There is no plug-and-play formula for a good education. Mystie Winckler explains why systems and shortcuts fail, how to keep the home at the center of your homeschool, and how to practice this art with confidence and enjoyment.

Thinking about homeschooling? This workshop is for moms and dads who are wondering if homeschooling is right for their family. You want to go into this with eyes wide-open and realistic expectations. Real-dad, Todd Wilson, will shoot straight with you, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly and will help clarify if homeschooling is for you.

Practical and straightforward, this talk helps moms see that “busy” isn’t always a problem and that even so, we all always have time for the things that matter most. She also offers hope and advice for what to do when our time and our plans get derailed.

Your kids’ ability to focus, learn, and manage emotions is closely tied to what’s happening inside their body. In this session, you’ll discover how nutrition, digestion (gut health), and blood sugar directly impact their ability to focus and absorb information. When these foundational pieces are supported, children are better able to think clearly, problem-solve, and stay engaged. You’ll leave with practical, easy-to-apply strategies to incorporate into your homeschool routine—helping foster stronger focus, improved learning, and steady energy.

Homeschooling provides an education that is beyond comparison with any other method. That said, Idaho code requires that homeschoolers provide instruction, “in subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools.” This is often summed up as a requirement to provide a “comparable education.” But how are we to meet that requirement without stifling the amazing educational freedom that homeschooling offers? Join Linda Patchin as she unpacks various teaching methods used by homeschoolers and how they can each meet, and exceed, the statutory requirement of a “comparable education.”

Frustrated by the fact that what works for your homeschooling friends doesn't seem to work for you or what works for one of your children doesn't work for all your children? For the first time ever discover the FOUR homeschool Temperaments. You'll discover if you're a Falcon, Owl, Swan, or Sand Piper and how to homeschool in light of those traits. You'll laugh, nod your head in agreement and find yourself saying, "That finally makes sense. During our time together we'll discuss tips for each temperament, how to teach your children who may NOT be your temperament, and what types of homeschool curriculum works best for your temperament. This is going to be fun as you discover your homeschool temperament!!

With many personal stories and a humorous yet philosophical tone, Mystie tackles the motivations we have to get organized and helps us find satisfaction in realistic expectations and a less-than-perfect home.

Classical education embodies the most natural skills of learning. To give your children a better education, you must give them more than content. You must teach them the timeless art of how to learn. Discover the skills that teach your children how to think well and develop understanding of any subject, topic, or trade. We will model these skills and tools allowing you to experience them yourself so you’re able to use them in your own homeschool. Learn how a Classical Education differs from a modern education, how it can help your discipleship relationships with your children, and get some interactive practice. Experience classical education in action!

Choosing your career path is one of the most difficult and yet important decisions that every graduate must face. In this workshop, we will discuss strategies that can assist you in choosing your career path, the importance of planning, and common pitfalls to avoid.

The holy grail of parenting is “what to do to have good godly kids.” Unfortunately God didn’t leave a complete guideline for our use. He did leave us some examples of the good, bad, and ugly of parenting, and plenty of principles...but we’re still left...wanting more. Enter the flim-flam man who fills in all the gaps and begins to pile on rules, principles, and things to avoid. The problem is that it sometimes has adverse effects and leaves behind hurt and wayward children. So...some parents swing the other way and claim and proclaim the message of Freedom to equally dire results. While I would never be so bold as to say, “Here’s how to parent and what to do to have successful children.” I will say there seems to a sweet-spot in parenting that avoids the extremes but not the responsibility. Join me as we get down and dirty in the trenches of parenting and discuss a method of parenting that is IRRESISTIBLE.

With humorous personal stories both from being homeschooled as well as homeschooling, Mystie walks through how a homeschool mom’s life and role changes as we raise our children from dependent babies to independent adults, casting a vision for the glory of the mission.

Ever feel like homeschooling is for those ‘blessed enough’ to afford it? Ever feel like you don’t have the financial resources to give your kids all the opportunities everyone else is giving their kids? Ever feel like if you just had a little more, your homeschool would be so much better? Come and learn tips and tricks to homeschool affordably and be reminded of the heart behind the Great Provider that has called us to this gig in the first place!

Do you want to inspire your kids with excellent literature? Or find hidden gems for your read-aloud time? In this workshop, Melissa Nash, Homeschool Idaho Board Member, will walk you through how to find the stories our family will love.

