ENOCH of New Jersey e-Newsletter

JUNE 2012

From the President’s Desk

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank all of you (attendees, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers) for making this year’s convention a blessing to so many. This year I was not able to visit with exhibitors or attendees, but I did sit in on a few workshops.  One workshop that I was able to hear was Mike Smith's workshop call Remembering the Reason, Renewing the Vision. Personally, I thought it was a great workshop.  If you missed any session and did not pick up CDs of the workshops; you can order them by clicking here.
 
I would like to address a question I have been asked for a number of years:

• the cost for the Expo Center, decorator and all the speakers is about $40,000.
• Printing brochures, postcards and programs ran about $4500.
• There are supplies, postage, etc. 

We  at ENOCH have endeavored this year to keep our cost down as much as possible, but just like everyone else our costs keep going up.  We have not raised the registration price in a number of years. The Expo Center increased our costs this year and will have another increase next year. These costs we cannot control. This year we had to pay the decorator overtime because the hall had to be empty as quickly as possible for another function that was going to be there on Sunday. Usually the convention is not broken down until the next day.  When I left the convention hall Saturday night at 9:00 all the booths, tables, chair and everything else from our convention were gone and the next function was being setup.  Pretty amazing!

Due to the financial climate of New Jersey, we saw record requests for scholarships for attendees who have struggled with unemployment, health issues, and the list goes on.

Whatever monies we make from the convention, are used to help with legislative issues facing homeschoolers while working with the Task Force. Also, we endeavor to reach our Support Group Leaders with a one day conference in the fall. Plus running the organization.

I hope this answers the question.

Plans for next year’s convention are well underway. The dates are May 17 & 18, 2013. We are working on our speaker lineup, so keep watch on ENOCH's webpage for details.

Career & College Fair

For those who did not attend the convention, ENOCH announced a "Career and College Fair" to be held Saturday, Oct 6th, from 10am - 4pm at the Lincroft Bible Church, in Lincroft, NJ.  The church is just off of Exit 109 of the Garden State Parkway directly across from the main entrance of Brookdale Community College.  Colleges from around the tri-state area will be represented and also people from the community who will be there sharing about their careers.  There will be brief presentations giving by individuals regarding their careers, but they will also be available for you and your teenager to talk to them one on one.  This will be a great opportunity for your teenager to be able ask them questions about their careers, what kind of schooling do you need, etc.  If your son or daughter has a career in mind or maybe they are thinking about several, this will be the opportunity for them to talk with someone in those fields.  Keep an eye out on ENOCH's website and in the summer edition of the ENOCH E-Newsletter for further details.

Thank you.

In His service,
Rich Millward
President

Encouraging Words For Homeschoolers Across The Nation

How To End Your Homeschool Year

 By Daniele Evans

For many of us, the countdown has begun to the end of our homeschool year! We’re wrapping up subjects, polishing off projects, maybe testing, definitely thinking…and moving into planning for next year. Even if we continue on with summer activities and ongoing academic work, the upcoming months offer time for reflection before moving on.

You know, homeschool Mamas can really beat themselves up.

Like the grading system we all experienced, our year is marked with red ink; we calculate deductions, then stare regretfully at our final score. We think of the should-haves, the could-haves, the why-didn’t-I put-more-efforts? Oh, what a self-defeating approach!

While I’m not suggesting we simply pat ourselves on the back, ignoring a need for honest evaluation…I am strongly suggesting we remember this today:

You are doing a beautiful thing.

Yes, you. This sacrificial road you’ve chosen in laboring with Christ by nurturing, training and teaching your children is glorious to Him. Beautiful.

God absolutely delights in receiving our precious sacrifice, and I’m a firm believer that He also thinks we should celebrate it! So, how to end this homeschooling year? Ask questions that lead you to celebrate, and not just evaluate the year:

Did we step out and try anything new? Maybe it didn’t work out quite like you thought, that’s okay. You took the risk for the benefit of your family. Congratulations!

