Children of all ages and grades can benefit from homeschool field trips throughout Missouri to learn about culture, science, and like subjects. From planned annual homeschool events at museums to studying creepy, crawly things in Missouri parks, the Show-Me state has various outlets to add to your homeschool education program to consider.
Silver Dollar City Missouri Theme Park Homeschool Field Trip
If looking for a Missouri amusement park, Silver Dollar City offers group rates for family and military reunions, church retreats, corporate picnics, and homeschool events. Their festivals are held throughout the year. A popular one is their Kid’s Fest which runs through the summer where there is a Culinary & Craft School. The school classes take place in an 1880’s style farmhouse and most of them are taught by a Master Craftsman of Culinary Arts.
The annual homeschool event, Silver Dollar City Parks Homeschool Weekend, is in October. This homeschool field trip offers many learning experiences through workshops such as Basket Weaving, Roller Coaster Physics, and the Wonders of Woodcarving. Silver Dollar City offers a discount to homeschooling families even if they are unable to attend the annual event in October.
Outdoor Camping Eductational Field Trip at the Lake of the Ozarks
Some parents choose to help a child learn through an educational field trip in nature at Missouri parks and campgrounds. They might take a backpacking trip through Missouri hiking trails, go tent camping, and enjoy biking trips. Some of the best outdoor camping is at the Lake of the Ozarks. Majestic Oaks is one of several lake campgrounds, only five miles from Lake Ozark. Campground amenities such as clean bathrooms vary, so check with the facility before you go.
Homeschool field trips can begin at home by learning how to prepare ahead of time for a trip into nature. By gathering tents and other camping equipment, making lists to check off, considering weather conditions, and setting up backpacking gear, the child learns much about preparation.
If the child is enrolled in one of the online homeschooling programs or can access your computer, directing them to free online map websites is educational too.
Springfield Missouri Homeschooling Science Educational Field Trips
The Discovery Center of Springfield is one homeschool field trip option for science instruction. At the museum, children from preschool age to high school may learn about DNA, astronomy, their environment, and more. These galleries enhance a homeschooling program in the art of science. For preschool children and younger, the museum offers Science Sprout Museum Days. If you contact them for special group admission rates to schedule a field trip for children, they have discounts available.
Another science educational field trip is the Missouri Institute of Natural Science. It is a not-for-profit institute that allows parents and teachers to bring groups of children through their museum for $4.00 per student. Admission is free for chaperones. Some of the workshops include plate tectonics, continental drifts, and learning about insects. Especially for homeschoolers, this science museum conducts monthly workshops the 3rd Friday of every month.
Missouri Homeschool Events and Groups
Many parents learn about homeschool events by joining homeschool programs and support groups. These groups support parents through meetings, helping with school curriculum, and have scheduled homeschool events. There are both religious and non religious homeschool groups available with various field trip options.
When learning how to homeschool, some parents turn to the group in In St. Louis called The Christian Home Educators Fellowship (CHEF). They have a calendar of homeschool events throughout the year to help Christian families. Their 6th Annual Father and Son Discipling Mighty Men of God Weekend with Kevin Swanson is scheduled for October. This is a homeschool event where fathers and their sons enjoy time in the outdoors participating in activities such as archery, biking, sand volleyball, campfires, and more.
The Homeschool Organization for Midwest Educators (HOME) is an inclusive group supporting families with homeschool programs in the St. Joseph, Missouri area. They do not endorse any specific religion, allowing for secular families to be involved with them. They too have a list of homeschool events including non-competitive bicycle rides and monthly story times at a mall.
Find Educational Field Trips to Benefit the Entire Family
These educational field trips are not only good for the children but for the adults as well. They present unique experiences that provide memories which will last a lifetime. When looking for homeschool field trip ideas, find ones that will afford opportunities to enhance family unity and values along with educating the child. Whether going to a Missouri amusement park, educating through nature, or joining homeschool events with local support groups, the whole family will benefit.
Sources:
Homeschool Weekend. BransonSilverDollarCity.com (accessed August 19, 2010).
Christian Home Educators Fellowship, October Events. Chef-Missouri.com (accessed August 19, 2010).
Homeschool Organization for Midwest Educator, Area Events, AtHomeResources.org (accessed August 19, 2010).
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