Homeschooling Florida

Free Kids Fishing Clinic – Fernandina Beach, FL June 12

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:11:21 +0000

Teaching children a lifelong hobby, instilling an appreciation for our marine environment and providing a fun family outing are the objectives for the Fernandina Beach Kids’ Fishing Clinic.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish Florida, Fort Clinch State Park and the Sport Fish Restoration Program present a free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children ages 4-15 on Saturday, June 12. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic will be at Fort Clinch State Park. This free event will enable young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. In addition, environmental displays will give participants a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.

Kids’ Fishing Clinics strive toward several goals, but the main objective is to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. Also, the clinics aspire to teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and provide participants with a positive fishing experience.

Fishing equipment and bait will be supplied for children to use during the clinic, but those who own fishing tackle are encouraged to bring it. A limited number of rods and reels will be given away to participants upon completion of the clinic. If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the pier. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity. An adult must accompany all participants. Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteering at the clinic should contact Marie Bucher with the DEP at 904-277-7233 or Gus Cancro with the FWC at 850-488-6058.

Florida Keys free Kids’ Fishing Clinic set for May 15

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:00:09 +0000

Teaching children a lifelong hobby, instilling an appreciation for our marine environment and providing a fun, family outing are the objectives for the Florida Keys Kids’ Fishing Clinic.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Reef Light Tackle, Boy Scouts Sea Base, Fish Florida and the Sport Fish Restoration Program will present a free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children ages 4-16 on Saturday, May 15. Registration will be 9 a.m. – noon. The clinic will be at the Brinton Environmental Center on Summerland Key.

This free event will enable young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. In addition, environmental displays will provide participants with a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.

If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the marina. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteer at the clinic should contact Mary Thomas at 305-872-7679 or Gus Cancro with the FWC at 850-488-6058.

Panacea free Kids’ Fishing Clinic set for May 8

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:08:04 +0000

Teaching children a lifelong hobby, instilling an appreciation for our marine environment and providing a fun, family outing are the objectives for the Panacea Kids’ Fishing Clinic.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla County, St. Marks Refuge Association and the Sport Fish Restoration Program will present a free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children, ages 4-16 on Saturday, May 8. Registration will be 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The clinic will be at Wooley Park in Panacea.

If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the pier. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteer at the clinic should contact David Moody with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 850-925-6121 or Gus Cancro with the FWC at 850-488-6058.

Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp – Summer Wildlife Learning

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:18:22 +0000

Do your children long to spend their summer days in the great outdoors? Would they
love the chance to learn about wildlife from experts, and hike or canoe with other
children their age?

Then it's time to sign them up for the Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp at the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Ocala Conservation Center in the
Ocala National Forest.  Registration for the 2010 summer sessions has already begun.

The summer camp is for boys and girls, ages 9-15, and focuses on wildlife
conservation, outdoor skills and firearm safety.  This year, the camp offers six
one-week sessions beginning June 20.

The primary goal of the camp program is to help children become good,
conservation-minded sportsmen and wildlife stewards.  They learn these skills and
values through fun and educational programs and pastimes such as fishing, canoeing,
swimming, hiking, archery and many other hands-on outdoor activities.

Tuition is $295 per camper per week and includes lodging, food, program materials
and instruction for each session.  Each week-long session is divided into four
groups, based on individual focus: wildlife and conservation, state-mandated hunter
safety course, hunting skills, and advanced outdoor skills.

"Campers in the wildlife and conservation group go wild exploring nature," said Greg
Workman, director of the Ocala Conservation Center.  "They learn about wildlife
concepts and enjoy many traditional camp activities, as well as gun safety and other
fun, hands-on outdoor activities."

For the camper who wants to take the state-mandated hunter safety course, the hunter
safety group is the way to go.  This program teaches campers how to be safe and
ethical outdoorsmen and women.  They'll learn about wildlife and their habitats and
be able to apply what they learn when they go into the woods.  In addition, they
will have a chance to get their certification, which the law requires before they
can get their hunting license.