What area am I more confident in than when we started? Take a minute to think back on how this year has grown you. Name a way in which your footing is more sure, your steps more solid.

How has Child A (then B, C, D…) grown in character and confidence this year? Ditto for each child in your family – just think of one word, one subject, one way marking growth.

How did we offer God our best? Again, instead of red-inking the entire content of your year, pause to think of 2-3 ways you know-that-you-know God was honored and praised in your year.

Then comes the fun part — CELEBRATE! Whether big or simple, be intentional about recording answers to these questions (or others you might think of) and finding a way to give a shout out.

Include your children in the thinking and planning :: a special lunch or evening party as a family? perhaps a field trip or outing? Scripture is filled with God-ordained feasts and celebrations of remembrance, of giving praise for things gone well.

Shouldn’t our lives reflect this?

Celebrate the beauty of your homeschool year…

This article by Daniele Evans was originally published at Bright Ideas Press and is used with permission.  Daniele is a homeschooling Mom of five blessings and enjoys sharing encouragement for the heart of mothers at her blog, Domestic Serenity (www.domesticserenity.org)

Homeschool Reflections

by ToniDiGiovacchino

As the school year draws to a close, I am reminiscent of when my homeschool journey began 9 years ago. "I can’t homeschool" was my thought for over a year, as my teen aged daughter continually asked to be homeschooled.  I had no concept of what homeschooling was; let alone where to even begin.  So as with many important decisions, I took it to the Lord in prayer.  The answer I wanted to hear was not what the Lord had planned for me and my family.  I thought for sure the Lord understood that I was working part-time from home with a toddler under foot all day.  I thought for sure the Lord knew I had no clue where to even begin; let alone actually homeschool my daughter!  Well, my plan was not the plan the Lord had in mind for us. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29: 11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.”  Well, he definitely had a different plan for us than I did!

The Lord began to soften my heart.  He planted seeds of curiosity.  I began to research what homeschooling was all about.  To my surprise, the amount of information was actually a bit overwhelming.  The Lord knew that in advance too.  He had already placed some homeschooling families in my life through our church.  So, I began to ask questions and learn about homeschooling. I soon realized all the wonderful opportunities it would give to us as a family.  The Lord was definitely leading me to homeschool my daughter. 

We found  a curriculum that would work for both my daughter and me.  I joined a homeschool co-op and a homeschool fellowship group.  I picked the brains of the veteran moms and dads to see how they homeschooled.  I made lasting friendships with them.  Some of those moms and dads are my closest friends now.  I don’t know how I would have made it through those early years without the help and advice of those in my homeschool groups.  

I am on the other end of the journey at this point in my life.  I am now able to share all the Lord has done through homeschooling for my family with others.  As my son graduates from the eighth grade this year, my homeschooling journey is coming to an end.  I only have a few more years left.  Where does the time go?

I am so thankful the Lord had other plans for us.  I am so grateful he chose to change my heart and mind.  I would have missed so many wonderful blessings he had already planned for us.  I only hope that I can share with the homeschooling community some of those wonderful blessings! 

 So, I encourage you to join a homeschool support group!  They are a great source of encouragement, advice, knowledge, and wisdom. There are a great number of groups throughout NJ. Many of which you can find right on the ENOCH website! (ENOCH is a great place to start!)  

Will you let the Lord guide you? “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘…plans to give you hope and a future.’”  (Jeremiah 29:11)Your child’s future is in your hands. Let the Lord lead you on your homeschooling journey. He has a much better plan for you and your family! 

Homeschool Encouragement: Reflections from a Homeschool Graduate 

by Rachel Cross

To all the homeschool moms out there who fret over whether you are educating your children the “right” way – this post is for you!

As a product of homeschooling myself, I remember my mom often feeling uncertain of her ability to offer us a solid education. In those days, homeschooling was not very common and many people were rather vocal in their disapproval and doubt as to its validity. But my mom ignored the naysayers, stuck to her guns, and chose to offer us the education she felt was best.

