Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC):ChristianHome SchoolInformationinFort Collins, CO

We will meet at Blessed Creek Farm, a 240 acre dryland farm 35 miles NE of Byers and 26 miles south of Fort Morgan. Owners/operators Cary & Shari McMinn will provide the training, lunch, and a gift for this event where you choose to come either Friday, May 21 or Saturday, May 22.

Parents only, but nursing babies allowed. Cost is $75/couple. Widows/Widowers may bring oldest child or relative/friend as helper.

Wear comfortable work clothes and dress for forecasted weather conditions – rain or shine . Men bring wheelbarrow, shovel, hammer, and pliers if on-hand. Women bring hoe, rake, shovel, and garden hand tools if on-hand. Schedule each day will have a men's track led by Cary and a women's track led by Shari. 9am-5pm.

Registration Form due by May 1, 2010.

Homestead Bootcamp FAQ's:

1. Will the material be the same both days?

The Homestead Bootcamp is planned so as to cover the same material both days, but the McMinns will endeavor to tailor each day to the dynamics of the group attending.

2. What are the day's objectives?

Couples will leave with a better idea of how to establish their vision, set attainable goals, work their plan, and gain skills to begin the work.

3. What topics will be covered?

Some of the topics the McMinns hope to cover include:

- What is the Biblical purpose in taking dominion of the land as a family?

- Individual goals for rural living and family teamwork to accomplish these goals

- Considerations for purchasing property

- Utilization of rural property

- Budgeting for property, equipment, livestock, feed, etc.

- Managing marriage, family, and homeschool with the addition of farmwork

- Scheduling for chores, school, worship, work, and living life

- Dad's role as Family Shepherd

- Mom's role as Helpmeet

- Children's role

- What is involved in year one and subsequent years

- Hands-on skill building: fencing, soil improvement, alternative lower-cost construction methods, large kitchen gardening, windbreak/conservation planting, and livestock management.

4. What will the day look like?

In the morning, participants will learn and work in teams in the men's and women's tracks so more can be learned per couple;

in the afternoon married couples will work together learning particular skills of interest.

There will be plenty of time to answer questions on the above topics, and hopefully questions on other topics that participants

may have. Expect a lot of learning to happen, and to be physically challenged as much as you are able. Cameras are

encouraged.

5. Who should come?

This bootcamp should benefit current landowners who need to futher utilize what they possess, those searching for a rural

property, and those just considering the transition from urban to rural lifestyle.

Questions? Email office@chec.org.