We're almost there.

We've been working hard since June to plan another wonderful LDSEHE Home Education Conference for you!  Everything is coming together and we'll soon be able to share all the details with you.  Don't worry, you can count on another year of informative classes and inspiring speakers!  There will also be some new events (a Used Curriculum Sale and our first-ever Homeschool Graduation!) plus a few more suprises!

Check back in early January for everything you need to know about speakers, classes, schedules, vendors, prices and so much more!  Until then, if you're new to LDSEHE, you can take a peek at last year's speakers, class schedule, class descriptions, evening activities, prices, and youth conference, to see what it has been like in the past...

And don't forget--make sure you are signed up with LDSEHE for free emails and to be notified when registration is available.  It's quick to sign up, and best of all, you will immediately have access to 5 free downloads of some of our favorite past conference classes!

New this year...

...more Mentor Mom© Classes

Back by popular demand, these information-packed 1/2 hour classes offer you the chance to learn from some of the experts -- other homeschool moms, that is!  Want a fun method to introduce poetry to your children?  Or how about learning some great ways to integrate the Scouting program into your son's curriculum?  Hands-on tips and techniques for math?  Literary criticism in a non-threatening manner?  Shakespeare, anyone?  You'll get the answers you are looking for from our LDSEHE Mentor Moms©!  Look for the Mentor Mom© classes in the class schedule.

...Curriculum Conundrums

Do you spend hours pouring over curriculum catalogs and websites?  Do you wonder if another program would better meet your child's needs?  If so, you need to visit our Curriculum Conundrums classes this year!  You will get a chance to hear from moms who actually use the most popular programs in Math, Grammar and Reading!  They'll tell you what they like best about the curriculum -- why it works for their kids!  Best of all, you'll actually get a chance to look through the books and ask your questions to a mom who knows!

...Homeschool Graduation

This year LDSEHE will host our first-ever "Homeschool Graduation!"  If your child is reaching the end of their high school years, please join us in this celebration their hard work (and yours!).  It will be held at the conclusion of the conference on Friday evening, May 28th. Mark your calendar now, and let us help your family celebrate this special occasion!  Click HERE for more details. 

...Used Curriculum Sale

Are your closets and bookshelves overflowing?  Now is the time to clear out all the school books and supplies that your children have outgrown!  You can reserve a whole or half table in our Used Curriculum Sale, whatever is right for your needs!  And if you're looking for a gently used item, be sure to come early and check out the offerings -- to be held from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening (May 27th)!  (Sorry, sign-up ended May 12th.)

excellence in writing

Presented by Andrew Pudewa
Director, IEW

Wednesday, May 26
Southern Virginia University
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

One of the areas that many homeschool parents struggle with is teaching writing.  That is why LDSEHE is so pleased to be able to present a full-day seminar with Andrew Pudewa, the director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (and homeschooling father of seven children!). In the decade since IEW became a full-time enterprise, thousands of parents across the nation and Canada have benefited from Mr. Pudewa's seminars... now it's YOUR turn!

"Children and adults tell of how they have been empowered, many for the first time in their lives, to write or teach in a way that transforms attitude and aptitude to a life-changing degree."

Perhaps your child is just starting to form letters, maybe you have a reluctant writer or perhaps your child struggles with spelling.  Whether you are trying to teach an elementary-aged chid or a college-bound teen, Andrew Pudewa offers the expertise and training you need.

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this full-day seminar! (IEW materials will be available for purchase on the day of the seminar ONLY.)

SEMINAR TOPICS

Rebuilding your Education Paradigm:  Teaching for "Freedomship"

Escaping the "conveyor belt" approach of institutional education isn't easy, but it has to be done.  For many parents, our greatest handicap as teachers is our own education--but it need not be so.  Andrew will inspire you to conceive of a more enlightened path of learning, one that develops true thinkers, leaders and communicators, so desperately needed in today's world.