Looking back now, I am deeply grateful to my mother for choosing to homeschool my brother and me. I often reflect upon the wonderful gifts I found in our homeschool. In this post, I’d like to share the rewards I have reaped and remind you that you are giving your child something unique and beautiful through the choice to homeschool.

Here are seven of the wonderful advantages homeschooling gave me.

1. A Love of Learning

Perhaps the greatest gift homeschooling gave me was a deep love of learning.

In our family, the day our books arrived in the mail was always a day of celebration. Why? Because learning was fun.

Inside those books were new things to be discovered, learned, and treasured. Of course, I might have developed a love of learning had I experienced a more “conventional” form of schooling, but homeschooling gave my parents the exclusive ability to create an environment in which the prevailing attitude in which I was immersed was that learning was a fun, interesting, exciting journey.

2. The Ability to Self-Start

If you are currently homeschooling, you are aware of the need for your child to take the initiative in his or her learning.

Though this might feel like a curse at times, in the end, it is truly a gift. When your child arrives at college, he or she will be hard-wired with a set of self-starting skills that are essential in higher education. Even if you use an online program that basically sets up a virtual classroom, the learning your child achieves at home is still accomplished in a large part by his or her own efforts and mental tenacity.

3. A Nurturing Learning Environment

One of my fondest memories from my homeschool is learning to read on my mother’s lap. I was a good reader, but I lacked confidence. Nestled in my mom’s lap, I had a safe place in which I could build confidence and also make a lot of sweet memories.

Homeschooling can provide one of the most nurturing environments for a child. In the loving arms of a parent, the child is free to develop at a pace that is natural to him or her.

4. Opportunities in Entrepreneurship

One of the beauties of homeschooling is that it allows time to pursue education outside of the traditional classroom environment. My family capitalized on this opportunity by helping both me and my brother start our own small businesses.

At the age of nine, I started my own bread business. Every Friday was my business day. I would look at my orders and bake accordingly. I actually made quite a bit of money and opened my first checking account. The sense of accomplishment for a nine-year-old was great. Plus, I learned how to make homemade bread! All of this was considered part of my “schooling.”

5. Close Family Relationships

While any family can be close regardless of educational choice, homeschooling lends itself towards close family ties. Spending hours in the same classroom with siblings may bring conflict, but it also brings closeness.

The memories and bond my brother and I share from our years of being homeschooled together are priceless to us.

6. Diverse Learning Environments

Do you know any children who learned their twelve times tables by boxing chicken eggs? Well, I did! Granted, we lived on a farm, but it was the freedom that came with homeschooling that allowed me to learn things like math in the context of daily life.

The opportunities and options for this are endless in a homeschool setting. Is your child drawn to cooking? A lot of chemistry can be learned in the kitchen! Learning about photosynthesis? Let your children help in the garden.

Homeschool gives parents the freedom and time to pursue these unique learning environments.

7. The Capacity to Dream

Finally, our homeschool gave me a capacity to dream. Education was something that was within my grasp. If I wanted to learn something new, I could!

Now, even as an adult, I still have the same feeling that the next educational or career step is only an effort away.

Anything can be learned if one simply seeks to learn it.

What do you hope your children will take away when they graduate from your homeschool?

This post was  written by Rachel Cross of From the Pantry on August 27, 2010 .  The original post can be found at:
http://simplehomeschool.net/homeschool-encouragement-reflections-from-a-homeschool-graduate/

ENOCH is on facebook and twitter!

         

 For the latest updates, trip ideas, homeschool events, and more - we can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
On Facebook, look for ENOCH of New Jersey. For Twitter, EnochNJ. 

About HSLDA

Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a strong voice when and where needed.

HSLDA advocates on the legal front on behalf of our members in matters which include conflicts with state or local officials over homeschooling. Each year, thousands of member families receive legal consultation by letter and phone, hundreds more are represented through negotiations with local officials, and dozens are represented in court proceedings. HSLDA also takes the offensive, filing actions to protect members against government intrusion and to establish legal precedent. On occasion, HSLDA will handle precedent-setting cases for nonmembers, as well.

