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2018 MÂCHÉ Conference & Curriculum Fair
April 13, 2018 @ 8:00 am - April 14, 2018 @ 5:30 pm
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2018 MÂCHÉ Conference & Curriculum Fair
April 13, 2018 - April 14, 2018
Mayo Civic Center • Rochester, Minnesota
"A VISION Bigger Than Ourselves"
“… That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
VISION, the highlighted word in our 2018 convention theme, has many facets. A vision for excellence. A vision for discipleship. A vision for tomorrow’s leaders in our homes, churches, and workplaces. A vision for success.
But is our vision too shortsighted? As home education has become more widely accepted as a viable educational option, it has taken on a variety of faces, even to the extent of looking similar to a public school experience. A focus on academics and extra-curricular activities is becoming the norm, with the Christian influence and discipleship aspect only at a minimum. Knowing how easily our view can be clouded by what the secular world is saying, we want to help you clarify and focus on answering the question: What is God’s limitless Vision for me and my family?
This year’s convention is going to expand your vision for your family with speakers and sessions that will inspire, encourage, and help give you a clear, bold vision for the true potential God has given each of your children. Let’s look beyond the academics, the math lesson, the science experiment, and even the aced ACT/SAT exams. Let’s look beyond a child’s special limitations and comprehend the beautiful blessing within that marvelous creation which God has made. Let’s look beyond the aspirations we as parents have for our children’s future. Whatever your vision is, let’s look beyond …
“… That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Grasp the immeasurable opportunities that you have been given. Envision God’s incomparable work of art as you prayerfully anticipate God’s perfect, unfolding panorama!
ADVERTISERS, EXHIBITORS, and SPEAKERS
MÂCHÉ recognizes the advantage of working together with our advertisers, exhibitors, and speakers to benefit the many home educating families in Minnesota. It builds a strong organization and provides a great resource of wisdom, both of which are important in strengthening home education across the state and ultimately our nation.
If you are interested in participating with MÂCHÉ in encouraging and equipping Minnesota home educators, the following information may be of interest to you. The opportunities listed on this page are particular to the MÂCHÉ conference and its conference publications.
MÂCHÉ has just created a new ADVERTISING KIT which you may also want to consider. It contains opportunities for advertising in The Paper MÂCHÉ magazine, The NonPaper MÂCHÉ E-bulletin, and on our website home page. If you want more information about advertising for our non-conference publications, contact the Advertising Coordinator at info@mache.org or 763-717-9070 (866-717-9070).
If you would like to see our SPONSORSHIP KIT or would like more information on becoming a conference sponsor, contact Jim Brinker at sponsor@mache.org.
ADVERTISING IN THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM BOOKLET
Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MÂCHÉ) is making available the opportunity to purchase advertising space in our Conference Program Booklet, which will be distributed to over 5,000 attendees at MÂCHÉ's Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair. (To see a previous conference program booklet, click HERE.)
Size and Pricing
Ad space in MÂCHÉ's Conference Program Booklet is priced as follows:
- Full page ad (7 1⁄2" by 10" printable space) = $600
- Half page ad (7 1⁄2" by 4 3⁄4" printable space) = $350
- Quarter page ad (3 1⁄2" by 4 3⁄4" printable space) = $220
- Eighth page ad (3 1⁄2" by 2 3⁄8" printable space) = $120
Graphics Specifics
- The ad must be in full color.
- Electronic graphic files will be accepted in PDF and JPEG formats only.
- Your submission must be the correct size of the ad which you have paid for and must have a resolution of 300 dpi. No bleeds are accepted.
- Ads designed in word-processing programs (MSWord, WordPerfect), presentation/drawing programs (PowerPoint, Publisher, Paint) or similar programs not uniquely designed for publishing will not be accepted.
- You might consider offering a special deal in your ad for post-conference purchases. For instance, "free shipping" or "10% off" purchases made by a specific date would encourage conference attendees to refer to your ad long after the conference closes, giving your product more exposure than ever before. This is also a good place for your web address to appear.
Cancellation Policy for Advertising in the Conference Program Booklet
Reimbursement for a cancelled advertisement is as follows:
- Eight weeks or more before the conference: full refund, minus a $25 service fee.
- Less than eight weeks before the conference: no refund.
Guidelines
MÂCHÉ requires adherence to the following general guidelines and reserves the right to limit the size or reject any ad without explanation.
- The ad must not undermine MÂCHÉ's STATEMENT OF FAITH (included in this document).
- The ad must be pertinent to home education.
- The ad must not be offensive to Christians.
- The ad must not be a government-funded program.
- The ad must be a color JPEG high-resolution (print quality) digital file.
- The ad must be paid for in advance.
Procedure for Submitting an Ad
The procedure for purchasing and submitting an ad for the conference program booklet is as follows:
- For 2018, all advertisers should go to our Exhibitor Registration Form to set up an account as a MÂCHÉ advertiser on our new website. This is a one time account set-up.
- Fill in the information on that page, then click SUBMIT.
- You will be sent an email giving you information on how to continue purchasing your advertising in the MÂCHÉ conference program booklet.
General Procedural Information:
- All advertisers MUST purchase their ads online before they submit their ad files.
- Ad purchases MUST be made by January 31.
- You will receive an automated invoice/receipt from MÂCHÉ via email.
- Forward a copy of the invoice/receipt to our MÂCHÉ advertising editor via info@mache.org with "MÂCHÉ Advertising Editor" written in the subject line. This will let her know what size ad you have purchased and she can reserve the ad space while waiting for your ad files.
- Transmit the digitized files to our MÂCHÉ advertising editor via info@mache.org. All ad files MUST be submitted no later than February 9.
- Make sure you provide your complete contact information (with a current working email address) so the editor can contact you if there are further questions which need answers.
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EXHIBITING WITH MÂCHÉ
Submissions for the MÂCHÉ conference exhibit hall will be accepted beginning in August. Products for sale or services provided should be of educational use or of great interest to home educating families. MÂCHÉ reserves the right to accept or reject an exhibitor without explanation.
Returning Exhibitors
For 2018, all exhibitors should go to our Exhibitor Registration Form to set up an account as a MÂCHÉ exhibitor on our new website. This is a one-time account set-up and will not be necessary in future years.
- Fill in the information on that page, then click SUBMIT.
- You will be sent an email giving you information on how to continue purchasing your exhibitor booths in the exhibit hall.
New Exhibitor Candidates
New exhibitors for the MÂCHÉ Conference and Curriculum Fair must submit the following information in order to be considered:
- Brief biographical sketch of yourself and your business
- Brochure or catalogue of your business
- Sample of what you would be selling or services that you would offer
- Contact phone number and mailing address
- Your website address
- Your current working email address
- The name of the person with whom we would be corresponding
MÂCHÉ will continue to invite new exhibitors until the exhibit hall is full. MÂCHÉ will post a notice on this page when we are no longer accepting applications. Submitted materials will not be returned.
Address your correspondence to:
Conference Exhibit Hall Coordinator
MÂCHÉ
P.O. Box 32308
Fridley, MN 55432
Exhibitor Advertising Opportunities
All invited exhibitors, whether or not they attend the MÂCHÉ Conference and Curriculum Fair, may participate in the following: advertising in the Conference Program Booklet, submitting flyers for our conference bags, and supporting MÂCHÉ through sponsorships.
- MÂCHÉ Conference Program Booklet, an attractive, 44+ page booklet, contains details of the conference weekend and numerous exhibitor advertisements. MÂCHÉ distributes copies at the conference to approximately 2,500 attending family units (5,000 attendees). To look at a sample conference program booklet, click HERE.
- Conference bags contain a collection of advertising flyers from various homeschool-related businesses. Bags are distributed to each of the 2,500 attending family units (5,000 attendees). MÂCHÉ has selected AllianceBags as its bagging service. Contact AllianceBags at info@AllianceBags.com for pricing and further information, or visit their Website.
