Good Vibrations

[Kathy T.]

I really want to go to this. It's not too far from where we live. It would be our first Unschooling Convention. What are they typically like?

[Frank Maier]

I've written elsewhere about my reluctance to go to a conference. Once my wife talked me into it, WOW! There's nothing like the real-time, face-to-face connection of a conference. An entire hotel of people who don't yell at their children. An entire hotel of children who mix and mingle freely and happily among age groups. It's a wonderful experience. There are talks by experienced, interesting individuals. There are circle chats, facilitated by a person or persons with experience in the area under discussion. There's SSUD's (Secret Society of Unschooling Dads) for the dads. There are funshops of all sorts.

There's nothing like a conference. I'm almost certain you'll love it. We'll be there; my wife is even speaking there. See her (Ronnie Maier) bio on the Good Vibrations website. http://goodvibrationsconference.com/

[Cindy Miller]

Ok, but Frank if we are "newbies" do you cut us some slack 'cause I'm still learning to breath, and think of two-three choices other than yelling.  :-)   Hope to be doing better by September! 

 

 

[Frank Maier]

Cindy, here's a story Ronnie tells about herself of the time before we were unschooling. "Count to a million, mom!" http://zombieprincess.blogspot.com/2009/05/counting-to-tenten-thous...

[Kathy T.]

I loved that story, Frank!! I just read it aloud to my husband.

Frank Maier said:

Cindy, here's a story Ronnie tells about herself of the time before we were unschooling. "Count to a million, mom!" http://zombieprincess.blogspot.com/2009/05/counting-to-tenten-thous...

[Kathy T.]

I have a range of young aged children from age 9 (then) to age 3(then). Is there a variety of things for each of the ages to do? 

I like that you were the reluctant one to go. As my husband is now. I really hope we can go because I'm gonna need all the reassurance I can get. A couple months after we are going to be staying with my family for a couple of weeks and they are not really understanding our lifestyle. 

Frank Maier said:

I've written elsewhere about my reluctance to go to a conference. Once my wife talked me into it, WOW! There's nothing like the real-time, face-to-face connection of a conference. An entire hotel of people who don't yell at their children. An entire hotel of children who mix and mingle freely and happily among age groups. It's a wonderful experience. There are talks by experienced, interesting individuals. There are circle chats, facilitated by a person or persons with experience in the area under discussion. There's SSUD's (Secret Society of Unschooling Dads) for the dads. There are funshops of all sorts.

There's nothing like a conference. I'm almost certain you'll love it. We'll be there; my wife is even speaking there. See her (Ronnie Maier) bio on the Good Vibrations website. http://goodvibrationsconference.com/

[Frank Maier]

Kathy,

Unschooling conferences are all about families and that definitely includes kids, unlike some types of homeschooling conferences which are pitched at selling products to the adult-teacher. There are funshops (as opposed to workshops - little joke) of all kinds, there is usually a gaming room and/or an electronic gaming room for the online players (no matter their age, a lotta adults play WoW, etc.) The kids all befriend each other pretty quicky and form packs for the weekend. GV is at the same hotel as last time and it has a lovely pool which some kids spend a lotta time in. It is a kid-friendly and kid-intensive environment.

Your hubby (or dh - dear husband - as the oldtimers say) will find support there, too, specifically from the dad's panel, which will feature experienced dads answer questions for everyone, and from the SSUDs meeting, where dads meet in private to speak openly dad-to-dad about concerns, problems, etc.

 

I highly recommend attending a conference. It's a wonderful experience.

 

Kathy T. said:

I have a range of young aged children from age 9 (then) to age 3(then). Is there a variety of things for each of the ages to do? 

I like that you were the reluctant one to go. As my husband is now. I really hope we can go because I'm gonna need all the reassurance I can get. A couple months after we are going to be staying with my family for a couple of weeks and they are not really understanding our lifestyle. 

[Mandy]

Unschooling conferences are a wonderful opportunity, not only to learn more about unschooling from seasoned unschooling speakers like for Good Vibrations there will be Sandra Dodd, Phil Biegler, Robyn Coburn, Holly Dodd, and Ronnie Maeir, to name a few, but also to meet like-minded unschooling families and develop connections and friendship as well. My children have been to 4 unschooling conferences, have made many friends, enjoy the many activities that are available to them, and also lots of extra fun events planned like a beach potluck, pool party, a concert including Amy Steinberg! I think you'll really enjoy it!

Mandy

[Mandy]

As far as activities for young ones, there is usually a toddler room at most conferences, where there are many toys to choose from. As Frank mentioned, Funshops are always a hit with my kids. They are as diverse as the children and families that plan them. My kids have organized many Funshops over the years, Lego Maniacs, Hannah Montana Party, Little Pet shop friends, Pokemon fun, and so much more. My good friend Spramani E'laun from Nature of Art Kids will be hosting an art/workshop/create room where there will be fun, creative arts and crafts going on all weekend. She provides eco-friendly art products and introduces the kids to many different mediums of art.  More on the funshops can be found here: http://goodvibrationsconference.com/funshops.php.   Mandy

[Kathy T.]

I don't think that we'll make it this year. But, I am going to start saving for next year. We promised my brother to spend a Smokey Mtns Thanksgiving with the my whole family. We have to drive (take the train?) from AZ to TN. But, I am saddened that I won't make it this year, though.

[Jess]

Hey quick question...

Do any of you have the exact location of the conference NOT the hotel address but the events location? Since they`re in 2 different places, I am trying to decide if I`m going to stay at the hotel GV is having or somewhere else.

Thanks bunches!

[Frank Maier]

Jess, I'm not sure what you're asking. There are a couple of "off-campus" activities, like surfing, but the conference activities are in the hotel.

 

[Jess]

Oh thanks! I got the impression most of the activities were NOT in the hotel. Oops I totally got that wrong :-)

 

This is good to know.