F.A.Q.'s

1. When does the community meet?

We will have at least one event every Thursday throughout the year, except on holidays. We will also be hosting workshops, mom’s nights out, group events and field trips. Please see our community calendar on this website for a listing of all scheduled events.

2. What type of activities does the community include?

For Families: Learning Parties, Workshops, Nature Studies, Field Trips, Holiday Parties, Book Clubs and Playdates

Just for Moms: Moms Nights Out, Retreats, Professional Development Workshops and Prayer Nights

3. What is a learning party or workshop?

A learning party or workshop is when families gather together to learn about a topic with a presentation and hands on activities. These events last for about 90 minutes to 2 hours and are preceded by lunch and play time. The topic can be anything the host mom selects. Activities might include reading a picture book, playing a game, doing a science experiment or completing an art project related to the selected topic. Think of it as a one day unit study with fun activities and a party atmosphere!

4. What will the nature studies entail?

A nature study is when families gather together to learn about a topic in nature with a presentation and hands on activities. Nature studies last for about 90 minutes to 2 hours and are followed by lunch and play time. At least 30 minutes of the nature study time will be devoted to nature journaling and a little outdoor time, even in winter.

5. Will field trips always be on Thursdays as well?

Not necessarily. It may work better to schedule some field trips and other events (like playdates) on other days. These will be listed on the calendar.

6. Where will all of these activities take place?

The activities will take place in a variety of locations. We may meet in someone’s house, a park, or choose from several facilities that we have available to us. The location of each event will be listed in the event description. If you want to host a learning party or nature study but don’t feel comfortable using your home as the meeting place, just let us know. We can work to arrange for other accommodations.

7. How much will it cost?

The events are pay-as-you-go and many are free. Fees are listed in each event description.

We want to give families the flexibility to participate in as many or as few events as they want.

Fees are charged in order to cover costs of events. If you plan to host an event and need to purchase materials for your event, you can be reimbursed by CHC for up to $30 for your costs. Please save and provide receipts.

8. How does payment work?

Sign up to attend any of the term events by clicking on the link titled "Register for this Event" in each event description.Please make sure to pay via paypal at least 3 days before each event. Send payment to collaborativehscommunity@gmail.com.

When you pay, include a note about the date(s) you are paying for as well as the amount for the event. That will make our record keeping a breeze. For example, if you registered 3 children for an event on January 9th at $3 per person, you would write in the paypal comments "1/9 - $9".

Please let one of the board members know if you have any questions about payment or if you need help setting up a paypal account.

9. What is the level of commitment that I need to have in order to be a part of this group?

In order to have enough activities to serve the community, we ask that each member agree to volunteer in some capacity. Even if you did not sign up to lead an event, you can still help with caring for the younger children or helping with a workshop or party.

Register for the events your family will plan to attend and then head on over to the "Sign Up to Help" page to see where volunteers are still needed. Participate as you are able. The more collaboration our community has from our moms, the more we activities we will be able to provide.

If you have an idea for a workshop, activity or other presentation that you would like to host for our group, that's fantastic! Email us at collaborativehscommunity@gmail.com and we'll work with you to plan your event.

10. What if I don’t feel comfortable leading an event just yet?

There are many ways to contribute to our group! Look for the "Sign Up to Help" page under the term that you are interested in attending and choose areas to help that suit your skills and comfort level.

11. How will the board communicate with members?

Our website is the best way for us to let everyone know what is going on. We will also be using our private Facebook group and email: collaborativehscommunity@gmail.com. Contact us if you would like to be included on our email list.

12. How will members communicate with each other?

We will communicate within our private Facebook group: Collaborative Homeschool Community. We will send emails to those who are not on Facebook. We also have a directory available. If you would like a copy of the directory, or to be included, please send us an email.

13. Can people join in the middle of a term?

Yes. They will be expected to begin contributing the following term if they plan to continue with the community.

14. Is this open to people beyond homeschool families?

Most activities are for homeschool moms and their families. Workshops and monthly Friday afternoon playdates at the park would be a great opportunity for moms who are thinking about homeschooling. We ask that to be part of the Thursday events for families that you have at least 1 homeschooled child that is age 6.

15. What are the rules when being in someone's home or in nature?

Please make sure you clean up any mess you or your children have made. Please make sure you are watching your kids at all times. Please check restrictions on where to be for all activities.

16. Can I make a suggestion for the community?

Absolutely! Please send us an email at collaborativehscommunity@gmail.com.