"They will receive firearm and archery safety instruction from certified range
safety officers.  They'll also learn basic outdoor skills and field first-aid
training, and do other traditional camp activities," Workman said.

After the campers complete their hunter safety certification, they're eligible for
the advanced bowhunting and archery skills program.  This program carries the
National Bowhunting Education Foundation (NBEF) certification, which some states
require to hunt during archery season.

The African Safari Club of Florida sponsors the final program, which focuses on
wilderness outdoor skills.

"This program is for campers who have an avid interest in the outdoors.  They'll get
to experience several outdoor adventures, including an overnight primitive camping
trip into the forest and hiking on the Florida Trail," Workman said.  "Before
leaving base camp, campers prepare for the experience by learning the fundamentals
of surviving in the wilderness, orienteering, backpacking and preparing a campsite."

The Ocala Conservation Center is on a 57-acre peninsula, rich in history and
wildlife, in Marion County.  It is 20 miles east of Ocala, on Lake Eaton, in the
heart of the Ocala National Forest.  The facilities are rustic, yet comfortable,
with air-conditioned cabins and dining hall.  The classrooms have no walls,
consisting of fishing piers, shooting ranges, nature trails, Lake Eaton and the vast
Ocala National Forest.

For more information or for registration materials for the summer program, call
352-625-2804 or go to
www.OcalaAdventureCamp.com<http://www.ocalaadventurecamp.com/>.

Take Your Child to a Professional Tennis Tournament!

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:15:59 +0000

The MPS Group Championships is a top women’s professional tennis tournament, part of the worldwide Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Celebrating its 31st Anniversary in 2010, the tournament returns to Northeast Florida at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, April 5 – 11.

Each year the tournament features many of the top players and the up-and-coming stars in the game and is one of the most anticipated stops on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour for both players and fans. 2010 promises to be no exception. Playing on green clay, the singles competition includes 32 main draw and 32 qualifying players with a 16 team main draw doubles competition vying for $220,000 in prize money.

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is the world’s leading professional sport for women with over 2,200 players representing 96 nations competing for over $86 million in prize money at the Tour’s 53 events and four Grand Slams in 33 countries. More than 4.8 million people attended women’s tennis events in 2008 with millions more watching events on television networks around the world. The MPS Group Championships is the third oldest U.S. event on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour calendar.

Order tickets today by calling (8OO) 486-8366 and join in the excitement and tradition as the tournament celebrates its 31st anniversary!

Visit the tournament website: http://www.mpsgroupchamps.net

DAILY EVENTS:

Monday April 5

Opening of Main Draw Play. The tournament grounds become alive with singles and doubles professional tennis action on all three match courts.
The Florida Times-Union Day. Stop by the Florida Times-Union booth and receive a specialty designed Autograph Card to enjoy throughout the week when capturing your favorite player autographs.

Tuesday April 6

USTA Member Appreciation Day. USTA members receive $5 off any day or night session Grandstand ticket on Monday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 6. An on-court QuickStart Tennis demonstration will be held between the 1st and 2nd match of the day, followed by an opportunity for kids and parents to try out this new format of play for themselves. With the purchase of a tournament ticket, USTA members are invited to stop by the USTA Hospitality Event from 3:30-4:30p.m. in the TopSpin Tavern for complimentary refreshments, an autograph signing, gifts and more!

Wednesday April 7

Claude Nolan Cadillac Day.
MGD 64 Pre-Match Party. A tournament favorite! All tennis fans of legal drinking age are invited to enjoy free samples of MGD 64. Stop by The TopSpin Tavern from 6:00-7:00pm and enjoy the Happy Hour brought to you by MGD 64, the 64 calorie beer from Miller with only 2.4 Carbs. It’s as Light as it gets!

