Using a pony passion to explore art to zoology while developing traits from patience to perseverance. Merging reading, writing, ‘rithmetic with riding. Exploring opportunities such as such as the 4H Horseless Horse Project if you don’t own a horse. Note: This general approach to passions and curriculum can be used with other passions as well.

MOOCs? EdX? Khan? DE? What is all this stuff and why would you want any of it? The landscape of online higher education is changing rapidly, and we’ll look at the sorts of online courses that are available, ways to find out more about them, and how to choose something that makes sense for your family. Will not include online virtual public charter schools or other strictly K-12 resources.

Gardening to fit your available space, time and money, and to keep learning something new. Finding the next adventure, whether it’s involving children in gardening, extending the growing season, foraging (for fruits and nuts, etc.), grafting fruit trees, practicing permaculture, exploring fermentation, or something else. All levels of gardening experience welcome.

Hear about a three-week long road trip to New England, taken by a homeschool graduate and her mom in a tiny camper. Suggestions for planning a route, choosing places to visit, packing essentials, keeping the trip affordable, finding good food, keeping a record of a trip, and other topics.

Hear about a family whose passion is serving those in need. By knitting and sewing a variety of items to sell, four homeschooled sisters raised money to donate to various causes, including a village in India. When they felt called to see firsthand the fruits of their labor, they created another business to earn money to help cover the costs of a family trip to India in February 2011. In January 2013 they returned to India, so their journey continues. Also see F-6.

Making crafting with kids more relaxed and satisfying for everyone. Balancing kids’ activity with opportunities for parents to be creative. How-to information and resources for (1) easy, relaxed, and creative ways to sew clothes, bags, etc. from cloth, felted wool, and recycled clothes; (2) needle felting little animals, balls, patches, etc.; (3) finger painting; and (4) bookmaking. Presenters are mother-daughter homeschoolers. NOT a hands-on workshop.

Challenge your ideas about how much stuff you need. Ask: “How is stuff useful?” Discover the freedom that comes from not having to spend as much time and energy taking care of possessions and the possibilities for doing more of what you love. Learn how to declutter. But beware of the pitfalls of going too far as a minimalist. Presenter lived happily in a 650 square foot house with her husband, 3 children, and family pets.