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Why You Should Go Camping With Your Kids

May 30, 2023 / Sara Guenther

Camping With Your Kids – Yes You Can!

Why We Took up Camping

Exactly 5 years ago we took up camping as a family. I had actually surprised my husband and 4 kids (at the time… #5 was still baking) with camping gear for Christmas as a declaration that we were going to be outdoorsy now.

The truth is I was sick and tired of our life. My husband and I had recently (reluctantly) gotten smartphones and now it felt like we were on them all the time. Tim was stuck in a job with the Navy that was wearing him thin and as a result our marriage was suffering. I was exhausted from raising 4 boys and being pregnant with our 5th. We almost never had date nights, I didn’t get time alone (except to grocery shop), or really any breaks at all. Heck, I even only got haircuts about once a year. That was a real treat! And at that point I was 9 years into growing little humans with my body, unceasingly pregnant and/or breastfeeding and it was taking both a physical and emotional toll. I had already had one emotional breakdown about 2 years prior and had no intentions of going down that road again.

It was time for a change

We booked a tent site at a local campground, packed up the kids and what little gear we had and headed out for the weekend. We chose a spot only 40 minutes from home, and close to a grocery store in case of emergencies. And you know what? That first trip was wonderful. We had our tent and bedding, and that’s about it. We packed up our two beach chairs (the kids sat in the dirt) and a cooler full of food and drove off hoping for the best. I don’t even remember how we heated up water for coffee. I think maybe we brought a kitchen pot to use over the campfire.

But you know what? We had SUCH a good time. And we learned a LOT! In fact, we had so much fun that we decided to invest in more gear and book a few more trips for that summer.

How to Start Camping with Kids

Camping with children can be daunting, especially if you’ve never been camping before. But you CAN do it, and you absolutely should go for it. Camping with your children can be a huge blessing for your whole family and is hands down worth the effort. So to get you started…

Here’s a few tips:

–Test the waters. Borrow gear or buy used. And start with the bare basics.

–Go with friends. Camping with a friend is always more fun. Plus you can share some meals and gear.

–Keep it familiar. Kids will feel more comfortable away from home with some of their usual comforts. Consider bringing their usual pillow or stuffy.

–Keep em cozy. Make sure you’ve packed appropriately for the weather. Bring extra blankets for night time, or make a battery operated fan if it will be hot. Also consider a spare change of clothes.

–Treats. Our kids know there’s always a special treat on camping trips. S’mores (of course) but they usually also get a cold drink like a juice for Izze.

Just Go

Taking the leap into camping was one of the best things we ever did for our family, and I’m sure it will bless yours as well. Camping as a family is a great way to grow and nurture relationships. Even if your children are too young to remember the experience it will still give YOU lovely memories and will instill a more intentional and beautiful way of life into your little ones. Camping is a way to slow down and show your children that it’s healthy to relax and have fun. Spending time outside, under the stars in the fresh air is refreshing for both the mind and the body. And connecting with nature helps grow our appreciation for our Creator and His creation.

So grab a guitar and some good campfire stories. Don’t forget the marshmallows and smores sticks. Pack up the family, and go. Go and enjoy.

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The Biggest Obstacle to Homeschool Freedom

May 22, 2023 / Sara Guenther

I think that one of the biggest obstacles to having true freedom in homeschool… to having a truly fulfilling experience… is leaving behind the constructs that have been built up in our minds by society’s version of a successful education.

In an age where many parents are starting to ditch the idea that students must be college graduates to be successful, there is still a general belief that children must go to school from ages 4 to 18. That they must complete grades K-12 and follow the curriculum and standards set by the schools and their governing authorities. The board of education knows best; what they deem necessary and in what manner it’s taught is the golden standard.

But is it?

We’re living in an era where the world is moving and changing at such a rapid pace that even the internet algorithms are changing daily.

Traditional schooling tells us that children need to learn a variety of subjects, for 7 hours a day, for 13 straight years. That’s a lot to put on a parent who is stepping into the role of teacher. Yet we go into home education under the impression that we must follow in tune with the schools lest our children be “behind”. Or even worse, that as homeschoolers it’s expected we dedicate extra time to our children’s studies so that they would be “ahead” of their peers. But why are we even making these comparisons? Take your children off that field. It’s not “homeschool” vs “school”. We’re not even playing the same game.

