PARENTING & HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE

Since 1984, CHEA has been hosting an annual homeschool event that features workshops for homeschoolers at all stages, an exhibit hall with curriculum, resources, and services, children's and teen conventions, high school graduation, and much more. Join other homeschool families from across the state as you are encouraged and equipped for the school year ahead. This is an event you don't want to miss!
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Workshops

KEYNOTE SESSIONS

GINGER HUBBARD

Reaching the Heart of Your Child
Based on Ginger’s best-selling book, Don’t Make Me Count to Three!
There is far more to parenting than getting children to “act” right. We have to get them to “think” right and to be motivated out of a love of virtue rather than a fear of punishment. Ginger equips parents to reach past the outward behavior of their children and address the issues of the heart. Move beyond the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident approach to raising your children.

HEIDI ST. JOHN

Culture Shock: How to Equip Your Kids to Thrive in a Post-Christian Era
Many parents struggle to talk to their kids about the rapidly changing cultural landscape. We often forget that God’s unchanging Word offers relevant answers to our most challenging questions. It’s more important than ever to teach our children what God says about their worth, their sexuality, and their future. Heidi will challenge and encourage you as she speaks directly to the issues of the day and reminds you of your role in the midst of it all: to teach your children to walk in the Truth.

Like Arrows in the Hands of a Warrior
God says that our children have been given to us like “arrows in the hands of a warrior.” The question is, do we see ourselves as warriors? Do we recognize the battle we are in? Are we passive or purposeful in the spiritual training of our kids? God desires that we train and sharpen our “arrows” so that they will be ready to fly when the time is right. Join Heidi as she offers personal insight and practical application on your role as parents.

FEATURED SESSIONS

GINGER HUBBARD, Keynote Speaker

A Biblical Model for Discipline
Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Do you feel guilty because you know you should be faithfully training and instructing your children in righteousness but you aren’t sure how? Through personal experience and practical application of Scripture, Ginger encourages and equips parents in the why, when and how of biblical discipline.

How to Parent without Provoking Children to Anger
Does your child have a comeback for everything you tell him to do or always try and get the last word, even if it’s mumbled under his breath? Does he become mad and lose control when you discipline him rather than repenting? Or does he seem indifferent, giving the impression that discipline doesn’t faze him in the least? Through biblical insights and powerful drama, learn how to avoid the snares of parent-provoked anger and raise emotionally healthy children.

No More Whining and Lying: A Workshop for Kids
Yep, that’s right, it’s a session just for kids! Through captivating stories and charming illustrations, Ginger tickles funny bones and reaches hearts with wisdom from God’s Word about whining, lying and teasing. Kids of all ages will laugh their way into learning the benefits of being obedient, self-controlled, and truthful seekers of God. Kids must be accompanied by an adult..

Taming Your Child’s Tongue
Are you ever embarrassed or shocked by what comes out of your child’s mouth? Based on her newest book, I Can’t Believe You Just Said That!, Ginger provides a practical, three-step plan to reach beyond the behaviors of tongue-related struggles—such as lying, defying, and manipulating—to address your child’s heart. After all, as Matthew 12:34 tells us, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

SPECIAL EVENT – Mom’s Night Out with Ginger Hubbard
Come enjoy an evening of fun, fellowship, and fantastic giveaways, followed by a humorous and heart-warming presentation. Ginger will uproot the insecurities and fears that keep us from living abundant, fulfilling lives and shining our brightest as children of God. Through laughter and tears you’ll be inspired and challenged as she uncovers the treasures that await a life surrendered to Christ. Touching stories, spiritual insights, practical solutions, and possibly chocolate—this is an event you don’t want to miss!

HEIDI ST. JOHN, Keynote Speaker

Homeschool in Freedom and Find Joy
Have you ever found yourself drawn to “formulaic” parenting? If your homeschool has lost it’s JOY, or if you are struggling to find time to disciple your children, in the midst of homeschooling, this session is for you. Listen in as Heidi shares three pitfalls of modern homeschooling and offer ways to guard against them and flourish—from diapers to diplomas!

