How is the state of your union? When was the last time you stopped and put your finger on the pulse of your marriage? If you are struggling in your marriage, or even if you're not, this is a message of hope and encouragement that will remind you of what's important and help you stay on course as you navigate through the homeschool years with the man of your dreams

This session will encourage parents to examine their reasons for home schooling, and to avoid certain pitfalls that commonly occur. Sharon shares from her own experience many of her mistakes, some of which are humorous, and encourages parents with the compassion and understanding of a veteran home school mom to keep on keeping on. She deals with challenging areas such as organization, planning, curriculum choices, cleaning, etc., and encourages every home school parent to find and live the balanced lifestyle which is Gods will for them. After 24 years of home schooling, Sharon has some practical, and often humorous, advice to share with home schooling parents. Home school burn-out can happen to anyone, whether a new or veteran home schooler, so Sharon will teach you how to avoid ten, common home schooling pitfalls. Come prepared to laugh, and re-focus, and leave determined to be too blessed to be stressed!

Practical reinforcement for the homeschooling parent who has no support. Whether you are a single parent or happen to know one (or you may even be married and just FEEL like you’re going it alone), this session covers the practical, emotional, financial, physical and spiritual realities of single-handedly carrying the homeschool parenting load, from a single mom of six who’s “been there, done that” - against all odds - successfully.

Come and learn from this popular speaker and humorous author the many valuable and practical things you need to know to make it all the way to the finish line. You'll learn: How to keep a straight face when asked for the 11,000th time about socialization. That you need focus, determination and patience — and other lies about homeschooling. Snappy comebacks your children can give to "Don't you miss being around other children?" Sharing the joys of cafeteria food, health class and group showers, and other creative ways to motivate your homeschoolers to gratitude. With much laughter and a sincere love for this unusual life we've all chosen, explore the fun side of the homeschooling journey (no, really, there's a fun side). If you love homeschooling but need a boost, you do not want to miss this.

Sharon knows from experience, if Mama aint healthy, aint nobody happy!. After nearly two decades of burning the candle at both ends in service to the home school community, God used some serious events in Sharons life to teach her what her true priorities were. Sharon will teach the ladies how to maintain, or rebuild, optimal spiritual, physical and emotional health (including Biblical principles of time management). She'll also teach the ladies her secret weapon from becoming over-committed.

Can a simple 20-minute lesson drag into 2 hours? Does your little wiggler seem to fall out of chair a great deal? Is he distracted by things others dont even notice? Find out what you must change for this child to stay on task and learn. Instead of trying to make this child learn like most others, find the key that unlocks learning for the highly distractible child. Well cover how to put motion into learning, making math fun (no, really!) and how to make learning experiences that cement your child's understanding of science, history, and language. In other words, come and learn practical tips that you can start using Monday morning. (Best for Pre-K through 6th).

A panel of dads discusses what your wife and homeschool really need from you.

An Awesome Year-long Unit Study- Imagine learning about the exciting lives of missionaries in a way that incorporates history, geography, science and language. By using some of the many well-written missionary biographies, you'll learn how to make your own year-long missions unit study that covers a full school year of learning K-8,(you will need your own math program). This fun approach will engage your child, cover a multitude academic subjects, while enriching your child's faith through a study of the lives of people who devoted themselves to teaching the world about Christ.

Relax. Its easier than you think. This workshop will walk you step-by-step through a simple and easy-to-use method based on phonics and fun combined in a simple game that kids will ask for day after day. The game is learned in one minute but will grow with your child through years of learning. All the materials for this method will cost you less than $2.00.

Angry children,angry parents, both disrupt the blessings of home schooling that God intends you to have! Sharon will share from her personal experience of dealing firsthand with both of these situations in the home, and give twenty-five Biblical principles that parents violate that provoke their children to anger. There is hope, and it is found in God's Word!

In 1925 the U.S. Supreme Court said children are not mere creatures of the state. The 1945 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes that parents have the “prior right” to decide what kind of education their children will have. Is homeschooling a “human right” of the first order? HSLDA Staff Attorney, homeschooling father of seven, and Director of International Affairs Michael Donnelly explores this question and shares a presentation he delivered at the world’s largest human rights conference on the philosophy of law and social philosophy. In this talk, Donnelly examines philosophies on the relationship between the family and the state and looks at how human rights doctrine is applied globally towards homeschooling.

Tracy Klicka identifies common causes of stress in homeschooling and family life, and provides helpful ideas on how to deal with stress from a godly perspective. Included in her talk are the issues of lifestyle, use of time, and getting help.

