Life during COVID-19 is strange. For parents of school-age children, the compounding factors of “work from home” and “virtual school” can be overwhelming. Many families are struggling, and we know that virtual education flexibility is a luxury. 

After making Laughing Moose Lodge our vacation home during the pandemic, our family started planning to reserve a few weeks at the lodge for WFH/Virtual School up north. We must not be the only ones. A September 2020 NYTimes article featured the new trend of virtual school travel. Our kids have enrolled in hybrid “back to school” options at our southeast Michigan public school district. 

Our plan to relocate for several weeks offered several advantages:

• Space: Things are tight in our downstate home when operating two business workstations and two school zones. We are fortunate that Laughing Moose Lodge offers 3,000 square feet and high-speed internet.
• Peace: We are looking for some quiet before the potential for more “shut-in” time or who knows what this winter.  A new scene during northern Michigan’s beautiful, but quiet time sounded appealing.
• Nature: The biggest silver-lining of the pandemic for our family during 2020 has been our time outdoors. Crystal Mountain offers beautiful trails, bike riding, and nature. Plus, those fall colors!!! Our recess times are gorgeous.

Here are some of the challenges we have run into so far:

• Flexibility: Happy surprise! The numbers have stayed low in our region and the kids will go back to school for partial weeks in mid-October. our month-long trip has been shortened. But, no complaints! We love that numbers are remaining low(er) and that our kids can get in-person instruction and some social interactions.
• Packing: There’s a difference between vacationing and relocating your life, even temporarily. Devices for four family members, supplies for life like home, etc. created a complex packing list. Furthermore, how many cars does a family need for a few weeks away? There is no right answer.

All that hassle aside, we are loving our northern Michigan fall retreat. 2020 has already proven you can work, learn, and plan from almost anywhere. We are trying to create unique, personal memories for our family and make the most of a difficult circumstance. Is it time for your family to plan a virtual learning week away? Check out the Laughing Moose Lodge availability here!