Nurturing Excellent Writers and Speakers - The Power of Linguistic Patterns

Many parents think that good readers will naturally become good writers.  Others think that writing talent is just that--a natural ability--some have it; others don't.  Both are myths.  History and modern research show very clearly how good writers have developed.  What are the two most critical things you can do as a parent to develop a high level of aptitude, from a young age and into high school?  With humor and insight, Andrew will share the two easy but unbelievably powerful things you can do to build language patterns and nurture competent communicators in your family.

Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day

Children like to do what they can do; they want to do what they think they can do, and they hate to do what they think they cannot do.  If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand these key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy.  If it matters, children will learn it, and if it doesn't, they won't.

Reaching the Reluctant Writer

Many children really do not like to write.  Why?  This workshop will answer that basic question and teach a specific and successful method of separating the complex process of writing into the smallest possible steps, making it possible for even the most reluctant writer to produce short but complete compositions.  He will be proud and motivated to write again.  Results guaranteed!

The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing

We've all suffered it at one time or another:  frustration about writing assignments.  Either on the receiving end, or perhaps now on the giving end, there can be a few distinctly discouraging aspects to teaching and being taught writing.  The tough questions include:  What to correct and how to give a grade?  How much help is too much?  Isn't the assignment clear enough?  Why don't students find their own errors?  Learn and avoid four teaching mistakes that contribute to this frustration:  Overcorrecting, Holding Back Help, Unclear Assignments, and Over-Expectation.

And More!!!

audio interview

Listen to a 55-minute interview with Andrew Pudewa! (2006 by Homeschooling.com*)

*used with permission of Andrew Pudewa

sample articles

Register

Excellence in Writing Seminar
Wednesday, May 26, 7:00 a.m.
$90, Spouse included  

Keynote Speaker: Chris Stewart...

...is a bestselling author who has published more than a dozen books, has been selected by the Book of the Month Club, and has released titles in multiple languages in seven countries. His latest book, Seven Miracles that Saved America, and his Great and Terrible series are favorite titles for the LDS community.  Brother Stewart served in the Air Force and holds the world's record for the fastest nonstop flight around the world!  He is also the President & CEO of The Shipley Group, the founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center, and will be sharing with us his expertise in leadership training.

Dan Peterson...

...is probably best known by church members for his expertise in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Ancient Languages, Arabic, and his scholarly work in defense of the Book of Mormon.  Currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of BYU's Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, Dan is an exceptionally well-informed and engaging speaker and will be speaking to both the adult and youth conferences!

Rebecca Keller...

...didn't set out to be an author.  But when this Ph.D. scientist and homeschool mom (for 14 years) couldn't find science textbooks that excited her children, she developed her own!  Now, 26 textbooks later, Real Science 4 Kids is a popular program with homeschoolers everywhere.  Dr. Keller will draw from her background both as a scientist and a homeschool mom to help us learn how to give our children a strong scientific knowledge base and essential critical thinking skills.

Kelli Poll...

...a popular presenter at TJEd conferences, Charlotte Mason conventions and other homeschool gatherings, will be helping us all with our TJEd questions!  Kelli has been homeschooling her five children for 14 years and is passionate about their education.  She has mentored moms and kids in Core, Love of Learning and Scholar phases and will be sharing her mentoring and TJEd expertise with us!

Teri Ebert...

...we're so happy to be bringing her back this year, one of our favorite speakers (and fellow homeschool moms)!  Teri Ebert, mother of seven, is the author of several books, including her 4-year curriculum, "Going in Circles." Teri's warm personality and engaging presentations make her a sought after speaker in the LDS homeschool community.

Every year LDSEHE...

...hosts more than 30 speakers, offers more than 70 classes and workshops, exhibits several dozen LDS-friendly vendors, and welcomes over a hundred families from across the East Coast & Canada...Won't you join us?

Recieve a FREE GIFT DOWNLOAD!

When you register for this conference, we'll send you a free MP3
download of last year's Closing Keynote Address:  Brad Wilcox,
"If You Can Laugh at It, You Can Live With It." 

Register

LDSEHE Home Education Conference
Thursday/Friday, May 27-28, 7:00 a.m.
$90, Spouse included  
    

SVU HOMESCHOOL/NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2010

Are you interested in attending Southern Virginia University this fall as an incoming freshman?  Did you know that there are two SVU Scholarships especially for incoming freshmen who have homeschooled or have attended a private high school?  These scholarships are available for young men and young women who have demonstrated faith in God and service to mankind.