HSLDA advocates on Capitol Hill by tracking federal legislation that affects homeschooling and parental rights. HSLDA works to defeat or amend harmful bills, but also works proactively, introducing legislation to protect and preserve family freedoms.

HSLDA advocates in state legislatures, at the invitation of state homeschool organizations, by assisting individual states in drafting language to improve their homeschool legal environment and to fight harmful legislation.

HSLDA advocates in the media by presenting articulate and knowledgeable spokesmen to the press on the subject of homeschooling. HSLDA staff members are regularly called upon for radio, television, and print interviews, and their writings are frequently published in newspapers and magazines across the country. HSLDA’s own bimonthly magazine, The Home School Court Report, provides news and commentary on a host of current issues affecting homeschoolers. And its two-minute daily radio broadcast, Home School Heartbeat, can be heard on nearly 500 radio stations.

HSLDA advocates for the movement by commissioning and presenting quality research on the progress of homeschooling. Whether it’s in print, from the podium, or on the air, HSLDA provides insightful vision and leadership for the cause of homeschooling.

Home School Legal Defense Association . . . tens of thousands of American families working together with HSLDA to preserve each other’s right to homeschool . . . together, “Advocates for Family & Freedom.”

Why Join HSLDA?

Protects your right to homeschool and defends your family. A lawyer is on call 24/7.
Provides fast help by phone or email: Get direct answers to your specific questions about home education. Veteran homeschooling parents are available to answer your questions and help you find resources for teaching your children:

• Early years (PreK–8th grade)
• High school (including preparing for college or career paths)
• Struggling learners (special needs/gifted and talented)

Preserves homeschool freedom for all families by promoting homeschooling nationwide, as well as by working with state homeschooling groups to pass homeschool-friendly legislation and stop unfavorable bills at the state and federal levels. 

Partners you with the cause: Although homeschooling is recognized in every state, HSLDA receives phone calls each day from families whose right to homeschool is being challenged or discriminated against by school officials, social workers, employers, colleges, armed services recruitment officers, and government bureaucrats. The customizable nature of homeschooling defies the educational elite’s ideal of mandatory, uniform indoctrination—making parental choice in education a target for elimination.  By joining HSLDA, you are supporting families who are fighting for their right to homeschool today and standing together to preserve homeschooling freedom for tomorrow.  

You can receive ENOCH's Discount Number to save on your HSLDA Membership by contacting ENOCH via the Office Email, office@enochnj.org.
For more information visit the HSLDA website:  www.hslda.org 

OTHER EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Camps for Summer Fun

Life Center Sports Camps

Life Center Sports Camps – www.lifecenternj.org
Fountain of Life Center , Burlington , NJ

With over a century of combined coaching experience, Life Center Sports Camps will provide sport specific training within an environment that promotes skill development, good sportsmanship, appreciation of athletics and its life lessons, service, safety and fun.
Life Center Sports Camps focus will be on building character, playing hard and honoring God.

Location: Life Center
2035 Columbus Road
Burlington, NJ 08016
Life Center Sports Camps – www.lifecenternj.org

Ages: Entering 3rd through Eighth Grades in September 2012
Cheerleading – Entering Kindergarten through Eighth Grades
September 2012

Contact: sportscamps@lcmail.org
Phone 609-499-8967

Dates/Times Half Day Camps 9 am to 12:30 pm
(extended care available)

Baseball – July 9th to July 13th
Girls Basketball – July 16th to July 20th
Boys Basketball – July 23rd to July 27th
Girls Soccer – July 30th to August 3rd
Softball – August 6th to August 10th
Boys Soccer – August 13th to August 17th
Full Day Camps 9 am to 3 pm\ (extended care available)
Cheerleading (K through 4th Grade) – July 9th to July 13th
Cheerleading - (5th to 8th Grade) - August 6th to August 10th

Camp Rock

Camp Rock – www.camprocknj.org
Fountain of Life Center , Burlington , NJ

Camp Rock includes:
Indoor/Outdoor sports
Arts/Crafts
Creative Arts
Nature Trail
Team building games
Bowling
Adventures with Food
Amazing Theme Days
Field Trips
Waterplay/Swimming
Dynamic Devotions

For more information or to register visit:    www.camprocknj.org

Homeschool Shakespeare Class

Yes!  Shakespeare can be fun! His plays were meant to be performed, not just studied in the classroom.  Come join Mrs. Fung’s class and you will be able to fulfill a high school requirement while making friends with a group of passionately creative homeschoolers.

