2008

Past Conferences

Every year, LDSEHE hosts a Home Education Conference, with an accompanying Youth Conference.  Conferences have been held at various locations in the eastern US, including: Southern Virginia University; Kirtland, Ohio; WIlliamsburg, Virginia; Suitland, Maryland; Palmyra, New York and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Our attendees travel from more than 20 states and the eastern part of Canada to join with other LDS homeschooling families.  In order to meet the needs of such a wide-spread group, the annual LDSEHE Home Education Conference offers classes on a wide variety of homeschool subjects and other subjects of interest to LDS families (parenting, gospel-related topics, etc.).  Recently, we have also begun offering special "pre-conference" seminars to address more specialized themes (including Thomas Jefferson Education, the Constitution, etc.).

We spend a great deal of time searching for the best speakers and class ideas.

After each conference, we survey the conference attendees to discover ways to improve the conference from year to year.  We take your input very seriously!

Our most recent conference was held in May of 2009 at Southern Virginia Univeristy in Buena Vista, Virginia.  We invite you to learn more about past conferences by exploring the menu items to your left.

If you are interested in purchasing recordings of past conference classes, please click HERE.

Over 450 people (from 21 states and Canada) spent 3 great days together at the Cavalier Hotel and Conference Center in beautiful Virginia Beach!

Wednesday was devoted to two special pre-conference seminars:  TJEd for Latter-day Saints and TJEd for Latter-day Saint Youth.  All who attended the "TJEd day" were inspired and well-taught by wonderful speakers who shared their Thomas Jefferson Education expertise.

The next two conference days were filled with classes covering a wide variety of important topics for homeschooling families.  Special sessions focused on math, science (remember Dr. Wright, the cool "Science Guy"?), parenting and bringing the gospel into our daily teaching.  Many attendees loved the panel discussions, where they got to hear how other "real" homeschool moms and dads tackle the same challenges they deal with.  As always, the Youth Conference was a huge hit, allowing our youth to make and strengthen friendships, while being inspired by our very best teachers.

Judging from the post-conference surveys, the 2008 conference was a powerful experience--one that was transformational in the lives of many who attended!

2008 Speaker highlights:

Chad Hymas - "Who needs legs, when you've got wings?"

"Chad Hymas was unbelievable!  I can do anything after listening to him!"
--2008 Attendee, Pennsville, NJ

Chad's powerful life story and positive attitude captivated us all!  By the end of his talk, the entire vendor hall (including vendors!) had cleared as EVERYONE wanted to gather where Chad was speaking.  The youth were especially drawn to him.  Many said they were forever changed by his message of hope, perseverance and courage.  

Thanks, Chad, for giving our conference WINGS!

Chad Hymas is a nationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, wheelchair athlete, and a fellow LDS husband and father. His story will inspire you to overcome obstacles and harness the power within.  You can order this audio recording here.

Angela Baker - A Joyful Mother

"Angela gets the MVP Award! I could have listened to her all day.  All her classes were excellent."
--2008 Attendee, Coventry, RI

Angela Baker was a favorite speaker, both at the "TJEd for Latter-day Saints" seminar, as well as the LDSEHE Conference.  Angela truly has a knack for connecting with other homeschool moms.  She inspired us all through her genuine warmth and inspired instruction.  You can order her audio recordings here.

Nicholeen Peck - Teaching our Children Self-Government

"Nicholeen Peck was fabulous!  I bought all the CDs!"  --2008 Attendee, Pennsville, NJ

Nicholeen Peck's parenting classes were an answer to prayer for many of our attendees!  Many parents expressed how much they loved her classes.  Nicholeen's ideas helped them feel empowered to incorporate these powerful principles into their own parenting and family life.

Now you can listen to Nicholeen's complete seminar (in your own home!) by participating in our premiere LDSEHE eConference.

Did you know that this past summer (2009) Nicholeen was featured on BBC television--where her parenting skills were put to the test?! Listen to Nicholeen talk about that experience in her interview with LDSHE...

View Adult Class Schedules

TJEd for Latter-day Saints Youth Conference
- Wednesday, May 28

LDSEHE Youth Conference - Wednesday, May 28

Any or all families may choose to spend an extra day together at the beach on Saturday, May 31.

Check out our 2008 classes...

See something you'd like to listen to?  Our audio recordings are available through mail order!