- Sponsorships are available to help support various MÂCHÉ projects both for the conference and for the organization as a whole. For more information, contact Jim Brinker at sponsor@mache.org.
Once accepted as an exhibitor, you will receive further information in your exhibitor invitation letter concerning each of these opportunities.
Application Timeline
- August 1: MÂCHÉ will begin reviewing information from exhibitor and advertiser candidates.
- Early September: MÂCHÉ will send all selected exhibitors and advertisers an invitation and instructions for online registration. This letter will explain the details of exhibiting, including costs and availability of exhibitor workshops, advertising with AllianceBags.com, and purchasing advertisements in the Conference Program Booklet. Exhibitor registration will begin in early September.
- Mid-November: Exhibitors who wish to have their names included in The Paper MÂCHÉ - Conference Issue magazine (Please note that this is a different MÂCHÉ publication than the Conference Program Booklet) and on the “Online Exhibitor List” must complete an application by this time in order for us to meet our publication deadlines. (The Paper MÂCHÉ - Conference Issue magazine is mailed out January 1.) If space in the exhibit hall is available after this deadline, exhibitors may still submit an application to participate. These exhibitors' names will not be listed in The Paper MÂCHÉ - Conference Issue magazine, but will be included on the “Online Exhibitor List.” Advertisers may continue to submit advertising applications through January 31.
- January 1: The Paper MÂCHÉ - Conference Issue magazine will be mailed to all of the previous three years' conference attendees and all MÂCHÉ members (approximately 5,000 family units). MÂCHÉ conference attendee registration will begin.
- February 1: Advertiser applications must be completed by this time in order to be included in the Conference Program Booklet. The specific deadline is included in your advertising invitation letter.
- Mid-March: Application to participate in the AllianceBags.com conference bags must be completed. The specific deadline varies from year to year, but the deadline for the current year will be included in your MÂCHÉ exhibitor invitation letter.
- Mid-April: The MÂCHÉ Conference begins. (Specific dates vary from year to year.)
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FAQs
What does it cost to exhibit?
Booth prices increase by $50.00 after the Early Registration deadline (listed in your Exhibitor Invitation Letter).
- Single booth - $435
- Two In-line booths - $920
- Two-booth EndCap - $1,175 - (6 available)
- Three In-line booths - $1,565 - (4 available)
- Four In-line booths - $2,145 - (2 available)
- Four-booth EndCap - $2,700 - (6 available)
- Six-booth EndCap - $4,460 - (3 available)
- Eight-booth EndCap - $5,945 - (2 available)
- Workshops (60 minutes each) - $120 each - (42 available)
What size are the booth spaces?
Each booth space is 10'x10' at all three venues - Rochester, Duluth and St. Paul
What is included in each booth?
- One 8'x2' table
- Two folding chairs
- One small sign with your business's name on it
What are the set-up and tear-down days and times?
- Set-up: Thursday afternoon prior to the conference, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
- Tear-down: Saturday beginning at 5:30 PM until done.
What are the exhibit hall hours?
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
When can I get into the exhibit hall in the mornings?
7:00 AM
What is included in the exhibitor workshop room?
- A screen, a microphone and a lectern
- Overhead projectors are no longer available at any of our venues.
- If you need a Power Point projector, you will need to make those arrangements through the DECC (when in Duluth), from Brede (when in St. Paul or Rochester), or you may bring your own.
What is the cancellation policy for an exhibitor booth?
- At least 8 weeks before the conference: You will receive a full refund, less a $25.00 handling fee.
- Between 5-8 weeks before the conference: There will be a half refund, less a $25.00 handling fee.
- Less than 5 weeks before the conference: There will be no refund.
How do I order electricity or Internet service?
These need to be ordered directly from the facility either beforehand or onsite. Cost is higher if ordered onsite. Forms are available on the venues' websites.
- St. Paul RiverCentre: http://rivercentre.s3.amazonaws.com/doc/2017-Facility-Rates.pdf
- Rochester Mayo Civic Center: https://mayociviccenter.com/exhibitors/exhibitor-information
How do I ship my products to the venue site?
- St. Paul RiverCentre: Check with Brede at http://www.brede.com/Home/OnlineOrdering.aspx
- Duluth DECC: http://www.brede.com/Home/OnlineOrdering.aspx
- Rochester Mayo Civic Center: Check with Brede at http://www.brede.com/Home/OnlineOrdering.aspx
Where do I unload? Where do I park?
Each facility has a web page where exhibitors can get this information and download maps for both loading and parking. See the web addresses listed above.
Can I bring food into the convention hall?
No, unless you have a specific medical need (such as diabetes or extreme food allergies) and then you need to have medical proof (a medical alert ID tag, a prescription, or a doctor’s note). Each venue’s caterer works hard to accommodate those who are gluten-, dairy-, nut-intolerant.
What is the sales tax for my products?
- Sales tax for Rochester is 7.875%
- Sales tax for St. Paul is 7.625%
- Sales tax for Duluth is 8.375%
Can I receive an advanced copy of the exhibit hall floor plan?
No.
When will I receive information regarding next year’s conference?
All Exhibitors selected by the MÂCHÉ Exhibit Hall Coordinator will receive a letter of invitation for the conference exhibit hall in early September. This letter explains all the details necessary to register.
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SPEAKING FOR MACHE
There are two types of speaking opportunities at the annual MÂCHÉ Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair: MÂCHÉ Workshop Speaker and Exhibitor Workshop Speaker.
- MÂCHÉ Conference Workshop Speakers
MÂCHÉ invites speakers to share practical information on a variety of subjects of interest to home educating families. The process of inviting speakers to speak at our conference begins during the early summer months, so begin your application process early.
We need a Speaker Packet from each of our potential speakers before starting the consideration process. This packet may be submitted either digitally (email) or by mail.
Please submit the following information:
- Biographical sketch with a recent photo
- Website address
- Phone number and mailing address
- A current working e-mail address
- List of references or conferences where you have spoken in the past
- Titles and descriptions of the workshop topics that you present
- An audio recording of one of your workshop presentations
Address your correspondence to:
MÂCHÉ Speaker Coordinator
P.O. Box 32308
Fridley, MN 55432
Or you may send it digitally (email) to: info@mache.org (SUBJECT: MACHE Speaker Coordinator).
MÂCHÉ will keep your information for several years and refer to it when considering speakers for future conferences. The speaker coordinator will contact you if your workshop presentation(s) works well with the overall goal and theme of the current conference.
MÂCHÉ does not return submitted materials.
MÂCHÉ decides which speakers to invite to speak at the conference and reserves the right to accept or reject any speaker without explanation.
- Exhibitor Workshop Speaker
When MÂCHÉ accepts an exhibitor's application to sell products or services in the exhibit hall at the annual conference, the exhibitor is also sent an application to be an exhibitor workshop speaker.
Exhibitor workshop speakers conduct workshops that demonstrate and/or explain products they sell or services they offer as exhibitors at the MÂCHÉ Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair.
For more information about being an exhibitor at a MÂCHÉ conference, go to the EXHIBITING WITH MÂCHÉ section above.
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MÂCHÉ STATEMENT OF FAITH
The corporation will promote and its board members and officers will believe and profess the following Statement of Faith:
- The Bible is the verbally* inspired, infallible, literal, written, Word of God and constitutes His completed and final revelation to man. It is the sole rule of faith and practice for the believer. The Bible, in its original autographs,** is without error in whole and in part, including theological concepts as well as geographical and historical details.
- God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ is God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, come in human flesh, born of a virgin, being fully God and fully man, except without sin.
- We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
- Apart from Christ, all men are in violation of God’s righteous requirements and His Holy character both by nature and act, and are therefore under His wrath and just condemnation.
- The central purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was Man’s redemption, to demonstrate God’s all-Holy character that He alone is just and the One Who justifies. Jesus Christ alone paid the penalty for man’s sin through His substitutionary death on the cross, the successful accomplishment of which was attested to by His subsequent visible, bodily resurrection.