In this session, Tracy Klicka emphasizes the foundational importance of cultivating your child’s relationship with God. She will discuss the importance of reaching the heart of your child through study of the Word, prayer, and open, honest communication. She will share special encouragement for the toddler and teen years.

Struggling herself with the frustrations and interruptions that seven children inevitably bring, Tracy Klicka has a strong desire to encourage other moms not to forget their number—one priority. She shares realistic ways a mother can find time to walk with her Lord in this busy season of life.

In this workshop, Tracy Klicka will discuss the wisdom of doing “all things decently and in order,” and will highlight principles of ordering one’s day and organizing the home for the glory of God.

Tracy Klicka hasn’t met a homeschool mom yet who at some point in her homeschooling experience doesn’t desperately want to quit. Sometimes it seems the challenges are more than we can take, but there is hope. Be encouraged not just to survive, but to thrive in raising children for the Lord.

In this workshop you will be introduced to the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood Education. Created in Northern Italy following WWII by Loris Malaguzzi, Reggio is very popular around the world as we realize that children are not empty vessels but people with great potential who are capable and full of promise.

Children who are given lots of love, affection and clear boundaries become very secure learners who feel safe and valued in their everyday learning. Undaunted by failure, these children learn quickly because they view every day as an adventure to be lived with their whole hearts!

As Tracy Klicka has experienced, it is not always easy for a homeschooling mom to keep her focus, her joy, or the hearts of her children. More than academics, homeschooling is about growing in God’s grace for both parents and children! If you are feeling discouraged, come and be renewed in five crucial areas of your homeschooling adventure.

Homeschooling doesn't have to cost hundreds of dollars per child. Vicki homeschooled seven at a time while their family was without a full-time income for four years, sometimes spending less than $100 per year.

Who isn’t often overwhelmed with the many challenges that crowd the homeschool schedule? There are bright spots along the way, but are we enjoying the rich fulfillment in our marriage that was once the heart of our dreams? Where could that be hiding? It's found in the passion and purpose of your first priority. You can take tangible steps right now toward the stellar, God-inspired love story you were intended to live. (For wives)

Is learning a breath-taking adventure in your home school, or more of a weary, forced-march, plodding through endless subjects? Join Diana for this refreshing, reviving, and reinvigorating workshop where you will discover the best brain practices in learning, the environment that encourages learning, and the many non-traditional ways students can practice what they are learning. Take a new look at practical, proven, and possible ways to make your home school journey a wondrous adventure.

You know you need to let the children be more involved in helping at home, for training them in character and in practical skills, AND for your sanity! But where do you begin? This foster mom to almost 50 children will share tips and practical helps that have enabled her to homeschool 17 children and still be able to open the front door to guests.

Have your nicely laid out lesson plans and goals been disrupted by real life? Come get some ideas for staying peaceful, joyful and hopeful as a home school mom. Megan speaks as a mom who never had it all together, but one who found God’s help and goodness in the midst of a messy, real homeschool life.

It may come as a surprise, but your spouse wants to be loved and understood just as much as you do. Enjoy the blessings and benefits of loving communication. Don’t allow the continuous pressure of homeschooling priorities to distract you from the most important responsibility and relationship you have. Come for specific instruction and practical insights – leave with renewed hope and purpose for your marriage, made in heaven.

Watch your step! Those wee ones are learning form everything you do. Betsy will offer encouragement and ideas for mothers of toddlers, especially those balancing their older and younger children's education.

Have you ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all that you had to do? Most moms struggle with finding a balance when it comes to homeschooling and staying on top of the rest of your day. Homeschool mom, if you're struggling with trying to do it all, you will enjoy hearing some of Heidi's favorite tips for managing homeschooling and homemaking...and still finding time to fit in "other things" (like alone time with your husband!) Bring a friend and leave your preconceived ideas at the door because real moms sometimes serve Cheerios for dinner!

What comes to mind when you hear, "Joyful mother of children"? If you aren't sure this describes your perspective on motherhood right now, come learn six steps to guide you to the joyful path! We will also discuss practical strategies to help us stay "tuned up."

In the last chapters of the book of Judges, a rather strange story is told. It is a story of Levites, concubines, dismemberment and revenge. But more than anything, it is a story of Civil War. As homeschoolers in our local church, we can sometimes feel like we are in a battle, but with whom are we fighting? Like the tribes of Israel, are we engaging in civil war? More than anything, the book of Judges is a book about "relationships;" God's relationship with His people, and their relationships with each other. In this session, a home schooling father of 8 and his public-schooling Pastor (with a degree in Education) will discuss how we can avoid civil war and achieve unity.