Applicants must submit an SVU scholarship application (PDF Form) to the SVU Dean of Admissions by May 31, 2010 for the Fall/Winter Terms of 2010/2011.  Applicants applying for Spring Term 2011 must submit the application form by October 17, 2010.

Applicants must also provide a list of all religious awards and positions held, community service rendered, and any community awards received.  A written essay must also be included by the applicant, of 200 words or less, describing the applicant's "hero" and why this person is their hero.  A telephone interview will be conducted as part of the selection; a time will be scheduled with the applicant in advance for this interview.

The scholarship is worth much--up to $10,000 per school year.  A GPA of 3.0 at the university must be maintained in order to renew the scholarship each year.

SVU is excited to offer this new scholarship opportunity to homeschooled students.

See www.svu.edu for more information and for the application form.  Look for "Homeschooled/Non-Traditional Student Scholarship."  Contact the SVU admissions office for any additional information needed.

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Experience a little taste of an LDSEHE Home Education Conference, right now! We are excited to offer you 5 classic talks from past LDSEHE conferences. Whether you are a new homeschooler or a veteran, a mother or a father, educating one child or many...we know that these conference addresses will provide excellent information and inspiring ideas to help you along your homeschooling journey!

Free Downloads for LDSEHE MEMBERS

LDSEHE Members enjoy the benefits of receiving occasional announcements related to upcoming conferences, as well as receiving periodic special offers.  It only takes a second to become a member, and best of all, it's FREE!

Take these free talks along on your morning walk, listen to them as you drive...with the freedom of this electronic format, it's up to you! You gain a little something every time you listen. We chose 5 of our most popular recordings (a $60 value) from our LDSEHE Classic Collection of over 300 recorded classes and workshops. There's something for everyone here!  Be sure to tell your friends! These recordings will benefit Latter-day Saint homeschooling families across the nation (and beyond).

Don't miss out on 5 hours of free audio recordings!

(a $60 value)

Get your 5 hours of free downloads HERE:

Click here to Sign Up FREE with LDSEHE so you can download your 5 FREE recordings

1. Melissa Coombs & Denise Ward

Happy Mommy: Tips to help new homeschool Moms organize, stay sane, get (almost) everything done and still love homeschooling

Recorded live, May 2008, Cavlier Conference Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia

“[This] class was excellent, with very concrete helps. I was disappointed that it had to be cut short. I hope they do it again next year with an extra 30 minutes!" Lori C., Chesterfield, VA.

With 17 kids and 18 years of homeschooling experience between them, Denise and Melissa have learned a thing or two! They will share with you their own set of practical tips to not only help your home run a little more smoothly, but also invite the Spirit into your homeschool, and even have little fun along the way!

Download handouts for the Happy Mommy class

2. Andrew Groft

Be the "teacher of the year" for your kids

Recorded live, May 2008, Cavlier Conference Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia

“I was very impressed with Dr. Groft. He's sharp, fun and has such polished, enlivening presentations." -2008 Conference Attendee 

Great teachers know a few great secrets. It's true. And parents who discover these secrets early are bound to be nominated for Teacher of the Year! Learn from a seasoned and award-winning teacher (as well as a LDS homeschool dad) what parents can do to make any school more successful.

3. Dan Ralphs

The Hero Generation (youth class)

Recorded live, May 2006, Southern Virginia University, Buena Vista, Virginia

“Dan Ralphs is REALLY cool. He connects with us, he sees our potential, and inspires us to do more." - 2006 Youth Attendee, Carney's Point, NJ.

Throughout history there are natural, reoccuring cycles. The upcoming generation is part of the cycle called "The Hero Generation." Dan inspires youth to understand that their mission is far more than what their peers are focusing on, and may be more than they've ever imagined.

4. Katie Wilson

The Power of family reading

Recorded live, May 2008, Cavalier Conference Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia

“You have GOT to get the CD (if you didn't go to the class) by Katie on reading in our homes...that was an awesome lecture and a good example of what happens when you read in your home."- Andrew G., Cedar City, UT.