- Salvation is God’s free gift to the sinner. By God’s grace alone, this gift must be responded to by individual repentance with faith, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, but in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
- We believe in the Church – a living, spiritual body of which Christ is the head and of which all regenerated people in this age are members. We believe that a local church is a company of believers in Jesus Christ, and associated for worship, work, fellowship, and learning together. We believe that the local church is critical to God’s purpose for this age and that every Christian should be accountable to and involved with a local church.
- We believe marriage is a God-ordained institution consisting of the union of one biological man and one biological woman.
- We believe God has given parents the responsibility of training and teaching their own children.
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* “verbally” – that is, “every word” of the original writings of Scripture was given by the Holy Spirit who superintended each writer and used the unique background and style of each writer in selecting the precise words God wanted to use. In other words, each writer of the Scripture was controlled by the Holy Spirit of God in the choice of the words which he used in communicating divine truth. (Matthew 5:18; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
** “autographs” – a person’s own handwriting or self-recording. Each writer’s original manuscript. Inspiration does not necessarily apply to copies of the original manuscript.
ONLINE FEES
Early Bird Fee: January 1 - 31 ..... $ 80
MÂCHÉ members (20% off) ..... $ 64 Teen Track (ages 13-18) ..... $ 60
Student/Child (ages 18 months-18 years) * ..... $ 30
Infants (0-18 months) ..... FREE
Grandparent ..... FREE
Regular Registration Fee: February 1 - March 16 ..... $ 90
MÂCHÉ member (20% off) ..... $ 72
Teen Track (ages 13-18) ** ..... $ 60
Student/Child (18 months-18 years) * ..... $ 30
Infant (0-18 months) ..... FREE
Grandparent ..... FREE
Online/onsite Registration Fee: March 17 - April 14 ..... $110
MÂCHÉ member (20% off) ..... $ 88
Teen Track (ages 13-18) ** ..... $ 60
Student/Child (ages 18 months-18 years) * ..... $ 40
Infant (0-18 months) ..... FREE
Grandparent ..... FREE
MAIL-IN FEES
Regular Registration Fee: January 1 - March 16 *** ..... $90
MÂCHÉ member (20% off) ..... $72
Teen Track (ages 13-18) ** ..... $60
Student/Child (ages 18 months-18 years) * ..... $30
Infant (0-18 months) ..... FREE
Grandparent ..... FREE
* Who are not attending the teen track.
** If space is still available.
*** After March 16, you will need to register online or onsite.
Accelerated Christian Education
American Heritage Girls - Faith, Service, Fun
Apologia Educational Ministries
Associated Speech & Language Specialists, LLC
Bethlehem College and Seminary
BJU Press/HomeWorks by Precept
Brain Balance Achievement Center
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)
Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM)
HEPPNER'S LEGACY Homeschool Resources
Home Based Educators' Accrediting Association
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
Institute for Cultural Communicators
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Learning Lifeguard, LLC
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
MN Student Statesmanship Institute
National Christian Forensics and Communications Association
Patriotic Heritage Honor Guard
Pumpkin Seed Press
RAACHE: Rochester Area Association of Christian Home Educators
RightStart Mathematics by Activities for Learning
Rod & Staff Publishers
ShillerLearning: Montessori at Home
The Wilderness Fellowship Ministries
Trinity Bible College & Graduate School
REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
- Children and Infants
Conference weekend is a “parent education” opportunity. Many home educating parents use this weekend as an annual getaway as a couple. However, we understand that some parents desire to bring their children and we give them that option, as long as the children are quiet, orderly, and stay with their parents at all times. There are no supervised activities for children under 13 years of age. Small children sit on parents’ laps or on the floor until the workshop begins, then they can take seats if any are still available. - Grandparents
Grandparents are invited to participate in the MÂCHÉ conference and to learn as much as they can about home education. Grand-parents who are not home educating their own children may attend the conference at no charge with their registered children. Register grandparents on your registration form. Their name tags will be in the same envelope as yours. - Missionaries
Missionaries who are on deputation and have never attended a MÂCHÉ conference may attend as MÂCHÉ’s guests at no charge. Send an official prayer card (or newsletter) and a letter of request to attend the conference (include email and phone number) to Missionary Conference Registration, PO Box 32308, Fridley, MN 55432 or email to info@mache.org. Letters must be received no later than March 16, 2018. Each missionary will receive a phone call and email confirmation after the information has been reviewed. - Pastors
Pastors who are not home educating their own children and have never attended a MÂCHÉ conference may attend at no charge. Using official church stationery (including email and phone number), send a written request to attend the MÂCHÉ conference. Mail to Pastor Conference Registration, PO Box 32308, Fridley, MN 55432 or email to info@mache.org. Letters must be received no later than March 16, 2018. Each pastor will be contacted by MÂCHÉ after his information has been received. - Volunteer Scholarships
MÂCHÉ is able to provide volunteer scholarships to adults and students who are 16 years of age or older and are willing to work at least six hours during the conference. For more information about work scholarships, click the “Registration Discount for Volunteers” button to the right, then follow the instructions. NEW Volunteer Registration Process: Volunteers receive a $64 credit toward their husband/wife conference registration fee ($32 credit toward their husband/wife preconference tracks registration fee; $30 credit toward their student registration fee). Registering in January will waive their entire registration fee. After February 1, volunteers will be responsible to pay the difference between the $64 credit ($32; $30) and the fee at the time of their registration. Register as early as possible, before the fee goes up! Consider being a part of our great volunteer team!
PREPARE FOR THE CONFERENCE
- Handouts
To find the handouts for the 2018 MÂCHÉ workshops (excluding exhibitor workshops), click “Workshop Schedule,” find the appropriate session and then the appropriate workshop, then click “Handout” located below the workshop description. Handouts are available online only, April 1 through May 31. You should download and print the handouts of the workshops you want to attend ahead of time and bring them with you to the conference. Workshop handouts will NOT be available in the workshop sessions. - Special Assistance
If you need an ASL interpreter or a wheelchair, please inform MÂCHÉ of the specific need when you register online no later than March 16, 2018. This will allow us enough time to make the necessary arrangements. - Venue Information
The beautifully renovated Mayo Civic Center is located at 30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904. For a map and directions: http://www.rochestercvb.org/mapexplorer
EXPERIENCE THE CONFERENCE
- Advertisers/Sponsors
Advertisers and sponsors help defray our convention costs. Please make a special effort to patronize the businesses that placed ads in our program booklet or sponsored part of the conference event and thank them for supporting home education in Minnesota. - Audio Recordings
MÂCHÉ workshops will be audio-recorded and available for purchase as MP3 downloads or Audio CDs. MP3 downloads will be available shortly after the presentation. Audio CD disks will be mailed within a few working days. Following the conference, all audios may be purchased from the MÂCHÉ online Store. No personal audio/video recording devices are allowed. - Coat-Book Check
There is a nominal fee to store your coats and purchases in a safe place while you attend the conference. Carts, strollers, or roller luggage should be stored here and may be used to hold your belongings while you attend workshops or do more shopping. - Conference Hours
Registration, used curriculum, and the exhibit hall doors open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. The Friday Evening Keynote Session begins at 6:30 PM and is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. - Exhibit Hall Protocol
Take time to thank the exhibitors for coming! Many of the homeschool exhibitors in our exhibit hall are experts in their field and are very willing to take extra time to explain their various products for you in great depth. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge and information.- When an exhibitor takes the time and effort to explain a product or give you some sage advice and you decide to buy the product, we strongly encourage you to buy your product from that person instead of making your purchase elsewhere to save a little money. Not only does this help preserve an atmosphere of trust and sharing, it also encourages the return of knowledgeable, well-established exhibitors to our annual conference.
- Please note that there are no “Exhibit Hall Only” passes.
- Only registered attendees wearing their own name tags may enter the exhibit hall.