True Freedom in Homeschool

True Freedom in your homeschool comes when you move past the expectations, whether it’s those of society, your family, or even your own. For those of us who were raised in traditional schooling, it can be challenging. Even after 7 years of homeschooling, I still find myself working hard to shed what was so deeply ingrained in me. Often, I hold beliefs that I didn’t even realize were there. But as I continue to question the “whys” and the “hows” of our lifestyle, I can see that much of what I expect and know come from my own childhood experiences in school. The good news is that if those things no longer serve your family well, you can ditch them for something entirely different.

It’s exciting that there is a whole movement of parents who are taking back childhood. They are ditching the norm and educating their unique children in unique ways. They are honouring childhood for what it is: a time of innocence, curiosity, and fun. That’s not to say that there isn’t structure – it’s just that by putting family first, we’re better able to serve our children’s individual needs, give them a beautiful childhood, and raise up strong, confident men and women who have soaked in 18 years of truth, beauty and goodness.

If you want to break out of the tiny, constricting box of the American standard, try asking yourself these questions:

What type of people do I want my children to be?
What kind of childhood do I want my children to have?

This should be the basis of your homeschool. If what you’re doing isn’t serving these two goals, then perhaps you need to reevaluate and try something new. It’s not always easy; families are complex things and nothing will ever be perfect. But your homeschool can be more beautiful, and it certainly can feel more free.

Break free, my friend. Break free.

Confessions of a Homeschool Adventure Mom

Adventure Homeschool on a Budget

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3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Homeschool Mom

May 19, 2023 / Sara Guenther

If I were to sit down and write out ALL that I wish I knew, or would say to my younger pre-homeschooling self, we would be here for a very long time. But gosh, how do you take 7 years worth of experience and cram it into one tiny blog post that will keep your readers interested?

You can’t. The answer is, you simply can’t. It’s too much. So much of it is personal. A lot of what I’ve learned is on an emotional level, somewhere so deep that the words are hard to extract.

But you came here to find out what would be good to know before stepping aboard this homeschool mom ship, so I suppose I have to leave you with a few nuggets of wisdom. But even these points were hard to write, because there is so much more to say. Perhaps I’ll follow this up with part 2: “3 MORE things I wish I knew before becoming a homeschool mom”. Then “Another 3 more things I wish I knew…”. We’ll see where inspiration takes me! For today’s article, here are just 3 things I wish I knew before diving head first into homeschool.

How precious time with our children is

Wild and free child enjoys a real childhood free from school

Obvious, I know. This is one of the major reasons we homeschool right? Well, honestly it’s taken me years to realize that this time with my babies just slips away like water through my fingers. For us moms in the trenches, it can be hard to embrace the day-to-day when it’s quite literally 24/7, and I’m desperate for a moment of quiet and alone. But gosh, the time we have with these little humans (or not so little if you have teens) is so fleeting. We only have 18 years to help direct and mold them into the wonderful men and women we hope for them to be. Their childhood innocence only lasts so long before the world is trying to steal it away.

Mama bear, your every moment with your children is sacred. You are their everything. Homeschool isn’t just for the better education you wish for them to have – it’s something that will completely change their lives. Embrace it. Train them up in the way they should go, so that when they are grown they won’t depart from it. Handing our children over to the state, or even private educators is giving our children over to someone else to raise. But in taking on home education, you are taking your children back. You are soaking up all of the moments that would have been experienced by someone else. Your children were given to YOU to raise – it is a large calling, but you were called, and God will equip you.

I don’t need to be doing half (or more) of what I think

When I first started homeschooling I was drowning in questions about what to do, where to find curriculum, what I needed to teach, when my child should start multiplication, how to teach spelling, and so on and so forth. I also recognized that there were questions that I didn’t even know to ask yet. I felt like I was trying to map out an entire castle while my only view was through the keyhole. How did anyone ever manage to cover it all?!

Years later, I’ve realized that I never needed to stress over any of that, at all. Actually I’d have been better off doing nothing at all that first year, and just enjoying my children, allowing natural discovery and curiosities to lead us. Perhaps I lean a little bit Unschooly*, but the further into this homeschool journey we go, the more I realize that the structured stuff, especially in the early years, is so unnecessary.

*You can read more about homeschool styles here.

