Today, our homeschool support group had a Back-to-Homeschooling Picnic, a first for us. We resisted scheduling such an event for many years because it seemed too "public school" and because we had been counseled by several older homeschool leaders to shy away from activities that could be done elsewhere by others, activities that were not predominantly educational. For example, we were advised not to schedule birthday parties or baby showers because families did that type of thing; fall picnics were something that churches did on Rally Day; and Tupperware parties were held by ladies' clubs. Instead, we were encouraged to focus on activities that homeschool parents could not or would not provide for themselves, like a field trip to a donut factory or a chemistry class for teenagers. Unfortunately, following that guideline exclusively began to transform our little support group into a miniature school whose focus was academics. We began to lose sight of nurturing each other and began, instead, to emphasize rules for class content (among other things), which eventually led to disagreements amongst parents. The result: a once vibrant homeschool group began to chew itself apart from the inside out until it was in danger of becoming a parched remnant, the dried bones of what it used to be.
As a long-time member of that group and knowing much of its history, I had trouble watching it die such a death, so I did something a bit dictatorial. I took charge and changed things, not so much because I wanted to be in control (although I do like what I like) and not so much because I crave the leadership spotlight (Lord knows, I hate that!), but because it seemed the other leaders were content to keep doing the same old thing that was so clearly failing. Now, instead of meeting once a month on Monday nights (a time that conflicted with so many family schedules, it practically guaranteed our demise from lack of participation), I decided that Tuesdays were better; instead of scheduling project-oriented, heavy preparation meetings, I decided that easy, no-prep park days would be more appealing; and instead of meeting once a month, I decided that once a week would help more people connect more effectively, helping everyone be more refreshed. So far, this new model seems to be working. Our attendance has been increasing and the feedback has been positive, especially from the new families. I can only pray that such a trend continues.
So, what did we do at our first-ever Back-to-Homeschooling Picnic? Everyone brought some food to share, plus their own beverage. We had croquet and kickball available to play. Happily, one of the more energetic dads took it upon himself to organize a very lively, very successful game of kickball. We intended to have volleyball as well, but the family with the net had to cancel at the last minute. Oh, well, maybe next time. Best of all: the families in attendance, parents and children alike, were able to chat with their fellow home educators and home educated students in a relaxed environment, something that I have been missing for a long time.
