Now I've seen everything (convention related)

[ktgrok]

You know how we were saying that homeschool conventions are no longer about homeschooling? Well, I was flipping through the FPEA convention packet, and part of this years scheduled activities is a concealed weapons class!!! There is a big full page ad with a women holding a pink revolver. I'm dying here. (and not against guns, at all, and my hubby has a concealed carry permit, but at a homeschool convention?????)

 

Now I can buy oils to cure cancer, a grain mill, a pickler, coupon instructions, AND get my concealed carry permit! And if I have time after that maybe look at some homeschooling stuff. Sigh. 

[mom31257]

I know it is weird, but I'm assuming that it costs a lot to host these. Maybe they just can't get enough regular homeschooling vendors to come to support the entire program. Maybe having those odd vendors in helps make it all happen. 

 

 

[ktgrok]

I know it is weird, but I'm assuming that it costs a lot to host these. Maybe they just can't get enough regular homeschooling vendors to come to support the entire program. Maybe having those odd vendors in helps make it all happen. 

 

It's the largest homeschool convention in the country, so I'm not sure that's the reasoning. I will admit to buying a pickler though :)

[JumpyTheFrog]

Wow, that's a new one.

[Mergath]

Sadly, a homeschool convention in the south including a concealed weapons class doesn't really surprise me.

[mom2scouts]

I don't know. I might be more interested in a concealed weapons class than a pickler, oils, a grain mill, or coupon instructions. Some education related things at a homeschool convention might be nice though. Wait, it's a class, so I guess it is education related!

[Rachel]

I saw a booth for racing pigeons at my last hs conference. You have to wonder if the non related booths get enough customers to make it worth their time to attend.

[UCF612]

I was thinking about taking it! It is an odd combo (the class at the convention) to me but hey why not!

[ktgrok]

I saw a booth for racing pigeons at my last hs conference. You have to wonder if the non related booths get enough customers to make it worth their time to attend.

 

Ok, your racing pigeons beats my concealed weapons class  :lol:

[JumpyTheFrog]

Racing pigeons? That is even weirder.

[Mimm]

Pretty soon homeschool conferences will be attended by people not interested in homeschooling but want to learn to make bread, administer essential oils, and take a conceal carry class. :)

[happypamama]

You sure you're not up here?  That would fit right in here.

 

(Also, if yours is the largest convention in the country, I'm trying to imagine just how big it must be.  CHAP is big enough!)

[ktgrok]

You sure you're not up here?  That would fit right in here.

 

(Also, if yours is the largest convention in the country, I'm trying to imagine just how big it must be.  CHAP is big enough!)

 

Now, imagine my complete meltdown when I lost my then 2 year old at it last year! In the exhibit hall. All the tables were taller than he was, and there were what seemed like miles of them. He could have been behind or under any of them. And it was right after some major christian sex abuse story broke (I forget which) and we'd been standing next to the Alert Academy booth before I lost him. I FREAKED. He was lost for about 5 minutes, and thankfully I had taken a photo of him when we first got there, and could show it to the FPEA volunteers who split up and found him. 

 

This is a mock up of the floor plan for the exhibit hall. Each square is a big booth. http://fpea.com/sites/fpea.com/files/eventpage/file_attachment/FPEA_Floorplan.pdf

 

I will NOT be taking the children this year. 

Edited April 15, 2016 by ktgrok

[8circles]

Sadly, a homeschool convention in the south including a concealed weapons class doesn't really surprise me.

 

I haven't checked but I wouldn't be surprised to see it here in WI either.

[matrips]

Is there a class on observation skills? I read through the fpea packet last night and didn't even notice the pink gun and class ad!

[theelfqueen]

A woman in my church choir is one of the lead instructors for concealed carry in my area. Sometimes there will be a note on the choir emails that says :

Rehearsing this anthem for Sunday. Pray these verses. Pray for this member of the choir who had surgery. Sign up to bring Meas to said member. Concealed carry class on X date. Choir retreat on Y date.

