How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! - Psalm 113:1
There's something energising about being in the company of people who are passionate about the same things as you are.
In fact, when like-minded individuals get together, powerful things can happen.
For ACE students much encouragement can come from opportunities that bring them together. Using an alternative curriculum has many wonderful benefits, but let's be honest, it can be isolating. By attending events students can see that they are not alone, strong friendships can be made, and they can inspire one another.
In many ways it is the same for parents and educators. Discouragement is an easy thing to fall into when you try and make it by yourselves. You can question your abilities, motives, and resources. Coming together with others who are in a similar situation to you can massively build up your confidence and reignite your vision. The support and the advice of others who are on the same path as you is a priceless thing.
In order to create opportunities for students AND educators to meet one another, Christian Education runs special events throughout the year.
Of course, there are many reasons to attend these events, but one of the big ones is to MAKE CONNECTIONS.
If you are an ACE home educator, TEACH Camp is the event for you.
It goes something like this -
Who, where, and when?
Five days in the beautiful Welsh countryside with your family.
TEACH Camp 2020 is happening from the 25th-29th of May.
Refresh and add to your knowledge
Each morning there are informative sessions and workshops designed to equip you on your homeschool journey. At the same time, the children and youth attend their own groups, in which they will take part in fun activities and presentations. These sessions are designed not only to encourage you in your home educating, but also in your Christian walk as well.
Relax in the Afternoon
Afternoon activities will be available for participation in the afternoon, and the coffee bar will be open for those who want to sit and chat.
You can either join in, take some time to chill or explore the local area with your family!
Rallying Together
Each day is topped off with an evening worship and rally that everyone can attend! Special guest speakers are present, family interviews happen, a student concert takes place, AND there is a celebration for graduates, plus much more!
After Rally Fun
There's time for tea and chats after the rally, as well as a youth club where the teens can take part in some fun challenges with the 24-7 team.
European Student Convention is specifically designed with ACE Students in mind -
Who, where, and when?
Five days in the English Cotswolds with other ACE Students! (plus sponsors)
ESC 2020 is happening from the 6th-10th July.
What's it about?
ESC is an event where ACE students come together and participate in different events under the categories - Academics, Art, Drama, Music, and Sports. Each category get's judged by experts, and in the evenings there is an awards ceremony to present the students with medals for their achievements. By participating, students have the opportunity to practice, explore, and display their skills and talents, and get constructive feedback from people who are experienced in those areas.
Group events
There are many group events that students can enter together. From 1600 meter relay, to PACE Bowl, to vocal ensemble. Students learn to work in unison in order to gain a medal! School teams come together, but if you are a home educator, TEACH holds events before ESC to get teams together and get some practice. These practices are also great opportunities to get together and meet other home educators.
Evening Rally
Each day has a big finish with the evening rally. After all the competition of the day, students congregate together to worship the Lord, celebrate each others' achievements, watch exciting command performances, and hear an uplifting and relevant message.
16+
For students who are 16 and over there are after rally events run by the 24-7 Team that give them space to chat, get to know one another, and have a laugh.
Christian Educators' Conference, a place for Christian educators! -
Who, when, and where?
Two days of networking and workshops with other people who work and serve in the world of Christian education.
CEC 2020 is happening on the 4th and 5th of December at King's House Conference Centre in Northampton.
Information and Inclusion
CEC is designed to inform and update educators. Sessions cover current affairs, CPD, practical advice and more. In addition to these refreshing sessions, CEC is also a great place to connect with like-minded people who share the vision of Christian education.
Break-away
As well as attending the main sessions, you can choose a topical track that is most interesting to you. This way, you can attend workshops that are the most relevant to your need. This option also enables you meet others with similar interests, questions, and ideas.
Hot Drinks and plenty of Biscuits
There are plenty of breaks in between sessions allowing time to chat. You also have the chance to mingle during mealtimes.
Nothing brings people together like food does!
Quiz time
Last year we introduced the CEC Quiz which was great success. After the sessions of the day, you can join a team and take part in the fun, or pick a team to support and be entertained as a spectator! It's a great way to wind down and get to know people.