The Festival of Courage
Together we face dragons. Together we grow strong.
September 27, 2025
As the bright days of summer begin to fade, we gather at the fall equinox to prepare ourselves for the season ahead. This is the time when we must summon courage to face the dragon within: our fears, doubts, laziness, or selfishness. We are not afraid of the dark, because our own light shines brighter than any fear. Drawing upon the story of St. George slaying the dragon with the sword of Archangel Michael, the Festival of Courage reminds us that with inner strength, we can overcome whatever dragons stand in our way.
Join us on September 27th to celebrate courage and community! We’ll kick things off with a 5K and 1-mile nature walk, followed by a Chili Cook-off. Families can enjoy games, crafts, and stories for the children.
This festival is also a fundraiser for the Waldorf School of DuPage. Each class has a gnome on a dragon-slaying quest—and they need your help with provisions! Scroll down to learn how you can support-a-gnome.
5K and Nature Walk
Step onto the path of courage with us by joining the 5K Run or 1-Mile Nature Walk at our Festival of Courage! Muster your inner strength and take this opportunity to challenge yourself. Register by September 17th to receive an event t-shirt in your size.
Gnome Quest
Each class has a fundraising goal to equip their class gnome with everything they need to progress along the path and to bravely slay the dragon! As donations come in, the gnomes earn important supplies like swords, shields, and take steps along the path towards their goal. Help our gnomes prepare for victory—donate today to slay a dragon (and support our school)!
Funds raised will support our general fund, which we use to purchase classroom furniture, additional supplies, and support tuition assistance for our students.
Chili Cook-off
Have a chili recipe that you love? Enter into the chili cook-off! Attendees will vote in 4 categories: People’s Choice, Spiciest, Best Name, and Most Unique.
Bring a crock pot full of your best work and let our community put it to the test!
$10 to enter
$5 to sample and vote for your favorites
2025 Schedule of Events
9:15 AM- Check-in will be from 9:15 am to 9:45 AM.
9:45 AM- Opening Ceremony
10:00 AM- Begin 5K Participants will have 60 minutes to complete the route.
10:15 AM- Begin 1 mile Nature Walk through our forest.
11:00 AM- Closing Ceremony
11:00-1:15 PM- Various activities will be available including: Chili Cook-off, make your own medal, story time, games, and more
We look forward to seeing you all!
Note: Anyone can participate or donate. You do not have to be an enrolled family at The Waldorf School of DuPage. This event is open to the public. If you would like to make a donation to sponsor a student’s participation, you may do so by cash or check (made payable to The Waldorf School of DuPage) dropped off or mailed to our school at 30W160 Calumet Ave West, Warrenville, IL 60555.