Getting The MOST Out Of Your State Homeschool Convention!





Two weeks ago Florida had it’s big FPEA Convention. It is the largest (population wise) in the United States. I look forward to this event all year long. I have to tell you though that I was a bit of a rebel the first nine years I homeschooled. I didn’t go because I felt like I could use that money to buy more curriculum and couldn't justify the expense of the annual convention. I had no idea what I was missing out on. It is so much more than curriculum..., SO MUCH MORE!

I have found four reasons to invest annually in your state convention and will close with tips to get the MOST out of your adventure.

Getting Away!



Watching the American Idol Finale

First of all, just having time away from the daily grind of life is such a cup filling experience, in and of itself. Changing environments is therapeutic. This is our time to sit back, relax, have our cups filled, browse, talk, think and pray.

Hitting the jacuzzi helps too! (smile)


Fellowship!


Some of my best memories are from my conventions. I often room with my girlfriends, where we sit around and catch up on our lives. We talk about what worked, what didn’t, what was so-so, what we’re going to do differently, what we’re going to do the same, which workshops we’re going to attend, not to mention catching up on LIFE in general.


Sometimes we just have FUN! Here is a picture of us after our friends pranked us. They taped a life sized Tiki to our door! We have a saying, "What happens at convention STAYS at convention". (Unless your posting it on a blog)


Workshops!


I personally go more for the workshops than for the purpose of purchasing curriculum. One of the advantages of going to your STATE convention is they normally have the funds available to bring in the big speakers. Some of my favorite speakers are: Dianne Craft, (Special needs) Dave Weber, (encouragement) Steve Lambert, (Wisdom/encouragement) Andrew Pudwea, (teaches us how to teach more effectively) Linda Werner. (Strength’s based education) Though you can purchase these cd’s it’s not the same as when you’re sitting in a room with 500 or 5000 fellow homeschoolers.

Vendor Hall!


I don’t know what your vendor hall looks like, but ours is the size of a professional football field. It is wall to wall vendors. The longer I homeschool the less I shop for my mainstream curriculum. This year, I looked ahead at our Time4Learning lessons and bought goodies from Miller Pads and paper to go along. I also wanted to work more on literature so I purchased one unit from Total Language Plus that will line up with where my child is working on his Time4Learning lessons.

There are so many ways to save money if you choose to attend your convention:

1- Room with your girlfriends and split the cost!

2- Stay offsite at a more affordable hotel. (I can’t seem to make myself do this, but if it was between not being able to go I would surely do it)

3- BRING YOUR OWN WATER!!!! For the cost of two waters purchased onsite you can buy an entire flat and bring it with you.
4- Bring your own snacks! This year I brought my 18 year old son with me as his graduation present. I cannot even imagine how much this would have cost if we had bought all his food on site.

5- Regarding purchasing curriculum- Use one day to browse, collect information, go back to your room and read or talk over with your friend or spouse. Then the following day if you feel comfortable go back and make your purchases. It does oftentimes save money to purchase at the event.

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EVENT

1- Bring self addressed stickers to use for mailing lists, prize entries, etc.., It will save you a TON of time filling out information.

2- Comfortable shoes. Trust me on this. (Knowing sigh)

3- I bought a “Buxton” bag/purse that I absolutely LOVE for convention. Carrying a regular purse can become tedious over the weekend.

4- Bring a tote to put all your catalogs, brochures and information in, as well as a notepad and pen for taking notes.



How about you? I love to learn new ways to enjoy my adventure. Won’t you share your tips and tell us which state convention you will be attending. Also, if you’re new to homeschooling please check out our state forums to find out where your convention is located along with the dates. If you’ve already missed this years, that’s okay. You can start planning for next year!