Is this experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, the soap making class is designed for beginners with no prior experience needed.

Are materials provided or should I bring anything?

All soap making materials and safety equipment are provided; participants should bring an apron and wear long sleeves.

Can participants under 14 join?

The minimum age is 14 years old, and younger attendees must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear for the workshop?

Wear long sleeves and comfortable clothing suitable for a farm environment; aprons are recommended.

How many bars of soap will I take home?

You’ll take home roughly eight bars of your custom made goat’s milk soap.

Is there parking available on-site?

Yes, there is free parking available at the Jireh Hills Family Homestead location.

Goat's Milk Soap Making at Jireh Hills Family Homestead | Farm

Located in the rural charm of Alvinston, Ontario, Jireh Hills Family Homestead offers a distinct hands-on experience uncommon to most outdoor adventure seekers: the “Farm to Tub” Goat's Milk Soap Making workshop. This two-hour session blends craft, creativity, and nature in a setting that feels like a breath of fresh country air. Far from the rugged trails and peaks you might expect in the outdoors realm, this activity roots visitors in a direct connection to farm life, sustainable practices, and traditional skills that nourish both body and mind.

At Jireh Hills, the focus is on cold process soap making using rich goat’s milk harvested directly on the homestead. The experience begins with a welcoming introduction by Cheryl, known as Mama Bear, whose expertise brings warmth and depth to the craft. Participants receive hands-on instruction to design and hand-pour their own personalized batch of soap, selecting from an array of natural herbs, essential oils, and blossoms that reflect the local flora. This creative process not only yields approximately eight bars of soap to take home but also offers insight into a slower, more intentional way of living.

This homestead experience is more than a craft workshop; it offers a tangible connection to the land and the sustainable ethos anchored in Ontario’s agricultural heritage. Situated on a working farm, the activity includes outdoor sessions during warmer months and moves indoors to a heated barn house during colder seasons, allowing year-round availability.

Jireh Hills distinguishes itself as a unique destination because it bridges outdoor lifestyle and artisanal skill-building in a family-friendly setting. By supporting this local homestead experience, visitors engage in upskilling that’s both tactile and rooted in environmental respect. Additionally, a portion of bookings supports local children’s educational summer camps, reinforcing the homestead’s commitment to community and the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you're seeking a creative night out or a meaningful addition to your Ontario adventures, this soap-making experience offers a rare and enriching outdoor extension beyond the usual trail and water-based activities.

About Jireh Hills Family Homestead

Jireh Hills Family Homestead is a family-run farmstay and education homestead located in Alvinston, Ontario. It offers a mix of overnight stays, hands-on workshops, and animal encounters designed for families, groups, homeschoolers, and learners of all ages. Accommodation options include two nature lodges — “The Slumbering Alpaca,” a newly constructed lodge with modern comforts, and “The Sleepy Goat” — plus a 32' glamping RV called the “House on Wheels” available mid‑April through late October. Overnight guests can also choose farm camping with BYO RV or off‑grid sites.

Onsite experiences focus on practical skills and farm connection: hands‑on cheesemaking classes teach fresh feta, cheddar, and kefir and include traditional goat milking; a goat’s‑milk soap workshop offers “farm to tub” crafting; and goat‑keeping classes introduce basic animal husbandry. Animal encounters include goat snuggles, alpaca meet‑and‑greets, pony rides for children, equine encounters for adults, and the family favorite “Whiskers, Hooves & Paws” farm immersion tour.

Educational programming includes the Little Farmers fall session (four weekly classes) and the “Kindred Co‑op” homeschool farm school experience. Several programs are customizable for special needs and support local children’s programs. Jireh Hills emphasizes hands‑on learning, small‑group experiences, and authenticity—combining comfortable lodging, practical workshops, and supervised animal interaction in a rural Ontario setting. The homestead provides safe, guided interactions with animals, clear pre-booking information, and optional add-ons like goat milk soap making and adult equine grooming sessions. Visitors often combine an overnight stay with daytime classes to maximize learning and family bonding on the property. Bookings are available seasonally online.