I am not a teacher… I am Mom, and that is more important

It’s okay that I don’t have a teaching degree or know how to do calculus. Going into our first year of homeschool, my oldest kiddo was coming out of a year of public TK – I had relented to giving school a try out of desperation for a break and on the verge of an emotional breakdown. This Kindergarten year I went into homeschool with little faith in my abilities, and just grateful that I couldn’t possibly fail a year that he had practically already completed with an actual, trained teacher. But oh the things I’ve since learned.

Without going on a long rant about why you don’t need to be a teacher to teach, I’ll leave it at this: I am Mother, and I know my child best. You are Mother, and YOU know your child best. I am not a teacher, nor do I have to be. In homeschool, we can learn new subjects together. My role is to be a steady hand of love in my child’s life. The person who helps him discover new ideas and uncover nature’s mysteries. I can help him learn how to learn, equipping him with a knowledge that will serve him for a lifetime. What’s most important is cultivating a love of learning, emotional stability, and connection. No degree required.

You can do this

Mama, if you’re considering homeschool, are new to the game, or have been in it for years already… you are your child’s best chance. Being a homeschool mom is a beautiful journey that will transform the lives of your entire family. Even if you feel overwhelmed by all that you don’t know, just get started. The best way to learn is by doing and in time you’ll find answers, end up with even more questions, and eventually find your stride. You can do this, mama.

Confessions of a Homeschool Adventure Mom

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6 Best San Diego Campgrounds for Families

May 15, 2023 / Sara Guenther

Camping season is upon us here in San Diego, as the school year draws to a close. While camping in San Diego is very doable all year, there is nothing better than summer nights under the stars, complete with campfire songs and sticky s’mores.

Now, before I dive into the best San Diego campgrounds, I think it needs to be mentioned that everyone has their own preferences, specifically when it comes to HOW to camp. If you’re a glamper or require a daily shower you probably won’t like at least half of my list. While some of these campgrounds aren’t high end, they also aren’t completely primitive (no amenities). But each of these campgrounds offers something special, and most will give your family a beautiful, quiet, nature immersed experience.

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Why You Shouldn’t “School at Home”

May 8, 2023 / Sara Guenther

“School at Home” wasn’t really a term that was used before the world came to an awkward halt in 2020. Up until then it was known as just regular old homeschool, home education, or other names that more closely reflect the various styles of homeschool. (If you are unfamiliar with homeschool styles, you can read more about them here.)

When the schools closed and eventually switched over to Zoom, suddenly everyone was a “homeschooler”. People were home all day with their children, setting them up with a computer so they could log on with their classmates. Parents were printing out the daily worksheets and helping their children through what needed further explanation (if they had the time and understood what was being taught). These families finally understood what their home education friends were experiencing… they were homeschooling now, too.

Except that really, they weren’t. Like, at all. What they were doing was “school at home”, and that is not the same. And “school at home”, if I may be so bold, is the death of homeschool.

The Death of Homeschool

School at home is just what its name implies: it’s taking what the school system says should be done, how it should be done, and in what order, then checking all those boxes at home. Sound thrilling? Sure, there’s some flexibility. Math can be taught in the morning OR the afternoon. Recess can be a full hour. Lunch can include food that’s actually healthy AND appetizing… sound freeing yet?

There is a reason most home educators choose to structure their homeschool much, much differently than the traditional school model. It’s that schools are not run in the best interest of the child. They do not help raise up children who truly know and care about the natural world around them. Instead they are designed to pump children with information they won’t remember, repeatedly test them for the sake of statistics, and make good law abiding citizens ripe for the workforce. In addition, schools today are accepting children as young as 4, then expecting them to read and write and sit still and quiet for circle time. So much for the joys of childhood. And if this is how you choose to homeschool, I would have to ask you why you chose to home educate in the first place. Reproducing the school environment at home is far, far from the point.

The Beauty of an Education Well Done

While “school at home” isn’t necessarily as bad as all that, it is not a recipe for homeschool success. And if it’s being overseen and directed by an actual school, it likely will not produce the fruit and beauty of a true home education.

As parents and home educators, homeschool can be whatever we want it to be, and there are as many different ways to do it as there are families doing it. I’ll have you consider this: what type of person do you want your child to grow up to be (values, etc.), and what type of childhood do you want them to have right now? Forget about which facts you want them to memorize, which wars you want them to be able to write a 5 paragraph essay on, and how many aspects of science you want them to be able to recall. First, just focus on the personhood of your child. Enjoy lots and lots of free time together. Heck, even try doing NO school work at all for a while.

