This giveaway has ended; thanks for your interest!
Welcome to today’s giveaway–sponsored by Great Homeschool Conventions!
About GHC:
“Why would you want to attend a Great Homeschool Conventions event?
Each year, we begin to build the coming year’s event with that question in mind. We love our homeschooling families and want to bring the very best to you. We strive to provide top notch homeschool conventions which encourage, inspire, and educate homeschooling families to continue to do what they do best: homeschool!
This coming year’s events promise to be packed with great speakers, a huge exhibit hall, a separate “children’s conference,” and family-friendly special events.
First, we gather the cream of the crop for speakers and put together the best line up possible. We have 40–50 featured speakers each year.
There are over 230 speaking sessions presented at each event. Here are just a few of our amazing speakers in 2016: Ann Voskamp, John Stonestreet, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Dr. Kathy Koch.”
“We also have several “tracks” which address specific interests of homeschooling families:
Each year, we search for special events which offer a learning experience or a fun night out for families to spend time together.
This coming year, we are happy to have these events:
- The Willis Clan at the Southeast, Texas, and Midwest conventions.
- Holocaust survivor Dr. Inge Auerbacher at the Southeast and Midwest events.
- Comedian Bob Smiley at the Texas homeschool convention.
- Comedian Dennis Regan at the California homeschool convention.
- Professional Christian theatrical company Friends of the Groom will perform their version of C.S. Lewis’ popular novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at all four GHC events.
We will see you there:
- SOUTHEAST Homeschool Convention, Greenville, SC, March 10–12, 2016
- TEXAS Homeschool Convention, Fort Worth, TX, March 17–19, 2016
- MIDWEST Homeschool Convention, Cincinnati, OH, March 31–April 2, 2016
- CALIFORNIA Homeschool Convention, Ontario, CA, June 16–18, 2016
The Prize
One lucky Simple Homeschool reader will win a family pass to their choice of 2016 Conventions!
They’ll also receive up to four tickets to each of the special events at their convention, and up to four tickets to the Real Faith for the Real World Teen Track.
Note: A family registration covers the mom, dad, children/teens, and their grandparents for all three days of the convention and includes the speaking sessions and shopping the vending hall.
How to Win
This giveaway has ended; thanks for your interest!
To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post answering the question: How long have you been homeschooling, and what appeals to you about attending a Great Homeschool Convention?
(If you’re reading this via email or reader, you must click here to leave your comment on this post at Simple Homeschool. Comments or emails left elsewhere don’t count as entries.)
For an extra entry, share about this giveaway on Facebook using the buttons below. Then leave another comment here letting me know you’ve done so!
My friend, the lovely Sarah Mackenzie, will also be speaking at all four GHC conferences this year!
Special Offer
The folks at Great Homeschool Conventions have an amazing offer for you:
When you register for a family registration, use the code “simplehomeschool” to get up to 4 FREE tickets to the special events at your convention–enjoy!
*Note: Individual registrations receive 1 free ticket to each of the special events at your convention. Offer is good through Feb. 1st.
This giveaway has ended and the winner is Mia, who wrote: “I’m in the thick of my third year homeschooling my brood, and I would most appreciate gleaning wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration from “been there, done that” seasoned homeschool veterans.”
Self-care for the highly sensitive parent
We are pretty brand new to homeschooling, we just started this year! I love the freedom it affords our family to teach each child as an individual, to choose our activities and pace, and to choose to teach what we value!
Kaylie Hodges’s latest post: #1 Way to Build Character in Kids
I’ve been homeschooling since birth in a since, but my oldest child in kindergarten this year, so we’re pretty new. Attending this convention interests me because I think I would find hearing the speakers, including Sarah M, very inspiring and motivating.
This is our fourth year homeschooling and I think the Great Homeschool convention would be a fun retreat/vacation for our family. My oldest is reading through the Narnia series so I know she would love the play. Also I have family in one of the cities, so I would love to visit them.