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

As we look around us we find ourselves asking “how can it be?” ?Everywhere we turn the world looks almost unrecognizable. ?Yet, this is our place on the world’s timeline; there never was another moment meant for us. We cannot let fear creep in and paralyze our purpose, nor can we turn and run. We have been called for such a time as this; called to live boldly, to stand on truth, and to make an impact on the next generation. And we are called to do it with peace in our hearts. ?We must fight for the hearts and minds of our children- preparing them to stand strong, to answer the call placed on their lives, and to cling to the ONE that gives hope and peace in the unknown places. Come and be encouraged, learn from biblical examples of those that have gone before us, and be reminded that He will equip us for the call, and the time, He has created us for.

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 led by a real husband of a homeschooling mom.

We are raising kids in a generation where more hours a day are spent in front of a screen than are spent outside. From video games to social media, this generation is existing more virtually than they are in the real world around them, and we are seeing the damaging results in our children, families, and culture. Join Aby Rinella as she discusses the dangers of social media on our kids, how we can step out of the virtual and back into real life; how we can cultivate real connection, thrive in the tangible world around us, and how we benefit physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from being outdoors together. You will also learn practical tips to take your school outdoors and how to grow as a family on the adventure!

When a child struggles to learn, despite your best efforts, it's rarely about a lack of discipline or just "trying harder." As a homeschooler you have the ability to look past the surface behavior and find the root cause of the struggle. In this session you will learn how to ask the right questions in order to collect the information you need to help your child learn; to understand what specially designed instruction means in your homeschool learning environment; how to manage your child's learning disability and build good coping skills to help them learn successfully; build and track a special education plan; and, above all, be encouraged to have grace with yourself and your student during your educational journey

If you have ever wondered how to design a high school course of study, evaluate the results, develop a transcript, or award a diploma, then this is the workshop for you! Linda will cover all of these subjects and more in one quick paced hour.

More devotional and vulnerable in tone, Mystie discusses misconceptions about rest and approaches this needed topic in a relatable but deeply Scriptural way. This talk is a meditation on what it means that our rest is in Christ, not in our own self-care.

It's a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is...being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We'll also do a lot of laughing, as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

Idaho's homeschool laws have changed dramatically since the early days of homeschooling, but they have always led to greater freedom. Until now. Legislation in Idaho and throughout the country is changing the homeschool landscape and it isn't all blue skies and sunshine. This class will take a quick look back at Idaho's homeschool history to give context to recent legislation and everything out there that calls itself homeschooling (and may not be). Then we will look ahead to the threats to homeschooling that are gaining momentum throughout the country. If you ever struggled to understand Idaho's homeschool laws or the current political climate surrounding homeschooling, this is the class for you.

Most parents feel unsure about the digital world their teens live in. This workshop explains how today’s online culture shapes young people mentally, emotionally, and socially, and provides practical, faith-informed strategies to guide them toward healthy digital habits. You’ll also discover helpful tools, resources, and strategies that make it easier to set boundaries and support your teen in managing their online life with wisdom.

Marriage is hard...in fact, it’s real hard! But when it is right and good, it can withstand anything. It doesn’t matter what the economy does, the status of your bank account, the condition of your home or vehicles, or what your children dish out...because when a husband and wife are right, they’re unbeatable. On the flip side, when a husband and wife feel distant or apathetic, it only takes the slightest breeze to ruffle a bunch of feathers. The truth is a mediocre marriage sucks the joy right out of life and your homeschool. The economy can swing up, your checking account can be healthy, your home and vehicles can purr like kittens, and the kids can behave like angels, and life still...stinks. That’s because marriage matters. Join Todd Wilson, The Familyman, for a time of laughter and encouragement as he shares real life stories, problems, and frustrations along with practical, simple solutions to having a marriage that can‘t be beat!

Homemaking is not a side project—it’s kingdom work. In this talk, Mystie Winckler reframes home management as a God-given vocation that forms souls, builds culture, and advances the gospel. From folding laundry to fostering hospitality, she shows that our daily work reflects the work of God and fulfills the Great Commission right where we live.

When our kids are in their upper high school years, we might begin to question whether we’ve prepared them (and ourselves!) for the next steps. Did I teach them everything they need to know? Will the world eat them up? What have I missed? We can be assured that God has a plan for the good of our children, and for His glory. Parenting doesn’t end when our children graduate from our homeschools, and we can be encouraged by trusting in God’s faithfulness in the lives of our young adults. Find hope for a parent’s heart as our kids leave the nest, learn to fly on their own, and soar.

If you are just getting started on your homeschool adventure then this is a great workshop for you to attend! Come with questions and leave with answers. Homeschool Idaho Board Member Melissa Nash is a homeschool mom whose two sons have both graduated. She has a wealth of information to share, so join her for an interactive hour.

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage...well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most people don’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets. Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and experience God’s best for you.