Keep the Gas Tank Full and Other Lessons We’ve Learned from Thirty Years of Marriage – A Workshop with Jay and Heidi St. John
“Transparent. Honest. Funny. Real.” That’s what people say when they hear the St. Johns speaking about the ups and downs of their union. Join Heidi and Jay for an hour that will encourage and inspire you as they share wisdom from 23 years of homeschooling and 30 years of marriage. This workshop is rated “M” for marriage. Bring your spouse if you can!

Prayers for the Battlefield
Are you weary? Today’s parents are up against a lot. We’re shepherding children in a time when the war for their hearts and minds has reached a fever-pitch. And yes—the battle is real—but so is our God! Heidi offers hope and teaches parents how to pray for their kids at every stage development. We’ll get real about the struggle, but we won’t focus on it. You’re raising a special generation of warriors! Don’t give up—you were born for this!

Raised to Release: A Workshop for Parents (or soon-to-be parents) of Young Adults
Jay and Heidi have raised four of their seven kids to adulthood—often in spite of themselves. It’s tough to let your kids make their own decisions, especially when you’re so used to doing it, right? What if you see them making an unwise choice? Homeschooling parents often struggle to release their teens to pursue God’s plan for them but it’s crucial that we do. They will share tools that every parent on the precipice of releasing their child needs. Bring a notebook and get ready to enjoy this season of transition with your kids. Good things are coming!

KRISTI CLOVER, Emcee & Featured Speaker

M.O.M. = Master Organizer of Mayhem
This fast paced workshop goes through Kristi’s popular “Top Ten” list on how to bring more order and organization to your home and heart. This workshop goes through lots of very practical and applicable tools on how to get rid of the mayhem in your home — without getting rid of the kids (or your sanity). Moms of all ages and stages have loved this workshop and used its tips to bring grace and peace to their home.

Quitting the Comparison Game
With the growth of social media, the comparison game has become an almost unavoidable stumbling block. Discontentment and envy can easily sneak their way into our hearts and minds if we don’t guard against them. This workshop is designed to encourage you to get out of the comparison game and focus on what unique ways God wants to use you.

NATALIE MACK, Featured Speaker

Charting Your Way through High School for College, Career, or Military
Consider a Guidance Counselor’s perspective for each year of high school, wherever your child is headed! For college-bound teens, this includes entrance tests, applications, and financial aid information. Students headed directly into the workforce can benefit from career aptitude testing, training opportunities, and building a resume. Learn about the military’s homeschool enlistment policy and advice for applying to the service academies.

Developing a Plan for High School: Sample Four-Year Plans
What plan would suit your high school student? What subjects do you teach and when? This seminar will help you organize your thoughts and lay the groundwork for a viable four-year plan. You’ll learn about high school credits, simplifying grading, and the fundamentals of recordkeeping—transcripts, extracurriculars, and diplomas.

Homeschooling Challenges and Solutions for Military and First Responder Families
Many military and First Responder families choose to homeschool. This session will give an overview of some of the reasons why many feel homeschooling is a better fit for their family, as well as examine some of the challenges and solutions to homeschooling that these families may encounter.

The Path to NCAA Eligibility: A D1 Athlete Journey
Do homeschoolers receive athletic scholarships? This workshop focuses on how to successfully navigate the NCAA eligibility journey with discussion about Core Course Worksheets, getting scouted, travel clubs, college bound summer camps, and the life of a D1 athlete.

“Permanent Change of Station” (PCS) and Homeschooling
Most military families relocate every few years. This frequent relocation means readjustment to new environments and forming new relationships. For homeschooling families, it also means considering how to continue homeschooling amid a PCS move. This workshop will offer practical ideas and tools to handle these transitions with grace.