President Hinckley once said that one of the most important things we can do to save our families and the nation is to "read good books together." ("Four SImple Things," Ensign, September 1996) Is reading together powerful enough to really impact our families? And the nation? Should you still read to your children after they are able to read to themselves? With all the other important subjects we need to teach, should reading together really have a priority place in our homeschooling? Yes, yes, yes and YES! Whether you are new to reading together, or just need some extra motivation, this class will arm you with suggestions to make reading together the FAVORITE part of your school day!

Download Katie's booklist

5. Brad Wilcox

What do you get for being a mormon?  A better education!

Recorded live, May 2009, Southern Virginia University, Buena Vista, Virginia

“Bring him back again & again & again & again!" -2009 Conference Attendee

"Brad Wilcox was an excellent speaker, very motivational, and gave specific advice."  -2009 Conference Attendee

Latter-day Saints are a better educated group than others.  It's a fact.  But why?  What is it about our history, culture, and doctrine that set our views of education apart?  Elder Ballard included education as being one of the fruits of Church membership.  Truly we are blessed to have a legacy of learning.

Get your 5 hours of free downloads HERE:

Click here to Sign Up FREE with LDSEHE so you can download your 5 FREE recordings

Tell your friends!

Don't let them miss out on their 5 free recordings!

(a $60 value!)

All LDSEHE compressed audio files are copyrighted by LDSEHE ©. You must have written permission to duplicate for other than personal use.

Registration will be availible online March 15.

Be assured that every effort is being made to bring you the best services at the lowest price.  Every single volunteer on our team is upaid.  We appreciate greatly our speakers who donate their time and speak without gratuity.  Annually, LDSEHE pays out nearly $20,000 to host these 3 days of conferences and seminars, plus maintain a simple website.  Thank you for supporting LDSEHE.

sorry, online Registration has ended

Online and mail-in registration for this conference is no longer available, as of May 13.

"At-the-Door" Registration will be Available
May 26-28, 2010 (7 a.m.)

Prices:
$90 - LDSEHE Home Education Conference (2 full days,TH & FR, May 27-28, Spouse free)
$90 - Excellence In Writing Seminar (1 full day, Wed., May 26, Spouse free)
$30 - Homeschool Beginners’ Seminar (1/2 day, Wed., May 26, Spouse free)

$70 - Youth Education Conference  (2 full days,TH & FR, May 27-28)
$70 - Finding your Voice Seminar  (1 full day, Wed., May 26)  

T-shirts and meal passes will not be available at the door.

LDSEHE welcomes all last-minute registrations.  We hope you will join us!  

Refund Policy

Refunds MUST be requested before May 12, 2010 and will be charged a 10% service fee.  NO refunds will be provided after May 16th.   

Lodging

Please check the Lodging Page for pricing information.

Products Available
   

SVU Cafeteria Meal Passes*

*NO CAFETERIA MEALS will be available "at the door" this year.  THIS IS A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.  If you would like to eat in the cafeteria, you must PRE-PURCHASE a meal pass.
The meal pass covers LUNCH & DINNER on THURSDAY & FRIDAY ONLY.   

$28 - 2-Day  Adult/Youth Meal Pass per person
$20 - 2-Day Child's Meal Pass per child, age 11 and under

Class Handout Booklet - $8

Due to the overwhelming success of our handout booklets last year, we are offering pre-ordered, spiral bound, handout books for $8.  You may order your handout book when you register for the conference.  There will be a limited number of books available at the conference for $10.  Handouts will also be posted on the website, for those who choose to print their own copies.   

Conference T-Shirts - $14

Must be pre-ordered before MAY 16.  Not available for sale at the door.   

Front text: dream. learn. do. become more
Back text:  LDSEHE Youth Conference SVU 2010;  "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader."  - John Quincy Adams

(Designed by the Youth Committee.  Teen Girls style t-shirt pictured.  Boys/Mens style also available.)

