New This Year (and Also Some Returning Features)

Change happens, doesn't it! There is always change happening in our lives and the CHAP Convention is no different. This year we have several new things to highlight along with several returning items worthy of a special note for new folks and as reminders to all the "old-timers."

New This year

More Sessions!

This year's convention has a 32% increase in the number of sessions - a new, record total of 86 sessions given by 26 speakers on a variety of homeschool topics. There will also be a new free open-to-the-public Friday evening (6:30 to 8:00 PM) session with Richard "Little Bear" Wheeler and the award presentations for the winners of the CHAP Essay Contest. We'll still have the usual Friday early morning session (8:30 - 9:30 AM) before the Convention opens to the public.

First Annual CHAP Essay Contest Awards

The awards for the First Annual CHAP Essay Contest will be given out at the new Friday evening session.

Save $$$$$

As the cost of running the CHAP Convention continues to skyrocket, CHAP is always looking for ways to economize so we don't have to raise registration prices. You can save money by doing your own data entry during pre-registration or at-the-door - This year we added the option that you can pay by check in addition to credit card for the online registration. You might wonder why we have instituted the handling charge for those that choose to do their registration by paper. It is a simple matter of economics. It costs CHAP approximately $5 per family to do the data entry work of a paper registration. It seemed it was only right to pass the savings on to the folks who do their own data entry work and the cost of CHAP doing the data entry work on to the folks that don't. Only 138 families last year noted they do not have internet access at home so that means that an overwhelming majority do have internet access and have the capability of registering electronically.

Evaluation Form Will Be Electronic

Please give us your feedback after attending the convention. This year's Convention Evaluation Form will be electronic for the first time. Doing it electronically is another way to save on convention costs and to make it easier for you to submit your thoughts. You can complete it in the lobby at the computer terminals as you exit the convention OR from the comfort of your home after the convention. Check the Convention Program for the web address for the Evaluation Form. We'll even send you a reminder email after the Convention to remind you to complete the form!

Farm Show Parking

This is a new item we wish we didn't have to tell you, but it is one we should mention here. The Farm Show has raised their parking fee to $8 per day. CHAP has no control over this fee nor does CHAP receive any portion of this fee. The parking fee is set by PA Department of Agriculture who oversees the Farm Show Complex.

Returning Items of Note

Closer Cafeteria in the Equine Barn Again!

Everyone told us they loved the cafeteria being closer in the Equine Barn last year. We asked Boston Culinary and the Farm Show staff to do this again this year. They have agreed to it. They have also promised better and faster service than last year.

Returning Workshop Tracks - Getting Started Track, Teen Track, Homeschooling Thru Graduation Track, and special sessions for Support Group Leaders

We are continuing to offer new sessions for help in these special areas. They are color coded on the workshop schedule so you can easily find them.

It Works!

The It Works! campaign, a campaign to publicize homeschooling by many national and state homeschool organizations is back again. One of the CHAP board members spending the winter in the southwestern US saw It Works" bumper stickers in Arizona and Texas on vehicles. You can get your It Works! bumper stickers, T-shirts, and bags at the CHAP booth (#109).

Exposing A Trojan Horse

While at the CHAP Convention make sure you stop by the CHAP booth (#109) to see the DVD Exposing a Trojan Horse. You can see a preview clip of the video on our website. Have you ever wondered what the role of publicly funded cyber-schools is in the homeschooling movement? Exposing A Trojan Horse is a provocative video sharing the opinions of home educators from all over the United States. Get a copy to watch and share with your support group or co-op.

The Truth Project

CHAP is excited to, once again, facilitate a partnership with Focus on the Family® to equip members to reach their families and communities with Biblical Truth. We are offering a special track for one or two family members for an additional $79 (cost of DVD set and materials), to equip your family to be The Truth Project hosts. Attendance is limited so you must pre-register by April 30, to allow enough time to send your special pass to the sessions.