JAMES MASON, Featured Speaker

The Prodigal Son, the Forgiving Father, and the Power of Beholding
We homeschooling parents invest a lot of ourselves in our children. When one of them strays, it is a painful, prayerful time. As one who has wandered himself, and one who has shepherded seven children through sometimes challenging times, Jim has a word of encouragement, reconciliation, and hope for walking through troubled times.

State of the Homeschooling Nation Address
A serious but entertaining look at HSLDA’s recent cases and why they are important to you and your homeschool. You’ll want to hear about the Case of the Miscreated Court, the Case of the Rotten Big Apple, and the Case of the Caseworker’s Monumental Miscalculation. With over 15 years’ experience representing homeschooling families around the country, Jim has a unique, up-close perspective on trends, emerging issues, and what the future holds for homeschool freedom.

ANA WILLIS, Featured Speaker

Discovering the Riches of a Charlotte Mason-Inspired Education
Your homeschool lessons don’t have to be boring! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to add various “spices” to elevate your kids’ learning to a rich and tasteful feast. You’ll also gain practical ideas to capture the heart of your child and help him or her fall in love with learning in a fresh new way!

Home & Homeschool on Autopilot
Is trying to balance homeschooling with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and everything else you do leaving you completely overwhelmed and burned out? Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. In this workshop, you’ll learn practical steps to put your home and homeschooling on autopilot, making your life way easier. Stop just surviving and start thriving!

Raising Children to Love God’s Word
Why do the majority of Christian children leave the faith by the time they go to college? It’s due to a lack of knowledge of God and understanding of His Word. Charlotte Mason makes it clear that the knowledge of God should take absolute priority in our homeschool. In this workshop, you’ll receive a daily action plan to help your children study and fall in love with God’s Word.

Scheduling the Feast of Subjects
Teaching Bible, math, history, science, reading, and writing keeps you busy enough. How can you make time for art, foreign language, literature, music, poetry, folk songs, hymn, Plutarch, and even Shakespeare too? In this workshop, you’ll learn practical steps for teaching all this and more, through implementing Charlotte Mason’s concept of spreading a feast of ideas.

EMEAL "E.Z." ZWAYNE, Featured Speaker

Serving Like Jesus
As homeschool families who are blessed to spend vast amounts of time with each other, God has given us plenty of opportunities to imitate the servant-heartedness of Jesus—the greatest servant in existence. In this session, we will discover what glad servanthood really looks like, and how we can become willing and joyful servants to our loved ones and the world as we follow in the footsteps of Christ.

The Transformational Power of Encouragement
The trials of life can often be extremely disheartening, but this session will help us discover that the greatest source of encouragement to our own souls comes from being used by God to encourage others. Amid the current homeschooling season of life that God has placed us in, we will dive deep and uncover what the Bible has to say about how we can become ready and eager encouragers toward those in our immediate circle of influence, and beyond.

The Unfailing Sympathy of Christ
Weaknesses! Not only do all of us have them, but they are often the greatest source of our disheartenment as Christians. Whether it’s in our role as husbands, wives, children, or homeschooling parents, we are all often haunted by our shortcomings and besetting sins. Enter Christ—our High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, and who experienced our same temptations. Be refreshed by the delightful truth that Jesus calls weak sinners like us to come boldly to His throne of grace, where we will find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.

GENERAL SESSIONS

Kim Amador & Natalie Nuñez
Preschooling in Freedom
You’ve prayed and decided to homeschool your preschooler— so now what? What must be done to succeed? As first-generation homeschool moms, we’re quite familiar with feeling inadequate and doubtful in our homeschooling journeys; yet, God has placed a calling upon each of our lives to steward this time with our children in faith and in freedom. This session explores how to ensure our hearts and minds are focused on what truly makes us free.
Teresa Foltin

Math – Does it Matter How You Teach?
Many people dislike math. The traditional approach of teaching mathematics does not work for most children. Children must truly understand in order to remember, especially those with learning challenges. We know that a deep understanding of concepts removes anxiety, lessens the burden of memorizing, and makes math more enjoyable. In this workshop, you will explore teaching strategies and techniques to help children learn, reduce math anxiety.

