Is there wi-fi? Yes, there is wireless internet at the camp- there will be a special area set up for gaming for the duration of the conference. Please bring gaming systems, consoles, etc to set up when you arrive!
Will there be activities for small children?? We plan to have some spaces geared especially for the under 4 crowd- but all the activities are open to anyone wanting to attend. There are trails, a playground, and plenty of spots to hang out. If there is something you would like to see for your littlest ones, please feel free to suggest it or offer to facilitate it.
How about things for teens? Yes, yes, yes. There will be a designated teen hang out area, there will be a gaming room, there will be teen run funshops, and funshops just for teens- there will be plenty of space to stretch out and just chill. There may also be a teen panel forming (more info to come!) What does your child need to have this be the greatest conference ever? We will make it happen!
I homeschool and have always felt drawn to unschooling- is this the conference for me? This conference is what you have been waiting for. Find yourself surrounded by families who have embraced the unschooling approach and integrated it into their whole lives. You will be able to see unschooling in action. In some ways, the leap from traditional homeschooling into unschooling is not as long as you may think- but in other ways, it is a totally new world.
Will you be offering scholarships? If you need financial assistance, please contact Jennifer at pnkn314@comcast.net.
We unschool our kids with things like math and science and reading- but we don’t consider ourselves ‘radical’ unschoolers. Should we attend? Only if you are willing to be opened to the notion that child-led learning does not have to stay within the confines of academics. If you have been curious about how to ‘let go’ in other areas of your life with your children, then please join us.
Radical- adj. Arising from or going to a root or source; Departing markedly from the usual or customary; Favoring or effecting fundamental or revolutionary changes in current practices, conditions, or institutions; slang- Excellent; wonderful.
This conference was born out of the idea that the reasons why families choose unschooling (at least partly because we trust our children to lead us where they need to be and we trust ourselves to hear them, see them) are what unite us as unschoolers, whether you call yourself a radical unschooler or not. As far as I am concerned, the radical part of the term conjures up something deep and fundamental about the journey of parenting. I know that many people don't want to call themselves radical unschoolers- there are times I feel that "unschooling" is an unfortunate word in that it implies a simplified negation of something rather than an embracing of something. But it will do for me, and does. Our FAQ section states (in essence) that if you are wanting to explore the notion of extending unschooling beyond academics then this would be a great chance to try that on or explore it. We don't ask for credentials at the door- there really is no litmus test for radical unschooling. Do we think there will be many traditional parenting approaches represented at this conference? No. All the conference is doing is providing the possibility of deepening our exploration and/or experience of this life we call unschooling. Everyone is welcome and invited and free to participate in whatever way they want to. There is nothing like a conference to deepen your journey-that is the purpose of a conference. I say, jump in and worry about locating yourself on the continuum later. Some have a different process which, of course, is cool too:)
I would like to facilitate a funshop- how do I sign up? Send an email to pnkn314@comcast.net describing your idea. Anyone hosting a funshop will receive $25 credit to be used toward the purchase of food or lodging.
What are the accommodations like? see Sleeping and Eating tab.
Can I camp or bring my RV onsite? Tent camping is welcome and encouraged, but please contact the organizer at pnkn314@comcast.net to find out about RV camping.
What type of food can I expect at the conference? Well, this was a big one for us. We really wanted to provide conference attendees with something beyond the normal camp fare…Our entire conference is being catered by a NJ caterer who is in love with cooking for groups and who will ensure that while you are away from your home, your meals will be fresh, nutritious and exceptionally delicious. She has written about herself on our Meals page- please visit the page and read about her cooking philosophy.
What time should I arrive? We plan to hold an opening ceremony on Monday at 4pm ish. We will post more info about arrival & departure times as we get closer.
Any additional questions, please feel free to post on the Yahoo Group . Thanks!!