Jenny’s latest post: Cayenne Honey 1.21
This is our first year a conference would be wonderful motivation to continue on our journey!
I began homeschooling just this year. I’ve wanted to go to the conference for years – so I could learn more, be taught, and investigate new products to use for our homeschool.
I also shared this on FB – thanks!
This is my second year homeschooling my 3 children. What appeals to me about ghc? So many things, but I’ll just give you two words that I’m most excited about: Ann Voskamp!
Year 6 of homeschooling. My favorite part is always the exhibit hall and talking to vendors–far superior to trying to figure it all out at some impersonal website.
And I shared on facebook.
This is our 8th year homeschooling. We have never been to a convention of any type. A Great Homeschool Convention appeals to me because I think it would re-energize our school approach and the whole family. With my children now tweens and teens, I’d love new perspective and a fresh commitment to our school.
We’re in our third year of homeschooling and our 2nd grader was diagnosed with dyslexia this past fall. What appeals to me most about the GHC are the sessions they have that will specifically address dyslexia and other special needs.
Homeschooling for 4 years now. I am excited to talk to the curriculum vendors! There are so many to chose from. Also interested in several classes.
I am in my 8th year of homeschooling and she is headed into high school next year, very scary! I have attended the GHC for the last two years and love it! There is something for everyone. I do much of my curriculum choosing and buying at this event and it really fills me up for the next school year.
This is my second year homeschooling. My daughter is in 7th grade, my son is in 5th grade. Wehave not yet been able to attend a homeschooling convention and would love to get the chance to hear amazing speakers, check out vendors, be encouraged and learn a lot from experienced homeschooling families.
Been homeschooling for 5 years and I’ve never attended a convention. I’d love the opportunity!
Terra Santos’s latest post: James and his crazy rash
I have been homeschooling for 3 years, and I am very excited about the GHC. We went last year and loved it. What I particularly am looking forward to this year are the speakers!
We’re in private school currently, but strongly considering homeschooling for the first time next Fall. We’d love a chance to get more info!
I have been homeschooling for 15 years. I would love to attend the convention because I need the encouragement! Excellent speakers!
I would love to attend a convention to learn more about curriculums and ideas to benefit our homeschool. I have never been to one, but they sound great! We have been homeschooling for 3 years.
Our family is going on 6 years of homeschooling now and we love it!!! We have been to one GHC, about 3 years ago, and had such an amazing time meeting new people, talking with other homeschooling families, and diving into all sorts of new curriculum. We would love the chance to go back and get to experience it all again, especially all the amazing speakers!
Hi I’ve been homeschooling for 7 years, but haven’t been to a convention. With a middle schooler and two others in the pipeline, I would love to get focused for the future. Also, I really want to meet Sarah McKenzie! She’s made a huge impact on our approaches.
We have been homeschooling for four years now and love it! I would love to attend a GHC for the opportunity to be surrounded by homeschool gurus, a myriad of resources, and to be encouraged by other families on this journey.
I have been homeschooling my 5th, 3rd, and 2nd graders, along with my preschooler for …3 weeks! I would love to attend the convention. Thanks!
We’ve been homeschooling 8 1/2 years. I’ve never been to a Homeschool Convention, the GHC sounds great, a lot of variety of speakers, including Celebrate Calm.
We’ve been homeschooling for almost 3 years. I would love to attend the convention for the encouragement and to hear the speakers. And also because I’ve never been to a homeschool convention, the local one is *always* on days I can not attend!
We’ve been homeschooling for 3 1/2 years. I’ve never been to a convention so this would be a first time experience!
We just started homeschooling for kindergarten this year. I would love to attend because I think it would make homeschooling exciting for my daughter. And I could use all the help and inspiration I can get!
This is our first year of homeschooling! I would love the opportunity to go to a convention to help me and my family as we navigate our way through choosing the right curriculum and better understanding what’s available out there for homeschooling families. It has been quite the adventure and I must admit, I’ve had my days of insecurity wondering if this is the right choice for us. I think being able to meet and hear from others who have done it successfully would be a huge boost for me personally.
