Curriculum is not the only reason for attending a homeschool convention.You can purchase curriculum online. Going to a homeschool convention is so much more than books, though perusing them is an exciting aspect of it! A convention is a time of gathering with like-minded people. It is going to a place where you can go and not be stared at for having more than two kids. It is a place of connecting, refreshing, and learning.
I have attended conventions in many different forms. I’ve gone with friends, with family, by myself, as a blogger, and I even have helped a vendor with her booth. There are many different reasons to attend but for now I am going to focus on only four.
Spending Time with Friends
The first time I attended a homeschool convention was with friends, and I was not disappointed! It was a road trip of close to five hours and when we arrived I was completely blown away, and overwhelmed. There were so many people, vendors, and speakers. There was so much to take in, to think about, and to process. Each night we would convene back at the hotel room, and crash. Our minds would be spinning, rushing, and racing trying to piece what we had learned that day in our minds. One mom was a Charlotte Mason homeschooler. The other was Abeka. I didn’t feel like I fit into a label so we’ll go with eclectic. We all came away from the convention different people, we had learned so much and were so excited to begin a new school year with our kids.
Make Some Extra Cash
Let me be the first to tell you that being a vendor is exhausting, but if you do it right, it can be rewarding. Of course there is a risk involved but a risk well worth taking if you have a family-friendly product to sell. Some conventions have other ways of making money if being a vendor isn’t for you. One is, if you join their state homeschool support group, you’ll receive a free ad in their publication. This ad could reach thousands and if you have a product to sell or service to offer then this could mean some serious extra cash flow. Another way to make money is to take advantage of any used curriculum sales. Yes, it’s true. Some conventions allow you to “consign” your gently used curriculum where you can make money selling books that you don’t have a use for anymore.
Family Bonding
I was hesitant to take my family with me and my husband had no desire to take time off of work to go to a homeschool convention. Although once we ended up doing it as a family, we were hooked (even my husband). There were speakers that appealed to my husband. My kids loved the vendor hall, children’s activities, and chess tournament. This has been the way to go ever since, there is something for everyone and we look forward to going, as a family, every year.
Date Weekend
Some families use homeschool conventions as a time to regroup and refocus as a couple. Away from the kids for a few days, they can enjoy the speakers and vendor hall without distraction. Meals can be enjoyed without cleaning up messes or having to ask for a children’s menu. If you and your spouse are looking for a short get-a-way, a homeschool convention is the perfect opportunity!