What do I do with my daughter after high school and before marriage? This is one of the hardest times on daughters. It’s a time of discouragement and questions. "I want to get married, but until someone asks, what to I do with myself?" Do I go to college, do mission work? Most guys have it easy by comparison. They can pursue career, self-employment, school, or a wife, but many girls desire marriage and a family and want to be a homemaker, but they have to wait to be asked. What can parents do to help their daughters through this difficult season?

Homeschoolers understand that biblically it is not the responsibility of the Church to teach and disciple our children but the family. However, we sometimes miss the fact that is not the family's job to be the Church. Christ established the local church to be the place of retreat, support and growth for all of His people; even homeschoolers. For various reasons, homeschoolers have historically found their "retreat, support and growth" in "support groups" and other places; not the local church. In this session, a home schooling father of 8 and his public-schooling Pastor (with a degree in Education) will discuss why the local church established by Christ is still the best place for us to find our support, and how we can partner together to seek His Kingdom first.

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you've forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Maybe your husband refuses to be involved in training your children. Join me as we look at your role, not as a homeschooling mom, but as a homeschooling WIFE. Your husband will thank you for coming! The discussion will be lead by a real husband of a homeschooling mom.

Nothing is more important to us as parents than to pass our faith and values on to our children. We work hard to home school. We sacrifice. We teach, train, and demand obedience. But many parents are finding out too late that training and winning their child's obedience without winning their heart can end in grief and rebellion. This session will discuss how to read your children to see if you have their hearts, give some dangers that will push their hearts away, and will give practical suggestions on how to win and keep this precious treasure.

Has anyone ever seen a live dinosaur? How many different kinds of dinosaurs are there? How much can a dinosaur eat? Curious families, come and find out the answers to these questions.

Mad? Angry? Ticked off? or just frustrated? What ever you call it, it will drive your kids away, divide your marriage, and destroy your home. No one likes living next to a volcano that could erupt at any moment. What are the dangers, the signs, and some Biblical solutions? How does one deal with an angry person and how do I get rid of these feelings that scream at me?

Every man is a hero and it starts with a dream and a commitment.

Sons and daughters are very different to raise and have very different roles to train and target. Raising godly children is strategic. Many young men feel unequipped to face the challenges set before them as a future husband, father, and provider. Daughters also often feel unsure of what it takes to be an effective wife and mother. In this session, 10 trainable qualities will be discussed that young men and women will need to be successful after they leave your nest.

The commitment to train is the foundation of victory. Learn about two people every man needs in this battle.

Some do dating. Some do courtship. Some do dating and call it courtship. It's not about what you call it. It's about getting God's best in finding a mate and keeping your purity. This session discusses practical ideas for protecting hearts and purity while feelings and hormones are screaming.

Using the principles of fire prevention to protect our homes, our families, and ourselves from the destruction of sin.

Hear ye, hear ye: Her Majesty, Julie Hiramine, cordially invites you to a regal gathering with all families from the royal realm for a splendid celebration of true beauty and purity of heart. All young Princesses and Queens are welcome to attend this heart-warming seminar about true beauty, modesty, and character. After all, our young princesses are daughters of the Heavenly King-so we must equip them for their royal heritage.

Do you ever have those moments of panic when you wonder if you are giving your children everything they need to succeed in life? Or, in those rare quiet moments of thought and reflection, do you worry that you are inadequate for all that homeschooling requires of you? Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night plagued by the long list of important things that still need to be done-and know there will never be enough time in the day to accomplish them? If you, like I, have experienced these feelings and fears in your homeschooling journey, then come to this workshop and be encouraged. God knows that as human beings we are confined and surrounded by limitations and weaknesses. We will look specifically at the challenging areas of vision, finances, knowledge, home management, and fatigue. The Scripture provides promises of hope, strength, power, and help for those of us who are weak, weary, and imperfect. The Bible also instructs us in accomplishing the impossible as we bask in God's boundless resources, amazing strength, and infinite love.

Applying the teamwork necessary for a coordinated fire attack, and how to have the courage to be first in to face the fire for the purpose of saving someone.

Do you ever have those moments of panic when you wonder if you are giving your children everything they need to succeed in life? Or, in those rare quiet moments of thought and reflection, do you worry that you are inadequate for all that homeschooling requires of you? Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night plagued by the long list of important things that still need to be done and know there will never be enough time in the day to accomplish them? If you, like I, have experienced these feelings and fears in your homeschooling journey, then come to this workshop and be encouraged. God knows that as human beings we are confined and surrounded by limitations and weaknesses. We will look specifically at the challenging areas of vision, finances, knowledge, home management, and fatigue. The Scripture provides promises of hope, strength, power, and help for those of us who are weak, weary, and imperfect. The Bible also instructs us in accomplishing the impossible as we bask in God's boundless resources, amazing strength, and infinite love.

