Convention Corner: Grow as a Family

When most people think of a homeschool convention, their minds jump to curriculum. We love those rows of booths and the opportunity to flip through materials before making a purchase—that alone is worth attending. But for many families, what keeps them coming back year after year is the refreshment, growth, and connection they experience across every area of family life. The CHAP Convention truly is a one-stop shop for family growth—offering much more than books.

Parenting is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of homeschooling, and the Convention offers guidance and support through it all. This year’s speaker lineup includes seasoned parents, counselors, and authors who understand the unique pressures homeschool families face. Sessions address everything from managing sibling conflict to building strong parent-child relationships in the digital age. You’ll find yourself both challenged and encouraged with practical advice and biblical insight that speaks to the heart of family life.

Homeschooling is about more than academics—it’s a calling that draws us closer to the Lord. The Convention schedule is filled with opportunities for spiritual growth and encouragement. From keynote sessions grounded in Scripture to workshops on faith-filled parenting and trusting God through uncertainty, the weekend is designed to help us refocus on the “why” behind our homeschool journey. I always leave feeling recharged and spiritually grounded.

Along with encouragement and spiritual strength, the Convention offers practical tools and new skills to equip our families for success. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or navigating high school transcripts and college planning, the wide range of workshop topics provides help for every stage. Learn how to implement unit studies, integrate nature journaling, or use online tools effectively. You’ll also find guidance on homeschooling special needs, working with multiple ages, and preparing teens for life beyond graduation. It’s all there, under one roof.

One perhaps overlooked benefit of the CHAP Convention is the sense of community it fosters. Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, but at the Convention, you’re surrounded by people walking the same path. Whether you strike up a conversation in the hallway, attend a panel discussion, or gather with other parents during lunch, you’ll find connection and camaraderie. For teens, the dedicated Teen Track offers relevant sessions, service opportunities, and space to form friendships with peers. Younger children aren’t left out either—there are options for engaging programming that lets them be part of the experience.

Attending the Convention is more than just checking out curriculum—it’s stepping into a space that understands the homeschool lifestyle in all its complexity and beauty. It’s a weekend to grow, connect, learn, and be reminded that your family is not alone on this journey.