Thursday April 8

Tail Activewear Thursday. Fans will enjoy a day filled with merchandise discounts, Stadium Court giveaways and raffle drawings all complements of Tail Activewear. To download a coupon for use on Thursday, please click here

Friday April 9

NFPTA Pro Challenge. The much anticipated event featuring local tennis pros competing in a round robin format. Join in the fun and cheer on your favorite local pro. Action takes place from 11:00am – 5:00pm on Courts 1 & 2.
Bombay Sapphire Ace Party. The makers of Bombay Sapphire Gin are serving up an ace – the Sapphire Ace! All tennis fans of legal drinking age are invited to enjoy this free specialty drink designed for tennis fans from 6:00-7:00pm in the TopSpin Tavern.
ATP Legends Exhibition.

Saturday April 10

Semifinal Match-Ups begin at 12:00pm on Stadium Court.
The Tennis Channel will air both singles semifinal matches live from 12:00-4:00pm.

Sunday April 11

Finals: The MPS Group Championships Finals begin at 2:00pm on Stadium Court. Witness the players who have battled their way throughout the tournament week to gain the ultimate spot in the highly anticipated doubles and singles finals!
The Tennis Channel will air the singles final live from 2:00-4:00pm.

Florida County Agricultural Fairs – Jump Start an Interest in Agriculture!

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:47:20 +0000

This week the Clay County Agricultural Fair is in town at the County Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs. Events like these are a great way to jump start a child’s interest in agriculture and livestock husbandry.

County ag fairs are a showcase of local farming efforts and are geared toward displaying the educational side of these hobbies. At a typical county ag fair you will find all kinds of animals: rabbits, goats, chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, horses, turkeys, and other more exotic birds.

Other exhibits at county ag fairs include horticultural exhibits and local expert gardeners and extension agents are on hand to answer any of your questions.

One of our favorite parts of the Clay County Agricultural Fair is the Early Florida Village, which is a collection of restored and replicated buildings from 19th century North FL. The village has a school house, church, blacksmith, barn, farmhouse and other buildings from communities around the county. Reenactment perfomers share their knowledge of the history behind the buildings and the period in which they were in use. There are live demonstrations of typical handicrafts and you can learn about everything from how to keep bees to shoeing a horse.

Here is a link to the Clay County Agricultural Fair: http://www.claycountyfair.org

Here is a link to the Florida Agricultural Dept. Education and Youth Programs: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/education.htm

fpGgAY#sfpaV

Choosing Homeschool Curriculum "Webinar"

El Capitan — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:51:29 +0000

Choosing Curriculum “webinar”
April 23, 2009 from 2:30-4:00 pm

Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of Choosing Curriculum! This webinar will be
a little different from the original information. Several people wanted to discuss
Pre-K through elementary school. Others had questions about high school, SO this
webinar will have 3 sections

2:30-3 PreK through Elementary “It’s Not Rocket Science”
3-3:30 Choosing Curriculum
3:30-4 Middle/High School (including new SPC dual enrollment info)

If you are on the signup for the webinar you may attend whichever parts are of
interest to you. Come just for the Pre-k-Elementary part or stay for the whole
thing…whatever you need.

With a webinar you are able to ask any questions by typing them in (like a chat
room). You will be able to see me and the presentation that I use in a “live”
orientation. You can even come and go from the “meeting room” if life interrupts at
your house.

This is the second in a series of 4 webinars sponsored by the Pinellas Parent
Educators Association.
Florida Homeschool Law and You (March 26) recording of this session available
Choosing Curriculum (April 23)
Homeschool Record-Keeping (May 14)
Your Questions Answered! (June 11)

The first 3 sessions cover the material presented in our homeschool orientation. The
June session is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. You
attend the webinar via your online connection from your own home. This provides
minimal interruption to your daily life.

To sign up for any of the sessions, use this link
https://www.homeschool-life.com/sysfiles/member/custom_public/custom.cfm?memberid=389&customid=3768

Those who are signed up will receive a link to the “meeting room” the day before the
session. Signing up via the website is the only way to receive this link, so don’t
delay!

Questions? contact: Linda wWooldridge PPEAorientation@tampabay.rr.com

Annual Homeschool Talent Night, Arts & Craft Show, and Bake Off Contest

El Capitan — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:49:38 +0000

This is the night for ALL students to shine and share their talents!

