As author of The Second Mayflower (just released in its 3rd edition), Kevin Swanson speaks from the heart on the beautiful vision that formed America. No other nation on earth has been so blessed with liberty and prosperity as America. In this rousing and inspiring presentation, Kevin urges home educators to study America's godly heritage, be grateful for it, and to live the principles that beat in the heart of the founders of the nation. Has the vision faded, and have the blessings departed? How is God going to use the home school movement to revive this blessing? God may very well be preparing to use homeschooling in a powerful way to transform our families and our nation.

In this address, Mike contrasts godly wisdom (which Christians should be trying to follow) and worldly wisdom (wisdom from below) as it relates to specific issues that we all deal with in the homeschool community. He explains that there are two conflicting worldviews or belief systems today, orthodoxy and progressivism. Orthodoxy is committed to an external, definable and transcendent authority for truth. This truth comes from God and is given to us primarily through His Word, the Bible. In contrast, progressivism asserts that moral authority is to be defined by the spirit of the modern age, a spirit of rationalism and subjectivism. Truth tends to be viewed as a process, as a reality and is ever unfolding depending upon the circumstances. He will explain how certain important U.S. Supreme Court decisions have been affected by this new progressive thinking. Mike will then break down how these two differing views are affecting education and specifically, the freedom to home educate. The good news is that truth sets one free. The good news is we know the truth, we simply have to live and battle for the truth. Homeschoolers have demonstrated their willingness to do so, hence our hope for the future.

Parental rights and religious freedom have been the two foundations to establish a constitutional right for parents to teach their children at home. The U.S. Supreme Court some years back weakened the free exercise of religion claim as a foundation for homeschooling so that in order for homeschoolers to claim a fundamental right to homeschool, they must be able to combine the free exercise right with the parental rights claim. In other words, both rights have to co-exist. Currently, this is not a problem, but because of the fragile nature of freedom, moral decay, complacency and apathy, homeschooling freedoms are in jeopardy. Additionally, since the parental rights foundational claim is an "implicit" right, not an "explicit" right (meaning parental rights is not specifically spelled out in the Constitution) parental rights as we know it today is teetering and could be in trouble in the future. Mike will explain why parental rights are under attack and provide a solution on how we can maintain the current freedoms we have to teach our children at home.

Dick Karman, chairman of the Oregon Christian Home Education Association discusses God's providence in the battle to freely home educate our children.

What is the heart of homeschooling? What is it that really makes it work? This is an important question in that there is a distinct possibility that the homeschooling ethos may disappear into the burgeoning list of educational choices, especially with the rise of government-funded school at home. In this presentation, Kevin presents a passionate case for preserving the heart of homeschooling, those elements that have contributed to its beauty and success - the heart of Christ, the hand of the parent, and the blessings of freedom.

This charge was given to high school graduates at the Graduate Recognition Event of the 2009 OCEAN Conference. The text of the address is found in Micah 6:8: "And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (NASB) Mike explains what it means to "do justly", to "walk humbly", and to "love mercy" as we go through our daily living. The aim of the address is to remind graduates of what's important in life and how to evaluate true success.

Almost every father has heard that he is to lead his family spiritually, physically, and in every other way. However, many fathers will tell you that no one has ever told them how to effectively lead their children, especially in the area of spiritual development. Michael Smith presents encouraging and practical tips to fathers for becoming a helpful participant in the home education program and a leader in the home. He provides insight on the mental and emotional benefits to mothers and children fathers can provide through specific activities, and offers suggestions to men on being more effective as husbands. Mike candidly shares his many failures and a few successes. The session concludes with a list of the six things homeschooling mothers have identified as the primary ways their husbands can be more effective in the family's homeschool program.

As homeschooling parents looking at the possibility or seemingly impossibility of college, it can sometimes be overwhelming. What tests should be taken and where are they given? When should applications be sent in? How am I going to afford this expenditure? What college(s) should we consider? Why should they attend one college over another? These and many other questions will not only enter your mind but if you actually begin applying to colleges you will find yourself inundated with literature, phone calls, and terminology you are not familiar with. This breakout is designed to give you some Biblical and practical guidelines to answer these questions; help you understand the process most colleges/universities use to review applications and accept applicants; as well as what you can expect from admissions, financial aid, and student service departments at college. Handouts will be provided and there will be a time for questions during and after the breakout session.

This session presents important questions to ask regarding home schooling teens and stresses building good relationships at home. The academic advantages and getting them ready for college are discussed. For those deciding about home schooling during the teen years, this is a must. Also, hear Elizabeth's "Top 10 Priorities" for home schooling your teen.

Homeschool marriages face unusual challenges. We're in the thick of it and stretched in all directions. Our energy and time is spent juggling all the parts of daily life making our relationship with each other one of the last things on our "to do" list. Because we wear different hats, sometimes we forget that we're on the same team when our secondary objectives conflict. So how do we keep it all together and have a good marriage in the process? Here we discuss what we've learned so far, and suggest some practices to remain properly aligned with each other and with God who lights our path.

With her many years of experience as a busy mom of four and leader in her local church Edna will share helpful basic home management skills. From time management to basic responsibilities that mothers encounter on a daily basis, Edna will bring hope and encouragement from a loving, Godly perspective.

Does the term "Lapbooking" strike fear in your heart? Do you envision a huge project and instantly feel overwhelmed? Come see what all the buzz is really about, learn some basic techniques and be inspired!

Watch out for these guys! Kevin describes the seven species of termites that are known to eat out the core of our homeschool organizations (or even churches or families). This information is an essential requisite to anybody in leadership.

