by Renée Gotcher

As a second-generation homeschooler, I expected to be ahead of the game when I began homeschooling our three daughters in 2010. However, as I’ve shared in previous blog posts, the homeschooling landscape had changed dramatically by then — almost unrecognizable from the days that my mother took her eight children on an hour-long drive to a Christian school offering once-a-month activities for their independent school families. 

Finding myself overwhelmed with new options for curriculum, programs, methods, and more — not to mention living in a different state with different homeschooling laws — I was relieved to discover that CHEC hosted an annual homeschooling conference I could attend that next summer. I signed up immediately and could not wait for the opportunity to learn from current homeschooling veterans, pick up and browse new curriculum from a variety of vendors, and, most of all, meet more local homeschooling parents.  

One valuable lesson I had learned in my professional life before homeschooling was that the yearly conferences in my industry were vital for skill development, hands-on education, useful networking, and fresh inspiration. With this in mind, I was thrilled to find out that this three-day conference cost less than $100 to register for! Compared to what I had spent on previous professional conferences, I wondered how this was even possible. It turns out that event sponsorships, private donations, and a huge crew of volunteers make it possible for homeschooling parents to attend this conference at a very reasonable price.

Our family homeschooled for 14 years, until our youngest graduated high school, and even though I was no longer a newbie, I continued to attend homeschool conferences throughout those years. Some years, we even traveled out of state so we could attend a conference with family members who were also homeschooling, or we chose a conference in a location that we’d always wanted to visit (such as Washington, D.C.) and built a family field trip around the event. However, I was extremely grateful that every year, I could count on the fact that there would be an incredible conference taking place right here in Colorado.

Whether you are new to homeschooling, still contemplating it, or consider yourself an experienced homeschooler, I can tell you from personal experience that you will not regret any dollars spent investing in refining your homeschool, discipling your children, and strengthening your marriage. But if you are still on the fence, I’m sharing the top five reasons I personally recommend that all homeschoolers consider attending a homeschool conference at least once — even better if you can attend one regularly!

 

1. A homeschool conference is now your must-attend industry event

Homeschooling is your new “job” — treat it like a professional would! You are a home educator now, and the lifelong learning skills you are teaching your children apply to you, too. My friends who teach in public schools attend continuing education conferences regularly. And based on my previous professional experience, I found it essential to attend conferences that equipped and inspired me to be the best at my job. 

A side benefit is that you will be modeling for your children that even their homeschool “teacher” doesn’t know everything and places a high value on continuing to learn and grow as a student of life. As believers, we attend church regularly to grow in our faith and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. In our professional jobs, we are likely to attend training and educational events when necessary, too. Attending a homeschool conference shows your children that you have the same commitment to excellence in your homeschooling. 

 

2. A homeschool conference provides hands-on access to what’s new

Just like with any other industry, homeschooling curriculum, resources, and tools change over time. Sure, you could spend a lot of time online trying to browse PDF samples of the latest offerings, but wouldn’t you like to physically see what’s new? This is especially helpful when you feel like you need a change and want to evaluate other options. 

Vendor halls might seem overwhelming at first, but if you download the exhibit hall maps in advance, you can identify the vendors you really want to see and locate their booths easily. Plus, most offer event-only sales, and you don’t have to pay for shipping — you can walk away with everything you need at a discount! If a brand new curriculum isn’t in your homeschool budget this year, don’t let that deter you from browsing so you can learn more about what vendors offer.

For the bargain-minded homeschooler, most homeschool conferences provide a used-curriculum sale area, where you can find great bargains on curriculum in good condition!

 

3. A homeschool conference brings the experts to you

Sure, you can find a YouTube video about how to do anything and everything, but it’s a one-way learning experience. I’m sure I’m not the only who wished I could ask that one question that isn’t being answered on the video without waiting for my comment to be answered, if ever. If I need more information, I’m back to the drawing board, searching for a new “expert” to answer my questions.

That’s why I still place high value on in-person education and being able to personally shake hands with experts in their fields. At a homeschool conference, you’ll be able to hear from and even meet a wide variety of educators, inspirational speakers, and veteran homeschoolers who came to equip you by sharing their expertise and years of experience with you. 