So what should you do? That’s not something I can answer for you. Only you know what’s best for your family. And if you’re not sure what that is yet, it’s okay. Take some time to test the homeschool waters. Read up on different homeschool styles and find out which one resonates with you and your family. And just remember, you don’t have to do it all. Even if you feel like you’re doing nothing at all, you’re probably doing more than you realize. Just love on your children. Give them time to enjoy what they’re passionate about. Go exploring. Adventuring. Find reasons to smile together. I promise you won’t regret giving them the time to just be kids.

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mother and daughter on grass — Photo by Daria Obymaha on Pexels.com

Confessions of a Homeschool Adventure Mom

May 1, 2023 / Sara Guenther

Forgive Me, Lord

Ever had a week where you just want to run away and hide for a while? We’ve had a really challenging year, but the stress levels last week were just extra. The small amount of “official” homeschool we typically do was mostly put on hold, but there was just so much going on that I found myself even wanting to walk away from momming for a few days. Definitely not my best week, or a good representation of my role here.

Extra hard weeks, months, and years aside, nobody is perfect. The internet so easily paints a picture perfect life in our heads, then we feel crappy for falling short of what was never a reality. Nor is it achievable, anyway. Or if it is, it’s probably not healthy. So to help you feel a little better about your own mess ups and dirty secrets as a homeschool mom, here’s a few confessions from my own real-life adventure homeschool lifestyle. Buckle up; I’m about shed some light on what goes on when the camera isn’t out.

True Confessions

I’m usually still in my PJs at noon. Sometimes until closer to dinner time. Pretty much I have little motivation to put clothes on unless I absolutely have to leave the house. So if you drop by before noon, don’t judge me. Also, maybe please keep all drones away from my backyard. In summer time I don’t wear pants.

We don’t have an area for digging and it’s not going well. Nope. No mud kitchens here. We had a “digging spot” for a while, but one kid decided to make mud balls with rocks inside and throw them over the fence at cars. So since that obviously wasn’t going well either naturally we had to ban all fun from the backyard. The children now find other ways to destroy the house. Three cheers for creativity.

Some days we don’t do schoolwork for no other reason than I don’t feel like it. Honestly, I’m leaning more and more into Unschooling these days, anyway. Give the kids some chores, tell them to make their own fun and call it a day of natural learning. A+.

Some days I don’t go outside. GASP! I know, and this from someone who is always saying to get outside. Well sometimes a girl just wants to chill at home in her PJs all day. Besides, down time for mindless Instagram scrolling is probably how I’ve found the majority of exciting places we’ve ended up exploring.

We’re not well equipped adventurers. We don’t own much gear. My 12 year old only owns one pair of shoes (they’re sneakers). We have no rain jackets or hiking boots. No emergency water filter straws or rain boots. No extreme cold weather gear or hiking poles. The first aid kit I carry in my water backpack amounts to chapstick and approximately 3 bandaids. Also tissues in allergy season. I’m also directionally challenged and awful at reading maps.

Contrary to the previous confession, at one point I think I owned 11 different baby carriers. How many kids did I wear at that point? Two for sure, sometimes the middle kiddo would ask to get carried. But baby carriers are like shoes and accessories. You obviously would never wear tennis shoes to a fancy dinner date (unless you’re my 12 year old), nor would you wear snow boots to the beach. You also wouldn’t use your purse in place of a backpack in most cases. Well baby carriers are basically like that. Basically… Plus I like to colour match my moods when possible.

My kids play video games and watch mind numbing television. It’s really not my preference. If I had it my way, we would throw away all the screens, except for one that we would only pull out sometimes for educational purposes. But my boys really like video games and watching Pokemon. And I like when they’re all sitting happily in one place for a blissful hour of time when I can actually complete a thought or two without a slew of interruptions.

If my little kids bathe once a week it’s pretty much a miracle. My older kiddos at this point are realizing that they smell bad and their hair gets greasy if they don’t shower quite frequently. But the little ones… uhg. It’s still like wrestling with a wet cat. Being clean is not something they care for, and I don’t generally have the will to fight them. So if you see my kids with marker all over their arms and legs and dirt streaks on their faces and feet, just know that yes, they’ve probably looked like that for at least a day or two. Or five.