LDSEHE Tote Bags - $10

About LDSEHE:

What is LDSEHE?
What is the mission of LDSEHE?
Is LDSEHE sponsored or endorsed by the LDS Church?
Who are the members of the board?
I’m excited about the mission of LDSEHE!  How do I help?

About the annual Home Education Conference:

What is the Home Education Conference?
Is the LDSEHE Home Education Conference sponsored or endorsed by the LDS Church?
When is the conference usually held?
Where is the conference usually held?
Why isn't the conference held at a Church facility?
Who sets the prices?
Where do the speakers and class topics come from?
I know that you have a concurrent conference for youth ages 12-18, but do you have any accommodations for younger children?
A word on child care at the conference:
I’ve never been to an LDSEHE conference before—what can I expect?

About the annual Youth Home Education Conference:

Our youth already have the options of attending EFY and our stake-sponsored Youth Conference.  What makes the LDSEHE Youth Home Education Conference different?
My son/daughter has never been to an LDSEHE conference before—what can she/he expect?
How do you select the speakers for the youth conference?
Can I bring a youth to the conference that is not related to me (a friend's child, my child's best buddy, etc.)?
Can I attend the Youth Conference if my parents are not attending the adult conference?
My son/daughter is almost 12.  Can he/she come anyway?
Why are you so firm on the age requirement?
Can I attend the Youth Conference if my parents are not attending the adult conference?

About the “pre-conference” seminars:

Why do you offer “pre-conference” seminars?
Why are they an additional cost?

What is LDSEHE?
LDSEHE (Latter-day Saint Eastern Home Educators) is an organization dedicated to providing support to the Latter-day Saint homeschooling community in the East.  One of the most important ways we do this is by organizing and hosting an annual Home Education Conference and Youth Home Education Conference.

LDSEHE has been in existence (under various names) since 1994. Conferences have been held in many locations, including: Maryland; Washington D.C.; Kirtland, Ohio; Buena Vista, Virginia and historic Williamsburg, Virginia.

What is the mission of LDSEHE?
Our mission statement reads:  We are a community of Latter-day Saint families who seek to support, inspire and strengthen one another as we strive to educate our children at home—leading and preparing them under the direction of the Spirit to fulfill the divine purpose of their lives and return to their heavenly homes.  Through fellowship, education and opportunities to serve one another, we refine our capacities, commitment and skills to teach our own and succeed in home centered education.

During the meetings of the LDSEHE Board of Directors and Executive Board, we revisit this mission statement constantly. We strive to be true to this mission in everything we do as an association—through our conferences, website and our interactions with each other.

Is LDSEHE sponsored or endorsed by the LDS Church?
Although we strive to live by the principles of the restored gospel and the LDS Church in our own lives, we are not sponsored or endorsed by the LDS Church.

Who are the members of the board?
Most of the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Board have served as a volunteer for the association and/or conference before being invited to join the Board.  Some individuals were nominated to their position due to special skills they possess (technical, accounting, etc.).  All are unpaid volunteers and serve the LDSEHE community out of a desire to support LDS homeschooling families.

I’m excited about the mission of LDSEHE!  How do I help?
We are glad you are interested in supporting our mission!  We have many positions that need to be filled every year in order to keep the association functioning.  If you are interested in helping, you can email us at secretary@ldsehe.org

What is the LDSEHE Home Education Conference?
Every year, LDSEHE organizes and hosts a Home Education Conference.  Its purpose is to provide a place to learn about home education-related topics in an environment of LDS gospel principles and with the spirit of revealed truth.  It is a place to learn new teaching and parenting skills, a place to discuss idealistic principles of education and a place to inspire parents to reach for excellence in their homeschools.  We realize that friendship and fellowship are also very important, so the conference also is a place for LDS homeschool parents to meet each other and find support in these associations.

Is the LDSEHE Home Education Conference sponsored or endorsed by the LDS Church?
The conference is not sponsored or endorsed by the LDS Church.  To the extent we are able, we do strive to ensure that the information presented at our conferences is in line with the teachings of Church leaders and the scriptures.

