I am a big advocate of attending homeschool events if you have the time and financial resources. It is a great way to meet other homeschoolers, be inspired, encouraged, and encourage others that are walking similar paths. It’s also a great way to break some homeschool stereotypes as I am always impressed by the diversity at these events. Not every homeschool family has 10 kids, plays instruments, and wears matching clothes! (Although if you do, that’s fine by me)
Two Homeschool events you might want to consider attending this year are:
2:1 Conference
The 2:1 Conference will be held outside of Washington D.C from April 8-10, 2011 and is geared towards homeschool bloggers. When my friend Cheryl told me about her idea to host a conference for bloggers who homeschool I was so excited! From their website:
We strive to encourage and educate by teaching social media skills, networking techniques and the art of blog crafting. We also stress the importance of maintaining a balance by keeping Christ first in our homes. We are dedicated to ensuring every attendee comes away from 2:1 with new tools, resources and skills as well as a renewed spirit. Our desire is to solidify your homeschool resolve and cultivate social media skills and connections.
Having lived 10 minutes from D.C. for the past 3 years, I would highly encourage you to attend this event and bring your family. This is a great time to visit D.C. and almost everything in the city is FREE!
Regional Homeschool Conferences
I am disappointed that one of the regional homeschool conferences does not fit into our family’s travel plans this year. These four regional events will be held in the following cities:
MidSouth Homeschool Convention: March 3-5 in Memphis, TN
SouthEast Homeschool Convention: March 17-19 in Greenville, SC
MidWest Homeschool Convention: March 31 -April 2 in Cincinnati, OH
NorthEast Homeschool Convention: June 23-25 in Valley Forge, PA
The speakers vary depending on the location, but some of them include Ken Ham, Susan Wise Bauer, Tim Hawkins, Amanda Bennet, Jay Wile, and Andrew Pudewa. The registration fees are very low, around $50 for a family although I don’t know the prices for lodging. If you live in a state that doesn’t host a large convention I highly recommend attending one of the regional events. It is a great way to talk to the authors of your favorite curriculum, find new curriculum, and meet other homeschoolers.
I am headed to the MidSouth Conventino in TN. Can’t wait to hear the speakers and see Tim Hawkins live!
Guess who’s speaking about effective regional field trips (on a budget) at all four shows? I’m creating all new workshops for these fun events and offering “workshop only” deals on product, too.
(same wkend as NC, hubs is doing FPEA).
Which show(s) are you attending this year? I’m at all but Florida
Yeah!
No room in the schedule…. I am speaking at the 2:1 conference in DC though….
Unfortunately, I won’t be at any this year.
I attend the Florida Convention (FPEA), but wish I could attend the DC one