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home : convention : General Information 2008
2008 THSC State Convention and Family Conference August 14-16, 2008
The Woodlands, Texas The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Children’s Program Field Trip Shopping Directions & Map Hotel Accommodations Speakers Discounts to Area Attractions Houston Area Amenities Special Buddies Program Discounts & Exhibit Hall Specials Infants and Toddlers Special Fellowships Evening Programs Parking Sponsors Free Thursday Evening Sessions Registration Teen Staff Program FAQs Schedule Vacation Add-ons Shopping The comfortably carpeted Exhibit Hall will be filled with over 180 booths! Experienced vendors from all over the nation will be there to offer the very latest in educational material for home schoolers.
There will be full-scale curricula, books and materials for specific subjects, traditional textbooks, unit study materials, life skills (needlework, carpentry skills, homemaking skills, mechanical skills, etc.), fun extras (educational games, videos, art supplies, science kits, music programs), and more.
Click here for a 2007 Convention exhibitor listing to get an idea of what companies you’ll see there.
Keynote Speakers Jeff Myers Jessica Hulcy John Erickson
Featured Speakers Jim Weiss Wade Hulcy Tim and Lyndsay Lambert Mary James Doug and Patsy Arnold Diana Waring Becky Preble Woody Robertson Joseph Howe
Children’s Program Come set sail with us as we embark on a journey in the waters of the deep blue, navigate the passages of sailors gone before us, and learn of the faith that turns fear into victory. The Lord, the captain of our ship, will teach us more about Himself on this adventurous Victory Voyage. Children’s Ministries of Texas is back with a fun-filled program of entertaining skits, fun crafts, exciting games, and songs children ages 4-12 will love! Visit www.ChildrensMinistriesofTexas.org for details.
Teen Staff Program The Teen Staff Program (TSP) offers a perfect mix of educational workshops, fun activities, and important service jobs for pre-registered teens, ages 13-18. Teens, will again join together to check name badges, man book check, staff the Exhibit Hall, and the like. They will also enjoy exciting games, activities, and fellowship with other homeschooled teens. The TSP is a two-day commitment (August 15-16, 2008).
Special Buddies Program - New this year!!! THSC, together with Texas’ Special Kids, will provide a limited program for pre-registered children with special needs. The program will offer Bible-based curriculum with music, crafts, and videos; low staff-to-student ratios; and self-contained, modified mainstream, and reverse-inclusion models. There are a limited number of spaces available for medically fragile children, with nurses on staff. Check out the Special Buddies Program FAQs to see if this program is the right fit for your child!
Registration · Registration fee is the same whether you attend one day or two. Families who Pre-Register will receive confirmation packets. Packets will be mailed by July 18. If you do not receive your confirmation packet, please contact the THSC office. · Refund Policy: Refunds requested in writing before June 13 will be issued minus 10%. There will be no refunds after June 13.
Pre-registration (postmarked June 13)
Printable Pre-Registration Form
THSC Association Member Non-Member Adult – FREE Adult – $15.00 Spouse (or grandparent) – FREE Spouse (or grandparent) – FREE Additional Adult – $15 Additional Adult – $15 (e.g., adult child or additional grandparent)
Children and Teens Infants and Toddlers – ages 0-3 - FREE Children’s Program – ages 4-12 - $25.00 Teen Staff Program (pre-registration only) – ages 13-18 - $25.00 *Special Buddies Program (pre-registration only) – up to age 18 - $25.00 **Child and Teen Exhibit Hall Pass – $15
There is a family maximum of $75.00 for Children’s Program, Special Buddies Program, and/or Teen Staff Program fees, available only when pre-registering. After the 3rd child, any subsequent children in the same family attend FREE.
Card-carrying THSC Association Member Non-Member Adult – FREE Adult – $25.00 Spouse (or grandparent) – FREE Spouse (or grandparent) – FREE Additional Adult – $25 Additional Adult – $25 (e.g., adult child or additional grandparent)
Children and Teens Infants/Toddlers – ages 0-3 - FREE Children’s Program – ages 4-12 - $30.00 **Child and Teen Exhibit Hall Pass – $15
Infants and Toddlers We urge parents to make other arrangements for toddlers on these two days if possible; however, infants and toddlers, ages 0-3 may attend free of charge with their parents. A Toddler Play Area will be provided at which parents may leave their toddlers, as space is available, for 75 minutes. A Nursing Mother’s Room will also be provided.
*The Special Buddies Program (SBP) is available on a case-by-case basis and while space lasts. Participants in the SBP must be pre-registered. Parents must complete the SBP Registration Form and include it with their general Convention Registration form.