When is the conference usually held?
The conference is generally held in the spring of the year, usually in May.  We realize that no time of the year is perfect for every family, and there will always be schedule conflicts.  Over the years, we have discovered that spring is usually more economically feasible when scheduling the conference, as the start of summer tends to “drive up” the prices at conference centers and hotels.  In addition, most families are wrapping up their own schools in the spring and are ready for a “re-charge" and an infusion of new ideas, just in time for summer planning and reorganization of the following school year.

Where is the conference usually held?
LDSEHE is a unique organization, as it covers the geographic area of the entire eastern United States, and the eastern part of Canada. With that in mind, it is impossible to hold the conference “close” to everyone who wants to attend. We do try to stay close to the center of our geographic region, holding the conference most often in the Virginia / North Carolina / Washington D.C / Maryland area.

In addition, the majority of the people who are in our database are located in this same geographic area, with the overwhelming majority living in Virginia. By keeping the conference close to this area, we have a better likelihood of attendance that will allow us to meet our costs for the conference.

As our membership in other areas of the country grows, we may be able to have our conference location change, as well. The future holds exciting possibilities!

Why isn't the conference held at a Church facility?
Due to strict regulations set by the Church for use of all church-owned buildings, we are not permitted to use church facilities as a conference location.

Who sets the prices?
As most of our membership consists of one-income families, we fully understand that finances are an important issue. LDSEHE does not try to make a profit from our annual conference—we try very hard to keep the costs as low as we can while providing the best conference experience possible.  That being said, we do have to “break even” on the conference in order to have one the next year! Therefore, the registration price for the conference helps to pay for everything from renting meeting space, to the transportation costs for the speakers, to the photocopies of the conference schedule and so much more.

Each year we offer free registration for all spouses.  We also offer special Family Rates, which discount the price for families with two or more youth who would like to attend. We also offer special discounts to those who would like to attend the pre-conference seminar in combination with the regular two-day LDSEHE Conference. We hope that these little price breaks help offset the cost to the family, while allowing us to meet the financial obligations needed to provide the conference year after year.

Where do the speakers and class topics come from?
LDSEHE tries to seek out the very best speakers for our annual conferences.  Many hours are spent by the Executive Board and Conference Committee researching topics and speakers that we feel will provide a message our conference needs. Often, suggestions come from conference survey forms, or suggestions of past conference attendees.

I know that you have a concurrent conference for youth ages 12-18, but do you have any accommodations for younger children?
At this point, we do not provide  accommodations or provisions for younger children during the conference.  We simply are not of a size that would allow us to be able to hire the child-care providers, furnish the activities/supplies/snacks and cover the insurance costs that a program like this would require.  Even if mothers were to volunteer to take turns with the younger children, LDSEHE would need to rent the additional space, which would increase the cost of the conference.

Of course, nursing babies are welcome at the conference, but we do ask that all background noise be eliminated, due to the video and audio recordings which take place in each session of the conference.

A word on child care at the conference:
We understand that it can be difficult to arrange for child-care for the duration of the conference. While many parents attend the conference without their younger children present, we make it a priority to find family-friendly locations for those parents who choose to bring their younger children to the conference location with them. (With spouses being admitted free of charge, this essentially allows both parents to "share" their registration, while at the same time sharing responsibility over their own children.)

I’ve never been to an LDSEHE conference before—what can I expect?
Come ready to learn!  One of the most common comments we get is along the lines of “I wasn’t expecting EVERY class to have something for me!” or “Wow, I learned so much yesterday, I think my brain is full!”  Many attendees are most impressed with the Spirit that attends the conference. We love to hear those comments!  We want you to feel like this conference was worth your precious time and money to attend.

In general, the classes will start at about 8:30 in the morning and continue until 5:00 p.m., with an hour and a half for lunch.  We also have family-oriented evening activities on Wednesday and Thursday.  These activities are great to form new friendships (or re-new old ones!) in a relaxed environment.

Our youth already have the options of attending EFY and our stake-sponsored Youth Conference.  What makes the LDSEHE Youth Home Education Conference different?
We are definitely not trying to keep anyone from attending their own stake-sponsored Youth Conference, or EFY.  We are not trying to replace these programs in any way—in fact, our mission has a separate focus from these programs.