- Bring plenty of cash with you, as several exhibitors who have delightful home education products do not accept credit cards.
- “FULL” Workshops
When workshop rooms are full, MÂCHÉ must close the doors and not let anyone else enter the room. If we allow more people in a room than its posted limit, the fire marshal will close the entire conference down. Plan to arrive early to the session you are most interested in attending. We ask that you do not save seats, as a courtesy to others who took the effort to arrive early like you did. - Name Tags
You will pick up your name tags when you arrive at the conference. Your name tag is your admittance “ticket” to the conference and must be worn at all times by the person whose name is printed on it. If lost or forgotten, replacement name tags are $5.
MÂCHÉ has negotiated reduced rates with the following Rochester hotels for the 2018 MÂCHÉ convention. To receive the reduced rates, you must specify that you are attending the MÂCHÉ convention. Ask for a confirmation number.
NOTE: Due to possible Mayo Clinic stay-overs, specific room types may not be available at check-in. Comparable rooms will be offered if available.
When you call to make a reservation at any of these hotels and the desk attendant is not able to answer the phone right away, your call will most likely be transferred to the national office of that particular hotel chain. The national offices may not know about the arrangements that the Rochester hotels have made with MÂCHÉ. Try calling again until you can talk to someone in the Rochester hotel that is familiar with the MÂCHÉ convention rate.
CENTERSTONE PLAZA - SOLDIERS FIELD
401 Sixth Street
Rochester, MN 55902
Guaranteed conference rate: $95, plus tax
Deadline: March 22, 2018
Reservations: 507-288-2677
Amenities: Free WiFi, free self parking (cars/trucks/RV/bus), complimentary hot/cold breakfast, 24-hour airport shuttle service ($10 one way), not connected to skyway system, free shuttle to Mayo Civic Center, rollaway/extra beds available ($15), laundry, pool, microwave, ADA rooms available.
DOUBLETREE by HILTON
150 South Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
Guaranteed conference rate: $135, plus tax (includes parking)
Deadline: March 21, 2018
Reservations: 507-281-8000 (mention Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators)
Amenities: Self parking ($15/daily), restaurant onsite, connected to skyway system, 100% smoke-free, complimentary in-room wired and wireless Internet, fitness center, cribs/highchairs available, ADA rooms available
HILTON GARDEN INN ROCHESTER DOWNTOWN
225 South Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
Guaranteed conference rate: $117, plus tax (includes parking)
Deadline: March 21, 2018
Reservations: 507-285-1234, 507-281-8000 (mention Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators)
Amenities: Onsite restaurant, free WiFi, fitness center, convenience mart, pool, mini-fridge, microwave, complimentary wired and wireless Internet, connected to skyway system, complimentary shuttle (within 5 miles), cribs/rollaways available, 100% smoke-free.
HOLIDAY INN ROCHESTER DOWNTOWN
220 South Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
Guaranteed conference rate: $109, plus tax
Deadline: March 11, 2018
Reservations: 507-252-8200;
Online booking link: 2018 MACHE (Scroll down to the reservations section and enter in dates within your block. This will automatically bring up your rate and room info.)
Amenities: Complimentary WiFi, fitness center, 100% non-smoking, microwaves, refrigerators, onsite restaurant (kids eat free), self parking $13.50/day, connected to skyway system, shuttle.
KAHLER GRAND HOTEL
20 SW Second Avenue
Rochester, MN 55902
Guaranteed conference rate: $109, plus tax
Deadline: March 14, 2018
Reservations: 507-280-6200
Amenities: Free WiFi, parking garage ($10/daily), connected to skyway & subway systems, mini-fridge, microwaves (in some rooms), some suites available, 100% smoke-free, ADA rooms available.
KAHLER INN & SUITES
9 Third Avenue NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Guaranteed conference rate: $109, plus tax
Deadline: March 14, 2018
Reservations: 507-285-9200
Amenities: Newly renovated, parking ($10/daily), onsite dining, connected to subway (pedestrian walkway) system, kitchenettes, complimentary Internet, complimentary breakfast, convenience mart, fitness center.
Join us for the 2018 MÂCHÉ Silent Auction!
Enjoy bidding on beautiful and beneficial items such as baby blankets, curriculum and supplies, a Watkins Products Basket, restaurants, Science Museum and Children’s Museum tickets, bed and breakfast get-aways, musical instruments, and more... all donated by homeschoolers and local businesses.
Scroll down to see a list of the items up for bid.
Conference attendees will have a chance to bid on these items and services, with the highest bidders taking them home. All proceeds will go toward supporting MÂCHÉ's various ministries.
- WHEN: Friday, April 13, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm; Saturday, April 14, 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
- WHERE: In the exhibit hall during the annual MÂCHÉ conference
- WHAT: Services and new items donated to MÂCHÉ for the purpose of raising money for various MÂCHÉ ministries. Donations might include free hotel night stays, restaurant gift cards, crafts, gift baskets, curriculum and books, services that would interest home educators, free admission to historical sights around the state, and more.
- WHO: MÂCHÉ members, exhibitors, and area businesses who would like to donate items and services for conference attendees to bid on. Any conference attendee may bid on the donated items and services.
- WHY: Proceeds from the sale of the donated items will be given to MÂCHÉ for the purpose of helping expand its ministry to Minnesota homeschoolers. Donors will not receive any money from their donation, except advertising in the conference program booklet and/or on the MÂCHÉ website.
- DONATIONS: Anyone with an item or service they would like to donate should email a photo and/or short description, the approximate value, and the donor's contact information (name, address, phone, email). Donations should be at least a $20 value. MÂCHÉ reserves the right to accept or reject any item without explanation. If you are interested in donating to the MÂCHÉ Silent Auction, please contact "Silent Auction” at info@mache.org.
- WHAT TO EXPECT: The donor should bring his or her donation to the exhibit hall on Thursday afternoon or evening and ready to be displayed. Advertising material no larger than 8"x11" may be placed beside the donation. In order to have your name listed in the conference program booklet, you should contact MÂCHÉ by March 1. (Donations received after March 1 will be listed on the MÂCHÉ website a few weeks before the conference.) Conference attendees will bid on the items or services. The highest bids on each item at 1:30 pm Saturday afternoon will win. Winners will be announced at 3:00 pm in the MÂCHÉ exhibit hall, at which time they should pay for their items or services and take them home. Any items not bid on or forgotten, will be donated to MÂCHÉ. You must be present to claim your item.
Join in the fun ... and encourage other home educating families throughout Minnesota!
List of Silent Auction Items up for Bid:
- LAUNCH book (Author Jeannie Burlowski)
- Quart of Maple Syrup (Wilderness Fellowship Ministries)
- Basket of School Supplies (Rainbow Resources)
- Gift Basket (Abundant Hope Soap)
- Jewelry and Gift Certificate (Grace and Heart)
- $150 Gift Certificate (Institute for Excellence in Writing/Laura House)
- Historical Stories & Dress Pattern (Nest of Lydia)
- 1 Year High School Chemistry Course (ChemExplained)
- Coffee (Wollman Coffee Roasters)
- Family Game Night Basket (MACHE Board)
- Art Supplies Basket (MACHE Board)
- MÂCHÉ Basket (MACHE Board)
- Basket of Goodies (Karen Soencksen/Thirty One)
- The Homeschool Life All-in-One Planner (Kris Cox)
- Family pass to Lake Itasca Family Music Festival
- Foundations DVD Series (Answers in Genesis)
- Ken Ham Classic Book Set (Answers in Genesis)
- The Wild Brothers DVD Set (Answers in Genesis)
- Book Bundle by KBR Ministries
- Music CDs (Forever Be Sure Music)
- Proverbs 31 Coloring Book by Author Tiffany Schlicter
- Book Bundle (Set Apart Girl Ministries)
- Sweet Journey Bible Study Book (Titus2Ministries)
- Making Great Conversationalists Book (Titus2Ministries)
- Pampered Chef Gift Bag (Cheryl Lawson)
- Latin Workbook (Rebecca Klein)
- Curriculum (Apologia)
- Donation (RightStart Math)
- And more...
