You are not alone.

We have been there. Throughout a grief journey, it can be hard to process the ever-changing emotions that come with losing a loved one. At KAREfarm, we believe that grief is the cost of love. Grief can be isolating and finding community during these difficult times seems impossible, despite the sincere efforts of friends and family to assist. Here at KAREfarm, we don’t have all the answers and you won’t magically “be healed”. We do offer a space to just breathe and process in nature. We believe that the power of community, connections, and compassion can help start that journey.

KAREfarm offers free grief retreats in nature for those who have lost a loved one.

You are not alone.

We have been there. Throughout a grief journey, it can be hard to process the ever-changing emotions that come with losing a loved one. At KAREfarm, we believe that grief is the cost of love. Grief can be isolating and finding community during these difficult times seems impossible, despite the sincere efforts of friends and family to assist. Here at KAREfarm, we don’t have all the answers and you won’t magically “be healed”. We do offer a space to just breathe and process in nature. We believe that the power of community, connections, and compassion can help start that journey.

KAREfarm offers free grief retreats in nature for those who have lost a loved one.

In the wake of losing a loved one, the beauty of nature and the warmth of community can help us take a step forward towards healing and understanding.

In the wake of losing a loved one, the beauty of nature and the warmth of community can help us take a step forward towards healing and understanding.

Healing Happens Here

KAREfarm was born from profound loss, deep love, and a desire to bring meaning from heartbreak.

The idea began taking shape in 2019, inspired by our daughters, Kate and Avery—two vibrant young women who loved animals, service, and nature. As we sat with our grief together, we came to understand a kind of loss only those who’ve lived it truly know. Though surrounded by loving friends and family, we longed for connection with others who got it—who could walk with us through sorrow without trying to fix it. From that shared space, the vision for KAREfarm emerged: a place where healing begins in nature, supported by community and compassion.

As the dream took form, we faced another devastating loss: Stephanie and Mike Pfennig’s son, Nick. An Army veteran and passionate supporter of KAREfarm’s mission, Nick passed unexpectedly in the summer of 2019, while self-medicating a back injury from his time in Afghanistan, he unknowingly took a substance laced with fentanyl and passed away.

Nick’s death deepened our commitment. In 2020, we launched the first KAREfarm retreats, guided by the spirits of Kate, Avery, and Nick. KAREfarm became a sacred space where grief is honored, and guests are gently guided back to themselves—toward healing, hope, and renewed purpose.

Kate Stewart

Avery Plummer

Nick Pfennig

Healing Happens Here

We still remember the spirit of our daughters, Kate and Avery, and son, Nick,  filled with a passion for service, a profound love for animals, and a connection to nature. Fueled by our grief and driven by their memory, we transformed our sorrow into purpose by creating a haven within nature—Stephanie & Mike’s Whitetail Ridge Farm. This was the start of Kate and Avery’s Retreat Experience (KAREfarm), a sanctuary dedicated to commemorating their vibrant lives and providing a space for the healing power of community, connection, and compassion to fellow travelers navigating their own grief journeys.

Our hope is that this is a place of remembering, respite, and renewal.

With unwavering conviction, we believe that an experience at KAREfarm will not only help guide our guests towards reclaiming their lives but also inspire them to perpetuate this healing and kindness along their own journeys. KAREfarm is about fostering a ripple effect of healing that encourages each person to pay forward the solace and support they find amidst nature’s embrace and people who ‘know’.

Kate

Avery

Nick

Retreats

Find solace, peace, and renewal at an upcoming grief retreat and embrace your journey of healing.

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Testimonials

Testimonials, like the gentle rustle of leaves in a forest, whisper tales of personal journeys intertwined with the power of nature’s embrace.

I didn’t know how much I needed them

Thank you to everyone for the experience at KAREfarm.  Beautiful surroundings, amazing fellowship and powered by the Holy Spirit.  885 days into my grief journey, this weekend allowed me a place to talk, cry, laugh, rant and bond, while being surrounded by God’s beauty…I didn’t know how much I needed them.

J.R.

I too was nervous about attending

If someone is unsure, I would reinforce how I felt. I too was nervous about attending. For me, I am struggling with my faith right now, so I was hoping it wasn’t “god-based” etc. I was glad it wasn’t. I think others in my situation struggling with faith would feel the same. I would also let them know how welcoming and friendly everyone was. How I felt so comfortable. My mind was able to rest.

Sheri B.

Finding this group has helped me find my road to healing

I want everyone to know what empathetic and kind host that you are. You have changed my life in knowing that I can talk about the loss of my son and the understanding is mutual (unfortunately). Like minded parents, I have found are important to my therapy. Healing will take a lifetime, but finding this group has helped me find my road to healing. I have always been introverted my various jobs along the way has helped with that, my job now definitely helps with that, and being at a retreat with the interaction helps with that. I love making new friends and meeting new people.

Kelli V.

It’s a safe place to talk about your worst nightmare

That it’s a safe place to talk about your worst nightmare. We are not alone on our journeys. As much as I don’t want to be a member of this exclusive group, bereaved parents, it was somewhat comforting to hear everyone’s stories. We are not the only people struggling. I will  continue to honor my son every day in this life and keep his memory alive. He is a beautiful soul who positively affected many others with his life.

David R.

It really helped me

The retreat was amazing! The volunteers were so welcoming and kind. I had a lot of anxiety about coming, but I am glad I did. The glamps with personal touches were so meaningful. It really helped me to hear other people’s stories and to know that I am not alone. I liked the pace with structured activities and down times. The beds were comfortable.

Anonymous

It’s great to be around other parents “who get it”

It’s great to be around other parents “who get it”, who understand. Also, hearing other’s stories and how they have coped (or not coped).

Anonymous

It was super beneficial attending the retreat

I would tell someone who was anxious about the retreat that everyone attending has lost someone special in their lives and it’s great to connect with people who have had similar experiences. I felt welcomed immediately when I arrived. Any anxiety I had subsided in the first few minutes of arriving. I felt it was super beneficial attending the retreat.

Karen B.

Even the outhouse wasn’t bad

I felt everything went very well. Accommodations were very nice; food was plenty and even the outhouse wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the activities and the free time so I could connect with the other guests. I’m not sure what you could do to improve since this was my first retreat, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thank you so much for all you did to make this enjoyable as possible under the circumstances.

Anonymous

Very calming and peaceful

Very calming and peaceful. Everyone from staff to guests were very understanding and welcoming. Accommodations were awesome. Felt and slept better than I have in a long time. Self-care (Reiki) was awesome. Thank you.

Anonymous

Helped me step back from day-to-day to heal myself

It was very open personally and spiritually (not judgmental or devotional). It helped me step back from day-to-day to heal myself.

Mark B.

You really should give it a try

I know that is always improvement for everyone, but I feel that you all have it together. Throughout the day I believe we covered just about everything. Every conversation seems to lead to something new.

If someone is new, you really should give it a try. It is a great experience to help you.

Tina M.

Testimonials

“It’s a safe place to talk about your worst nightmare. We are not alone on our journeys. As much as I don’t want to be a member of this exclusive group, bereaved parents, it was somewhat comforting to hear everyone’s stories.” – David R.

A Retreat Property Like No Other