Consider Adding These Events to Your Homeschool Calendar!
Homeschool events often broke up the long winter months for us. In the weeks leading up to TeenPact classes, we worked hard on the pre-assigned homework. We also considered if there was a friend or legislator to connect with at our Homeschool Day at the Capitol. Then, as we wrapped up our school year, I looked forward to our state homeschool conference. These events required some extra planning and commitment, but they were worth the effort! Using the list below, consider what’s being offered in your state!
Events to Consider:
- TeenPact
- Homeschool Day at the Capitol
- Homeschool Conferences/Conventions
- Ford Driving School (Advanced Driving Skills)
TeenPact
Have you considered having your child participate in TeenPact? This program teaches the political process in a hands-on way, with a Biblical emphasis. Children ages eight to twelve can attend one-day classes. Teens can attend four-day classes. Our kids have done both. (Our son met some of his closest friends at TeenPact!)
I love that when we drive by our state capitol building, our children appreciate it. They understand the value of the work being done there. Through TeenPact, our whole family learned more about the political process. We got to know our state senator (now a U.S. congressman) through the TeenPact experience. (Which then gave us the courage to speak to a legislative subcommittee about changes needed in the foster care system!) These classes are a great opportunity for homeschool families. TeenPact shares this about what they do:
“Through dynamic leadership experiences, TeenPact seeks to inspire youth in their relationship with Christ and train them to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend the Christian faith, and engage the culture around them.” TeenPact.com
TeenPact classes are offered during the months of January through April. Find when classes are being scheduled in your state at TeenPact.com!
Homeschool Day at the Capitol
Have you considered attending your state’s Homeschool Day at the Capitol? We have joined over one thousand other homeschoolers in the rotunda of our State Capitol. What an amazing way to represent the homeschool community!
These events are generally scheduled during the months of January through May. They are a great opportunity to get more familiar with your local government. Meet your legislators. Be encouraged by speakers. Connect with like-minded families.
Homeschool Freedom has compiled a list of the “Top Ten Reasons to Attend.” At the bottom of the post, look for a link to your state’s Homeschool Day at the Capitol!
Homeschool Conferences/Conventions
Your state homeschool organization may offer a conference! These events (whether you call them “conferences” or “conventions”) are a treasure trove of information! Think of them as an investment in your homeschool journey (similar to continuing education credits)!
As a volunteer for our state conference, I spoke with parents in all the different stages of homeschooling. Some were overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. Others were approaching graduation and trying to figure out transcripts. You can find encouragement, resources, and a wealth of information – for every step of your journey. Even after sixteen years of homeschooling, I still find value in attending our state conference.
Homeschool Freedom provides a list of Christian state conventions offered across the country. Don’t see your state listed? Find your state homeschool organization and see what events they are recommending!
As a side-note, conference season is a great time to consider a homeschool mission statement. Many years ago, my husband and I attended a conference together. As we discussed what we had learned, we found our homeschool vision – our “why.”
Download this free document: “Know Your Why – Create a Homeschool Mission Statement.” Use the five areas with suggestions to help you consider your “why.” Knowing this will keep you homeschooling on the hard days!
Ford Driving School (Advanced Driving Skills)
While this program isn’t exclusive to homeschool families, it’s absolutely worth mentioning! One of my kids attended a Ford Driving Skills for Life event many years ago. It had a big impact not only on her, but also on my husband who attended with her. I’m so glad Ford still offers this program (it’s been around for more than twenty years)!
At these FREE, hands-on clinics, teens get behind the wheel with professional instructors. In a controlled environment, they learn skills such as:
- hazard recognition (e.g., hard braking for objects in the road)
- vehicle handling (e.g., correction of oversteering)
- speed management (e.g., controlling a slide)
- space management (e.g., opening doors when a bicyclists is approaching)
- distracted and impaired driving (e.g., using a phone, driving under the influence)
This is a safe way for our inexperienced teens to consider driving conditions they might not be familiar with. The training is an excellent supplement to a driver’s education program. This is an awesome opportunity to help your teen make better decisions as a driver!
Ford offers these events with the goal of reducing teen fatalities due to car crashes. Their investment keep our streets safe for everyone: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Find an informational video and an event schedule at drivingskillsforlife.com.
These events require extra commitment. But the valuable expertise of others and the encouragement of community is worth it! I’d love to hear about the homeschool events you’d recommend – please find the comment box at the bottom of this page!
