Several times a year, PHSA sponsors seminars that differ from the field trips. If we can’t go to Spain, we have someone come give us a presentation about their experience. If the subject is more academic than active, we have someone in that field give a seminar.

The Civil War, rocks and minerals, essay writing, Ecuador, and first aid are some of the seminars we’ve had in the past. Periodically a member will set up a series of classes on drawing, sign language, crocheting or quilting. Seminars and workshops have been held in various churches, homes and community rooms.

Field trips are the mainstay of the Pendleton Homeschool Association. PHSA arranges at least one per month from September through May. All member families are invited, but participation is not required. Families decide which filed trips to attend based on scheduling, level of interest and ages of children.

Usually a member sets up the field trip, arranges for tours, designates a meeting place, gives directions to the location, and receives RSVP’s about who is planning to attend. (Informal car-pool arrangements can be made between families if desired.)

Some trips require more travel time than others; some trips combine two or more activities. Occasionally there are joint field trips with other homeschool groups.

Recent field trips have included visiting windmills, a fish ladder, a mustard factory, a pottery factory, the Let ‘er Buck museum, fire station and the hospital.

Rarely do field trips cost money (other than travel). Many museums and facilities waive their fees for educational purposes, but others do not. Families may attend one event or actitivty while trying to decide whether to join PHSA.

RSVP’s are always appropriate.

The 2015-16 Membership forms are available on the forms page.  Sign up soon to get the Early Bird discount!  The form must be received by a Board member or mailed by July 31st!

There are a few changes this year.  Unfortunately, the Board felt that an increase in the fee of $5 was required to make sure we have the funds to provide the newsletter, gym time, and dances among other things for this upcoming year.  Scholarships are available upon request.

As always we have the requirement that everyone helps out by organizing or assisting to organize an event/field trip/ share, whatever.   This can sound like a daunting thing but  it’s not PHSA policy to throw you into a shark infested pool and watch you struggle.  We gladly take your hand and show you what needs to be done and a more experienced member will walk alongside you as you learn.  Often we encourage new people to host a Mom’s Night Out, either at their home or at a local restaurant, because that is something people feel more comfortable doing.  We have outlines, forms and directions to help you.  If you are nervous about this, we understand- we’ve all been there.  Come talk to us- we’re really pretty neat people.

We have an optional Sports Program for children 9 and older.  There is an extra fee involved because we rent the gym specifically for this during the winter.  We found that the bulk of this program was falling on too few shoulders.  This year the Board decided that the parents of participating Sports Families are required to facilitate a Sports Activity.  Ack!  This does NOT mean you must know the ins and outs of a particular sport or any sport for that matter.   We use the term “sports” lightly- it’s not hard core soccer/baseball/basketball. It’s mainly to encourage physical activity, for fun and to learn a few skills along the way.  Some of the things we have done in the past were Dodge ball (a favorite!), relay races, jump rope, circuit training, playground games, Frisbee golf as well as volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer. We are using the word “facilitate”- this means you can arrange for someone else to come in and teach something or you can watch someone else’s little ones while they oversee activities.  Fathers and Grandparents are encouraged to help.  This is a great program that the kids really enjoy and we want to see it continue.  It will NOT continue without all of us pitching in.

Come join us for the coming year!  It’s a fun ride.