunities: feed ratios teach math, building shelters teach engineering, chicken dissection teaches biology, etc.

2. Support self-directed learning. Families choose from diverse offerings based on their interests. Kids learn at their own pace without grades or mandatory attendance.

3. Hire teachers with real-world expertise. In addition to public school teachers, we connect children with domain experts: naturalists, craftspeople, survivalists, animal experts, farmers.

4. Center everything around community. Not just a drop-off program but a true cooperative mixing seasonal celebrations, specialized workshops, and recurring classes.

5. Support full age progression. Unlike single-age programs, we're working to build a complete pathway: farm preschool (3-7), hands-on learning (8-13), and apprenticeships (14-18).

6. Document our open-source model. We're documenting everything (from recruiting teachers to getting insurance) so others can replicate on their farms and in their communities.