[ktgrok]

Is there a class on observation skills? I read through the fpea packet last night and didn't even notice the pink gun and class ad!

 

LOL! 

 

It's listed in the schedule on Saturday afternoon, and the ad is in the back somewhere :)

[Hypatia.]

Well, last time I went to a homeschool convention I came home with a kitten.  DH was NOT impressed.

[Guest]

I saw a booth for racing pigeons at my last hs conference. You have to wonder if the non related booths get enough customers to make it worth their time to attend.

This is hilarious! Hahaha It could not be more random.

[Tenaj]

I might have taken a class if it was offered at the convention - especially on Saturday afternoon.   By that time I'm usually done with my shopping and I'm tired of sitting in seminars.  It's the one time of the year I'm on my own - no family so it would be a perfect time to get that class in :)

 

Also, regarding the racing pigeons.  That booth was awesome.  I came home with a fistful of information and my kids and dh are considering building a loft and getting involved.   My kids think it would be a cool and unique hobby.

[kewb]

What is this pickler you speak of?

[ktgrok]

What is this pickler you speak of?

http://www.culturesforhealth.com/perfect-pickler.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwosK4BRCYhsngx4_SybcBEiQAowaCJetvgwoC-pT4XWKpj_MB9jPYjyHxPpihSJig6YxvgzoaApo98P8HAQ

[ktgrok]

Also, I'll admit I considered signing up for the class because, as a previous person mentioned, I'd be without kids and how often does that happen? But, there are classes offered right down the street from me if I ever want to do it, and as an introvert I'm not sure it's a good idea to put a weapon in my hand after two long days of me being around people :)

[Mergath]

I haven't checked but I wouldn't be surprised to see it here in WI either.

 

I've seen plenty of CC classes advertised here in MN, but I can't imagine I'd ever seen one at a homeschool convention.

[clementine]

Well, last time I went to a homeschool convention I came home with a kitten.  DH was NOT impressed.

That would be me.  How can you resist??   :lol:

[RootAnn]

I saw the racing pigeon booth!

 

I always wonder who goes to the seminars like "Call of Duty From Homeschool to Black Ops." (Turns out, people like my dh!)

 

Me? I want homeschooling information. However, I admit to going to & really enjoying the "Write Powerful Fiction...Secrets to Showing the Story, Not Just Telling" seminar in Cincy. Not homeschooling, but my kids-who-write-fiction got a lot of great tips.

[Spryte]

Now I want to race pigeons.

[meena]

I saw they are offering CC classes in an email from FPEA and immediately rolled my eyes.

 

I really wish conventions would actually focus on educating our children rather than all of these "lifestyle" topics and curriculum vendors. Before I had children I was a teacher. I went to a convention for middle school teachers, and it was fabulous. Not only did I leave motivated to be a better teacher, but I also came back with many practical methods and ideas to try with my students. While there were vendors present, there was more of a focus on teachers freely sharing best practices than on buying the right products. There were some wonderful professional speakers, but most of the presenters were fellow teachers.

 

That's why I think the online conference series that SWB offered last year could be the ideal convention model. I love that SWB opened up her conference series to parents who had something to present. Even smaller local conferences could be better than the current mega-conferences if they were able to focus on quality and best practices rather than trying to be all things to all people.

[LucyStoner]

I'm kinda stuck on the idea that people feel the need to make or buy pink guns. So much so that I can't even get to the part about cc classes at a homeschool convention.

 

I'm pretty sure that cc classes would not be on the table in my area, but then again, who knows? I wrote off the convention when I saw the EOs and some sort of marriage building session on the calendar and haven't bothered to check back. I want EDUCATION rather than ideological or lifestyle driven resources.