For the past eight years, students have perfected their comedic chops in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, brought tears to audience members’ eyes in Richard III, and won awards for stage combat scenes in As You Like It.  Throughout the year, Mrs. Fung will cover a gamut of theatre skills, including acting technique, choral recitation, and play analysis with an emphasis on Shakespeare’s texts.  The class will culminate in an intense rehearsal process and performance of one Shakespeare play.  All class members will have the chance to participate in Shakesperience:NJ, a Shakespeare festival sponsored by the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ (www.shakespearenj.org) and the Folger Shakespeare Library (www.folger.edu). 

This class is for students in grades 9-12 and mature students in grades7 and 8.  It will run from September 2012 to May 2013 on Mondays for 2.25 hours between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm (exact class time TBD.)  Tuition of $150.00 is due at the beginning of the first class, and student commitment is expected for the whole year.  Classes will be held at Rutgers Community Christian Church (www.rccc.org).  New students must audition in late August for acceptance into the class!  To make an audition appointment, and for additional information, email May Fung at may@cfung.net.   The class will be closed once the maximum of 20 students is reached, so act quickly!
May Fung is a graduate of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu) and is Drama Director at Rutgers Community Christian Church.

Classical Voice Training

For Homeschooled Students

Everyone has a built-in musical instrument:  their own voice! 

Janet Santmann, an internationally acclaimed soprano and 20-year veteran of the operatic and concert stage, has been teaching singing for years, and loves to nurture the vocal and artistic gifts in young people.  She is also a former homeschooling mom.  Janet offers private voice lessons in her Belle Mead studio.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.learningmusician.com/janetsantmann

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PUBLICATION DATES

ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletter NEXT DEADLINE

Here are the deadlines for the upcoming ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletters.  The deadlines are firm and coordinated so that we can get you a fresh newsletter by the first of each month. Thanks.

July 2012:  No newsletter this month.
August 2012:  Wednesday, July  25th
September 2012:  Friday, August 24th*Please note the change in date!  Thank you.

Send all submissions to newsletter@enochnj.org.  This deadline serves the purpose of allowing time for editing and formatting the newsletter in order that time-sensitive information can be posted and mailed in a timely manner.

Final editing begins at the deadline.  Submissions prior to the deadline are always welcome and encouraged.
 
Posting and emailing is normally by the 1st of the month (except for the June issue).
 
Thanks for your help in getting the newsletter delivered promptly.

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Why and How to Subscribe
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter, you can subscribe now!  If you would like the e-Newsletter delivered directly to your e-mailbox each month, go to Monthly Newsletter link on our website at www.enochnj.org.
 
Encourage your support group members to subscribe to the ENOCH email list!  Include this portion of our newsletter in your monthly hardcopy newsletter.  Get the word out that this newsletter is for them!   We use our subscription list to notify the homeschooling community of changes to our website, of the Convention and our Leadership Conference, alerts, and other important news.
 
All submissions desiring consideration for publication in the e-Newsletter should be sent to newsletter@enochnj.org.  Thanks.
 
ENOCH of NJ
Box 308
Atlantic Highlands NJ 07716
732.291.7800
office@enochnj.org
www.enochnj.org
 
Neither the ENOCH e-Newsletter, nor the Board of Directors for ENOCH New Jersey, endorses nor recommends any of the non-ENOCH programs, events, or opportunities listed. They are selectively provided as a service to those who wish to explore further. To remove your email from this mailing list, click here: http://www.enochnj.org/index.php?ACT=5&id=ZEbMxuzeJH