The purpose of our LDSEHE Youth Home Education conference is to provide a safe place for LDS homeschooled youth to meet and forge friendships with other like-minded youth.   In addition, the conference focuses on education, with classes designed to help them in their (sometimes unique) position of being LDS and a homeschooler.  We strive to make the youth conference a place of spirit-filled learning, helping the youth discover their own life’s mission and the steps they need to take to fulfill it.

My son/daughter has never been to an LDSEHE conference before—what can she/he expect?
Your child should be ready to have a wonderful time…and learn…a lot!  While there are plenty of fun activities (and food!) to break up the day, the primary purpose of the conference is to provide a stimulating and inspiring learning environment.  Parents should determine if their youth are ready to attend group classes and be a respectful audience to the speakers.

How do you select the speakers for the youth conference?
The Executive Board works closely with a youth committee to select the speakers for the youth conference.

Can I bring a youth to the conference that is not related to me (a friend's child, my child's best buddy, etc.)?
For many reasons (including insurance liability, emergency medical considerations, and other issues), we do not allow parents to bring youth to the conference other than their own children.  If a parent brings a youth other than their own to the conference, they will be asked to act as a youth chaperone for the entirety of the conference, thus missing the adult classes.

Can I attend the Youth Conference if my parents are not attending the adult conference?
All youth registered for the LDSEHE Youth Conference must have a parent who is registered for the LDSEHE Conference present on campus. No exceptions. Parents are responsible for their own youth. LDSEHE is not able to chaperone youth outside of the planned class and day-time activities for the Youth Conference or the Pre-Conference Seminar.  If an adult brings a non-family member youth to the conference (as a favor to a friend, etc.), that adult will be asked to attend the youth conference as a chaperone, instead of attending the adult portion of the conference.

My son/daughter is ALMOST 12.  Can he/she come anyway?
We do not allow youth who are not 12 to attend the Youth Home Education Conference.  (A very few exceptions may be granted (i.e. the birthday is a few days after the conference, etc.), but each case must be approved by the LDSEHE Executive Board.)

Why are you so firm on the age requirement?
While this policy may seem strict to some, please know that much thought and many years of conference experience have determined this decision. Over the years, the youth committee and chaperones have noted a significant change in the maturity level of those children who have already graduated from Primary and moved forward to the YM/YW programs of the church, from those who have not yet left Primary.  At our conference, the youth will be in classes with other youth up to age 18 and they must be able to handle themselves maturely.  This is not to say that some 11-year olds are not mature.  But, as a rule, we have seen that most 11-year olds are not ready for this conference experience.  It would be impossible for us to “judge” the maturity level of every 11-year old fairly, so we have decided to make a cut-off age which coincides with the natural programs of the church. Just as Primary youth are not permitted to attend YM/YW activities, we have decided to follow this same pattern.

As LDSEHE Chairman, Misty Foxley, has expressed it: "even with those of us who are on the board, we wait until our own children are in the YM or YW programs of the church before we allow them to attend this conference. My own children anxiously wait until they are old enough to attend this conference and when they do get to go, it means so much to them."

Why do you offer “pre-conference” seminars?
The families that make up LDSEHE are a very diverse group, and practice many different ways of homeschooling (structured, flexible, classical, unschooling, etc.). When we design our conferences, we try to be diverse in our conference classes as well, to try to meet the needs of as many families as possible.  However, to support the needs of one interest group in particular, we may host a special pre-conference seminar that will allow for more indept study of that particular topic.  In the past, we have hosted pre-conference seminars focused on Thomas Jefferson Education, a "Making of America" Constitutional Seminar, and a seminar focued on teaching writing.  We also host pre-conference Youth Seminars, on similar themes.

We also see a need to focus specifically on the needs of the beginning home schoolers. Therefore, we have provided a special half-day pre-conference seminar entitled the "Homeschool Beginners' Seminar," designed to teach and discuss the particular needs of those parents who are in the first few years of home education.

Why are they an additional cost?

When we provide an extra day of classes, we need to pay for that extra day. We fly out special speakers and provide for their extra day needs, as well as provide for all of the other conference costs (location, etc) for that “pre-conference” day.