Convention 2008 
General Session and Workshop Descriptions

 

General Session Descriptions

General Session I

Home Educating With Confidence (Keynote - Rick Boyer)

When Rick and Marilyn Boyer started home educating the eldest of their four children in 1980, they didn’t know what they were getting into. Now, twenty-seven years and ten additional children later, they know exactly what they got into - and they love it! In this session, Rick draws on the principles of Scripture and years of experience to show how home education can be simple, enjoyable and powerfully effective. You, too, can home educate with confidence!

 

General Session II

The Return to Genesis (Keynote - Mike Snavely)

This is a look at why the Genesis record is so vital to a sound understanding, not only of the origins of the world as we know it, but also of the major New Testament doctrines. This session also includes a contrast of the results of a society that teaches evolution as opposed to the creation model.

 

General Session III

Ancient Civilizations (Keynote - Mike Snavely)

This session normally closes the seminars. It contrasts the evolution model with the creation model from a historic standpoint through a look at what many ancient cultures were able to accomplish. It contrasts some of these civilizations to our own.

 

General Session IV

Breaking the Shackles-Why Parents Should Trust Themselves, Not Schools (Keynote - Rick Boyer)

To those who understand history, the hand of God is unmistakable in the story of America. Our Founders built on the soil of the New World a nation organized on the principles of Scripture. The result was that early America astounded the world with its freedom, genius and productivity. But when the training of children shifted from the realm of the family and moved into the realm of government, it took only a few generations to bring about the social, spiritual, moral and intellectual decay that permeates our society today. Now, home educating parents are taking back their children and raising up a generation of bright, godly, competent Americans who understand their heritage and are determined to reclaim it for the glory of God. God designed the family, not the school, to be the primary training ground for His champions.

 

 

Workshop Descriptions

Session I      (9:00am - 10:00am)

Homeschooling- Making it Simple! - Rick Boyer in the Camden Room

Faced by the bewildering selection of curriculum and learning theories available today, home schooling parents often feel intimidated and inadequate. Is learning really so complicated? And if so, why did America have a nearly universal literacy rate at the time of our founding, when nobody knew we have a right and left brain? There's no need to stand in the middle of an exhibit hall and hyperventilate! Join Rick Boyer in following the lead of great minds in Scripture and history as we learn how to maximize learning and minimize stress.

 

Spiders! - Mike Snavely in the Rockport Room

Repulsive beasts, right? Perhaps, but spiders have incredible abilities. They are marvels of design and very beneficial to mankind. This session takes a fun and fascinating look at these creatures in a new light. (Will you hesitate to squish the ones you see in your house after seeing this session?……no, probably not!)

 

Parenting from the Heart - Marilyn Boyer in the Rockland Room

Childrearing is not behavior modification, applying rewards and punishments to get unthinking responses. Nor is it a recipe, in which blending the right ingredients in the right amounts always brings the same results. It is a matter of accepting a God-given calling and pursuing it by His principles. It is a heart-to-heart relationship in which children are not just trained, but discipled. Marilyn Boyer brings 28 years of parenting experiences with 14 children to this enlightening and encouraging workshop.

 

 

Session II     (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

Raising Cain - And Abel (A Look at Sibling Rivalry) - Rick Boyer in the Camden Room

Scripture records the stories of several cases of strife between siblings. In almost every case, there is a principle involved which the parents have violated, sowing destruction in their family. This series of case studies gives valuable insight into the causes --- and therefore, the cures - of sibling rivalry.

 

The Pillars of Evolution - Mike Snavely in the Rockport Room

In this session we define "science", and illustrate it through several experiments. In the light of true science, the four main concepts that the theory of evolution is based upon are examined and shown to be faith-based rather than science-based. The purpose of this session is not only to show that science does not support Darwinian evolutionary theory, but also to give Christians some "tools" to help them understand the issues more clearly.

 

How to Raise Kids of Character - Marilyn Boyer in the Rockland Room

Every mother wants her children to be people of worthy character. This workshop shows how to teach over 35 important character qualities thru practical projects and the hiding of God's Word in your children's hearts!

 

Friday Evening Concert - Jordan Potter

Jordan Potter will perform various church and patriotic music arrangements that he has arranged, personally. Jordan tries to convey the message of the song through his arrangements so that the music becomes more enjoyable and meaningful to the audience. He will also share the stories and backgrounds of some of the hymns.

 

Session III   (10:15am - 11:15am)

Anyone Can Be A Storyteller: Bringing Learning to Life - Rick Boyer in the Camden Room

For thousands of years, people have used stories to communicate learning. Jesus, the Master Teacher chose parables to get important points across to His disciples. In this workshop, Rick Boyer shares simple principles of storytelling that can make any parent - even shy or nonverbal types - a more effective communicator and teacher.

 

The Horror of the Flood - Mike Snavely in the Rockport Room

Understanding the flood (the purpose, the causes, the aftermath & the evidence) is very important to the understanding of a biblically sound creation model. This session covers all the basics about this event, and also includes a video and PowerPoint presentation on the "Hydroplate Theory" , which is the most biblically and scientifically accurate portrayal of the flood event that we have seen.

 

Home Educating with Babies and Toddlers and Loving It - Marilyn Boyer in the Rockland Room

It's a blessing but it can be stressing! Home schooling with tiny ones around the house is a special challenge, but one that many moms handle with great success. Come hear how Marilyn Boyer, mother of 14 and a home schooler of 22 years' experience, makes her little ones a valuable part of the team! (Note, this session has some overlap with Hands-on Character Building, so you may want to choose one or the other.

 

Developing A Transcript - Kathi Kearney in the Owls Head Room

Find out why high school transcripts are so important, what should or should not be included in a transcript, how to assign credits, and much more!

 

 

Session IV   (3:00pm - 4:00pm)

 

The Hands-On Dad: The Father’s Role in Home Education - Rick Boyer in the Camden Room

Many home educators see the father’s job as either that of substitute teacher standing in for Mom occasionally, or school janitor - doing housework to give Mom more time in the classroom. But the father’s role is much more than that. Rick Boyer explains the seven functions of a father in Scripture and shows how they apply in the home teaching family to make the whole operation come alive.

 

Dinosaurs! - Mike Snavely in the Rockport Room

This session answers the basic questions everyone has on the subject of dinosaurs - What were they?…When did they live?….What happened to them?...Does the Bible talk about them?, etc.

 

Building a Works Ethics in Your Children - Marilyn Boyer in the Rockland Room

In a time when young people a generally expected to be lazy and irresponsible, diligent sons and daughters stand head and shoulders above the crowd. Come and learn how to instill a heart of servanthood in your child!

 

Finishing Well - HOME Regional Rep. panel in the Owls Head Room

Are the high school years upon you? Feeling a little overwhelmed and insecure? Don't give up or give in! HOME Regional Representatives are veterans with both experience and wisdom. From their vantage point, they will share what is of most value during the all important high school years. Their thoughts and insights will encourage and surprise you!