Edited April 15, 2016 by LucyStoner

[LucyStoner]

However, I admit to going to & really enjoying the "Write Powerful Fiction...Secrets to Showing the Story, Not Just Telling" seminar in Cincy. Not homeschooling, but my kids-who-write-fiction got a lot of great tips.

Writing is educational though and an educational area that a lot of parents have trouble teaching themselves so it fits.

[RootAnn]

 You have a WAY cooler convention than we do.

 

Well, it wasn't my convention. The convention nearest to me had Puedwa speaking. I've never been to that one (or any other). I drove all the way to GHC in Cincy for the racing pigeons.  :laugh:  

There was also a booth with a guy trying to raise awareness for the Solar Eclipse in 2017. He didn't think anyone from as 'far west' as where we live would be there. Turns out we will have a great view of the solar eclipse from our own backyard. The guy said that lots of our friends from over the US would want to visit us for the eclipse. Any takers?

[Guest]

I obviously haven't missed much. :P

 

I've only been to one homeschooling convention in my life, in 2003 when dd now-27 was a teen and ds now-24 was a tween, and that was only because I was speaking on a panel discussion and they paid for everything.

 

ds now-8 and I have better things to do with our time and money and if anybody really wanted to hear me blibber blabber about homeschooling, which they don't, they could use the internet like decent people do. ;)

Edited April 15, 2016 by Guest

[meena]

I obviously haven't missed much. :P

 

I've only been to one homeschooling convention in my life, in 2003 when dd now-27 was a teen and ds now-24 was a tween, and that was only because I was speaking on a panel discussion and they paid for everything.

 

ds now-8 and I have better things to do with our time and money and if anybody really wanted to hear me blibber blabber about homeschooling, which they don't, they could use the internet like decent people do. ;)

Actually, I love to hear from other parents, especially those with lots of BTDT experience. That's why I think smaller venues are great--because they give the opportunity for regular parents to share their stories. I would attend a panel of blibber-blabbering veterans over a trite speech from marriage/curriculum/pigeon racing experts any day. :)

[leeannpal]

Sadly, a homeschool convention in the south including a concealed weapons class doesn't really surprise me.

I wouldn't necessarily consider Florida "the South." Also, there are plenty of us from southern states that are not pro gun and would not carry a concealed weapon for any reason. I am originally from Alabama and spent a number of year living in Georgia.

Edited April 15, 2016 by leeannpal

[meena]

I wouldn't necessarily consider Florida "the South." Also, there are plenty of us from southern states that are not pro gun and would not carry a concealed weapon for any reason. I am originally from Alabama and spent a number of year living in Georgia.

As a Floridian, I agree. There are parts of Florida that are more southern in flavor, but so much of the state is comprised of transplants, retirees, and temporary snowbirds that the state is more of a melting pot of those various cultures. Spend time in Miami and try to tell me it's the south, lol. You're more likely to hear ¡Hola! than y'all.

 

I wasn't necessarily surprised to see this class, not because Florida is "south" but rather because Florida is so weird.

[kitten18]

Well, last time I went to a homeschool convention I came home with a kitten. DH was NOT impressed.

Lol

[sunflowerlady]

I wouldn't necessarily consider Florida "the South." Also, there are plenty of us from southern states that are not pro gun and would not carry a concealed weapon for any reason. I am originally from Alabama and spent a number of year living in Georgia.

Sorry, I beg to differ. As a Native Floridian, we are most definitely part of the South.  :001_smile:

[sunflowerlady]

I was excited to see this in my convention program! I think it is a fantastic idea. It probably helps with funding the convention and it also is a convenience for a lot of people who were considering a CC class anyway. 

 

I may sign up for it, but it is on Saturday afternoon, at 5 pm I think. By that time, I am exhausted and ready to head home. 