**Children and Teens Parents are strongly encouraged to allow their children ages 4-12 to attend the Children's Program or Special Buddies Program or to make other arrangements. However, children and teens not attending respective programs must register for an Exhibit Hall Pass ($15) and may shop with their parents (and attend adult workshops if space is available). Children must be attended at all times. Registration for all programs will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available as space allows. The Special Buddies Program and the Teen Staff Program will not be available to children and teens who are not pre-registered.
Free Thursday Evening Sessions Come Thursday for a FREE taste of the weekend to come! Have friends interested in homeschooling? Bring them along too! Kick-off your Convention vacation with an evening of inspiration! Don’t want to hassle with Registration Friday morning? Convention registration will be open Thursday evening for your convenience!
Friday and Saturday Evening Programs Jim Weiss, a renowned storyteller (awarded by such organizations as the American Library Association, Parent’s Choice Foundation, the Film Advisory Board, and more) will capture your attention as he spends an evening telling stories in a way such as you’ve never heard. Prepare to enjoy yourself immensely!
John Erickson, creator of Hank the Cowdog, joins us again with an encore performance! Join other “Hank scholars” in listening and watching as John reads some of Hank’s stories and sings some of his songs! Watch and listen as the creator and author of the popular Hank the Cowdog series makes his character come alive. You will be able to picture yourself out on the ranch!
FAQs Workshop Recordings Recordings of each workshop will be available for purchase by Rhino Technologies. You will find their booth in the foyer located outside the Exhibit Hall.
Strollers, Carts, Wagons, and Wheeled Luggage No large strollers, carts, wagons, or wheeled luggage will be allowed. Simple strollers are allowed in the Exhibit Hall for transporting children only. Due to space constraints, strollers will not be allowed into workshops but may be parked in a specified stroller parking area.
Concessions No outside food or drink will be allowed into the Convention Center. A concession stand will be available with meal and snack options. Many restaurants are within a short driving or walking distance from the Convention Center. Visit www.thewoodlandscvb.com/visitorsguide.asp to request a free visitor’s guide.
Parking Free parking will be available as long as space lasts in the Six Pines Parking Garage adjacent to the Convention Center. Additional parking will be available for a minimal rate in the East Garage in front of the Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. See the link below for a map to Convention Center as well as specific parking instructions.
Convention Location The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center 1601 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Click here for a map and directions.
Schedule
Friday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 1:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Special Fellowships Do you ever feel like you are the only one facing unique circumstances? Saturday afternoon, from 3 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there will special fellowships for minority families, support group leaders, families with single parents, families with special needs children, and families with only children. Come be encouraged, build relationships, and share ideas with others facing similar situations.
Vacation Add-ons Whether you’re from Houston or are just visiting, get the most out of your Convention experience when you take advantage of the vacation add-ons we’ve arranged for you!
Thursday Field Trip Join us for a field trip to Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas, where the Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed. The state park is located on the original townsite of Washington and is comprised of three main attractions – Independence Hall, Barrington Living History Farm, and the Star of the Republic Museum.
Field trip attendees will enjoy guided tours of each of the main attractions and a special history presentation – all from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, August 14.
Don’t miss this hands-on history adventure!
Area Attraction Discounts Get a discount on tickets to see the Astros play during your visit to Houston! ($5 off regular price) Get a one-day ticket, good any regular operating day in 2008 for only $20! (Regularly $25-$33) Get a one-day ticket, good any regular operating day for only $10! (Regularly $15-$19) Get an all-day pass, including all rides and exhibits, for only $13.50 per person! (Regularly $16) Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens Tour the beautiful Hogg home and gardens which showcase some of the finest examples of Americana design and craftsmanship. $3.75 (Regularly $7.50) The Woodlands Children’s Museum $3 per person admission when Convention name badge is displayed. Good August 12-19! (Regularly $5)
Lunch Meal Deal Don’t want to hassle with leaving the Convention to feed your family? Eat on-site at a discounted price when you pre-order the Sandwich Meal Deal for lunch.
Friday & Saturday Lunch (Ham or Turkey Sandwich, Chips, Cookie, and Drink): $8.50/meal (when pre-ordered - $10 onsite)
Hotel Accommodations The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Stay on-site at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center at the special rate of $125 per night! To make reservations, call 800.262.1509 and mention the THSC State Convention. This special rate is good August 10-20, 2008, based on availability. Reservations must be made by July 23, 2008, but rates are only good while rooms are available. For best results, make reservations early. Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance.
Houston Area Amenities Make the most of your weekend by taking advantage of what the Houston area has to offer. We have compiled a list of area amenities where visitors and residents alike will find fun and interesting places to see and things to do! Be sure to check each website for operating hours and other details.
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