Students will have the opportunity to display their art work & creative writings,
share their culinary baking talents, present a monologue, play music, read poetry,
sing, dance, or anything else they would like to share.

What: Annual Homeschool Talent Night, Arts & Craft Show, and Bake Off Contest!

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 7150 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines (West of the
Florida Turnpike and east of BCC Campus on the SE corner of 72nd Ave. & Pines Blvd.)

When: Thursday, April 2, 2009 (7:00pm – 9:00pm)

Cost: FREE!

Please let us know if you or your student(s) would like to participate in our Annual
Arts Festival so we may include them in the program. We will also have tables set
up for students who would like to display their works and creations.

Have a Blessed Day,

Martha Kernohan
Broward Christian Homeschoolers (BCH)
www.browardchristianhomeschoolers.org
bchsupportgroup@bellsouth.net

FPEA Homeschool Convention 2009

El Capitan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:20:20 +0000

The dates for this year’s FPEA Homeschool Convention are May 21st -23rd. The convention is held annually in Orlando. This is “the” homeschool convention in Florida, where most curriculum publishers attend. It’s a great way to talk to them in person and ask all the questions you possibly can think of! Also, you will find all kinds of extra educational products, book sales, as well as inspiration from fellow homeschoolers and educators.

The basic info is:

FPEA Members $40 per family
Non-FPEA Members $80 per family
Deadline for registration: May 1st, 2009
Speakers
Seminars for children
Graduation ceremony
Leadership sessions
Host hotel: Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel ($109 per night)

Here’s some basic info from their webpage:

EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Thursday May 21st from 5:00 till 9:00 p.m.
Friday May 22nd from 9:00a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Saturday May 23rd from 9:00a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

Family Shopping Hours
We welcome children in our exhibit hall and recognize the benefit of a parent’s ability to judge a child’s reaction to a potential curriculum purchase. For your convenience, the exhibit hall will be open on Thursday from 5 p.m.–9 p.m, Friday from 9 a.m – 7 p.m. and Saturday from
9 a.m.– 6 p.m.for paid attendees and their children. Remember that your Convention badges are required for entry.

Please check the convention web page for updates and schedules on speakers, activities, etc.:

http://www.fpea.com/Convention/index.htm

St. Augustine, FL – Castillo de San Marcos Fort

editor — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:21:25 +0000

St. Augustine, FL is a fabulous place for the homeschooling family. The oldest city in the continental United States, it is the perfect place to jumpstart an appreciation of history in your children. There is something for everyone here, from the colonial-era fortifications to the Industrial Age grandeur- economic, architectural, cultural and political, St. Augustine has it all!

If you only have a day in St. Augustine, we recommend that you visit the Fort – otherwise known as the Castillo de San Marcos. Located on the waterfront overlooking the harbor and Matanzas River, it is run by the National Park Service. Children 15 and under get in for free, and children and adults 16 and older must pay a $6 entrance fee.

Various exhibits within the rooms of the fort display artifacts and explain the history of the fort. Since the 1670’s, when the fort as it stands began being built, it has changed hands and has been under four flags – French, Spanish, British and American. Each left its mark on the fort. In addition to canons and artillery there is a 17 minute video that plays on a continual loop depicting how the soldiers would load and fire the cannons.

A visit to the fort can encompass many areas of study, including:

Phyiscs: ballistics based on the cannons & their use
Architecture: why the fort was built the way it was and the advantages of its design
World History: how the fort played a role in strengthening Spain’s stronghold over the region
US History: how the fort played a role in the Civil War and WWII.

Park Rangers are available to answer questions and at set times during the day they give informative talks. Below you will see Part 1 & 2 of one of the rangers as he explains various things about the fort. On certain weekends during the month there are artillery demostrations where they fire off cannons!

Here’s a link to the fort’s National Park Service website: http://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

Here is a video showing a cannon firing re-enactment: