18th Annual Catholic Homeschool
Conference & Curriculum Fair

TIME	EVENT
8:30 a.m.	Holy Mass*
9:00 a.m.	Registration Free continental breakfast
9:30 a.m.	"Be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Romans 12:2 by Mother Jacinta Myriam As Mother Superior of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Jacinta is sure to inspire and encourage homeschool parents in their most essential roles.
10:30 a.m.	A, B, C's, and "Why": The Happiness of Homeschooling by John Clark This 2nd genearation homeschooler of 9 cildren will focus on the "why" of homeschooling especially for Dads using both humor and serious insights. He says, "This is not only a heroic but the most fulfilling thing a man can ever do."
11:30 a.m.	Questions and Answers This Q&A session will be open to questions on anything from contemplating home education to understanding PA's Home Education Law to getting children into college.
12 noon- 1:30 p.m.	Lunch maybe available on the premises or participants may bring packed lunches or visit Route 22's eating establishments.
1:30 p.m.	Door prize drawings in vendor area (gym) Announcement of the Catholic Homeschool Mom and Dad of the Year
2:00 p.m.	Incorporating Icons and Other Devotions in Your Family's Spirituality by Rev. Paul Voida Following Catholic traditions with icons and other devotions to supercharge your family's spiritual life.
3:00 p.m.	Raising Children for Life After Homeschooling by Scott Anthony This homeschool father of 7 and youth director will share what to do over the years, considering each child's inborn temperament, to rear holy, Catholic young adults.
5:00 p.m.	Conclusion of Conference

if postmarked by 4/15/2012 $12 first family member $5 spouse or grandparent $8 per child/student

if postmarked after 4/15/2012 or at the door: $16 first family member $8 spouse or grandparent $10 per child/student

Clergy & religious may attend free of charge

New lower prices for 2012's economy

Registration is open all day long. Come whenever you can and stay as long as you like :)

Most affordable Catholic event to attend! No cost increase again this year!!

Adult or teen volunteers: As usual, if you volunteer for a shift of 8:30-11:30, 11:30-2:30, 2:30-5:30, you may attend free of charge.

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Please note: To save on expenses, no confirmation is sent for registrations. Nametags will be available at the door for those who pre-register. If you need to confirm your pre-registration or for any other questions regarding this conference, please e-mail us at conference@catholichomeschoolpa.org or call (717) 866-5425.

SOME of the vendors who have confirmed so far that they are attending include: Byzantine Seminary Press, Catholic Financial Life, Chesterton Press, Father Lovasik Books, Hillside Education, Ignatius Press, Little Flowers Family Press, LPH Resource Center, Our Lady of Victory School, Our Mission House, Pauline Books & Media, Seton Home Study School, St. Philomena Catholic Books and Gifts, Stone Tablet Press, Teaching Textbooks, Thomas More College, Used Book Dealers and information on scholarships for homeschool expenses and college tuition. Please note: We always continue to receive registrations from vendors until the week of the conference. Even if a vendor indicates that they plan to attend, we do not list them here unless they have sent in their registrations. We will update this list periodically.

Will I be able to take home next year's curriculum?  Yes. Because of the vast array of vendors invited, families who supplement or organize their own curriculum could find virtually all of their materials at this one event AND save on shipping charges. Even the full-service curriculum providers will have quantities of individual books available. NOTE: Due to pre-testing requirements and space limitations in transport, families choosing to use full-service curriculum providers will not be able to take home their entire curriculum. However, discussion with them and reviewing their materials will be most invaluable, and supplemental items may be purchased at this time.

Can we trust the choices of materials available to choose from?  You can feel confident that we are very careful to select vendors who are providing materials and/or lesson plans that are loyal to the Holy Father and the Catholic Church teaching. Catholic parents who attended this event in the past have expressed their appreciation that the 75+ vendors invited will assist them in giving their children a thoroughly Catholic faith and education. However, some vendors carry other popular items such as Saxon math, phonics programs, and many other supplemental materials as well.

Will there be materials for my special needs child?  Vendors are requested to bring an adequate supply of materials to meet these needs. Some vendors may cater to special needs students more than others. Veteran homeschoolers also will be available throughout the day to answer your questions.

Do I have to pay if I only want to look at books? Yes. Unfortunately, this is necessary to meet expenses such as facility rental, insurance, promotion, etc.

Please note that some vendors do not accept credit cards.

Child/Student Attendance Policy: Nursing infants are welcome and attend free of charge. Due to the manpower and amount of responsibility involved, childcare is not provided. Most parents find it easier to concentrate on the speakers and vendors knowing that someone familiar is watching their children at home. However, any students who desire to assist their parents in choosing their curriculum or meeting with the college representatives are welcome to attend.

Parents who are unable to make other arrangements must accompany their children at all times. Since all talks are being recorded, parents are requested to remove noisy children from the conference room.

Directions

From PA Turnpike (I-76): Take PA Turnpike exit 247. Take Route 283 North. Look for I-83 North and I-81 North. Take I-81 North to Paxtonia exit 72A (southbound). Turn left at first light (Route 22). The church is on the left about 1/4 mile.

From Route I-81 (North or South): Take Paxtonia exit (Exit 72B northbound, Exit 72A southbound). Turn left at first light (Route 22). The church is on the left side of the road approximately 1/4 mile.

Lodging

Harrisburg facilities fill up well in advance, especially due to any major events in town that weekend. Make your reservations early to guarantee a room. Unless otherwise noted, ask for the "Catholic Homeschoolers" rooms when making reservations. Some additional discounts may apply.

Ramada Inn (Best Western), off exit 72 of I-81 at 300 Mountaintop Rd, Harrisburg (717) 652-7180; continental breakfast; indoor pool; $60+tax for 1-2 persons/room; while rooms are available or until March 27.

Super 8 Motel, off exit 77 of Interstate 81, 7500 Allentown Blvd (Route 22), Harrisburg (717) 652-0101; $69.00 + tax for 1-2 persons/room; continental breakfast; indoor pool; while rooms are available or until March 27.

Area Activities

For information on nearby sites (i.e. state capitol (free tour), National Civil War Museum, other museums including the state museum (free tour), Hershey Zoo, Hershey Chocolate World (free tour) and other attractions) to visit while in the area or for parents who wish to occupy the children while their spouse attends the conference/curriculum fair, please see their web sites or the site for the Harrisburg Welcome Center. Also nearby is the Gettysburg Battlefield and museums.

Please do not call the parish for conference information.

For emergencies only on conference day, call (717) 507-6117.