 

 

[sunflowerlady]

But everyone knows there are more New Englanders and Canadians in Florida than there are in New England and Canada. (LOL)

Probably true.  However, there are still many of us who are not Northeners or Canadians, darn it! LOL

 

I am a Southerner and proud of it.  :boxing_smiley:  to all who say otherwise. :rofl:

 

It isn't our fault we have been invaded!  :P

[Rachel]

Oh the Solar Eclipse guy was so passionate. I loved his enthusiasm although I'm not sure I'll drive 4 hours to witness the eclipse.

 

Well, it wasn't my convention. The convention nearest to me had Puedwa speaking. I've never been to that one (or any other). I drove all the way to GHC in Cincy for the racing pigeons. :laugh:

There was also a booth with a guy trying to raise awareness for the Solar Eclipse in 2017. He didn't think anyone from as 'far west' as where we live would be there. Turns out we will have a great view of the solar eclipse from our own backyard. The guy said that lots of our friends from over the US would want to visit us for the eclipse. Any takers?

[Rachel]

I can definitely see it as a fun hobby. Tell us if they actually end up doing it.

 

I might have taken a class if it was offered at the convention - especially on Saturday afternoon. By that time I'm usually done with my shopping and I'm tired of sitting in seminars. It's the one time of the year I'm on my own - no family so it would be a perfect time to get that class in :)

 

Also, regarding the racing pigeons. That booth was awesome. I came home with a fistful of information and my kids and dh are considering building a loft and getting involved. My kids think it would be a cool and unique hobby.

[Seasider]

Concealed carry? I'll stick with my shotgun, tyvm.

[meena]

I was excited to see this in my convention program! I think it is a fantastic idea. It probably helps with funding the convention and it also is a convenience for a lot of people who were considering a CC class anyway.

 

I may sign up for it, but it is on Saturday afternoon, at 5 pm I think. By that time, I am exhausted and ready to head home.

I don't question the value of a CC class. But at a homeschool convention? I mean, I'd love to learn more about DIY appliance repair or obedience training for my dogs but wouldn't expect or want to find classes for them at a homeschool event.

[sunflowerlady]

I don't question the value of a CC class. But at a homeschool convention? I mean, I'd love to learn more about DIY appliance repair or obedience training for my dogs but wouldn't expect or want to find classes for them at a homeschool event.

 

Yeah, I do get that. I will say that it is held after all the other sessions end and the vendor hall closes on the last day of convention. So, it is sort of an "add on" .

 

I will admit that I don't mind some of the oddball type classes at convention. I enjoyed ones about  freezer cooking, saving money on groceries etc.  Some of the marriage ones were pretty good too.

But I agree that homeschooling itself should be the main focus.

[OnTheBrink]

I remember many years ago, being irked at Juice Plus and other such MLM's showing up at homeschool conferences. I just figure, opportunists are going to opportune.

[LucyStoner]

Just wanted to throw out there that people use guns for purposes other than shooting people. Competition shooting is a very popular sport and some people like unique colors or designs on their guns, and then some people just like to collect guns. There are some that are true pieces of art. They don't have to be just black and plain.

I fully get that people use guns for more than shooting people but candy colored guns that look more like toys than guns seem unwise.

 

And I don't like the commercial push towards lines of everything coming in "girls" colors as though women need pink razors or pink hammers...it's just NMS. To each their own I guess.

[mom31257]

I just saw there are talks on essential oils at the convention this weekend. While I don't mind that stuff in the vendor hall, I feel it is too much to have an actual session.

 

I had an essential oil party invitation that basically said they would give you joy, peace, calm, and happiness. I was floored. I have those things because of Christ and a realization that contentment is key. I don't need an oil to do that for me.

[TammyS]

Pretty soon homeschool conferences will be attended by people not interested in homeschooling but want to learn to make bread, administer essential oils, and take a conceal carry class. :)

 

A great many of the homeschoolers I know would LOVE  convention that included all of these things.  I haven't been to a homeschool convention is 10 years, but I might look into this one.

[SparklyUnicorn]

I don't know what to say....

 

As it is some people already think homeschoolers are nuts.