One of my kids doesn’t like hiking. Yeah, I know. Ouch. He’s never been my great outdoor explorer, and has always gravitated toward screens and other hobbies. That’s okay – I know that hiking isn’t for everyone. But he’s a good sport and I don’t give him the option to stay home. I figure in the end, he’ll either learn to appreciate it or for the rest of my life he’ll remind me how I constantly dragged him out into the woods or the desert to torture him with sunshine and fresh air.

We don’t have a homeschool room, desks, or even a lot of books. Now, a couple desks in quiet places would actually be great. And I wouldn’t mind having more books. But 7 people living in 1400 square feet, or sometimes 150 square feet, really leaves not much room for anything extraneous. Also, I prioritized having a guest room. #sorrynotsorry

Keepin’ It Real

I’m sure if you followed me around for a week you’d have a long list of other things I should add to this confessional. But hey, I’m sure you’ve got a list, too, and hopefully mine makes you feel a little better about yours. I really do love scrolling through the beautiful Instagram photos, but let’s also remember to keep it real and encourage our fellow homeschool moms to rest assured that the rest of us have a mess behind the pretty pictures, too.

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joshua trees on a national park — Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

Camping in Joshua Tree Without a Reservation

April 26, 2023 / Sara Guenther

Call us crazy, but we made a last minute decision to camp in Joshua Tree over spring break. We were supposed to be heading into Arizona to spend a week in the woods, by a creek with a waterfall and excellent trout fishing. But wouldn’t you know, that exact week the temperatures were going to drop 20 degrees lower than the entire previous month and we just weren’t interested in 25 degree nights. Naturally the last day of our visit would have been back up into the mid 60s. Go figure.

Joshua Tree

We really didn’t want to head back to the desert, having just been there the previous week, but given some time and weather constraints, Joshua Tree ended up looking like our best bet. So two days before our trip I pulled out my phone and started researching. Just as I’d expected there were no reservations available, so I went with plan B, which was: find a plan B.

I am happy to say that it ended up working out perfectly and we got the best spot in Belle campground. That’s not something I would always expect to happen, but I figured this trip just had the Lord’s blessing on it. And from the way we came about getting our spot, I knew it had to be true.

We rolled up a little later than I had hoped. Check out time is noon, and ideally the earlier the arrival the better chance you have at catching someone on their way out. We didn’t arrive until about 2pm, so we were shocked that we were able to snag a spot in the first campground we came to. It wasn’t the best fit for our trailer and large crew, but we were ready to make do. We were also blocked from early sunlight by a large boulder, so I was concerned about our ability to last all week on our one solar panel. (We do not have a generator). But I had been eyeing up the site next to us, which was large, open, and had the best boulders for play and exploration. Well wouldn’t you know, the next morning that family rolled out at 8am. SCORE! We moved a few things over to claim that site, pulled in our slide, and got ready to hook up. But then…

The car wouldn’t start

Remember I mentioned the cold weather in Arizona? Yeah, well really most of the west coast was having a colder week, including Joshua Tree. Between the shade of the boulder, the near freezing early morning temperature, and the slight elevation (JT is the high desert) our big ‘ol diesel van was too cold to start. And the can of diesel starter was mysteriously missing. Ruh-roh.

The next few hours were quite the journey, as I sent my husband hitchhiking 12 miles into town. Thankfully he was offered a ride from a ranger to the edge of the park, leaving him only a mile to walk to the local AutoZone. He then spent the next 20 minutes waiting for a series of LYFTs that never showed up, and resigned himself to walking back to camp. A pit stop into the Joshua Tree visitors center, however, turned into another ride with a park ranger back to our site (but not before scaring a lone mother by asking her for a ride. I explained to him later that approaching a woman alone with her children, while holding a mysterious spray can probably wasn’t the best choice). Basically the morning was spent relying on strangers, while simultaneously having to remind ourselves that none of the strangers circling the campground knew that we were actually hogging two spots (with the park ranger’s blessing, of course). By lunch time we were finally able to get the car started and shift the trailer over, and all was well. WHEW!

Okay, so we got kind of lucky, huh? Perhaps. But we had plenty of other options in mind as far as how we would stay in Joshua Tree if we weren’t able to get a spot at a first-come-first-served campground. So the next time you decide to make a last minute camping trip to Joshua Tree (or any other park) you can use these tips to help you find a place to stay.