This charge was given to high school graduates at the Graduate Recognition Event of the 2009 OCEAN Conference. The text of the address is found in Micah 6:8: "And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (NASB) Mike explains what it means to "do justly", to "walk humbly", and to "love mercy" as we go through our daily living. The aim of the address is to remind graduates of what's important in life and how to evaluate true success.

With her many years of experience as a busy mom of four and leader in her local church Edna will share helpful basic home management skills. From time management to basic responsibilities that mothers encounter on a daily basis, Edna will bring hope and encouragement from a loving, Godly perspective.

Homeschooling is the most powerful form of education rediscovered in the modern age. Its power and success is unquestioned. Yet for most home educators, the principles that worked in home education are not transferred into post-secondary education. Cutting edge visionaries are bringing a Copernican revolution to the method of higher education in the form of mentorship. If our movement takes this next step, we will make far greater impact on the way we do post-secondary education and economics, then we have seen in K-12 education. Based on years of experience with mentoring, Kevin Swanson presents a vision for mentorship applied to both the college and entrepreneurial tracks.

Boys are different, Mom! Our sexually permissive culture is already sending your son signals that real manhood equals an aggressive thirst for power and a lustful hunger for promiscuity. How do you whet your son's appetite for Christ alone? Join Rebecca to learn the secrets every mother needs to know about raising a godly son.

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” One only has to listen to find the heart of a child. Once found, it is essential that we don't begin to control, pressure, or manipulate in order to change behavior. Changed behavior must be the result of a changed heart. Anything less leads only to hypocrisy, rebellion. Too often parents depend on rules as the primary enforcer of behavior. Rules can change behavior, but they can't change the heart. When parents begin to see the difference between character flaws and disobedience, applying less pressure and more gentle understanding, children will be more willing to admit fault and seek help from those they love. Children need to hear the beating of our hearts rather than the beating of our voices. Parents will want to join Mark as he relates his experience as a shepherd and the important lesson that you don't become a shepherd just because you own sheep.

Most Christian parents, if they are honest, haven't a clue as to how to disciple the children God has entrusted to them. Thankfully, the Bible gives clear instructions.

(Parents Only) The technology that is available to children today is astounding; our kids are daily facing pressures and temptation at the push of a button—in a way our generation never had to. The truth is that even though our children spend most of their time with us, these influences are going to bombard them. Information Technology 101 is a crash-course on how to set safeguards on the activities kids are exposed to on the internet. This workshop focuses on many different areas of interest for young people on the internet: surfing the web, MySpace and other social networking sites, web cams, chat rooms and more. Join the Generations of Virtue team as they help you navigate this maze of technology.

Based on the Greek understanding of Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, Mark will paint and unforgettable picture for parents who are unknowingly quenching the spirit of their children. Children who are fully loved, fully known, without any fear of rejection, will become children who possess a low level of fear and a high level of risk and reasoning. Children who develop a high level of risk and reasoning, are children who see failure as stepping stones for success. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Success is failure upon failure, with great enthusiasm!” You will not want to miss this session of great enthusiasm, instruction, and inspiration!

Do you have a child who is doubting his faith? Or perhaps a daughter who has rejected your beliefs completely? Are you convinced you've failed...and the state of this child's heart is weighing heavily on you and your spouse? Come and listen to Carol share her own journey away from and back to her faith after 13 years as an atheist. She'll share thoughts and views from inside the mind of a lost child. You'll learn the best thing you can do for this child and for yourself. Come and find an understanding heart that hurts and rejoices along with your own.

Based on the life of Ehud the Benjamite, Mark will unveil the unique strategy that God and his parents used to prepare him to become a skilled and strategic warrior, confident leader, and a skillful entrepreneur. In this seminar we will look at the assessment of a child’s natural abilities and the instructive insights that are necessary to prepare each child, teen, and adult for God’s ultimate purpose and calling. This seminar promises to be an eye opener for all ages—in more ways than you expect; but in a way you will never forget!

For many homeschool students, a future college degree may be necessary to fulfill God’s purposes; yet the process of admissions and financial aid can be intimidating. The Dunagan family have coached their first three totally-homeschooled graduates to college admissions and scholarship success. By taking advantage of our unique freedoms in home education, they emphasize leadership, individual strengths, international missions, community service, CLEP exams, scholarship competitions, and dual-enrolment in high school and community college. And through a growing process of faith, and by God's grace, their family has earned (so far) over $200,000 in college scholarships and financial grants. . . for God's glory!