I have been homeschooling for 11 years . I wou;ld love to attend the conference. We are new to Texas we moved here in aug 2015 . I Homeschooled in Massachusetts . I would love to see a different perspective …. Here in the southwest area. Currently I am homeschooling my gifted 7 yr old daughter and have graduated 2 kids . I have a toddler as well. My husband is in seminary currently and we would love to win the tickets:))
I’ve been homeschooling for 5 years and would love to go to the convention to be refreshed and inspired. I’ve been to one other convention 3 years ago and am still benefitting from what I learned there!
I have been homeschooling my sons for almost 6 years now. We have never been able to go to a convention before. Would love the opportunity 🙂 Thank you ~ Amy
We’ve homeschooled since birth but my oldest is in first grade so I still feel pretty new at this. We tagged along to the Great Homeschool Convention in Ohio with friends who were homeschooling when my daughter was 2. I’d love to go back now that home school is a reality for us and not just a “some day” idea.
We’ve been homeschooling for six years, but I have never been to a conference. I would love to learn more tools from more advanced people. Thank you for this opportunity.
We haven’t started our homeschooling adventure yet, but intend to get started with our 5 year old soon! I am excited about the flexibility that homeschooling allows and I’m looking forward to all the learning we get to do together!
If you count Kindergarten this is our 5th year of homeschooling. I’d love to attend a conference like this because I’ve never actually attended a homeschooling conference and I imagine that this would be a great place to start. I’d love to glean as much wisdom as possible.
This is our 7th year homeschooling and I would love to attend to gain a refresher and get energy and excitement to continue! Homeschooling is a huge blessing and huge commitment. The conventions always inspire and encourage me so much!!!!
This is our 2nd year. I’d love to attend, because it’s easy to feel isolated & in-over-your-head with homeschooling. I think it would be a great education & encouragement to go.
I’ve been homeschooling for two years and I would love to go to the conference to hear knowledgeable speakers and also meet people with different perspectives on homeschooling.
This is our first year homeschooling and although its gone well, I would love to attend the conference and learn more about homeschooling, look into different paths we can take on our journey and meet more homeschool families.
We’ve been homeschooling for almost 10 years and I would love to attend a convention. I’ve never attended and right now I need the inspiration and encouragement as I prepare for the next 10 years. I need to hear great speakers, meet a few other moms that understand, and touch/feel some new resources!
This is my 1st year homeschooling. I have a 7th,3rd,1st grader and a 3 year old, it has been very trying and rewarding. I would love to come look at all the different curriculum and go hear the speakers to learn as much as I can.
We just started this year with my five year old! I feel very excited AND very overwhelmed! I would LOVE
to go to the conference so that we can get a better idea of different curriculums and also gain some perspective and how to balance our family life! I have another son, he is 3. We are just need more direction and faith and hope that this is the right thing for our family! I think the information at this conference is just what we need, but it is not in our budget at all right now so we are really really hoping to win!!! thanks for hosting!
I’m in the thick of my third year homeschooling (not counting preschool x2) my brood, and I would most appreciate gleaning wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration from “been there, done that” seasoned homeschool veterans. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have been homeschooling for 5 years. Last year was the first time my family was able to go to the convention and see the presentations. I loved it, even it there was so much there it was a little overwhelming. Budget reasons have kept me from committing to going this year. This would be a much welcome gift.
Shared on Facebook
We’ve been homeschooling for 3 years now. It has its ups and downs but I know this is the right choice for our family! I would love to win tickets for the chance to hear the amazing lineup of speakers as well as hang out at the vendor hall checking out different curricula.
This is our fifth year homeschooling. I would love to attend the Texas conference to show my aunt that there are homeschoolers in Texas. Our state, Wy, doesn’t have a big conference, so I would love to see all the curriculum in person.