How to Camp Without a Reservation

First come First served (FF) campsites. There are actually 3 FF campgrounds inside of Joshua Tree National Park. The best part about FF campsites? If you decide you want to stay an extra day, you can! No one has a reservation to kick you out.
Keep checking online for last minute cancellations. Yes, they really do happen.
Check with other campgrounds outside of the national park. The first time we ever camped at Joshua Tree we were only able to get a spot outside of the park. It turned out to be a great campground and had bathrooms, running water, and a junior ranger program.
Harvest Host/Boondockers membership. While this won’t get you into the park itself, it can get you close. Plus you get the bonus of a unique experience.
Boondocking. We use the Campendium app to search for local boondocking locations and there are two just outside of the Joshua Tree National Park.

Happy camping, happy adventuring!

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Do You Need A Homeschool Style?

April 18, 2023 / Sara Guenther

What is a homeschool style?

Homeschool style refers to the approach a family takes to their home education. There are several common styles, and a whole bunch of new ones popping up as families continue to seek out new ways to learn and live.

Without going into an exhaustive list, you might recognize some of the more common styles, like Classical, Charlotte Mason, Unschool, Montessori, Eclectic, Unit Studies, etc. Then there are other coined terms for styles like Adventureschool, Wildschool, Lifeschool, Natureschool, Deschooling, Minimalist Homeschool, Roadschool, and so many more. Each one has its own unique take on how to raise up a child, just as each family’s approach to parenting will vary.

Why Choose a Style?

Many families like to choose a homeschool style because it gives them direction and community. They can connect with other like-minded homeschoolers, join co-ops that support their preferences, and find curriculum that aligns with their beliefs.

Choosing a homeschool style can be a great way to get started on your homeschool journey. For example, one question I am asked quite often is about what curriculum we use. But over the years our curriculum (or lack there of) has changed. And what is right for our family, might not be right for your family. Plus, with entire thick catalogs of curriculum to choose from, plus all of the beautiful curriculum created by homeschoolers that is for sale online, the thousands of choices can make us freeze in confusion. How is one to choose with so much available?

Finding Your Style

Identifying with a style can save you a lot of time, confusion and frustration when it comes to choosing curriculum. Knowing what style (or multiple styles) you feel most fits your desires for your home education can eliminate the majority of curriculum on the market and point you in a general starting direction. However, keep in mind that finding your style doesn’t have to be a forever commitment, and it most certainly does NOT have to define your homeschool – it is simply a tool. A starting point.

To find your style, head to your favourite search engine and type in “homeschool style quiz”. Take any quiz that pops up, and it should help you rank which of the most common styles fit within your preferences. Once you have that style, start researching curriculum, local meet ups, co-ops, etc. that follow that same method. BUT! And this is a huge but… remember, that you do not have to identify as that style. This is simply a place to start. Of course you might find that you’re a Classical purist, or you adore absolutely everything about the Charlotte Mason method and want to follow it to the letter… but the many families tend to grab pieces from many different styles of learning. Plus, what works for one child may not work for another child, and you might want to change it up from year to year, depending on what you end up liking or not liking. Don’t be afraid to change! That’s the beauty of homeschool – if something isn’t working, try something else.

Do You Need a Homeschool Style?

The short answer is, no, you do not need a homeschool style. In fact we started our homeschool journey having not heard of homeschool styles for probably the first three years of our journey.

When I finally learned about homeschool styles, however, it came as a relief to me. I was able to narrow it down to two styles (which funny enough are complete opposites). What we’ve since grown, and what continues to evolve, is our own completely unique approach to home education. I have no word for what style it is – it’s just ours. But identifying our top two styles put me on a path to discovering what would end up working best for our family. It allowed me to research within a certain mindset and find other people who are similar.

So do you need a homeschool style? No. Should you have one? Perhaps, but that’s a personal choice. Should you take the quiz? Yes. Especially if you’re new or trying to figure out where to go next. It just might illuminate the best direction for your homeschool.

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scenic photo of sea during dawn — Photo by Daniel Frese on Pexels.com

Family Friendly Hiking in San Diego

April 11, 2023 / Sara Guenther

Your FREE guide to the top family friendly hikes in San Diego County.

Want to hike with your family but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve taken all the guess work out of this learning curve.