Rachel Gomez

Charting Your Own Course: Steps to Homeschooling Students with Special Needs
This workshop will aim to remove fear from the homeschooling equation. Attendees will learn about the homeschooling process, including the role of parents as the authority and decision-makers. Parents will gain an understanding of the benefits of homeschooling students with special needs, which will build their confidence and assurance.

Navigating Unique Challenges: Best Practices and Helpful Resources that focus on Ability instead of Disability
Parents will be empowered to confidently adapt curriculum, manage behavior, and be creative with extra-curricular activities. Attendees will learn to build positive relationships and create a supportive homeschool environment tailored to their child’s unique needs.

Rebecca Kocsis

Homeschooling: A Strong Start
Hey, are you new to this homeschooling thing? Not sure what to do first … or second … or third, for that matter? You are in good company. And what does a day in the life of a homeschool family look like anyway? Every first-time homeschooler has been there. In this fast-moving session, I’ll help you lay the groundwork for your homeschool and walk through the steps you need to get you off to a strong start.

Writing a Philosophy of Education & Mission Statement: Mission Possible!
As a new homeschooler, I was completely intimidated when asked about my philosophy of education and our family’s mission statement. I had never been of the opinion that philosophy was practical. I thought, “What does that even mean?” Don’t get me started on my worries over a mission statement. “We should have that, too?” As time went on, I realized that this wasn’t as complicated or intimidating as it seemed—and they served as guiding principles as we made important decisions about our homeschool over the years.

Davy Liu

Biblical Worldview in Entertainment
With modern-day entertainment, it is challenging to raise godly kids. Children’s entertainment plays a powerful role in shaping the beliefs of our vulnerable youth, yet we let Hollywood stand as the primary children’s content provider. Kendu Kids founder and former Disney animator, Davy Liu, has a vision is to bring a fresh and creative perspective to the Sunday school stories. Through iconic visual story-telling, future generations will establish a biblical foundation they will not depart from.

John McGowan

Legislative Update
with Nathan Pierce
Fresh from the battlefront, Nathan and John will update you on major current legislative battles threatening our private home education and parental rights! You will learn how God has been working through FPM & CHEA this year and see the necessity of maintaining vigilance for battles that are on the horizon. As time permits, this perspective will broaden to the underlying worldviews and trends of our culture’s war against the God-ordained family.

Michelle Phororo

4 the Love of Learning
What are some creative ways to encourage the love of learning in your home? Find ways to lean into your child’s natural curiosity as you explore the four types of learning styles. How do I identify my child’s learning style? What is my teaching style? And why does it really matter? Maximize involvement and intuition by exploring a well-rounded education and discovering practical tips and tricks to enhance your homeschool environment.

Betsy Pierce
Record Keeping & Lesson Planning
Many parents are intimidated by the administrative side of homeschooling. In this session we will discuss how to keep the required records for private homeschooling as well as what other records are recommended or just plain fun to keep. (Fun?! What? Come find out!) We will also discuss some approaches to lesson planning that are useful for various styles and methods of homeschooling.

Preschool at Home – Learning is Fun!
Are you eager to begin teaching your 2-5 year old? Do you feel pressure to begin “school” because everyone else is? The preschool years are precious and important for your child. We will discuss some styles and approaches and tips and tricks for teaching the littlest learners. We will discuss the importance of play, language development, chores, character, obedience, and socialization. Come get ideas how to thrive at home and love the little years before the ages of formal academics.

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Nathan Pierce

Homeschool Advocacy for the Next Generation
If private Christian home education is to survive in the future, we must pass on the vision of why it is important to be able to teach what we believe. If we don’t impart to the next generation what matters most and why, then we have already lost. This talk focuses on passing on a passion for homeschool advocacy to future generations.