2018 CONVENTION SPEAKERS
VICKI BENTLEY is the mother of eight daughters, foster mom to over 50, and grandma to 21 wonderful grandbabies and three great-grandbabies (so far). Vicki has homeschooled 17 children since 1988 alongside her husband Jim and has been a support group leader since 1991. She has served on the executive board and convention committee of the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) and has addressed state and national conventions, university teacher organizations, and many mothers’ groups. She is the author of My Homeschool Planner, Everyday Cooking, The Everyday Family Chore System, Home Education 101: A Mentoring Program for New Homeschoolers, High School 101: Blueprint for Success, and other homeschool and homemaking helps. She currently serves as a Toddlers to Tweens consultant and the Group Services director for HSLDA. Vicki has a heart for parents and seeks to equip them with practical wisdom and encouraging words. www.everydayhomemaking.com, http://www.hslda.org/earlyyears/
ANDREA BLACK, wife of Chuck Black, and mother of six children, has spent the last nineteen years homeschooling her own personal “Brady Bunch.” With four children in or through college, she now spends her days teaching the final two. With a degree in English and Speech/Theatre Education, she can also be found coaching the local Christian school speech team, speaking at various women's groups, and singing with the worship team at 1st Baptist Church where she and Chuck have taught several parenting classes. Andrea credits the military with her rapid dependence upon Jesus, as each day as an Air Force wife challenged her to trust completely in Him while she waited for and supported her husband. This love for her Savior gives her purpose and passion for a life lived in service to Him! http://perfect-praise.com/index.html.
CHUCK BLACK was born and raised in Williston, ND. He attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND and graduated in 1985 with a BS in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He entered the United States Air Force and traveled throughout the US and to foreign countries as a tactical communications engineer. He was then accepted into pilot training and eventually flew F-16 fighters. After spending nine years in the Air Force, he returned to Williston, ND to take a position with a plastics firm as a product design engineer. He is now a co-owner of the business and the inventor/co-inventor on twelve patents for products that are distributed and sold nationally and internationally. Chuck is first a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and in the Holy-Spirit-inspired, infallible Word of God. He is second a husband to his wife, Andrea, and third, a father to six children whom Chuck and Andrea have homeschooled for the past twenty-four years. Chuck has served as an Elder at his church and has taught adult Sunday school classes for the past nineteen years. In addition to writing for numerous columns on various websites and e-newsletters, Chuck is the author of sixteen books which comprise The Kingdom Series, The Knights of Arrethtrae series, the Wars of the Realm trilogy, and Call to Arms: the Guts and Glory of Courageous Fatherhood. Kingdom’s Dawn of The Kingdom Series received Homeschool.com’s “Voted #1” award and was on CBA’s top ten best sellers list twice in 2008 for all Christian Youth Literature. Chuck’s passion is to inspire people of all ages to follow the Lord with zeal and to equip parents, pastors, and youth leaders to accomplish the same. http://perfect-praise.com/index.html.
KRIS COX and her husband Bruce homeschooled their four children for 17 years, finishing their homeschool journey when their youngest graduated in 2011. Kris's passion for encouraging and helping homeschool parents led her to become a homeschool consultant in 2012. Along with consulting, Kris writes a homeschool blog (www.krismcox.com) and speaks on various homeschool topics for homeschool groups. She also leads a Smoothing the Way Course/Support Group for new homeschoolers each school year. Kris served as the phone responder for MÂCHÉ from June 2013 to December 2016 and currently co-presents the Homeschool Workshops put on by MÂCHÉ in cooperation with various support groups throughout the state. In all these endeavors, Kris strongly encourages seeking God for guidance in every decision and struggle, believing that the key to successful homeschooling is depending on Him. Her heart’s desire is to serve the Lord by supporting and encouraging homeschool parents, giving them the tools they need to be successful in educating their children. www.krismcox.com.
JOSH DENHART was a full time children's pastor at Valley Church for over 10 years, where he oversaw seven paid staff in children's ministry and over 450 volunteers on a month-in-month-out basis. Josh developed systems and processes to build up leaders, who could build leaders, who could reach kids for Jesus. Josh is a children's ministry curriculum writer and children's ministry performer. Josh is a seasoned educator with BA in Chemistry Education, a MA in Effective Instruction, and earned National Board Certification in Young Adult and Adolescent Science. As a former high school chemistry teacher, Josh melded his love for Science and Christ by creating “The Amazing Chemistry Show,” a traveling gospel-centered stage show with fire, explosions and foam. Carrying this “Ministry of Chemistry” even further, Josh created Science VBS, an internationally celebrated Vacation Bible School curriculum. Josh’s passion for family ministry is expressed through Science Devotions @ Home, a resource equipping mom’s and dad’s to be the primary spiritual leader in their homes. Josh shares his science expertise as a regular guest (or Wacky Scientist) on a morning TV program called Great Day. Josh is a contributing author to Children’s Ministry Magazine, KidzMatter Magazine, and was included as one of 38 authors in children's ministry leadership book entitled Pulse. Josh Denhart speaks nationally at various conferences, seminars and breakouts. In addition to all of this, Josh is involved in coaching, consulting and training of KidMin Leaders nationally as a key note speaker, trainer, coach and more. www.KidMinScience.com
CHERI FRAME enjoys working as an educational consultant, helping college-bound students and their families achieve their goals. She specializes in advising students about credit-by-exam programs and how to implement course-to-credit study options while in high school. Presenting workshops through local co-ops and conferences, she speaks on making college affordable; and she also provides affordable consulting services and shares a wealth of information and resources on her website, http:// www.CreditsBeforeCollege.com.. Taking it one year at a time, Cheri and her public-school-teacher husband, Tim, homeschooled their three children from kindergarten to college. When her children were moving into the middle school years, Cheri began researching options for college. As a result, her son and daughter took advantage of what she learned and earned their college degrees early, graduating shortly after high school for a cost well under $10,000. Cheri has taught at local homeschool co-ops for many years and worked as a substitute teacher at a school in Indonesia while serving on a one-year mission’s trip with her family. For eight years, Cheri served as an independent administrator of the Peabody Academic Achievement Test, providing testing and consulting services to families. She received her degree in psychology as well as local and urban affairs from St. Cloud State University.
BONNI LEVY GREINER's journey as a Jewish girl began in metropolitan Philadelphia where she was raised in a contemporary Jewish household. While pursuing a teaching certification, she met and eventually married a conservative, Christian hog farmer and relocated to a farm in rural Pennsylvania. After her marriage, Bonni quit her public school teaching job to become a full-time wife and eventual mother of eight children. The decision to homeschool was made in 1991 on the heels of Pennsylvania legislation that legitimized homeschooling. All eight of her children are homeschool graduates. The community soon learned of Bonni’s unique testimony. Eventually she accepted offers to be a guest speaker at local churches and to share her testimony which was often coupled with a Passover seder. Bonni believes that the experience of testifying to God’s unique plan for her life was in preparation for her current ministry. Regardless of the number, childrearing is a challenge. Bonni survived and learned to thrive in the demanding childrearing years. In the process she developed a heart of compassion for young mothers who were coming along behind her. God birthed in her a mentoring spirit that she now uses to encourage and uplift young mothers. Bonni’s hope is that she can help moms fulfill their destinies with joy, and she uses a variety of media in the process. Recently, she authored four books and she also blogs at Mombyexample.com. She manages an active Mom by Example Facebook page where followers can view live videos several times a week. mombyexample.com.
