Please plan to stay until Monday so you can join us for a picnic at noon at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. Keep reading for complete descriptions of the program features:
Main Presentations
Main presentations are an hour long and cover a variety of topics sure to inspire your unschooling journey. Complete list of presentations.
Roundtable Discussions
These chats are designed to give everyone a chance to participate. A variety of topics will be discussed so bring your ideas and thoughts and help create a lively conversation. Complete list of rountable discussions.
Dad's Panel
Do you have a burning questions for the dads among us? Do you wonder what goes on in the male psyche when the subject of unschooling is the topic under discussion? Have you been curious about what goes down in those SSUDs meetings besides beer and strippers? Here's your chance to visit that undiscovered country called What Goes On in Dads' Heads. Join a panel of unschooling dads for a Q&A session. Discover their challenges and inspirations as they answer your questions and share a glimpse into the XY perspective. Everyone is encouraged to attend and ask questions. Moderated by Frank Maier.
Funshops
Something for every member of the family! Come play, move, craft, and laugh with family and friends. Check the funshop page for details of what's planned.
Nature of Art Creative Space
New for 2011! This creative space will be open for the duration of the conference! Come and go as you wish to create and explore the nature of art with quality, natural supplies. A facilitator and various materials will be available for everyone to enjoy:
the Young Exploratory space will have color block crayons, paints, paper and rocks for painting.
the Mixed Media space will have watercolor pencils, pastels, painting, drawing, modeling clay, and rock painting. Canvases will be available for a small fee.
the Recycled Art space will have a different theme each day and one large board for a collaborative art project.
High quality art supplies will also be available for purchase.
Young Adult Program
New for 2011! Facilitated by Blake Boles, author of College without High School, a series of discussions and opportunities for young adults to connect. All the details.
SSUDs
The Secret Society of Unschooling Dads will be convening again for a no-holds barred meeting. Only men are granted access for uninhibited discussion of questions, concerns and jubilations that belong uniquely to the XY persuasion on the unschooling journey. In-depth conversation, new ideas and friendships are sure to result from this special session.
Fairy Godparents
This is a really fun game for everyone! You give to your godchild and in turn, you receive from your own fairy godparent.
On Thursday anyone who wants to participate will fill out a card with your name and interests and drop it into our hat. Then Thursday night everyone who put their name in the hat will draw a name to become someone's Fairy Godparent. Once you've drawn a name, spend the weekend making your fairy godchild feel special- give them a gift or a snack. Make a sign proclaiming his/her wonderfulness and post it for all to see. Get a group together to target your new friend for an evening serenade or a hug-fest. But do it all in a way that keeps your identity a secret! Keep them guessing! At the end of the conference, you can choose to reveal yourself or let your identity remain a mystery for all of time.
All ages are welcome to participate and younger godparents may need assistance fulfilling their duty. If you draw a name, please be sure to participate so no one is left out of the game.
Silent Auction and Handcrafted Collection
Have a passion or want a new one? Check out our silent auction and find a special something that calls to you. We'll have a variety of baskets chock full of items centered around a theme for your bidding pleasure. Keep checking in to watch the bids go up and do what you can to ensure your passion goes home with you. We'll also have a table offering your donated handcrafted gifts for sale at a Buy It Now price. For more details or to donate, see the FAQ page. All proceeds are contributed to the scholarship fund.
Untrepreneurial Artisian Bazaar
Who loves items made by unschoolers? Everybody! We'll have an area for you to display your handmade goodness and earn a little cash. Bring your knitted socks, cards, soap, embrodiered pillows, jewelry, artwork and whatever else you create and participate in the bazaar throughout the long weekend. The rest of us can bring some money to support our unschooling untrepreneurs and take home a special souvenier to re-ignite all those good vibrations!
Gaming Room
If gaming is your thing, we've got a room just for you. Bring your equipment, board and card games and set up for a couple of days of intense play with your friends.
Other Special Events
Check out our Special Events page for more entertainment.
More to be added as events are confirmed.