I hope this doesn’t get lost amongst the other comments, but I’m looking for a post you wrote not too long ago which included the names of some historical fiction books. I can’t find it anywhere. Can you point me in the right direction, please?
This is my first year homeschooling with this child, but homeschooled my oldest for five years. I’d like to attend to see what new approaches to learning there are and get tips, no two children are the same!
we have been living the life of homeschoolers for almost 8 years now! I have NEVER been able to attend a conference…yet would be so pleased to actually have the opportunity….this would be a huge blessing for our family…especially the teen conference! thank you for the chance!
We are in our 7th year. We have had many rough years. I would love to go for encouragement.
I’ve only been homeschooling for less than a year, and I need all the help, hope, and encouragement I can get! Also, the fact that you have a conference in TX is amazing–so is that fact that you feature women of color in the speaking line-up for TX! Thank you for featuring a diverse group of educators, motivators, performers, etc.
I’ve been homeschooling for 4 years and could use some encouragement. I’ve got three littles and two in school and am having a hard time finding joy and balance. Thanks!
Thank you for this opportunity!
This is our 7th year to homeschool… I truly look forward to the convention for the speakers – I always learn something new and come away with a renewed sense of purpose. Thanks again!
I’m a brand-new homeschooler. I’m in preparation-mode to homeschool my oldest daughter as she begins high school next year. These homeschool conferences appeal to me because of the opportunity to hear such world-class speakers in one place. Speakers I’m most excited about are: Kathy Koch, Kirk Martin, Sarah Mackenzie, John Stonestreet.
On our 6th year homeschooling. I’d love to go to hear the speakers and be encouraged!
We’ve been officially homeschooling for less than a year. Everything about the convention appeals to me! As a novice, I’d love to hear all the advice and wisdom of veteran homeschoolers. Also, we moved to a small town a year and a half ago, and though the internet is a great resource, I’m sure it’s nothing compared to actually physically seeing the bevy of resources that are available and being surrounded by fellow homeschoolers of all ages! I’d love it. Oh, and I LOVE Ann Voskamp. I’d be totally star struck to see her speak!
This is our second year homeschooling (we’re in first grade now) and it is amazing all the different types of math, reading, history, etc. that you can teach! I really had no idea I could match math to my child’s personality until I did my research (Math-U-See to Singapore) and I’m very much eclectic when it comes to homeschooling. I plan on going to the Midwest event anyways, but this giveaway would be an awesome bonus! We sacrifice a lot to homeschool our kids (our youngest is 3 but will be homeschooled as well) so money is very much budgeted and accounted for! Pick me 🙂 It won’t go to waste! 😉
Olivia’s latest post: Meal Planning Monday
And shared to FB! 🙂
Olivia’s latest post: Meal Planning Monday
I will be starting my 2nd year this summer. What appeals to me most is LEARNING!! I am new at this and I have so much to learn from the speakers, more experienced moms and dads, etc. I also can’t wait to check out curriculum, ask questions and not feel like I’m all alone on this journey. 🙂
This is our 6th year homeschooling. What appeals to me is the guest speakers! I always enjoy hearing new ideas and being encouraged!
We have been homeschooling for three years now and love it! I think attending a conference would be a fun time with like minded families and a time of learning. A
Shared to FB!
This is my 3rd year homeschooling. Currently in 2nd grade. I’ve wanted to go to this convention since before kinder started. I really want to go to see all the different styles and choices. I’m still finding my groove 🙂
Shared on fb 🙂
We have been homeschooling for four years. I love the encouragement and the joyful reminder of “this is why we homeschool” that comes with conventions.
We’ve homeschooled for over 6 years now! I was able attend the conference when it was still held in Memphis, but haven’t been since they dropped that location. The conference speakers always refreshed my spirit and helped renew my spirit! I shared this on FB as well????
We’ve homeschooled for 8 years now. I’d love to get some insight on the high school years and also be encouraged with new ideas that would help me as I teach our 5 kiddos. Plus, who doesn’t love looking at all the fun homeschool resources in the exhibit hall!