Angela Baker

Take Off the Mask-Put on the Crown: Girls Class

Angela Baker
As young women, you are part of an incredible army of youth.  You have a mighty work to do in your life.  You know this.  You feel it and you want to prepare now.  Your preparation must be an individual and personal journey.  It will be challenging and sometimes very hard, but it will also be joyful.  No one can make this journey for you.  But you are up to the task.  You can do it.  The world will send counterfeit, confusing ideas about who you are and what you need to do.  Following them will lead you to wear a mask or rather a fake representation of who you are.  But you were created to wear an amazingly beautiful crown of royal heritage.  This is who you are.  To discover this crown and learn to wear it you must make your journey with a true compass.  Come, learn what this compass is and how you can successfully chart your preparatory journey so that you can be and do all you were created to be and do.
Thursday 3:30 - 4:10 PM

Dr. Andrew Behnke

Financial Smarts for Winning: Straight Talk on your Financial Future

Dr. Andrew Behnke
This workshop will help you prepare for a future of winning financially. Topics include: financial myth-busting, buying smart, credit cards/debit cards, investing smart, professional degrees, starting a budget, avoiding debt, and giving back. We will practice the concepts that will help you gain financial freedom and change the world. You will also receive links to various sites to help you start winning financially. It’s never too early.
Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM

Living in a Spiky World: Do You Have the Skills to Compete Globally?

Dr. Andrew Behnke
This isn’t the economy your parents grew up with! Whether you are planning to be a “Statesman,” a “Scientist,” or part of the “New Creative Class,” you will need entrepreneurial skills that will help you network across the globe. In this workshop, we will look at Freeman’s “Ten World Flateners” and the 21st century skills you will need to get ahead and stay ahead in the global economy. You will also receive links to all kinds of sites to help you get started as an entrepreneur.
Thursday 4:20 - 5:00 PM

Michelle Carbee

Book Discussion: The Great Brain

Michelle Carbee
There will be two book discussions this year (occurring at the same time) so you will have to take your pick! In this session, we will be discussing the book The Great Brain by John Fitzgerald. This book is about the life of a boy living in southern Utah at the turn of the 20th century…a non-Mormon living in a Mormon world. The true hero of the book is the boy’s older brother, “The Great Brain,” known for his abilities to solve any problem, especially if there is money in it for him!  You will want to read the book (available at libraries, bookstores and on-line stores) before you arrive at the conference so that we can move right into an energetic dialogue!
Friday 10:20 - 11:00 AM

Dr. Julie Earley

Preparing to be Mentored

Dr. Julie Earley
Mentors are vital to a great leadership education and yet they seem so hard to find today.  It might be that we aren't looking hard enough…or we aren’t famous enough…or it might be that we aren't ready enough.  To paraphrase a Buddhist maxim:  “when the student is ready the mentor appears.”  So what are you doing to be ready, how are you preparing to be mentored by a great mentor?
TJEd Youth Wednesday 2:15 - 3:00 PM

Zach Foxley

Fulfilling Your Mission: Principles You Can Live by that will Help You Fulfill Your Mission Every Day

Zach Foxley
All of us have an important role to fulfill in life. We may have even heard presentations about finding your mission or purpose in life. But what does this really mean? How do you know when you’ve found your unique purpose in life, and how do you actually go about fulfilling it? These questions can be answered (through diligent searching and honest prayer) by finding out who we really are. Our Heavenly Father has given us a royal heritage. He wants us to learn to be like him, in order to qualify as heirs to His throne. Our choices will determine whether we earn this inheritance or follow other paths. Come learn how discover your own royal birthright, and the steps you need to take to live up to it.
TJEd Youth Wednesday 8:50 - 9:35 AM

Dr. Andrew Groft

Keynote: A Renaissance of Kings Thursday

Dr. Andrew Groft
Thursday 8:45 - 9:30 AM

Moral Courage for Future Husbands and Fathers

Dr. Andrew Groft
The young men of the church aren’t mere teenagers, but princes who were born to be kings. Learn five timeless truths that have been twisted by the masses and rulers alike to justify laziness, greed and war. And learn how those truths, once rightly understood, become weapons in the only battle that really matters—the battle for men’s souls. 
Thursday 3:30 - 4:10 PM

Chad Hymas

Closing Keynote: Who Needs Legs…When You’ve Got Wings

Chad Hymas
Friday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Dr. Glenn Kimber

What Does it Mean to be a Chosen Generation?

