Best Homeschool Convention Tips

The Maine Homeschool Exchange, happening May 9 &10 at the Augusta Armory, is one of HOME's most popular events and offers homeschoolers the chance to come together for information, resource sharing, and family fun among those of like mind. Homeschoolers throughout Maine and beyond have always looked forward to HOME’s annual event and the sweet fellowship it brings after a long winter. 

Bring the entire family (and extended family) for a full range of experiences for all ages! Here are some tips and strategies to help you plan for an enjoyable and stress-free event.

• Save money by registering before the early-bird deadline of February 21.
• Bless those who are blessing you. Recommend your homeschool support group, co-op or other leader for FREE event admission!
• Help raise awareness! Please invite your pastor, legislator, librarian, family and others who may have an interest in attending to learn more. Bring along grandparents or others who provide support for you during the year. They will benefit, too!
• If you will be staying overnight, make your reservations early. Hotel rooms in the Augusta area do sell out. Check here for local accommodations.
• Plan for meals. Hampton Inn serves a FREE hot breakfast for hotel guests, and rooms have refrigerators. Food trucks, such as The Portable Pie Place and Bowlicious, will be available at the Augusta Armory throughout the day on Saturday. Check the General Information section at the HOME website for more meal options. 
• Are you new to homeschooling? When you arrive at the Maine Homeschool Exchange, make your first stop the HOME booth! HOME leaders and veteran homeschoolers will be there to welcome, guide and help you plan for a successful event experience!     
• Carefully read all Convention Information, especially the program you'll receive at the event, so that you do not miss out on important details.
• Print HOME’s free Event Magazine (scroll to the bottom of the linked page) ahead of time to have information right at your fingertips!
• Check the websites of the speakers (or plan to visit their booths) to find out more about the availability of previously recorded presentation topics. HOME does not record workshops and general sessions, but many speakers do have their own recordings.
• Look over the Workshop Schedule and select the workshops you plan to attend. Divide to conquer; plan ahead with your spouse, family members, and friends and decide which sessions each of you will attend.
• Make plans for your children. Children are welcomed to participate in all event activities as paid registrants. There are always activities of interest to children and families. Keep in mind that a parent (or other responsible caregiver) must be in attendance with their child(ren) during all workshops and activities. 
• If you are planning to attend for Saturday's "Exhibit Hall Shopping Only" option, be sure to arrive early. Doors open for this event at noon and admission closes at 3:00pm. The hall will be open until 4:00pm. 
• Consider your children’s learning styles, current interests and abilities, and review your records. Make note of the types of materials you’ll want to look for in the exhibit hall.
• Many vendors will have materials and resources on site for purchase, so plan ahead if you are thinking of making purchases.
• Bring a large, sturdy tote bag for your purchases. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring paper and pens for taking notes.
• ABOVE ALL: Pray for God’s wisdom and direction for you and your family, and for the HOME Event Planning Team, too, as the event draws near! 

If you have checked and re-checked the list above, you’re ready for the big weekend! Be assured that the HOME team is ready, too, and SO excited to see YOU! We are blessed beyond measure when we see the arrival of so many dedicated homeschool families, faithful friends, and supporters. A successful homeschool event demonstrates to others, too, that homeschooling is truly alive and thriving here in the great state of Maine! See you at the Armory in May! All are welcome!