What’s there to do at the conference?...
Times...
Presenters...
Funshops...
Cocoa House...
Talent Show...
Untrepreneurial Fair...
Play!...
Stay 'til Monday...
Salem Willows...
Times
We start on Friday afternoon after lunch (exact times available soon) and end Sunday afternoon. But we also have the picnic on Monday, so plan to stay and hang out with unschoolers on Sunday afternoon – maybe just around the pool, or maybe explore Salem or Boston.
Presenters
You'll hear experienced and interesting speakers like Ren Allen, Jon Kream, and Erika Davis-Pitre tell their stories and give helpful advice. You'll be able to pick their brains and get to know them. Unschooling conferences are different from traditional conferences - our presenters are part of the community and you can meet them and talk to them just like real people!
Funshops
Funshops are open to all ages, although younger children may need help from a parent or older friend for some of them. Funshops will include things like arts and crafts, letterboxing, music, cheerleading, dance, science play, and many, many more.
Cocoa House
On Friday night we’ll have a performance by some great unschoolers with an Unschooling theme – Music, Storytelling, and Goodies!
Talent Show
The Saturday night conference talent show allows people of all ages to gather and celebrate each other. You will enjoy a variety of acts ranging from a joke-telling 3 year old to experienced professional performers. It’s a welcoming environment that encourages us to take risks and rejoice in all our talents.
Untrepreneurial Fair
The Untrepreneurial Fair will be available to all unschoolers who are registered for the conference. At this table they may sell items they make to conference attendees. There will be no charge or commission for unschoolers to sell their homemade items. (No food products, please!)
Play!
There's a lot to do with unschoolers of all ages. Some folks will pull up a corner and just enjoy talking to supportive, like-minded people. Some kids may passionately play Yu-gi-oh together or set up impromptu video game centers. Some families may spend most of their time at the pool, while others may explore the area together.
Stay 'til Monday
The official conference ends Sunday afternoon, but it's a long weekend and we're planning great things for Monday. Peabody is right next to historic Salem, Massachusetts, and we're compiling a special package of discounts and coupons at attractions throughout Salem that will be free to conference attendees.
Then we'll meet at Salem Willows, a park and old-fashioned New England amusement park right on the ocean. (You can see what it's like here: www.SalemWeb.com/willows/We can hang out and chat and picnic at this lovely place, wander about, perhaps take a boat ride or buy taffy, and play pinball and skeeball. If you're brave, try the famous Chop Suey Sandwich.