Homeschooling is a challenge, especially when students are academically gifted. Lee discusses the challenges of homeschooling gifted children, elementary through high school. You will learn strategies that will help you plan, as you balance their social and academic needs. Don't be afraid to homeschool your gifted children, as they will thrive in the freedom that only homeschooling can provide!

Homeschooling is the most powerful form of education rediscovered in the modern age. Its power and success is unquestioned. Yet for most home educators, the principles that worked in home education are not transferred into post-secondary education. Cutting edge visionaries are bringing a Copernican revolution to the method of higher education in the form of mentorship. If our movement takes this next step, we will make far greater impact on the way we do post-secondary education and economics, then we have seen in K-12 education. Based on years of experience with mentoring, Kevin Swanson presents a vision for mentorship applied to both the college and entrepreneurial tracks.

The early years before children begin formal education is the time to show them that learning is fun and interesting. Elizabeth will present informal reading and math "lessons" that not only teach, but help transition mom into their first teacher. Learning to seize teaching opportunities and apply wisdom to the education process will help insure that our little ones will love learning and move easily into formal curriculum.

As busy homeschool moms what would we give for more hours in each day? Join Edna as she teaches us to set the proper priorities, cultivate the right attitudes, and learn time-saving strategies that work. This will be one hour worth your time invested!

Nothing is more important to us as parents than to pass our faith and values on to our children. We work hard to home school. We sacrifice. We teach, train, and demand obedience. But many parents are finding out too late that training and winning their child's obedience without winning their heart can end in grief and rebellion. This session will discuss how to read your children to see if you have their hearts, give some dangers that will push their hearts away, and will give practical suggestions on how to win and keep this precious treasure.

Consider the unique challenges of special needs home schooling, with a home school mom of eight (five of which were special needs kids!) Learn helpful tips in how to assess a child's learning ability, where to go to receive help, and how to develop your own unique plan for your child.

The secrets of homeschooling high school success will be explained in this workshop. Learn how to plan a rigorous curriculum, emphasize specialization, prepare for college admission exams, and document learning from outside sources. Starting with a plan early on is the key. You will receive a handy one-page Planning Guide to take home to help you provide an excellent high school education for your child!

A humorous and encouraging presentation for the homeschool mom who feels like she's going down a #5 rapid spinning like a top. When you emerge at the end of the run, you discover that God was doing something marvelous, despite your own inadequacies and the confusion of the ride.

This workshop will deal with the advantages and difficulties involved in starting and building your own business and how this can ultimately be better than finding a good job. John will be explaining and giving examples of what types of businesses are best in the current economic conditions.

Training is more than teaching. A child's soul is the seat of his character. Nothing is more important than applying God's wisdom to training in this area. It is the foundation for a child's success as an adult. This session will walk through the training of the mind, will, and emotions; the soul of a child. Clear guidelines for discipline will be presented.

So where do I, as a dad, fit into this homeschooling thing? I have so little time as it is due to my work schedule; should I be expected to teach classes as well? What does God expect of me? Should I feel guilty letting my wife do the teaching? This workshop will explore the various dynamics involved in homeschooling that must be considered when answering the above questions. Yes, the father needs to be intimately involved in the process of homeschooling, but many factors will determine what that looks like. Come let us talk this over and see how you might serve your wife and children.

In this workshop homeschooling mom, Deanna Stollar, will share practical tips and wisdom to help you get a good start in your own homeschooling endeavors. Drawing from 18 years of experience, her honesty, frankness, and knowledge will help you confidently plan and strategize to ensure your own success.

Is your homeschool budget looking a bit skinny? How can you make all the ends meet and give your children an excellent education? With this session you will be well on your way to home educating for almost free without a lot of running around.

Learn from an experienced home school mom who mentors families with special needs students. Discover how to choose the proper curriculum for your special needs student and then how to adapt it for your student's unique needs.

With all the work a high school student generates, what items are important to keep and how should they be gathered and kept in an organized manner? Lee helps you discover the answer to these questions by looking at your natural organizational tendencies and explaining those things that are vital for the educational future of your high school student. Get some clarity to make the high school years less daunting and more manageable.

The current economic crisis is something we can praise God for. We as Christians and Home-Schoolers are not called only to survive, but to thrive, during this time.

If we want our home school years to be successful, we must build a quality family life and healthy marriage that will serve as a model for our children's future relationships. This session focuses on how to make this happen. Included are ten tips for husbands and wives and what wives wished their husbands knew about home schooling.

Raising motivated children starts with the parents. How are you as a parent motivated? How will you model that for your children? But one must step back even further to ask, why are you home schooling? When having that answer clear in your mind, you as a parent-teacher then have a source for your own motivation. Spreading that to your children then becomes easier. As they catch your vision they also will be more motivated. Obedience is another key issue of motivation. Come and discover the many aspects of motivation in this talk which will help you deal with, " Mom, I don't want to do my math today, or ever again."

Whether you enjoy writing or not, feel confident to teach it or not, this workshop is for you. Guidelines for helping writers from preschool through high school will be presented. In the process the mechanics and the art of writing will be explored and discussed.

Most homeschools are run by moms, and dads wind up on the bench or disengaged entirely from the game. What part does dad play, and how does he engage when he is away from his family for long hours out the week? Kevin gives some practical suggestions from his own experience on how dads can get involved and encourage and strengthen the Homeschool vision in their home.

Learn how to plan a curriculum designed specifically for your individual student that will help prepare them for life after high school. Making curriculum meaningful is so important at this stage. This will include exploring options for after school and into adulthood. It's never too early to plan, this is a great class for parents with students 6-8th grades as well as high school.

So many questions: Why make a transcript? How do I determine high school credit and what do I include? How do I name courses and assign grades? Lee will answer them all and give other tips and encouraging words on why homeschool transcripts have unique advantages over institutional school transcripts.