Legislative Update
with John McGowan
Fresh from the battlefront, Nathan and John will update you on major current legislative battles threatening our private home education and parental rights! You will learn how God has been working through FPM & CHEA this year and see the necessity of maintaining vigilance for battles that are on the horizon. As time permits, this perspective will broaden to the underlying worldviews and trends of our culture’s war against the God-ordained family.

Remembering Why
There’s always a temptation to want to throw in the towel when facing the thought of another year (or another day) of homeschooling. As a homeschooling father himself, Nathan knows that some teaching days are very long, some budgets are very tight, some homes demand maintenance, and the same parents really need a good night’s sleep! This session is for Nathan and all the parents coming to be reminded of why we homeschool and why it’s worth enduring until we reap the reward at the end.

Penny Ross

Choosing Curriculum & Teaching Methods
Homeschoolers are free to embrace learning in any and every way possible. But that freedom can be overwhelming as you begin to realize the number and diversity of choices available. Penny will define terminology such as literature-based learning, classical education, the Charlotte Mason approach, “real” books, and more. Come learn how to apply your vision for education and the needs of your students to help narrow and clarify your curriculum choices.

Creative Scheduling Tips for Working Homeschool Parents
Homeschooling while working (whether full-time or part-time employment) is doable with some creativity, flexibility, and out-of-the-box-type thinking. Penny worked part-time throughout much of her time teaching her kids and has since consulted with many working homeschool parents. Gain encouragement, inspiration, and support as you discover how others have made it work.

Middle School – Is it Any Different
What do you need to cover now as the bridge between the academic foundations of elementary school and the more advanced coursework of high school? And how do the startling physical, mental, and emotional changes of puberty impact your homeschooling, your family life, and your student’s faith?

Richard Stepanek

Catastrophic Geology
When Mount St. Helens erupted, it blew the top off evolutionary geology. The information gained from Mt. St. Helens has changed the way we view geological features in some of our national parks. Richard will discuss the formation of fossils, coal, petrified wood etc. and present evidence revealing that they can be formed in a short time, not over millions of years.

Christa Svoboda

A Family Team
A family is a beautiful gift from God when we are not losing it in the business of our culture. Christa has learned to prioritize the relationships in their home and the unity between she and her husband as they learn to balance his home life with an intense calling in law enforcement. You will leave this time encouraged in ways to safeguard your family from missing the best gifts of home for the good things of the world.

Teaching Older Children with Younger Children at Home
Teaching older children with littles ones also needing to be cared for creates unique challenges. Christa grew up homeschooling as the oldest child of four children and experienced these challenges firsthand. Now with six children, baby- thirteen years old, she has been creatively working through this for many years. Christa will share practical advice and helpful perspective of ways to have peace and productivity at home while educating children and pouring into your young ones.

Jenny Vandever

Homeschooling on a Shoestring
We all want our kids to have the best of everything – from education to extracurriculars, we don’t want to skimp. However, our resources aren’t always as plentiful as our best wishes. Thankfully, homeschooling doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Come learn practical and affordable tips for giving your children quality, home-based education without breaking the bank.

Julie Walker

A Pathway to Teaching Public Speaking
Glossophobia, or a fear of public speaking, affects up to 75% of the population. Don’t let your students shy away from this important skill! Starting with the simple task of memorizing and reciting poetry and moving into four public speaking models, this pathway presented by Julie Walker will help your middle- and high-school students speak up and speak well.

Roger Wheelock

The Vital Need of Modeling the Image of God to Your Children
Hosea 4:6 says “My people perish from lack of knowledge.” This refers to the intimate knowledge of our God: Who is He? What are His characteristics? And what does He require of us in order for us to be His image-bearers, reflecting God’s Holy character to our children and others around us. In this workshop, Roger Wheelock details six major moral characteristics of God, and challenges parents to model these same qualities in all of life – especially at home.