This is our 3rd year homeschooling. I have never been able to attend a homeschool conference and would love to. I think the encouragement and insight would be so beneficial! Sharing on facebook too!
This is essentially our first year of homeschooling, with Kindergarten. I have been struggling to really get into my stride, however, and what appeals to me most about the convention in the opportunity to hear such inspiring speakers and talk them over with other parents in the trenches! Thank you so much for the opportunity!
I also shared to facebook 🙂
Amy’s latest post: The Feast of All Souls and Indulgences
This is our 3rd year homeschooling a 7th grader, 5th grader, and 1st grader. I have not been to a homeschool convention before, his would be he first. I would love to hear the encouragement And wisdoms of the speakers…Ann Voskamp, Dr. Christopher Perrin, Sarah MacKenzie, and Andrew Kern, just to name a few. 😉
Our family is in our 5th year of homeschooling and we love it. I would love to go to a Great Homeschool Convention because I have never been to a homeschool convention and I’ve heard they can be helpful and encouraging. It would also be great to connect with other homeschool families from around the country.
Emmie’s latest post: Kate’s Birth
I would love to attend again this year! I attended this conference last year for the first time and absolutely loved it. I learned so much!
Purva Brown’s latest post: Why Educating My Children Does Not Scare Me
Oh I want to go so bad! The speakers are why I want to go! Sarah Mackenzie, Dr. Perrin, Steve Demme, Andrew Kern…
I’ve been homeschooling for 5 years.
I have been hs’ing for 4 years and I could really use fresh insight and encouragement!
Started out fresh with a preschooler and a kindergartner this year, and plan to homeschool through high school. I would love to attend the GHC to learn what I don’t know that I don’t know…and hopefully some answers to things I know that I don’t know. Ha!
Just posted to Facebook. 🙂
It was at a homeschool convention, over 6 yrs ago, that I tagged along to with my hubby (then a college recruiter) where it dawned on me that what I did with the children i worked with i could to with my own kiddies. As a behavioral therapist for children with Autism, I most enjoyed sitting next to them and seeing the wheels turning in their minds as they grasped a new concept. I loved it. I loved 1 – 1 and working in small groups. Without knowing anything about homeschooling, I aimlessly walked the exhibit halls at the convention just a tad overwhelmed and thinking, “what other world is this?” But then I finally got the nerve to stop at several booths and browse. The realization that i could sit with my kids and share their journey in learning transformed me. Since then, I have spent ridiculous amount of hours reading too many blogs, have compared myself to a zillion moms, have read different learning philosophies and hundreds of creative ways to manage your home, care for your marriage and your sanity all while homeschooling. I have let go of many unrealistic expectations and try very hard to be intentional about learning my family’s natural rhythm. I have prayed and cried and wondered about all the things. I would love this opportunity to hear seasoned homeschoolers and parents share their stories and advice but ultimately to renew my spirit and my heart in this wonderful and crazy adventure.
We’ve been homeschooling for 5 years now, and attended the GHC last year for the first time. We love talking with the vendors/reps and flipping through the curricula and homeschool helps!
Shared on FB. ????
Homeschooling has revolutionized our lives for 2 years now. We are still in the early stages of learning how to balance everything and what works best for our boys. This conference would be an incredible learning opportunity for our whole family! The idea of learning from those who have traveled ahead of us is of great value. Encouragement is always welcome on this journey and I know that Sarah Mackenzie, Ann Voskamp and Chrystal Evans Hurst would inspire me to move forward. (I have read their books but never heard them in person). My husband & mom would also love to learn how to be more involved!
Shared on Facebook & Pinterest
We plan to homeschool and GHC could be a good kick-off
This is my first year homeschooling my 7yo and 9yo. I’m especially interested in the special needs track.
I’ve been homeschooling for 20 years, but I enjoy homeschool conventions to inspire my younger teens.
