by Tatiana, The Musings of Mum website,
The summer before we started homeschooling, a church friend urged me to attend a homeschool convention.
“Once you see the faces of the homeschool community, you will be convinced it’s the right decision,” she said.
Though part of me wanted to attend, a much larger part of me wanted to stay away for as long as possible. Attending a convention where hundreds of people were in close proximity and in constant interaction was not exactly fun for this extreme introvert.
Nevertheless, I attended, and to my absolute dismay, I had a great time.
I met several homeschool families. I met curriculum developers. I physically held and looked at curriculum I had stared at for hours on my computer screen. I attended informative sessions where the speakers were veteran homeschoolers.
By the end of the convention, I knew, homeschooling was the right decision, just like my friend had said.
The homeschoolers at the CHEA Convention, were my tribe.
My husband was excited there were other people I could talk with about homeschool philosophies, curriculum, and learning styles. For months, he had been completely overwhelmed by my incessant chatter about things he didn’t understand.
The CHEA Convention, has since become a yearly tradition for both of us.
I attend the majority of the convention on my own, and he drops in to any talks geared specifically to dads and online safety. He also enjoys the used curriculum sale, for obvious reasons.
In my opinion, choosing the right homeschool convention for you, is as critical as choosing the right curriculum for your child. For our family, CHEA Con, is the perfect fit.
5 Things You Should Know About CHEA of California
1. It is a Christian organization.
The acronym stands for Christian Home Educators Association. Their goal is “to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.” No compromises here.
2. It is a non-profit ministry.
These guys are not in it to make money. See point number 1. They are here to provide information, support, and training to home educators across the state.
3. They fight to protect your right to homeschool.
Last month I shared about anti-homeschooling bills extensively, both on the blog and on social media. Assembly bills 2756 and 2926 threatened our rights to homeschool in our state like never before. I also shared how fervent prayer and action defeated AB 2756 in committee.
CHEA of California was one of the organizations at the state capitol, on April 25th. I had the pleasure to travel with one of their representatives, and witness first hand, just how committed they were to defeating this bill.
4. Their website is full of resources.
Since CHEA hosts a yearly convention, is up to date with all homeschool related legalities, and has an amazing staff, CHEA is a one-stop-shop for all your homeschool related needs.
5. They stick around 365 days a year.
Since they are based out of Southern California, their goal is to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and they protect your rights, you can be sure they won’t pack up and leave the state when the convention season is over, or when bills like 2756 and 2926 threaten our rights.
These guys are committed.
Why should you attend the CHEA of California homeschool convention?
If you’re a follower of Jesus (and I assume you are since you’re here), you won’t find better support for Christian home educators than at the CHEA Convention. The staff, vendors, and attendees share a common goal.
One of the things I’ve come to love since I’ve joined the homeschool community is the variety of curriculum. You’ll find a huge selection here, and like I mentioned before, you’ll have the chance to meet the curriculum writers and developers. They’re happy to share why they chose to do things a certain way and they are open to suggestions from the end users (that’s you).
You will be exposed to hundreds of homeschool veterans, eager to give advice, and to offer support and prayer.
There’s something for the whole family.
You may choose to have the whole gang tag along while you visit the vendor hall, and informative sessions; or you may choose to drop the kids off at either the Children or Teen Conventions.
You can even attend for free. If you’re a new homeschooler Ithere’s a free mini conference just for you. If you’re a pre-school family, you can attend for free, and if the budget is tight, there are many volunteer opportunities.
This year’s convention will take place on June 28-30, at the Pasadena Convention Center. Click here for a complete list of prices.
Lastly, while you attend the CHEA of California homeschool convention, prayerfully consider supporting their ministry. I’ve already given you 5 reasons why you should.
I’m Tatiana, follower of Jesus, married to the love of my life, and mum to one boy and five girls. My mission is to inspire, encourage and equip mothers, to raise children who long to walk with Jesus. I’m a compulsive organizer, lover of books and coffee, and avid supporter of school choice. To learn more about me, check out my about page, or follow me on Instagram & Twitter @themusingsofmum. “I have no greater joy, than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:4,
First published May 18, 2018 and used with permission. https://www.themusingsofmum.com/chea-homeschool-convention/