BILL JACK , Keynote Speaker, is an educator with ten years experience in secular schools and 14 years with The Caleb Campaign, a creationist youth ministry. Currently Bill Jack is faculty advisor for Worldview Academy, an academic leadership program that seeks to train Christian students to think and live in accord with a Biblical worldview so that they will serve Christ and lead the culture. Bill has appeared on numerous national radio and television programs and is the producer of several apologetics and worldview training DVDs. He is a featured speaker for Answers in Genesis’ popular Demolishing Strongholds DVD series for adults and students. Bill’s passion is to raise up a generation of young adults who have the vision to reach their culture with the gospel, who have the valor to engage that future with the truth, and who rely on the virtue of the WORD of God. Bill and his wife, Tabby, have three children and live in Colorado. www.worldview.org.
DIANE KUMMER and her husband Tom homeschooled their two children from kindergarten through 12th grade using a variety of teaching options. Both of their children went on to college, and are now well into their careers. She joined the staff of Home School Legal Defense Association in 2005 to help develop HSLDA’s “Homeschooling Through High School” program and website. As an HSLDA high school consultant, Diane regularly speaks nationwide at homeschool conferences and presents high school symposiums where she shares from her experiences and her imperfect (but real) homeschooling days! Her practical and encouraging high school seminars provide information that inspires parents to continue teaching their teens at home with confidence. During her homeschooling days, Diane directed a 200-family homeschool support group that provided classes and activities for homeschool families, performed curriculum portfolio reviews, and created a program that offered high school transcripts for teens. Diane enjoys writing articles (such as regular columns for HSLDA’s Court Report magazines as well as other publications), brochures on high school topics, and a monthly high school newsletter filled with helpful tips. She reviews new resources, provides personal consultation to HSLDA members, and co-hosts HSLDA’s Home School Heartbeat radio program. Diane has co-authored two e-books entitled Develop a High School Plan and Simplify Your Recordkeeping and Transcript. Diane loves math and taught high school math classes for homeschooled students for many years. In her free time, she enjoys teaching ladies’ Bible studies and being involved in pro-life ministries. Graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Business Management, she enjoyed a banking career prior to starting a family and beginning her homeschool adventure. https://www.hslda.org/highschool/.
NANCY MANOS and her husband, James, have two adult daughters they homeschooled all the way through high school. The Manos’ home education journey was a rich, rewarding, and sometimes challenging experience. Nancy is passionate about encouraging others in the homeschool adventure. Her heart is to share the joy of homeschooling, to share practical ideas, and to remind parents that with God’s help they can do this great work of educating their children at home. Nancy and James served together on the board of directors of Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) for 13 years. Nancy continues serving the Arizona homeschool community as the Executive Director of AFHE. When she isn’t busy running the day-to-day operations of the organization, planning events like the statewide homeschool convention, training volunteers, publishing the magazine, writing articles, and speaking to homeschool groups, Nancy loves spending time with her family. Her favorite role is grandma to their first grandchild, an adorable toddler who brings joy and heaping amounts of fun to each day through his delightful antics and zest for life. http://www.nancymanos.me.
SHELLEY NOONAN: My mom always told me, “Shelley, you have to learn everything the hard way.” And she was right. My passion is to communicate to others the lessons I have learned so they can learn their life lessons with greater ease than I have. After ten years of working as a nurse, I transitioned into homeschooling my three children. Homeschooling was the best and the most difficult job I have ever had. This job lasted 13 years. During this time I started a business selling used homeschool books. Our three children, my husband, and I learned invaluable business and life skills through operating Second Harvest Curriculum. After running that business for eighteen years, I sold it and began a new business venture, Pumpkin Seed Press. My passion is to mentor women, encouraging them in their relationships with others and with God. I long to help them discover who God made them to be. During the last 12 years, I have been a speaker for Christian Women’s Club, homeschool conferences, women’s conferences, MOPS groups, and churches. I am a graduate from CLASS and a certified etiquette instructor. This is my prayer… that the Lord would use my life and the spoken word to show His generous display of mercy and grace and compassionate care to others. www.pumpkinseedpress.net.
MIKE SNAVELY was reared in South Africa, the son of missionary parents. His father was a bush pilot for a mission hospital among the Zulu people. Growing up in an area that teemed with remarkable and diverse creatures, he had a wide variety of fascinating experiences which helped to mold his future. After graduating from Oak Hills Christian College in Minnesota in 1979, he returned to South Africa to work for the National Parks Service in the Kruger National Park, which in some circles has earned him the nickname, “Ranger Mike”. Following this, he began a career as an African wildlife artist. In 1986 Mike and his new wife Carrie went to South Africa as missionaries with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) and served by teaching at Durban Bible College. Upon returning to the United States ten years later, they founded a not-for-profit organization named Mission: Imperative! — a ministry of teaching creation-oriented issues through a series of seminars covering a wide range of topics. The “Creation Safari” seminars Mike has developed are not dry lectures, nor does he speak over people’s heads. His "nuts-and-bolts" approach is to make these sessions as interesting and understandable as possible. Mike is the author of Creation or Evolution: A Home-Study Curriculum and has produced many DVDs that cover various topics relative to creation issues. In 2010, they started a series of traveling "safaris" that put wings to their subject matter. There are currently two -- one to the Southwest, and one to South Africa. https://www.missionimperative.org/.
KEITH SOENCKSEN is a homeschooling advocate and father of one son and five daughters. His wife Karen has homeschooled their children from kindergarten through high school, with Keith occasionally contributing as a part time teacher of high school math and science. Two of his daughters have graduated high school and both will soon graduate college. Karen continues to homeschool the other four and their son is about to graduate with MÂCHÉ’s Class of 2018! Keith and Karen have volunteered on the MÂCHÉ staff for the last 8 years. They serve as the Equipment and Supplies Chairmen, meaning they are responsible for setting up and tearing down many key parts of the annual MÂCHÉ Conference. Karen also serves as the MÂCHÉ Support Group Liaison and travels around the state several times each year meeting with Support Group leaders. She also staffs the Support Group Booth at the Conference. Keith is a mechanical engineer for a large company in Plymouth, Minnesota that designs and manufactures weapons and ammunition for military and law enforcement applications. His greatest joy is spending time with his family, whether at a lake in the summer or skiing down a mountain in the winter. He also loves writing (and has written occasionally for The Paper MÂCHÉ), reading, studying theology, and working at the family cabin in northern Wisconsin.
JOHN TUMA’s career began as an attorney for a firm in the Northfield, Minnesota area. In 1991, he opened his own solo practice and his wife Wendy stepped in to assist him. In 1994, John entered the political arena when he was elected State Representative for their district and served in office for four consecutive terms. As a Representative, John had the honor of chairing the Crime Prevention Committee and was one of the chief authors of the state’s terrorist bill which was developed as a result of the September 11 terrorist attack. In 2002, John made the choice to retire from his legislative position in order to spend more time with his family. It was then that John and Wendy started Tuma Consulting Corporation, a legislative consultant business. In 2015, Governor Mark Dayton appointed John to the Public Utilities Commission. The desire to give their children a biblical foundation, their need for a flexible schedule in order to be able to spend time together as a family, as well as the desire to be very involved in what their children were learning led them to homeschool their children. The Tumas have also been blessed with many friends who homeschool their children and the influence of those families over the years encouraged them in their homeschool journey. Both of their children are now college graduates. John and Wendy served on the MÂCHÉ Board for thirteen years before retiring from the board in 2016.
ESTHER WILKISON is no ordinary speaker because she is no ordinary learner. ‘Struggle’ and ‘failure’ played a big part in her learning; but the dominant theme of Esther’s life has more to do with God’s grace enabling her to persist, succeed, and help others. No one who knew her struggles in school expected Esther to become a teacher, author, or international speaker—but God loves to do the unexpected. Esther put her BS in Education and her MA in Biblical Counseling to work for decades in a variety of classroom, homeschool, church, and camp settings. For the last decade, homeschoolers from Los Angeles to New York, from Mexico to Manilla, have found Esther a speaker who connects with the heart as she provides hope for learning and living. Esther blogs at EstherWilkison.com and works independently as a speaker, author, and learning coach. If you are interested in Esther’s coaching subscription service, you can reach her through her website. You may also connect personally with Esther as her schedule allows at each convention where she’s speaking. Esther’s goal is to exalt Christ as she empowers parents and all those who are reaching the next generation for Jesus Christ.