Dr. Glenn Kimber
Time and time again the youth of today are told that they are the chosen generation.  Have you ever wondered what they are chosen for?  What are they chosen to do?  And what makes them unique from other youth of this dispensation?  Will they succeed in their mission?  How will they know when they have completed their mission.  Dr. Kimber will answer these questions in his presentation called "Today's Youth in Tomorrow's World – Youth in Prophecy." 
Friday 3:10- 3:50 PM

Elizabeth Merrell

Finding and Nurturing Your Inner Mathematician

Elizabeth Merrell
Come play math games and puzzles to recharge your interest in mathematics!  As a TJED youth do you wonder if math is a part of your mission?  Though many youth claim that math is not integral in their life mission, Elizabeth Merrell challenges this assumption, claiming that significant math study adds power to any leadership role.  Math opens doors of opportunity and increases logical reasoning skills.  Real statesmen and stateswomen must have a strong understanding of numeracy and logic.  Just as literacy is the ability to read, write and understand words, numeracy is the term given to a solid understanding of numeric values and the ability to manipulate and use numbers in effective problem solving.  Come find the innner mathematician in you!
TJEd Youth Wednesday 11:10AM- 11:55PM

Kyle Roberts

An Introduction to Thomas Jefferson Education

Kyle Roberts
What is A Thomas Jefferson Education? Well, it’s not an education where you learn all about Thomas Jefferson, but it is a model of education based on the same kind of education he received.  It will help you have the wisdom, intelligence, understanding, depth, influence, and overall genius as Thomas Jefferson did.  This class will give you an introduction as to how it works and what it can mean for you.
TJEd Youth Wednesday 8:00-8:50 AM

How Do I Do It? Principles You Can Live by That Will Help You Fulfill Mission Every Day

Kyle Roberts
Are you tired of hearing that you need to find your mission? Do you know what mission is but are struggling with how to do it? Do you find yourself wondering how you actually fulfill your mission? This class will teach you powerful principles you can use that will help you both find your mission, and fulfill it every day.
Friday 8:35 - 9:20 AM

Robin Schneider

Public Speaking 101

Robin Schneider
As an LDS youth, you've probably been asked to speak in public--no doubt, more often than you'd like.  How did you feel last time you did that: scared?  embarrassed?  incompetent?  How all about all of the above?  If giving a talk causes you to quake in your boots, you need to attend this workshop.  We will cover topics like dealing with anxiety, deciding what you're going to say, holding your audience's interest, and delivering your address properly.
Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM

Earl Taylor

Statesmen in the 21st Century: "Honest Men and Wise Men Should Be Sought For Diligently"

Earl Taylor
Thomas Jefferson said future leaders must come from the “natural aristocracy.” America’s Founding Fathers trained themselves, while in their youth, to be part of this special group. Young people who want to be the statesmen of tomorrow must do the same. This presentation will describe what kind of individuals the Founders became, so that today’s youth can become like them and be ready to help America fulfill its manifest destiny.
Friday 11:10 AM- 12:00 PM

Kyla Thomas

Wanna Be Smart? Get Creative!

Kyla Thomas
Learning doesn’t have to be run-of-the-mill or boring.  One way to spice up your education is to incorporate the arts into your schedule  The arts improve mental clarity and even enhance the ability of the sides of your brain to connect.  If you apply your creativity and imagination to your studies, you can actually learn more than you originally intended.  Kyla will teach you how to incorporate the arts into your education and show you how to learn…creatively!
TJEd Youth Wednesday 1:30 - 2:15 PM

Gregory van Duyse

Entrepreneurship

Gregory van Duyse
Are you planning to accomplish something important during your life? Like maybe raising a family, building a business/career or even changing the world? That is what's called "entrepreneurship." In a way, LIFE is like a business. You have to take the resources around you and try to produce positive results. So don’t think this class is only about making money...it’s about making things work out around you. Come and see how you can take ideas that are used to run a business and apply them to your life.