With two dyslexic learners, an advanced learner and a toddler, I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration! I feel like the (very) few local homeschool conventions leave a lot to be desired and I find the “Great Homeschool Conventions” very appealing.
This is our ninth year homeschooling. I would love to attend the conference for the speakers and the vendor hall!
Just shared on Facebook! 🙂
This is our third year homeschooling and I love having my kids home, but often feel inadequate. I would live to have to opportunity to go to a convention to learn more and to get that extra boost that I need to make homeschooling a success in our family.
I’ve been homeschooling since 1997. I love that the great homeschool conventions have such a huge variety of speakers and perspectives.
I’ve been homeschooling for four years now. What appeals to me about GHC is seeing so many homeschooling families in one place. That’s very encouraging!
We are in our eighth year of home-education~ I would love to attend a Great Homeschool Convention with my husband as he has never been to one with me; also, we are back at the beginning with our daughter who is almost seven, in first-grade this year– we could use a fresh conference, I am sure! 🙂 *It has been a fun year so far: one senior– nearing the completion of his high school journey, and one in 1st– at the very beginning. ~
Tiffany’s latest post: New things.
I have been homeschooling for a year and a half. Prior to homeschooling, we were involved in the public schools. I find my biggest adversary in homeschooling is myself. Working in the public school, I have a thought of what “school” needs to look like. I’m slowly learning to let that go and allow my children to learn, how they best learn. With my children headed towards high school I would like to learn and understand what homeschooling in high school looks like. Also, I am hoping to be encouraged, equipped, and strengthened in this home schooling journey. Thank you!
This was our first year homeschooling. We attended GHC last year and learned so much. Looking forward to finding new curriculum for next year and listening to the exciting speakers!
I’ve been Homeschooling for 9 years & will be doing so for another 12. I have an 8th grader, a 1st grader & a 3year old. I look forward to the speakers.
It has been almost 26 years since we started the homeschool journey. Still have 9 years or so to go. Need to keep up the motivation!
I’ve been homeschooling for 12 years and would love to attend the Cincinnati convention! My son starts high school this fall and I need some advice and motivation:)
I’m been homeschooling for 13 years. I love conventions because there is so much encouragement for the journey. If I could afford to go I would go to the one in Ohio since I can easily drive there.
I just shared it on my timeline.
I forgot to add my page. https://www.facebook.com/RuthatUsborneBooks/
Love your posts Simple Homeschool.
We’ve homeschooled for 11 years so far. I have been very discouraged about our schooling lately and could really use some encouragement. Thank you for the opportunity!
We’ve homeschooled for two years now. I have been wanting to attend the convention since we started and it just hasn’t worked out. I’d really look.forward to all the encouragement and information from the speakers and fellow homeschoolers. I’d also love to be able to look through curriculum as we select for next year.
Shared on Facebook!
We have been homeschooling our three boys for a year and a half now. I am still learning the ins and outs, ups and downs and all of the in betweens. We would love to attend for some many reasons…..inspiration, encouragement, and curriculum ideas….just to name a few. It’s so easy to get frustrated and forget why we took this road to begin with! I
Has it really been 18 years? Our oldest 2 hs graduates are thriving in college (almost done) & we are still homeschooling the 12 & 13 year olds. It’s been a while since we have attended a conference, so I’d like to reenergize & allow my younger 2 to experience the teen track. As a mentor mom I’d like to learn new things to pass on to new hs moms.
I have been homeschooling for 6 or so years. I’d like to attend the convention because it always helps to see the options in person! Also, I haven’t been to a convention in years. I need to freshen up.
I have been homeschooling for about 7 years. I started when my oldest was in middle school and she is now in college. I six children, ranging in age from 19 down to 1. I have always looked at home school conventions and been intrigued, but have wondered if it would be worth it since it is such a big expense for a large family.
I obviously meant to say that I **have six children. Perhaps it is too late at night to be typing! 🙂