KRISA WINN holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Arkansas State University and an associate’s degree in Practical Theology from Christ for the Nations Institute. For more than 20 years, she has been a classroom teacher in both the private Christian school and public school settings. She has also worked as a private tutor and early childhood intervention specialist. Throughout her career, she has had many opportunities to work with children with various special needs. Students with attention deficit disorder, attachment issues, developmental delays, auditory processing disorder, sensory processing disorders and autism have filled her class rosters and her heart. In 2012, Krisa joined Home School Legal Defense Association as an educational consultant. In that capacity, she offers resources, support and guidance to parents who are homeschooling children with special needs. In addition to coming alongside her fellow homeschooling moms, Krisa enjoys singing, playing piano, leading worship, and watching old movies. After almost 23 years of marriage, Krisa and her husband were blessed with the birth of their first child, Grace. Three years later, their second miracle baby, Karis Joy, was born. Krisa, Byron, Gracie and Karis make their home in Winchester, VA. https://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/.
The 2018 MÂCHÉ Teen Track is now full. However, there are two other convention speakers who are quite popular with teens -- Mike Snavely and Bill Jack. Teens will enjoy attending their sessions during the conference weekend.
THE AMAZING CHEMISTRY SHOW
Engaging educational enrichment!
An entertaining show that’s NOT just entertainment!
Led by an award-winning, classically-trained educator, it brings a message of learning and character to S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math).
The Amazing Chemistry Show is a 32-foot stage production filled with fire, explosions, and foam — all set to music. With audience involvement, laughter, and fun, a S.T.E.M. based presentation is clearly communicated using powerful science experiments.
As a former high school chemistry teacher with a BA in Chemistry and a Masters in Effective Instruction, National Board Certification in Youth/Adult/Adolescent Science, and featured on Public Television broadcasts teaching science, Josh Denhart knows the value of a quality production for communicating S.T.E.M. learning.
NOTE:
- The teen track schedule will follow the same schedule as the parents' schedule.
- The maximum number of teens who can register for this year’s teen track is 150 teens (ages 13-18). Register early! Teen track registration will automatically close when that number is reached.
- Because of the nature of this teen track (including equipment and supplies for the experiments), the cost will be $60 per student.
- Parent volunteers are welcomed to help students during the six experiments conducted during the 2018 teen track, The Amazing Chemistry Show.
This is one teen track you won't want to miss !
Teen Track Schedule
EXPERIMENT #1 — CATAPULTS
Friday: Session 1, 10:30am - Ballroom 3
Ready...Aim...Fire...! Build your own working catapult with your very own hands! This hands-on experience is high on history, high on interaction and high on impact...literally! Students learn the historical details of medieval warfare from an ancient engineering perspective. Explore concepts like speed, acceleration, angular momentum, projectiles and applied sciences. Three historically accurate and intriguing wooden models show how medieval kingdoms utilized technology to launch attack from great distances. Each student will build a working catapult, make a graphically rich castle from card-stock paper and determine the best distance, force required and technique to land a projectile inside the castle walls. This two-part learning cycle involves two separate yet equally fun activities. First, students will create a working catapult from a standard design. In the second part of the learning cycle, teams of students will attempt to design and create a launching apparatus and a projectile from a bag of seemingly random items. Design, form, function and teamwork allow for an exciting and memorable open-ended experience!
EXPERIMENT #2 — HANDS-ON SCIENCE
Friday: Session 2, 1:30pm - Ballroom 3
"Hands-On Science" is a series of Science-Center-type activities with many, many self-directed stations to touch, explore and experience. With nearly 30 activities, students and families set their own pace for exploration and investigation! Each activity station features an explanation of how to explore and some science clues as to what causes the effect. Prepare to get your hands involved and your minds engaged! This hands-on experience is sure to bring about an excitement for science and exploration!
EXPERIMENT #3 — SCIENCE IN A BAG
Friday: Session 3, 3:00pm - Ballroom 3
"This is just like being a real scientist!" First, students carefully make observations prior to the reaction...anticipations builds! Next, as instructions are given, the plastic vial holding the red liquid is squeezed onto one side of the plastic zip-lock bag … WOW … a vivid color change …DOUBLE WOW … this side is HOT! Then, as further instructions are given, the remaining red liquid is introduced to the other side of our reaction vessel … YIKES … another vivid color change … DOUBLE YIKES … this side is FRIGID COLD! Finally, all ingredients are squished together … but the results of the rest of the reaction will remain a surprise … and an exciting surprise, indeed! This classic reaction is such a wonderful experience for learners to make scientific observations, view evidences of chemical changes and record their findings on age appropriate worksheets!
EXPERIMENT #4 — READY, SET, ROCKETS!
Saturday: Session 4, 9:00am - Ballroom 3
"We are launching in …3 …2 ...1..." Who wouldn't like to create their own custom rocket and launch it over 200 feet in the air? Chose from over 15 unique rocket designs. Rockets are crafted from printed color-card stock paper, complete with rocket fins and colorfully printed "flames" shooting from the base. Outside, students launch their handmade and personally decorated rockets 200 feet in the sky! The unique launching apparatus is completely safe, staying away from explosions, flame or heat. Students chose the direction and pitch of launch using a telescoping arm for maximizing height or distance...their choice! Students learn about pressure, air, rocket balance, gravity, trajectory, plus so much more.
EXPERIMENT #5 — SUPER SLIME
Saturday: Session 5, 1:30pm - Ballroom 3
“Oooh ... Gross ... This is Awesome!" Students try their hands as chemists as they measure, pour, mix and test their own unique mixture of "Super Slime." Make Slime ... YUCK! Make Gloop ... GROSS! Make Glow-in-the-Dark Atomic Worms ... DISGUSTINGLY COOL! Students are witness to a vivid slime demonstration with a polymer that pours “uphill.” Black lights help bring these oozing "Non-Newtonian Solids" to life in the dark. Students learn about concepts such as measurement, scientific testing, gravity, viscosity, elasticity, polymers, plastics and long-chain carbon-based structures … with their hands! Basic chemical safety is introduced using simple and non-toxic chemicals.
EXPERIMENT #6 — THE AMAZING CHEMISTRY SHOW
Saturday: Session 6, 3:00pm - Ballroom 3
Have you ever had a large ball of fire safely ignited from your hand? Or used a banana to pound a nail into a wooden plank? Or been slimed by a puking plastic pumpkin? During The Amazing Chemistry Show, kids and adults will be entertained by explosions, colored foam, liquid nitrogen and glow-in-the-dark solutions. The chemical reactions, loud noises and unexpected twists will capture your attention while you hear the gospel being presented in a unique and stirring way.
Used Curriculum Sale
Have you graduated your last child from high school and want to clear out those old text books, notebooks, and such?
Are you organizing those overstuffed bookshelves of old books, curriculum, and homeschool supplies which you don’t need any more?
Are you looking ahead to what curriculum items you will need to order for next year...and trying to figure out where you’re going to put them?
Are you wanting great deals for great books and supplies - still in good condition?
Why not consider selling your unneeded curriculum at MÂCHÉ’s 2018 Used Curriculum Sale held during the MÂCHÉ conference? Reserve your table(s) when you register for the conference.
Tables can be rented for $40 per table per day. You may rent the table for "Friday Only," "Friday/Saturday," and NEW THIS YEAR, "Saturday Only" tables. Buyers and sellers must purchase a conference registration before renting a used curriculum table.
Closer to the conference date, the used curriculum coordinator will contact you with more detailed information about move-in, location of your table(s), and more. If you need information before then, contact the coordinator at info@mache.org.
The deadline for reserving your table(s) is March 16, 2018.