TJEd Youth Wednesday 9:45-10:15AM

Obstacles Could Not Stop Me

Gregory van Duyse

Thursday 10:25 - 11:10 AM

Dana Wood

TJEd Your Way to (Any) College

Dana Wood, Spencer Wood, Matt Wood and Andrew Wood
So you love your TJed high school experience… How do you translate that into getting into college? Into a decent job out of high school? This class will let you see how these young adults have used their TJed education to find and follow their own path of talents and abilities.
TJEd Youth Wednesday 10:15 - 11:00 AM

Book Discussion: The Alliance and The Giver

Dana Wood
There will be two book discussions this year (occurring at the same time) so you will have to take your pick! In this session, we will be discussion 2 books (for those who are interested in a challenge!).  We will be comparing and contrasting The Alliance by Gerald Lund and The Giver by Lois Lowry.  Both of these books deal with the concepts of self, agency and freedom, but are written from different perspectives. We encourage you to read the books before the conference so we can have an energetic and informed dialogue!  The Giver is widely available in bookstores, libraries and on-line stores.  The Alliance may be more difficult to locate in libraries, but it is available from several on-line retailers, including deseretbook.com and amazon.com.
Friday 10:20 - 11:00 AM

Dr. David Wright

Evening Entertainment: Phun with Physics

Dr. David Wright
You won’t want to miss this physics magic show.   But unlike a regular magic show, Dr. Wright will explain why it all works.   There will be clouds of smoke, cinder blocks, sledge hammers, flying eggs and toilet paper.  It’s spinning, splatting, squeaking, bouncing and a whole lot more. You may have the chance to pull the table cloth out from underneath the dishes, or be vacuum packed. Come enjoy physics as you have never seen it!
Wednesday 7:00 - 10:00 PM

Science and Religion

Dr. David Wright
We’ll discuss everything from the role of faith in science to the infinite nature of the universe.   From Moses to Einstein, we’ll examine the how and why of our existence.  We’ll also use magnets, raw eggs, and bicycle wheels along the way to help us understand this relationship between science and religion. Parents are invited to attend this class. Parents are also invited to attend this class.
Thursday 1:30- 2:30 PM

Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion: How Does This Really Work?

Panel
Have you wondered if you are doing TJed right? How do you keep track of what you are learning? How do you decide what you want to study? This panel will give you the opportunity to find out how TJed has worked for other teens. Each of them has done high school a little differently, yet they have all been actively working towards their individual goals of making their education work for them. Some have pursued art, others are into music, and others have a particular interest in history…  Where do your studies fit in the picture?  Come find out how you can make TJed work for YOU.
TJEd Youth Wednesday 5:00-5:30 PM

Panel Discussion: Navigating the College Admissions Channels

Zach Foxley, Karen Thomas, Kyla Thomas, Cecelia Ward, Rebecca Watson
Moving from high school to college is a huge transition, and one that requires a lot of planning and preparation. You probably have a lot of questions: “When should I start preparing?” “How do I best prepare?” and even “WHY should I prepare?” Our panelists range from students preparing for college now, to students who have successfully entered college and the parents who have helped them get there! They will answer the most important questions facing you, including “What classes do I need to take?,” “How do I prepare a transcript or portfolio?,” “What about the SAT/ACT?,” and more. This class is a must for every homeschool student because as we know, “if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30) Parents are also invited to attend this class.
Thursday 1:30- 2:30 PM

Want to listen to the 2008 Youth Education Conference?  You can order CDs here.

Announcing the 6th Annual LDSEHE Youth Education Conference (for ages 12-18)! If you’ve attended before, you know that great things are in store for you again. If you’ve never attended…what are you waiting for? With outstanding teachers, interesting classes, and lots of fun, this conference is sure to be a highlight of your summer.

Prepare to be inspired by great teachers, challenged by new concepts, and stretched by new insights as you learn more about your unique mission in life, and how to fulfill it. The LDSEHE Youth Education Conference brings together great minds from all over the United States to inspire your generation of home schooled youth.

But it’s not just about classes. There’s also our annual Talent Show and Display Showcase—your chance to strut your stuff. In addition, many activities are planned throughout the days, to keep you energized, while still giving you plenty of time to meet and mingle with other home-schooled youth. After all, making and renewing friendships is one of the great things about this conference—we bet you’ll leave with new friends from all across the country.

• Make friends from all over the Eastern United States
• More than 20 interesting classes
• 12 outstanding and entertaining LDS educational speakers
• Outdoor activities, games and book discussions
• Dance, talent show and more...
• Special family rates
• Participate in lively book discussions
• Need another reason? How about... the beach!

The price for the Youth Conference is $45. Also, be sure to pick up your LDSEHE Youth Conference shirts.

The LDSEHE Youth Home Education Conference—you have to experience it to understand what all the excitement is about. Come see for yourself—plan to bring a great attitude and leave with a wonderful experience!

“Set your mind to it, and you can accomplish anything.” Chad Hymas is a nationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, wheelchair athlete, and Latter-day Saint husband and father. His story will inspire you.

