One Last Hurrah: A Farewell and an Invitation

Mary Jensen
Group of people posing for a photo on steps in front of a beige pavilion with trees in the background.

Dear LIFE is Good friends,


After nearly two decades of magic, connection, and laughter, I’m writing to share some bittersweet news: I’ll be retiring as of June 2026, and the upcoming LIFE is Good Conference will be our final gathering.


Hosting this event year after year has been one of the great joys of my life. I’ve met extraordinary people, watched friendships bloom, and witnessed the beautiful energy that comes from being surrounded by people who care deeply about each other and about living life with intention. It’s been my honor to help build a space where unschooling families could connect, celebrate, and feel truly seen.


I’m so thankful to each of you for the love and creativity you’ve brought—whether you joined us once or every year, whether you came as a speaker, a vendor, a volunteer, or just to soak it all in. This community is what made LIFE is Good special, and I will carry that with me always.


Let’s make our last hurrah one for the books. LIFE is Good 2026 will be held in Vancouver, WA from Thursday, May 21st through Sunday, May 24th. I hope you’ll join me to celebrate the legacy we’ve built together.



With love and gratitude,
Mary 🌸

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Recent Blogs

By Mary Jensen May 17, 2026
For years, I’ve watched children grow up inside the LIFE is Good community, kids who spent their days building forts in the hallways, staying up too late with friends, and discovering who they were in an environment that trusted them deeply. Now many of those same kids are adults. Some are parents. Some are stepping into the very role their own parents once held: deciding how to raise children in a world that doesn’t always understand freedom, autonomy, or self directed learning. And as they step into that role, they’re doing something completely natural. They’re reflecting. Every grown child, unschooled or schooled, eventually looks back and asks questions about how they were raised. It’s not a rejection. It’s not a crisis. It’s simply adulthood arriving with its own clarity. As a long time conference host, I’ve come to see these reflections as a gift. They help us evolve our approach to unschooling without losing its heart. Below are the themes I hear most often from grown unschoolers, paired with the solutions and strengths I believe our community is uniquely capable of offering.
Rustic Heathman Lodge lobby with log beams, stone floors, and leather seating.
By Mary Jensen May 17, 2026
A look back at the Heathman years of LIFE is Good—loss, rebuilding, homecoming, and the community that kept us connected.
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By Mary Jensen April 24, 2026
LiG is continuing! A new Conference Coordinator is stepping in, and the next chapter begins this year. Join us to be part of LiG’s future.
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By Mary Jensen April 20, 2026
Explore LiG’s Nomad Years, from Portland to Tigard, and how our unschooling community thrived while searching for a new conference home.
Five people in colorful costumes, including Wonder Woman and a gnome, smiling in a cozy room.
By Mary Jensen April 1, 2026
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Colorful 2009 t‑shirt graphic with the theme “My unschooling life is good,” featuring word‑cloud.
By Mary Jensen March 17, 2026
A nostalgic look at the Red Lion Years of the LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference—four years of connection, creativity, and unforgettable community moments.
By Ronnie Maier February 11, 2026
Discover what one mom has learned after years of unschooling, from the biggest mindset shifts to the everyday realities. These thirteen frequently asked questions offer honest insights, practical reflections, and encouragement for families exploring a more self‑directed path.
By Mary Jensen February 8, 2026
A reflective look at how the LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference evolved from 2007 to 2008, including expanded programming, a new venue in Vancouver, WA, and the birth of beloved traditions like the UNtrepreneurial Fair, the Fairy Godparent Game, and dedicated gaming spaces.
Green graphic with text
By Mary Jensen January 21, 2026
A heartfelt look back at the first LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference in 2007. Join us as we honor the beginning of nearly two decades of connection and community.
August 22, 2025
Attending the LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference is a joyful and inspiring experience. It's a hub of energy and excitement that brings unschooling families together for learning, connection, and fun. However, such dynamic environments can be overwhelming, especially for sensitive souls—parents and kids alike. To ensure you and your family fully enjoy the event, here are a few veteran tips designed to help you thrive: