General Session Descriptions

General Session I (Friday, 10:30am - 11:30am)

The Bravehearted Gospel: The Lost Art of Christian Heroism - Eric Ludy

Based on Eric’s popular book, The Bravehearted Gospel, this message is a powerful wake-up call to the modern church. With typical Eric Ludy candor and passion, this message will ignite your soul with the desire to fight for all that is sacred and all that is true. This message will resonate deeply with anyone interested in upholding the integrity of the Word of God and the moorings of Biblical faith in these confusing times of post-modern emergence.

General Session II (Friday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm)

Wrestling Prayer: Gaining Power and Victory for the Christian Life - Eric and Leslie Ludy

This powerful message establishes that God is every bit as big as He claims to be, and that He desires to do big things in the lives of His believers. Eric and Leslie Ludy challenge the mediocre expectations that many modern believers have of God, and help Christians discover the power of wrestling prayer, persistent faith, and putting on the spiritual armor of God. This session inspires believers toward building a vibrant prayer life and overcoming spiritual weakness in order to be truly ready and able to make a godly impact upon the world.

Evening Concert and Special Presentation (Friday, 6:00pm - 7:15pm)

Concert - Siuomalaiset Jouset (Finnish Lap Harp Players)

Hitting the Mark - Dr. Larry Guthrie

Psalm 127 tells us that our children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man. These arrows are intended to be cast forth to "Hit the Mark." Watch as Dr. Guthrie illustrates seven principles that govern the flight of an arrow and direct the path of our sons and daughters. He will pop seven balloons with his Mathews "Heli-m" bow, one balloon for each principle. In an exciting conclusion to the lesson he will attempt to "Hit the Mark" by shooting an apple off someone's head. The session will focus on key issues of parenting. Appropriate for all ages. (Note: No mothers, fathers, or children will be harmed in this demonstration!!)

General Session III (Saturday, 8:30am - 10:00am)

Understanding the Gospel: Knowing the God of the Bible vs. the God of Modern Christianity - Eric Ludy

Grace is more than the merciful hug of God; it’s the divine enabling power of His Spirit to transform a human life from the inside out; to supernaturally equip us to live a life that would be impossible in our own strength. Love, joy and peace are not meant to be merely nice-sounding Scriptural concepts, but rather the daily experience and outflow of the Christian’s life. In this session, Eric Ludy casts a vision for historic, Biblical Christianity, and gives a clear understanding for how to not just esteem Truth, but live it out daily through the enabling power of God.

** Also joining us at the beginning of this session: Tim Caverly, author of Allagash Tails

General Session IV (Saturday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm)

Running the Race - Dr. Larry Guthrie

Once upon a time, I ran in a two mile fun run. I don’t understand how the words fun and run can be used in the same context, but many folks enjoy what is called a “runner’s high.” I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high,” but the memories of that fun run may help you to finish the race that you have been called to run. Learn the important lessons that are spoken of in I Corinthians 9:24 and Hebrews 12:1.

Movie Gallery

Come What May (Friday, 7:30pm) - Rockport Room

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."
(Psalm 139:13)

With his mother a lawyer and his father a professor, Caleb Hogan has grown up understanding the importance of stating his case, backing it with facts, and choosing what's right ... Come What May.

This ability has served him well in his internship at his mother's law firm and it has guided him to the college with the best Moot Court team. But has it prepared him to deal with the collision-course elements of the most important legal issue of our time?

When does life really begin?

Coming face-to-face with the realities and legalities of the abortion issue—both in preparation for the National Moot Court championship and as his mother prepares to argue a high-profile case before the Supreme Court—Caleb must decide what he truly believes.

Wherever he lands will have consequences. If he takes the pro-life argument, he stands to lose the most important competition of his life—and the support of his mother. If he follows his mother's lead, he could win the coveted title ... but lose the heart of his teammate Rachel in the process.

Along with her professor and classmates, Rachel not only understands the strength of the pro-life arguments, she believes them to her core. Life, from its beginning, exists to honor God. For Rachel, that plays out in her Moot Court arguments and in her daily life.

Can Caleb find that same conviction? Can he win the heart of Rachel in the process? While compromise might be the easiest solution, it could also be the most dangerous.

Come What May is a vivid reminder that choosing what's right is never easy ... but it's always worth the cost.

Workshop Descriptions

Special Session (Thursday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm)

A Mom's Sentimental Journey - Vicki Bentley, Camden Room

Twenty-plus years and 17 kids later, what a veteran homeschool mom would repeat and what she would do differently on this homeschooling journey!

Muddy Glove - Dr. Larry Guthrie, Rockport Room (Family Track)

The fact is, "If you play in the mud you always get dirty." Listen to an innocent story of a little boy who learned a profound lesson after playing in the mud. Then watch as the lessons are reemphasized using a dramatic and graphic demonstration involving "The Muddy Glove." The session will focus on issues of cleansing and forgiveness.

Maine Energy: Energy Efficiency Investigations - Stefany Gregoire, Rockland Room (Family Track)

Get Energized! Participate in this Maine Energy Education Program to learn first-hand how electricity is generated with wind turbines and solar panels. You will also get to experiment with tools that will help you measure how much electricity is used by common household appliances and electronics. Learn how you can save energy in your home, too!

Crayons to Characters: Making Writing Fun! (Vendor Workshop) - Yvonne Blake, Polliwog Pages, Penobscot Room

Do you children groan at the thought of writing? Show them how to make storywriting fun by using exciting words and interesting characters. Build creative confidence by teaching the building blocks of writing.

Homeschooling Gifted and Talented Students with Barefoot Books (Vendor Workshop) - Dena Davis, Barefoot Books, Monhegan Room

Learn about the many features Barefoot Books have to offer your family from an experienced educator and local Barefoot Books Ambassador. We will travel the world, explore history, learn math, discover great art and poetry, and more!

Special Session (Thursday, 2:30pm - 4:00pm)

Organized (Well Almost!): Time Management for Busy Moms - Vicki Bentley, Camden Room

As a busy mom, do you sometimes struggle with lesson planning, keeping the house somewhat presentable, teaching, keeping up with the laundry, AND getting dinner on the table.

Wood Duck/Crayons - Dr. Larry Guthrie, Rockport (Family Track)

To obey or not to obey. That is the life and death question that confronts each and every young wood duck. It confronts each and every one of our sons and daughters as well. Learn how adult wood ducks teach their offspring to recognize their "voice" and "desire" to obey instantly and cheerfully. Listen to the humorous story of a young man (Dr. Guthrie will not say who he was.) who failed to obey his father's voice and suffered the grave consequences. The session will focus on training children to be obedient with a smile on their face.

Getting Started in Homeschooling - Carolyn Simonds, Rockland Room

Are you just beginning to homeschool? Are you researching the option for your family? Plan to attend this workshop! The following topics will be covered:

• Maine’s homeschooling law
• Record keeping
• Curriculum planning
• Helpful resources
• Portfolios and evaluations
• Support groups
• Special needs
• And much more!

Boys to Men: Creating Masculine Christian Warriors - Michael and Paulie Heath, Penobscot Room

For twenty years, Mike and Paulie Heath served on the front lines of Maine's culture war. They raised three sons while providing unflinching public leadership on the most controversial moral issues of our times. They capped the education of their sons with a sword ceremony. All three of
their sons are maturing into strong and committed Christians. Additionally, two are Sergeants in the United States Marine Corp and one works for the most powerful technology organization on the planet, DARPA. During the workshop, the Heath's will describe their experience raising three
sons. They will place a special emphasis on the sword ceremonies that they held for each son when they graduated from high school. There will be time for Q&A.

Planning and Paying for College PP - Pam Crate, Schooner Room

Do you have a student who is considering college or trade school? Are you wondering how families pay for college? This workshop will provide a step by step overview of the student financial aid process. We’ll discuss how to apply for all types of financial aid, including scholarships, and provide lots of resources to help you and your students plan for and pay for college. There will be plenty of time for Q & A so bring your questions!

Davis Autism Approach: Program Overview (Vendor Workshop) - Michele Siegmann, Creative Learning Solutions, Monhegan Room

Michele will provide an overview of the Davis Autism Approach Program and welcome questions from workshop attendees. The three stage program is gentle, non-invasive and gives an autistic individual the tools to participate more fully in life.

Session I (Friday, 9:00am - 10:00am)

Multi-level Teaching - Vicki Bentley, Camden Room

When you had one child, it seemed easy, but adding more children sometimes makes homeschooling feel like a zany plate-spinning act. Vicki shares ideas for keeping the homeschooling “plates” from crashing to the floor! Practical tips for teaching multiple ages—from a mom of 17 homeschooled students (seven school-age at a time).

My Sheep Hear My Voice - Dr. Larry Guthrie, Rockport (Family Track)

Would you like your children to be more attentive? Have you ever said to a son or daughter, "Look at me when I am talking to you? Do distractions waste your time? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, this session is for you. Dr. Guthrie will illustrate 10 steps that will lead your whole family toward being more attentive to one another. He will use a number of volunteers to graphically portray each principle by constructing an attentive ear. This session will focus on issues of attentiveness.

When God Writes Your Love Story, Part 1 - Eric and Leslie Ludy, Rockland Room (Teens and Young Adults)

Based on the Ludy’s bestselling book When God Writes Your Love Story, this inspirational and practical message explores the foundations of a God-scripted love story, the art of faithfulness, and God’s pattern for true purity. This session helps teens gain God’s perspective on building healthy guy/girl friendships, find godly purpose and fulfillment during singleness, and keep Christ at the center of their love story, even before they meet their future spouse.

Homeschooling Methods - Carolyn Simonds, Penobscot Room

What approach to homeschooling should you incorporate? There are a number of methods ranging from the traditional "School at Home" method to the revolutionary "unschooling" approach to learning. In this workshop, new or aspiring homeschoolers will learn the the basics of these and other approaches (Classical, Charlotte Mason, Eclectic etc.), and the pros and cons of each of them. Familiarity with methods will help you to decide which educational style would best suit your family's needs at any given time or season.

RightStart Mathematics: Visual-Based Success (Vendor Workshop) - Tomi Padgett, RightStart Mathematics, Monhegan Room

People are visual thinkers, and children are especially visual. Approaching math from a visual perspective is a sure-fire path to success! Right Start Mathematics uses manipulatives: the AL Abacus, math balance, place value cards, card games, linear fraction chart, and other items. These visual tools allow children to understand, apply and enjoy math!

HOME Leaders Networking Session (Friday, 12:30am - 1:30pm, by invitation) - Schooner Room

Four Needs of Homeschool Families - Vicki Bentley

In this interactive session, Vicki discusses four basic needs of homeschool families and shares practical way for leaders to encourage those families without discouraging their own!

Session II (Friday, 1:30pm - 2:30pm)

Getting Kids to Help at Home: Training in Diligence and Thoroughness - Vicki Bentley, Camden Room

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.

Egg in the Bottle - Dr. Larry Guthrie, Rockport Room (Family Track)

Peter reminds us that Satan prowls this earth looking for those whom he may devour. In a sense he is looking for back straps for his frying pan and trophies to hang over his fire place. Listen to several adventure stories of how Satan uses the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life to ensnare his prey. Then watch as Dr. Guthrie illustrates the seriousness of temptation with a "good ole egg" that fails to resist. The session will focus on issues of temptation and repentance.

When God Writes Your Love Story, Part 2 - Eric and Leslie Ludy, Rockland Room

Based on the Ludy’s bestselling book When God Writes Your Love Story, this inspirational and practical message explores the foundations of a God-scripted love story, the art of faithfulness, and God’s pattern for true purity. This session helps teens gain God’s perspective on building healthy guy/girl friendships, find godly purpose and fulfillment during singleness, and keep Christ at the center of their love story, even before they meet their future spouse.

Academic Competitions - Kathi Kearney, Penobscot Room

Competition among equally prepared peers can be fun and challenging to children and teens with competitive natures. There are many contests and competitions open to homeschooled students. Find out more about them in this session!

How to ACE the SAT (Vendor Workshop) - Jean Burk, College Prep Genius, Monhegan Room

Test-prep expert, Jean Burk, will share her secrets for SAT success, which have helped hundreds of students raise their test scores as much as 600 points! Learn how to find shortcuts in test patterns and save time on all types of questions. Math, Writing and Critical Reading sections are all covered in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Session III (Saturday, 10:15am - 11:15am)

Frugal Homemaking - Vicki Bentley, Camden Room

Vicki shares tips on how to maintain a homeschool household on limited funds.

Laws of the Harvest - Dr. Larry Guthrie, Rockport Room (Family Track)

I’m confident that God intended men and women to be gardeners. After all He placed Adam and Eve in a perfect garden and gave them dominion over it right from the very start. It is no wonder that the various principles of gardening should also play very important roles in our daily lives. Though there are probably many more, learn about seven principles of gardening that are proven to enhance the fruitfulness of your life.

The Sacred Claim: The Power of a Poured-out Life - Eric and Leslie Ludy, Rockland Room

In this session, Eric and Leslie Ludy explore a crucial aspect of the Gospel that many Christians overlook - every believer’s call to be God’s hands and feet to the lost, the weak, the poor, the destitute and the orphan. Eric and Leslie challenge the self-focused mentality that many American Christians have adopted, and motivate the church toward an outward focused, sacrificial lifestyle.

The Science Show - Peter Miller, Penobscot Room (Family Track)

Awaken an interest in science with some cool demonstrations of physical phenomenon that provoke the question “Why?” Typically, science is taught by first teaching the "essentials" of math, theory, and technique, and then doing experiments in this context. This gives most students the impression that science is boring. But where do scientific discoveries come from? The scientists who made them did it because they were on an exciting quest of discovery, not because it was boring. The demonstrations in this show are intended to spark that interest to question and discover, and in the process show how math, theory, and technique lead to further discoveries.

Learning to Learn: What YOU Can Do to Help Your Struggling Learner (Vendor Workshop) - Michele Siegmann, Creative Learning Solutions, Schooner Room

Michele Siegmann will review some simple, yet often overlooked, principals and tools to help students prepare for learning. Techniques to help those who struggle with spelling, notetaking and putting ideas into words will also be presented.

The Maze Factor: Decode your Day with These Survival Tips (Vendor Workshop) - Mandy Breeden, BJU HomeWorks Consultant, Monhegan Room

Are you at the end of your rope? Do you feel like you are homeschooling in a maze? Mandy Breeden, a wife, a seasoned homeschool mom of 3, and a homeschool consultant, has some very practical advice on how to organize your homeschool year. These tried and true tips will bring some sanity to your homeschool day regardless of which curriculum you use. All workshop attendees will have the chance to enter a drawing for a bundle of Christian youth novels......to be given away at the end of the session. Hope you will join us and see how a little preparation can make learning fun!

Session IV (Saturday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm)

When Life Broadsides Your Homeschool - Vicki Bentley, Camden Room

You had a wonderful plan at the beginning of the school year for a well-rounded education, envisioning academic excellence and character development in your smiling, well-adjusted offspring. But then . . . life happened. How do you find "normal" again? In this workshop, Vicki helps you focus on the essentials when you're on the frontlines.

Lions and Fatherhood - Dr. Larry Guthrie, Rockport Room

The key to a successful pride of lions lies with the "King of Beasts" himself. Without him a pride may fail to raise even a single cub to maturity. With him present and actively involved a pride may raise 40-50 cubs to maturity over his life span. Dr. Guthrie will present striking similarities between the fathers of successful Home School families and those of the "big daddy" lion. This session will focus on issues of fatherhood.

Dearest Friends, John & Abigail Adams - Mike and Paulie Heath, Rockland Room

New England's most famous founding father, John Adams, received fresh attention a few years ago as a result of a popular biography. After reading the book, Mike and Paulie Heath became interested in America's second President and his wife, Abigail. Later this year, Maine homeschool families will be visiting the homes of John and Abigail in Quincy, Massachusetts as part of HOME Heritage Days. The Heath's will introduce us to this intriguing Puritan couple, the national park in Quincy that features their homes, and talk a bit about what they've learned. The workshop will include a Q&A and discussion.

Homeschool Leaders Informational - Carolyn Simonds, Penobscot Room

Are you working with and encouraging homeschoolers new and old? Come and sharpen your leadership skills and tools in this workshop. We will review and clarify Maine homeschool law, go over options for annual assessments, learn the history of homeschooling in Maine and how it effects us today, review critical issues for Maine homeschoolers, discuss regional and local resources for support, and share ways to stay tuned to current events and news for Maine homeschoolers. This is a great workshop for all homeschool leaders, as well as those desiring a leadership role within the homeschooling community (either individually, locally, regionally or as part of our state organization, Homeschoolers of Maine). Those wanting more information about homeschooling in Maine will find this workshop helpful, too!

Early College at Home - Kathi Kearney, Schooner Room

There are many advantages to beginning college coursework at home during the high school years, as well as some important considerations. Kathi will explore options and opportunities for this money and time saving approach to early college level learning at home.

Safe Families for Children: A Movement of Biblical Hospitality (Vendor Workshop) - Monhegan Room

This workshop will explore who and what is involved in the work of Safe Families for Children, and how individuals and churches can participate  in this important ministry.   

Music for General Sessions Provided by:

Ellie Begin, piano - Friday, 10:10am
Isaac and Audrey Charbonneau, piano and guitar - Friday, 2:40pm
Benjamin Chandler - Friday, 5:10pm
Benjamin Chandler - Saturday, 8:10am
Jacki Durant, piano - Saturday, 12:10pm

** Music will be presented 20 minutes prior to the start of each General Session. Please come and support these young musicians!