Dr. Andrew Groft A popular speaker and teacher from George Wythe College, Dr. Groft is guaranteed to make you laugh!

Dr. Glenn Kimber One of our most popular youth speakers, Dr. Kimber, is back again—teaching about your role in preparing for the Second Coming!

For Mutual aged youth--you must be graduated from Primary to attend.
Important Notice: All youth registered for the LDSEHE Youth Conference must have a parent who is registered for the LDSEHE Conference present.

We thank our our 2008 speakers!

Audio recordings of all classes available through mail order

2008 Keynote Speakers

Dr. Andrew Groft of George Wythe College

Chad Hymas of Chad Hymas Communication

Youth Speakers

Angela Baker	Andrew Behnke	Michelle Carbee	Dr. Julie Earley	Zach Foxley
Dr. Glenn Kimber	Elizabeth Merrell	Kyle Roberts	Robin Schneider	Earl Taylor
Kyla Thomas	Gregory van Duyse	Dana Wood	Wood Boys	Dr. David Wright

Youth Panel Members

Zach Foxley

Karen Thomas

Kyla Thomas

Cecelia Ward

Rebecca Watson

 

Angela Baker

Angela Baker is the mother of seven children, ages 2-18. She and her husband Roger have home schooled their children for 12 years, the last 6 of which have been strongly influenced by the principles of Thomas Jefferson Education. She holds a Masters Degree in education from GWC; and a Bachelor’s in Family Science from BYU. The Bakers live in Utah with an assortment of animals, including goats, chickens and a pig.

Classes
Girls Class - Thursday 3:30 - 4:10 PM

Andrew Behnke

Andrew O. Behnke, PhD, is assistant professor of human development and an extension parent specialist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees in family studies from Utah State University and Purdue University. He conducts applied research in many areas, including academic achievement among Latino youth, parent involvement in academics, and family and community partnerships. He is married to his best friend and has three adventuresome boys and one little princess of a daughter.

Classes
Financial Smarts for Winning: Straight Talk on your Financial Future - Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Living in a Spiky World: Do You Have the Skills to Compete Globally? - Thursday 4:20 - 5:00 PM

Michelle Carbee

Michelle and her husband Todd have been homeschooling their two boys, Chase (17) and Bryce (15) since they were born. This year they have added homeschooling their niece, Brooke, age 11, to their routine as she came to live with them in September. Michelle has been active in homeschooling by organizing and running group activities and classes for the past 8+ years.

Classes
Book Discussion: The Great Brain - Friday 10:20 - 11:00 AM

Dr. Julie Earley

Dr. Julie Earley holds Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education. Currently, she is a Professor of Liberal Arts and also serves as Dean of Extension Studies at George Wythe College. Dr. Earley has lectured in many different forums, and has spent the last 6 years assisting parents who have chosen to educate their children at home. She has a unique insight in this area as she herself was homeschooled. Dr. Earley is presently publishing a series of books to assist parents in mentoring their children in classical literature. She and her family reside in Utah.

Classes
Preparing to be Mentored - TJEd Youth Wednesday 2:15 - 3:00 PM

Zach Foxley

Being raised as a child in the countries of China, Morocco, and France, Zach Foxley had had the opportunity to develop a love and appreciation for many different cultures around the world. Zach has just returned from serving a mission in Long Beach, California, where he served in both Spanish and English wards as one of the first assigned bilingual Elders in his mission. He loves to study music, and studied jazz guitar for five years. Zach enjoys doing a variety of things in his life, such as serving in the Church, hiking, camping, and reading. He is also an Eagle Scout. Zach is enrolled in Lord Fairfax Community College where he will begin the next phase of his pursuit of knowledge and learning. People say he's easy to get along with and friendly, but you'll have to find that out for yourself by COMING TO HIS CLASS!!!

Classes
Fulfilling Your Mission - TJEd Youth Wednesday 8:50 - 9:35 AM

Dr. Andrew Groft

Andrew Groft was awarded his Doctor of Education Degree from George Wythe College in 2001. Dr. Groft has taught and consulted for the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Tennessee School for the Deaf and Blind, George Wythe College , Southern Utah University, Iron County Public Schools, and several schools, businesses and governmental forums throughout the Western United States, Europe and Eastern Africa . Dr. Groft formerly served as Caucus Chair to the Family Caucus and Public Relations Liaison at the United Nations in New York and Istanbul. He has served on several business and academic boards. Dr. Groft, his wife Leslie and their five children reside in Utah.