In three years of earthly ministry, Jesus equipped 12 ordinary men to change the world—and they did it. What can we learn from the life of Christ about how to disciple our children to be a blessing to all nations of the earth?

Watch your step! Those wee ones are learning from everything you do. Betsy will offer encouragement and ideas for mothers of toddlers, especially those balancing their older and younger children’s education.

Fathers and husbands, it is time to love and lead - now. Love your wife like Christ loves the church. Nurture and admonish your children but do not provoke them. Lead your family in God’s exciting will. Is all of this possible? Yes. But what can you do? Mothers and wives, it is time to love your husband as God has declared and to lead your children. Brian and Betsy will help and encourage you with scripture, their experiences, and what they have learned during 20 years of marriage and the ongoing raising of eight children.

Many parents finally fall prey to their own insecurities and critics’ darts when their children reach age 14 (and sometimes much earlier). They consider abandoning home-based and home-guided education. The cacophonous voices of professionals, generations of institutional schooling, “public” school giveaways and enticements, personal misperceptions of reality, and the world’s opinion about what is important muddy the waters. Getting closer to the source — the headwaters — brings refreshment and clarity to vision and action. Dr. Ray focuses on key educational goals and philosophy (biblical), research findings, the importance of separating the state from education, and homeschooling for the long term in order to reap the harvest of its excellent fruits.

The command for women to be keepers of the home is not persecution from God or man, but a gift from the Lord to free and fulfill us. As we become ALL He has called us to be, our family becomes mighty in the Lord and a beacon to this generation. Whether you had a nurturing mother or not, God can teach you how to be one as you seek His heart for yourself and your children.

Watch your step! Those wee ones are learning from everything you do. Betsy will offer encouragement and ideas for mothers of toddlers, especially those balancing their older and younger children’s education.

This workshop contemplates the unique qualities that God has given boys and presents a challenge that every parent of a boy needs to hear. The message is especially practical for the homeschooling family that struggles with high energy, young boys. It will leave you with a new vision for raising godly sons. This is a much-needed presentation to homeschoolers, many of whom struggle with what to do with boys in the home.

Fathers and husbands, it is time to love and lead - now. Love your wife like Christ loves the church. Nurture and admonish your children but do not provoke them. Lead your family in God’s exciting will. Is all of this possible? Yes. But what can you do? Mothers and wives, it is time to love your husband as God has declared and to lead your children. Brian and Betsy will help and encourage you with scripture, their experiences, and what they have learned during 20 years of marriage and the ongoing raising of eight children.

From childbearing to letting go, Biblical motherhood is about laying down your life as an investment in eternity-- your own and your children’s! Giving your life away is the biblical norm that must guide your mothering style; the results are finding your life and discovering the joy that only God can give. Practical and specific application from a perspective gained in over 29 years of mothering.

What is the state of our nation’s youth and families? Having a clear "vision" for Christian families worth pursuing -- raising the bar to impact the culture! What is the nature and purpose of "education"? How do we prepare our children for their future in the "world"?

Chris Klicka will explain how all homeschoolers experience different types of suffering in their life. Since we do not understand why, we often do not handle the suffering right. Chris will apply scriptural promises and truths about suffering as he tells the story of his fight with multiple sclerosis; his wife's fight with ulcerative colitis; the death of his close legal assistant Kimberly; and the near death of his twins, Amy and Charity. He will show how suffering is indeed a blessing from God and He will carry us through. God never fails. He will emphasize how homeschooling can keep going on through the tough times.

As a Christian worldview coach Mr. Cochran is committed to equipping students to take our culture back. He believes we can stem the tide by training students in how God and the scriptures relate to different subjects in our culture and how to speak intelligently to others on these subjects. This training will strengthen each student's faith as they learn to think biblically and dialogue about such issues as why God is real, how to know the Bible is true, the problem with evolution, why morals are absolute, how we structure the family and society, why people act the way they do, the proper role of government, and other vital topics.

It's a blessing but it can be stressing! Home schooling with tiny ones around the house is a special challenge, but one that many moms handle with great success. Come hear how Marilyn Boyer, mother of 14 and a homeschooler of 22 years' experience, makes her little ones a valuable part of the team!

Don't know where to begin to reduce the conflict and strife in your home and your everyday life? Learn practical steps on how a home school mom can bring the reality of peacemaking to her heart and all her relationships.

Come plan your own unit study with Gini & Teri, veteran homeschoolers and seasoned co-opers. Bring paper, pencil and your passion. This will be a session to organize & equip you for a fun & successful co-op study.