As the number of homeschooling families continues to rise, so do the number of homeschool conventions. I’m aware of at least 4 of them in Southern California over the next 5 months. Since I’m a great believer in free-market economics, I love to have these choices available. But I also know that too many choices can be overwhelming. Here is my short and easy guide to the 2015 SoCal homeschool conventions. Deadlines for early bird pricing and early registration bonuses are quickly approaching.
The Art of Education Conference, February 27-March 1, 2015, Westlake Village – Kicking off convention season, this conference is organized by the Leppert family, owners of The Link homeschool magazine and authors of The Homeschooling Almanac. This conference aims to bring together parents, educators, therapists, librarians, group leaders, and others who work with homeschool families to promote alternative education and learning excellence. It is a kid-friendly homeschool conference without a religious or anti-religious agenda. Details and registration information at http://californiahomeschoolconference.com/.
GHC California Homeschool Convention, June 18-20, 2015, Ontario – This is one of four conventions throughout the United States produced by Brennon Dean and Great Homeschool Conventions. While this conference boasts an incredible line-up of speakers and is usually heavily advertised in local media, speakers and exhibitors do not need to be in total agreement with the convention’s Statement of Faith. The registration price covers the speaker sessions and vendor hall only; there are multiple special events that require additional ticket purchases. Details and registration information at https://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/california-homeschool-convention-ontario-california/. Ticket prices go up on April 1st.
CHN Family Expo, June 25-28, 2015, Torrance – This is a homeschool conference dedicated to the entire family, sponsored by the California Homeschool Network. In addition to speakers and workshops, there are multiple activities during the day and evening (such as project fair, art room, video game tournament, teen dance, or movies) and dedicated rooms for teens, tweens, toddlers, and families. A vendor hall, used curriculum sale, and high school graduation are included in this conference. Philosophically it is advertised as all-inclusive. Details and registration information at http://www.californiahomeschool.net/expo/. Ticket prices go up February 1st.
CHEA Christian Home Educators Conference, July 16-18, 2015, Pasadena – This conference, sponsored by the Christian Home Educators Association of California, aims to present speakers and exhibitors whose materials are compatible with Biblical principles. In addition to a full line-up of general sessions, speaker sessions, and exhibitor workshops, this convention also offers an Exhibit Hall, used curriculum sale, free Mini Conference for New Homeschoolers, Children’s Convention, Teen Convention, and a high school graduation. Each registered family will receive a virtual gift basket and will be eligible to win prizes during the Ultimate Giveaway. Details and registration information at http://www.cheaofca.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=1297&nodeID=1. Earn bonuses if you register by 8:59 pm, January 15th.
So how do you decide which one/s to attend? There are the obvious factors to consider such as date, location, philosophical/religious viewpoint, speakers, and workshop topics. But there is another major consideration which many overlook. Who is behind the convention and where does any profit go? CHEA and CHN are 2 of the 3 major statewide homeschool organizations in California. They use revenue from the conventions to help support them year-round in addition to their membership fees and paid advertising. All California homeschoolers benefit from these organizations (remember 2008 when they banded together along with HSLDA to fight a court case that could have severely restricted our ability to homeschool in this state?).
Regardless of which convention you attend, I STRONGLY URGE you to join one of the statewide organizations (CHEA, CHN, or HSC). Research their mission statements and pick one or more which most closely match your own family’s values. As your family’s finances permit (and especially if you attend one of the conventions not offered by one of the statewide organizations), please provide an additional generous gift to CHEA, CHN, or HSC to help keep homeschooling strong in California. Many in academia and the media today are calling for more regulation of homeschoolers. We need to be always ready to defend our homeschooling freedoms!
As for my personal opinion, I have attended conventions sponsored by both CHEA and CHN. For the past several years, I have been a speaker at the CHEA Conference. It is a large convention, with a good mix of workshops offered by nationally-known homeschool speakers and local experienced leaders. It’s nice to be able to meet the local leaders who are usually accessible year-round to address your questions and concerns. I always come away uplifted and encouraged as I spend time with so many like-minded parents.
I attended and spoke at the 2013 CHN Convention, held in Torrance which is practically in my backyard. It reminded me of a family reunion. So many of these parents and children obviously knew each other from many years of homeschooling together. It is much smaller than the CHEA convention and only had a few vendor tables. But again, the encouragement and support were tangible. In comparing the two, I feel like more parents at the CHEA Convention use formal curriculum while more parents at the CHN Expo lean toward student-driven learning experiences. Additionally, the Christian worldview is prominent in all aspects of the CHEA Convention, while many different worldviews are aknowledged at the Expo. Unfortunately, I have not attended either of the other two conferences and cannot offer any personal recommendations.
In conclusion, do your homework and figure out which one (or more than one) conference you want to attend this year. If you sign up soon, you can even save some money on registration prices. Consider your attendance not only essential for your own teacher training, but also as vitally necessary to maintaining your homeschool sanity. It will be time and money well spent!
A Penny and Her Thoughts 
Hello my name is Debbie 80 founder and CEO for Ace international a nonprofit high school French foreign exchange program. As a homeschool mom myself I learned the best way to teach foreign language and foreign culture is have a desire to learn. Postino high school French student is the best way to introduce our homeschool kids to another language and culture through the practice of hospitality and friendship.
We are still in need of 11 host families for our three week July program and families for our August program in both the orange county Laguna Nagell and San Diego areas.
I would be interested in setting up a booth at one of the homeschool convention is coming up or if there is a another way to make contact with homeschool families in these areas that would be greatly appreciated. Host families are compensated up to $700 for the three weeks stay and children and families are encouraged to join in the pre-planned activities with Ace.
For additional information please contact me at 760-212-7355.
East is offering A drawing for a trip for two to Paris for all families who hosted the summer. What better way to spend your summer been sharing your culture with an international young person.
Sincerely,
Debbie Avey, founder/CEO
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Debbie, I believe it is probably too late to get a booth at either of the 2 remaining conventions for this year. But you could certainly contact the organizations listed in this article next December or January to inquire about space for next year’s conventions. For right now, you could check out the Facebook page for “Homeschooling Southern California.”
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