Classes
Keynote: A Renaissance of Kings - Thursday 8:45 - 9:30 AM
Moral Courage for Future Husbands and Fathers - Thursday 3:30 - 4:10 PM

Chad Hymas

On April 3, 2001, Chad's life changed instantaneously when a falling one-ton bale of hay broke his neck leaving him a quadriplegic. Doctors and others said that he would never walk again and would be confined to an electric wheelchair for the rest of his life. But Chad's dreams were NOT paralyzed that day, as he will tell you! His list of achievements include: company president, author, world-class wheelchair athlete (basketball and full-contact rugby!), world-record holding marathoner (500 miles from Salt Lake to Las Vegas), and two-time recipient of the Superior Civilian Award for the state of Utah. Yet, Chad's greatest accomplishment is that he remains a devoted husband to his loving wife, Shondell, and proud father to their two boys and daughter. The Wall Street Journal has described Chad as one of the “10 Most Inspirational People in the World.” His message is amazing and motivating—so get ready to soar! After all, “Who Needs Legs, When You Have Wings!”

Classes
Closing Keynote: Who Needs Legs…When You’ve Got Wings - Friday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Dr. Glenn Kimber

Glenn J. Kimber was born and raised in the Ogden, Utah area. He and his wife, Julianne Skousen Kimber, currently reside in Utah, and are the parents of eight children (six living), and grand-parents of nineteen. Glenn received a B.S. in Accounting and Business Management from Brigham Young University, a Doctorate of Religious Education from Coral Ridge Baptist University and a Doctorate of Constitutional History from George Wythe College. Brother Kimber travels throughout the U.S. presenting training conferences to those interested in religious private education. He and his wife have founded many private academies, and authored 77 textbooks covering the subjects of History, Science, Math, Language Arts, and Religion from an LDS viewpoint. Currently, Brother Kimber holds the position of President of American Founders Academy, and Vice President of American Founders University, both based in Provo, Utah. A well-known speaker on many topics, one of Brother Kimber’s favorite subjects is testifying of Jesus Christ and the incredible world events that are preceding His Second Coming.

Classes
What Does it Mean to be a Chosen Generation? - Friday 3:10- 3:50 PM

Elizabeth Merrell

Between loads of laundry and shifts in the garden Elizabeth Merrell can be found exercising, reading or practicing experimental cooking. In 2007, after a 17-year break from “school,” Elizabeth went back to finish her degree. In 2011, she expects to receive her Master’s in Science and Nutrition (CMP), with a BIS in Chemistry, Nutrition and Zoology and a Master's in Herbology. Passionate about science, Elizabeth created the “Eureka! Studies” program to stimulate interest in the sciences, to meet her children's friends and to find excuses to interact with upcoming scientists. Elizabeth has enjoyed teaching math and science to homeschoolers; homeschooling her own family for ten years, and assisting in the founding of a charter school based on the book "A Well-Trained Mind." She and Kent have three sons followed by three daughters and reside in Bountiful, Utah.

Classes
Finding and Nurturing Your Inner Mathematician - TJEd Youth Wednesday 11:10AM- 11:55PM

Kyle Roberts

Kyle Roberts is a student at George Wythe College and has been involved with the Face to Face with Greatness Seminars. He is the Vice President and Marketing Director of Personal Ponderings L.L.C., a family business he helped build over the last couple of years. Kyle is also the co-founder of the Founder’s Commonwealth School in Payson Utah. He taught there for a year before returning to George Wythe College to finish his undergraduate schooling. For the last four years Kyle has been extensively involved in running simulations for various organizations in Utah. He has mentored hundreds of youth in the process of becoming and implementing true principles in every day life. He enjoys using the gifts and talents he has been given to help others grow. Kyle, his wife Kimberly, and their energetic son live in Utah.

Classes
An Introduction to Thomas Jefferson Education - TJEd Youth Wednesday 8:00-8:50 AM
How Do I Do It? - Friday 8:35 - 9:20 AM

Robin Schneider

Robin grew up in a family that valued both education and science and later earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. She developed her methods of teaching based on these early experiences, as well as wisdom gained during years of homeschooling her four boys. Her book, Teaching Science Skills at Home (Without Being a Rocket Scientist) was written to show parents how to give their children the best possible science education. She has been a guest on a homeschooling radio show, enjoys emergency preparedness and loves teaching!