I’ve spent the past few years exploring San Diego with my 5 kiddos to bring you the best hikes for your family. Each hike is 3 miles or less and have an exciting attraction. Does 3 miles sound like too much? Not to worry. Those slightly longer hikes are just as amazing even if you don’t hike the full distance. These hikes offer plenty of great places to stop and explore along the way.

Ready for your FREE guide? Just click the button below to get started.

Happy Hiking!

Take me to my FREE guide to family friendly hikes in San Diego!

Adventure Homeschool on a Budget

April 2, 2023 / Sara Guenther

Ideas to Help You Find Adventure in Your Homeschool Without Breaking the Bank

So you want more adventure in your homeschool, but everything is so darn expensive, especially if you have a large family. (Hello Disney tickets x7! There’s a good reason we’ve never gone.) What if I told you that you could find TONS of adventure for little to no cost at all? This isn’t about using credit card points or entering giveaways – it’s about shifting your idea of adventure and finding new things that you can do as part of your home education in a budget friendly way.

How We Used to Pay for Homeschool Activities

What didn’t work

In the first three years of my oldest child’s formal education we tried three different schooling options. While we wanted to home educate, the first thing we tried was public school for TK (transitional kindergarten here in CA). It didn’t take long to realize we should have stuck with our guts and home schooled. So for actual Kindergarten we enrolled him into a local homeschool charter. It was part of the public school system with a full campus and teachers, and his class would meet once a week for three hours to learn alongside their teachers. There were other activities, clubs, classes and field trips throughout the week that were optional, and this was a nice stepping stone for us as we gave homeschool a solid try. It didn’t, however, give us the flexibility to diversify our education the way we wanted. Without using out of pocket money, we were restricted to only what this little school was able to provide.

What did work, for a while

After that year I knew that the public homeschool charter campus still wasn’t quite what we were looking for. I wanted more freedom, and really I wanted assistance to pay for all of the classes and activities we wanted to do. Thankfully in CA we have a lot of options, and so we signed up with another charter school that had no physical location but did offer funding for each student to put toward curriculum, classes, passes to local museums/zoo/educational theme parks, and more. While there were some requirements on our end that I wasn’t fond of, they were worth it for the money that we were able to use on unique classes and experiences that we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford. But as the years went on and the government cracked down on what the charter was and wasn’t allowed to pay for, and the testing and requirements on families became more stringent, we finally parted ways and opted to go it alone, sans funding.

The loss of funding worked with our travels (we’re no longer around all year to participate in many long-term commitment in-person classes), but it did also mean that we needed to focus on activities that would fit within our small budget. Many of these things we had already been doing, but since leaving the charter school we’ve made sure to implement more of these types of experiences to keep our weeks full and rich.

This is a list of many of the free or budget friendly things we’ve tried over the years and still find useful. I hope you find these helpful, or that they inspire you to come up with some creative ideas of your own. Happy budget homeschool adventuring!

Budget Adventure Homeschool Ideas:

Camping
- Don’t have gear? Try borrowing from a friend or your local Buy Nothing facebook group. Alternatively, some campsites offer cabins.
Hiking
- Try the AllTrails app to find hikes near you. Not sure whether you can hike with your kids? You can find lots of tips and inspiration here.
Nature play/local parks
Join homeschool group to find free activities and meetups
Entrepreneur fairs
- Your local homeschool group might host one of these
Church events
Save more expensive adventures for vacation/birthday
Take up inexpensive hobbies
- Hiking, mountain biking, bouldering, geocaching, whittling, etc. Even inexpensive at-home hobbies are a way to save the activity budget for bigger trips.
Buy year passes (national parks, state parks, zoo…)/look for coupons
Field trips
- Your local homeschool group may be able to get discounted passes to local events and places of interest. And ask around – some places offer free info sessions.
Travel in the off season
Boondocking
- This is camping outside of a campground. Know the area and whether you’re allowed to camp there. Try calling the local ranger station or using a camping app like Campendium. Alternatively, plan a camping trip in your backyard.
Pack your own food/meals/snacks
- This is a solid way to save a $50+ hangry family emergency fast food stop.
Geocaching
- This is a treasure hunting app. Best part, its completely free and there are hidden treasures everywhere!

Did you find this list helpful? There of tons of things to do for free or inexpensively – share your ideas in the comments!