Most speakers stay to take a few questions after sessions and have a booth in the exhibit hall where you can meet them later. I have made long-lasting friendships with many speakers I have met at homeschool conferences, and their ongoing work and shared wisdom continue to encourage me to this day. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with them personally and thank them for investing their time in the next generation of homeschoolers.

 

4. A homeschool conference brings your community together for you

Let’s face it, it is hard to align our calendars with our friends for any occasion, and in homeschooling circles, it is often just as challenging to connect regularly. However, once a year, you can count on a chance to make new acquaintances and have fellowship time with other local homeschoolers at the conference. Whether it’s meeting someone you sit next to at a session, bump into at a vendor table, or stand in line with for grab-n-go food, opportunities to chat with like-minded parents are everywhere. Don’t be afraid to say “hello” — you might find that you have more in common than homeschooling!

Plus, most conferences schedule special fellowship time just for moms, dads, families, and teens to connect. Although it might not seem as important as attending the core sessions, these fellowship times are just as important — if not more, in my opinion. These events are your opportunity to be poured into specifically as a hard-working homeschooling mom and a family-leading homeschooling dad. Event coordinators put just as much effort into providing these refreshing experiences for you, so I encourage you to make them a priority as well.

 

5. A homeschool conference isn’t just about homeschooling

I have many more reasons why I think attending homeschool conferences is an essential part of homeschooling; however, I’ll wrap up my top five with the most important reason: it’s not just about homeschooling. That message was clear from the start. For Christian parents, raising our children “in the way they should go,” with a biblical worldview, is our mission. Homeschooling is just one component of the battle plan.

I say “battle plan” because it was clear to me from the moment I heard my first opening keynote session that we are in the midst of an aggressive spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of our children. As parents charged by God to teach our children diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), we stand in the way of the enemy’s lies and lures. We must be vigilant and alert to the fact that we’re on the front lines of this deliberate attack — especially as Christian homeschoolers.

However, we can be assured that God is equipping us as parents to shape His “arrows,” our children, to precisely penetrate the enemy wherever God assigns them (Psalm 127:3-5). God has specific plans for each child He has placed in our care, and we can get excited about our role as parents in raising our next generation to be courageous warriors for Christ. 

The foundational mission of the homeschool conferences I’ve attended over the years has been to equip parents to effectively disciple their children, not just educate them. I made a point of carefully evaluating conferences for this very reason. Attending a conference that helps you grow in both practical and spiritual ways is essential.

Jesus asked His disciples, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). The wisest man who lived, King Solomon, instructed us that God was the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Proverbs 2:6-8). Start with God’s Word to equip you to homeschool and disciple your children, then learn from mentors whose teachings are founded on His truth, and build relationships with believers who share your vision for homeschooling. If a homeschool conference offers you the opportunity to do these three things, don’t miss it!

 

Dive Deeper With These Additional Resources

• On the CHEC YouTube Channel: Listen in as RMHC Director Brandee Gillham and CHEC Outreach Director Kashia Davis share specific tips on making your conference attendance productive, stress-free, and fun for the whole family.
• On the CHEC Blog: Homeschool graduate & current homeschool mom Julianna Duerksen shares the impact that the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference had on her family and future. 
• Watch this FREE online webinar: Provided by Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), the free webinar How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Conference can be viewed when you create a free online account.

Have you ever attended a homeschool conference? If so, what was your most valuable takeaway? Are you planning to attend a homeschool conference this year? If so, what are you looking forward to most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

About the Author: Renée Gotcher

Renée Gotcher is the Communications Coordinator at CHEC, as well as a freelance writer, editor, and recently “retired” homeschooling mother of three daughters (two are also college graduates and the youngest attends BJU). Renée and her husband of 31 years, Kenny, are next-generation homeschoolers who were homeschooled in the late 1980s and began homeschooling in 2010. Soon after, Renée launched a homeschooling blog, NextGenHomeschool.com, and actively supported the local homeschool community through various leadership roles for 14 years. She recently contributed to Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Encouragement for Today devotional series and writes monthly devotionals for the Daybreak Devotions series on Crossmap.com and her personal blog, The Pace of Grace.