Classes
Public Speaking 101 - Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM

Earl Taylor

Earl Taylor, President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, has taught “The Making of America Constitutional Study Course” to thousands of people throughout the nation, over the past twenty years. The purpose of the NCCS is to teach Americans the exciting message of the Founding Fathers – where they got their great ideas and how they put them all together into a Constitution for the establishment of the first free people in modern times. Mr. Taylor has also served as a coordinator for the Winter Conference for State Legislators, written a special Citizenship study guide for the Boy Scouts, helped structure courses on the U. S. Constitution for college re-certification of public school teachers and established one of the first charter high schools in Arizona. His work is also instrumental in encouraging the celebration of Constitution Week in many cities and schools throughout the nation. Mr. Taylor and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of ten children and reside in Arizona.

Classes
Statesmen in the 21st Century - Friday 11:10 AM- 12:00 PM

Kyla Thomas

Kyla Thomas has played the violin for 11 years, and has performed musically since she was 7 in a variety of events. She has a passion for all the arts, and loves beautifying life with them. Kyla is the oldest of six children, and is a senior at George Wythe College. Some of her favorite pastimes are reading, hiking, science, learning languages, spending time with family and friends, and teaching. She is excited for every opportunity to speak to youth about seeing and fulfilling their incredible potential. Kyla lives with her family in Enoch, Utah.

Classes
Wanna Be Smart? Get Creative! - TJEd Youth Wednesday 1:30 - 2:15 PM

Gregory Van Duyse

Gregory and his wife Evelyn have been home schooling their five children (10, 8, 7, 2 years old and a new baby!) for the past five years in Montreal, Canada. They have been inspired by the Lord to educate them and consider it a blessing. Gregory is an entrepreneur at heart, and brings a quick businessman’s mind to everything he does. Over the past several years, Gregory has shared his knowledge and experience with the homeschooling community by serving as the LDSEHE Vice President, and now, Chairman of the Board.

Classes
Entrepreneurship - TJEd Youth Wednesday 9:45-10:15AM
Obstacles Could Not Stop Me - Thursday 10:25 - 11:10 AM

Dana Wood

Dana and her husband, Spencer, have been homeschooling their 10 children since 1987. As a military family, they have lived all over the country, including 9 years in Alaska. Besides homeschooling, Dana enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, knitting and quilting. As LDSEHE Vice President, Dana is primarily responsible for the extraordinary success of our youth education conference over the past two years. She is also becoming an oft-requested and trusted speaker. She and her family reside in New Jersey.

Classes
TJEd Your Way to (Any) College - TJEd Youth Wednesday 10:15 - 11:00 AM
Book Discussion: The Alliance and The Giver - Friday 10:20 - 11:00 AM

Spencer, Ben, Matt, and Andrew Wood

The Wood boys, as they are usually referred to, have all been homeschooled using the TJed model. Spencer's mom discovered TJed when Spencer was in high school and started using the principles with him. Ben, Matt and Andrew (and their older sister Debbie) have benefited from the trial(s) and errors from Spencer's experience. Spencer took GWC classes his senior year and attended one year at BYU_ Salt Lake before deciding his talents branched out in another direction- sales! He is a diamond consultant for the Shane Company in Salt Lake City. Ben plans to attend Southern Virginia University in the fall to study music. Matthew is a student at BYU-I as a Jazz Performance Major and was pianist for the BYU-I jazz swing band "Sound Alliance". Andrew is a senior this year and is deciding between continuing his education at Southern Virginia or Kettering University.

Classes
TJEd Your Way to (Any) College - TJEd Youth Wednesday 10:15 - 11:00 AM

Dr. David Wright

Dr. David Wright has his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Brigham Young University, and his PhD in Physics from Virginia Tech. He teaches Physics and Astronomy at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, VA, where he has been for 33 years. Popular for making science fun, he has appeared on “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”. He is known as Dr. D in the “NASA Science Files” TV show, and also performs physics shows at Busch Gardens. He and his wife have four grown children. Dr. Wright has served as a bishop, Stake President and Stake Young Men’s President.