If you are 16 years or older, come join our conference committee as a volunteer. In exchange for volunteering 6 hours during the convention, MÂCHÉ volunteers will receive a $64 credit toward their conference registration ($32 credit toward their husband/wife preconference tracks registration fee; $30 credit toward their student registration fee). This credit amount is the equivalent of the member early registration fee.
Prerequisites to be a volunteer are ...
- you have a current MÂCHÉ membership (through 4-14-18)
- you have attended at least one MÂCHÉ conference.
MÂCHÉ will consider requests for specific areas of volunteer service, but will assign volunteers where they are needed most.
MÂCHÉ Volunteer Opportunities
- Host/Hostess
Two people are assigned to one workshop room for a whole day (three workshops) to assist speakers by helping them get set up, introducing them, opening the session with prayer, answering attendee questions, starting/ending the session on time, and helping with normal crowd control in the workshop room. - Security
Dads, young adult men, and sometimes a few moms are placed in strategic areas to help with crowd control, check for name tags (to make sure attendees are registered and are wearing their tags), report any issues, and facilitate attendee safety. In emergencies, they may be called on to assist the onsite physician or peace officer as needed. - Student
Students age 16 and older will be assigned to help in Coat/Book Check. This job entails checking in/checking out roller luggage/strollers and items that attendees want to store during the conference. Students will keep the location neat and organized, collect money, and during slow times may be called upon to help in other areas (i.e. preregistration, silent auction, exhibit hall, etc.)
NEW Registration Procedure!
Volunteers receive a $64 credit toward their husband/wife conference registration fee ($32 toward their preconference tracks husband/wife registration fee; $30 toward their student registration fee). Registering in January will waive that fee. After February 1, volunteers will be responsible to pay the difference between the $64 credit and the registration fee applicable at the time of their registration. Register as early as possible, before the fee goes up!
Dress Code
As a volunteer, you will be representing MÂCHÉ and the homeschool community in general. For this reason and because attendees at the conference share a wide variety of convictions about clothing, we ask that all volunteers respectfully follow a dress code. Please come dressed in business casual attire each day that you are scheduled to volunteer.
- LADIES: Slacks or a skirt with a nice blouse/top (no low necklines, short skirts, or form-fitting clothing, please).
- GENTLEMEN: Slacks with a button-up shirt and tie. (A tie is desired, but not required.)
If you have further questions, contact your committee coordinator.
Become a Volunteer!
Contact MÂCHÉ at info@mache.org or 763-717-9070 (866-717-9070) to begin the volunteer process.
In a few days, you will be contacted by one of the committee coordinators, who will give you information about your position and instructions on how to complete your registration. Do not register until after you receive instructions from your committee coordinator.
Thank you for being a part of our great MÂCHÉ volunteer team!
Additional Information:
Convention registration begins on January 1.
MÂCHÉ members receive a 20% discount on their convention registration fees.
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of or to purchase a MÂCHÉ membership, click HERE.
During the past several years, there has been a steady increase in the number of home educating families in the nation - roughly 2.4 million K-12 children. Wouldn't it be wonderful if those new home educators who live in Minnesota could become more confident, encouraged, and equipped in their home education endeavors by attending the 2018 MÂCHÉ Conference --- by learning from delightful teachers who have "been there, done that' ... by meeting the thousands of other home educating families who have the same vision as they do ... by attending the wide variety of practical workshops with easy "take home ideas" ... by perusing the diverse field of exhibitors in our huge exhibit hall ... by taking advantage of the money-saving, used curriculum sale?
Please share the 2018 MÂCHÉ conference with those you know and bring someone with you this year!
Testimonials
I am a mom just getting started in homeschooling. I went into the Mache conference feeling like homeschool was a completely foreign language. I had no idea where to begin. I left the conference feeling like I now have a great grasp on what I'm doing. I feel excited and inspired by so many ideas presented that I hope to implement as a homeschool teacher! ~Kelli
This was my first MACHE experience. As a homeschool mom of nearly 5 years, I was aware of MACHE, but my interest wasn't piqued until I was told by other homeschool parents that it is well worth the time and money to attend. So, I did! In fact, I am looking forward to attending next year. Why? The workshops I attended gave validity to my homeschooling endeavors. The nuggets of information I learned will be applied to my upcoming homeschooling year, benefiting not only myself, but also the education of my children. I had an opportunity to meet new friends and get to know others better. The curriculum fair was fantastic! Where else can a homeschool parent develop a game plan prior to the conference, seek out the curriculum he/she is interested in learning more about, and actually have an opportunity to compare them side by side. That was well worth the MACHE experience! The bonus- seeing thousands of other homeschooling parents in one place... we are not alone! ~Juli
Attending MACHE has always been a highlight of my year. It is a weekend to refresh, remind myself of the reasons we are choosing to homeschool, to be inspired and encouraged. The speakers are amazing and no matter what workshop I attend I always have something to take home. This year my husband attended and he was amazed. He thought I was "overselling" the conference in previous years and was surprised to see it was even better than he had thought. The MACHE conference inspired him to be more involved in our homeschool, gave him some awesome ideas, and ways to be involved. I am so thankful for the wisdom of the speakers and those in the curriculum areas - it's amazing to be able to page through our choices in one day and know we are picking something that will work for our family. I'm usually worried and anxious about the next "school year" when I first walk through the doors and leave feeling confident in the calling we have been given - to home school - and encouraged! ~Jenna
This weekend challenged me as a parent to love my children deeper, as Christ loves them and me. It convicted me of my own sin and encouraged me to love and encourage my children for who they are, right now--not only when they've met an educational standard. ~Melody
After almost 20 years of homeschooling, I still love to attend the MACHE conference! I wasn't disappointed. There is always more to learn, ways to be inspired, and wisdom to be gleaned. Perhaps, it is a reflection of a teacher loving to learn and passing on this passion to her children... I encourage you to attend MACHE and continue to learn, share, and grow--no matter where you are in the journey. ~Pam
As a homeschool alumni, now teaching my own children, I feel a lot of pressure to do things the right way the first time, like I should have it all figured out already. But I usually don't. Attending the conference helped me to feel like it's ok that I don't have it all figured out, learn about more options available, and to truly know that there are other families out there dealing with the same issues that I am. ~Karalynn
MACHE weekends are so irreplaceable for me as a homeschooler, I think I'll plan to attend even after I'm done homeschooling, just to help other homeschoolers. I swallow hard at having to pass booths that I once needed, to move on to booths I never thought I would need. MACHE's convention has been with me every step of the way from taking the hand of my 6 yr old little boy to helping me plan the future of my 6' 2" son. It's been a partner I could not have done without. ~Aaron
My wife and I didn't know what to expect, this was our first time at the conference and from what we heard from the speakers and the kindness of everyone involved, we are convinced that we want to home school our children. ~Jeremy
As a homeschooler with 10+ years of experience, I only attended this year's conference for my teens to attend the Teen Track. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the speakers! There were plenty of topics that were still applicable to me and I came away refreshed and renewed (as always). Thank you! ~Susan
This was an exhausting, refreshing, much-needed time away for reflection, enrichment, and refocus. Thank you, MACHE! ~Carl and Dawn
Each year the MACHE conference provides such great insight, encouragement, and energy. This year was no exception. The 2017 conference blew us away in how God was speaking directly to us and answering many prayers. ~Eric and Heather
The MACHE conference was a breath of fresh air and a huge confirmation that we are headed in the right direction with our children. I gained confidence not only in my decision, but also in my abilities to successfully home educate. I walked away inspired and excited for the year to come. ~Allie
Details
- Start:
- April 13, 2018 @ 8:00 am
- End:
- April 14, 2018 @ 5:30 pm
- Event Categories:
- Conference, Event Archives, Featured
Venue
- Mayo Civic Center
-
30 Civic Center Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904 United States - Phone:
- 507-328-2220
- Website:
- https://mayociviccenter.com/