Classes
Evening Entertainment: Phun with Physics - Wednesday 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Science and Religion - Thursday 1:30- 2:30 PM

Youth Panel Members

Zach Foxley

Being raised as a child in the countries of China, Morocco, and France, Zach Foxley had had the opportunity to develop a love and appreciation for many different cultures around the world. Zach has just returned from serving a mission in Long Beach, California, where he served in both Spanish and English wards as one of the first assigned bilingual Elders in his mission. He loves to study music, and studied jazz guitar for five years. Zach enjoys doing a variety of things in his life, such as serving in the Church, hiking, camping, and reading. He is also an Eagle Scout. Zach is enrolled in Lord Fairfax Community College where he will begin the next phase of his pursuit of knowledge and learning. People say he's easy to get along with and friendly, but you'll have to find that out for yourself by COMING TO HIS CLASS!!!

Karen Thomas

Karen Thomas was born in Illinois and attended college in New York,
where she met her husband of 30 years and started her life as a military wife. Karen is the mother of 8 children and has homeschooled all of them through high school. She still has two children at home and the three middle ones are attending different colleges. The three oldest have already graduated from college. One child is currently working on his master's degree and the other two have already received their masters degrees.

Cecelia Ward

Cecelia (age 17) is the fifth of twelve children, and currently the oldest kid at home. She loves to draw and write, and is currently writing her second novel. She plays the piano, sings, and has dabbled with the violin. She is her mom's right-hand woman, and teaches creative writing and English to three of her younger siblings in 7th and 8th grades.

Rebecca Watson

Rebecca Watson graduated from high school in Morocco before attending BYU, where she was the only physics major enrolled in children's literature classes. She met her husband, Mike, at BYU and they are the parents of 6 children, including two adopted from Ukraine.  The Watsons have lived in Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Their children attended both public and private schools before convincing their parents to homeschool them.  Their oldest daughter attends BYU Provo and their second daughter will start there this fall.  Besides homeschooling, Rebecca writes and reviews children's books and tutors math.  She currently lives in northern Virginia.

See something you'd like to listen to?  Our audio recordings are available through mail order!

I want to be responsible for my own education, but how do I go about it?

How do I discover my own life’s mission? What should I be doing until I find it?

Can I really do TJEd and be accepted into college?

Will following the TJEd principles really prepare me for leadership?

How do I use my education to help me feel the Spirit’s influence in my life?

If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. This year, for the first time ever, LDSEHE is offering a TJEd for Latter-day Saint Youth seminar, which will occur at the same time as the adult TJEd seminar. Specially selected speakers, both adults and young adults with many years of experience with TJEd will help you find the answers to your questions about Leadership Education. If you like the principles of leadership education but don’t know exactly how to implement it in your own life, this is the seminar for you!

And don’t forget—when you attend this seminar, you get to stick around for the next two days and attend the LDSEHE Youth Education Conference for FREE! (when accompanied by a parent who is attending the LDSEHE adult conference.) There is also special pricing available to families with several youth coming.

Many thanks to Dr. Wright and all our talented youth for last year's GREAT evening entertainment!!

Wednesday Night

Phun with Physics: Hovercraft, Beds of Nails, Exploding Shaving Cream and More

Our Wednesday night activities will start off your conference experience with a bang…literally.  (Watch out for the exploding shaving cream!)

Fun and physics…together?  Is that possible?  It is, if you have Dr. David Wright to show you how!  Dr. Wright, Professor of Physics at Tidewater Community College, will help us see that science is anything but boring.  A dynamic speaker, Dr. Wright frequently performs physics demonstrations at well-known theme parks, including Busch Gardens in Williamsburg and Tampa Bay.  We are thrilled that he is coming to entertain and enlighten us with the wonders of science.

After Dr. Wright’s presentation, plan to linger for awhile to enjoy some refreshments and of course, the fabulous ocean view.  This is a great time to socialize with the other LDSEHE families, catch up with old friends, and make new ones.

Thursday Night

Youth Talent Show and Family Beach Dance

Even after a full day of fabulous classes, you will want to save some energy for our Thursday night activities.

First, we will have what is quickly becoming a favorite part of the annual conference:  the Youth Talent Show.  This is the chance for families to sit back, relax and enjoy the performances of our many talented teens—and when we say talented, we mean it!  From tap-dancing to Tae Kwon Do and everything in between, our LDSEHE youth are amazing.

After the talent show, it’s time for the whole family to kick up its heels and dance. With lots of music and mingling, our Family Dance will have something for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday at the Beach

A full day of just pure play in the sun! Although the conference officially ends Friday evening, your family may choose to stay an extra day and spend Saturday at the beach together with other conference families. No schedules, no classes, no plans, just relaxation and family togetherness. It’s a public beach, so there is no charge. Bring picnic lunches and spend the day together getting to know each other--family to family.