From time to time, I come across events that may be of interest to homeschool families. I’m sharing them here simply as a resource. I am not organizing or endorsing these events, but their descriptions sounded appealing and potentially beneficial. I encourage you to review the details and reach out directly to the hosting organization if you would like to learn more.

Drones 107 Pilot License Course- June and July
Amazing opportunity for your older teenagers.   The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is offering a free 8-week Drones 107 Pilot License Course for high school learners interested in becoming licensed drone operators. The summer course includes transportation, lunch, and an FAA Part 107 exam voucher.  Minimum age: 16

Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Forum- July 7, 2026
Learners ages 10–18 are invited to spend the day exploring business, innovation, trades, STEM, media, podcasting, and AI. This free youth event includes four hands-on sessions, lunch, and opportunities to discover future career paths while building confidence and creativity. Click the image to register. 

This week, Mateo participated in the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County’s 4R Ambassador Program, a five-day experience designed to help learners better understand waste, recycling, resource management, and the systems that keep our community running. We visited SWA several times last year.  After seeing the engineering, innovation, and coordination involved in managing garbage, he declared, “I think I could consider a career in trash.”  We were both surprised by how much thought, technology, and problem-solving exist in a field many people overlook. Waste management is easy to dismiss because most of us only think about garbage when we roll a bin to the curb. But once you see what happens next, it becomes clear that this work is essential.

People may use terms like “garbage man” as though the job is somehow less important, but without the people collecting and moving waste, none of the processes we learned about during our field trips would even begin. The trucks, transfer stations, recycling systems, renewable energy facilities, wastewater systems, landfills, and biosolids processes all depend on people doing work that keeps our community functioning.  So when we learned about the 4R Ambassador Program, he was ready to sign up but our schedule did not align until this summer. 

The program is designed for those who are in or have completed middle school.  Mateo was the oldest participant in the group and it turned out to be the perfect time for him to attend. At fourteen, he is beginning to think more seriously about the future, the kind of world his generation will inherit, and the role people play in either solving problems or creating them. Because of that, he was able to absorb the experience with a broader perspective than he may have had prior which is evident in our conversations on the car ride home. 

When I asked him how each day went, his answer was simple: “Solid.”  That one word always leaves me wanting more even though I know it means he enjoyed it.  After some well designed questions, he explained how REF 1 was planned to eventually go offline so the facility could be updated and replaced with another REF 2-style facility, because even essential infrastructure has to be modernized over time. He also shared that while the initial plan involved building on another part of the property, SWA changed course after working with residents in the area. Mateo appreciated that the concerns of the surrounding community were heard and honored.

Another, fun conversation was the surprisingly intricate process of wastewater management, including why wipes labeled “flushable” still do not belong in the toilet.  I was a little irked to hear that people are unknowingly buying products that they think are helping but are in reality straining the system.  If you are buying these wipes, either stop or dispose of them in the trash because they are not designed to dissolve when flushed like toilet paper.  So the next time, you see a sign in a restroom begging you not to flush anything but toilet paper understand that the request is not just about plumbing. 

I also appreciated hearing about the targeted group discussions that encouraged the learners to think beyond easy answers while applying the knowledge they had acquired. In one activity, they were divided into three groups and asked to defend different approaches to a community waste challenge: build a new landfill, build a new waste-to-energy facility, or consider both. That kind of debate requires learners to think through trade-offs, listen to other viewpoints, and explain their reasoning clearly. In another group activity they were challenged to adjust the lyrics of a popular song to reflect what they had learned during the week. It was creative, but it also required teamwork, compromise, and patience.

Other activities included making recycled paper. Mateo opted to include seeds in his so we are going to plant it in the backyard.  I would have loved to do this myself.  They also tried to create a landfill liner, which required critical thinking and design choices. Since SWA burns trash and then buries the ash in layers, the liner is an important part of protecting the surrounding environment. Both of these activities provided additional opportunities for them to think like problem-solvers, not just observers. I cannot express how grateful I am to the education team at SWA for creating such a rich environment for critical thinking. 

If that was not enough to love, the final portion of the program brought the learners back into nature. That was not just a pleasant change of scenery. It helped bring the full purpose of the 4Rs home. The learners explored SWA’s Greenway Trail System, a 300-acre conservation area located on site balancing industry and nature, with nearly six miles of trails surrounded by natural habitat. They also visited Grassy Waters, for even more hands-on activities. The group tested water quality and participated in an adjusted dip netting activity because the water levels were not high enough for wading. Even with that adjustment, they were able to collect specimens, identify them under a microscope, and then release them back into their environment.

Those experiences made the lesson much bigger than “reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink” as a slogan. They were able to see why those choices matter. What we throw away, what we flush, how we manage resources, and how carefully we design systems all connect back to the health of the land, water, wildlife, and communities around us. Waste management is not just about trucks, facilities, technology, or disposal. It is about stewardship. It is about protecting ecosystems. It is about understanding that the choices made in homes, neighborhoods, public facilities, and government planning all ripple outward.

The week culminated in a graduation ceremony where each learner shared takeaways and “aha” moments from the experience.  We also learned about next steps for becoming true ambassadors in the community.  As a homeschool parent, I love opportunities like this because they help learners connect education to the real world. This week provided experiences that can change the way a young person sees their community. They begin to understand that infrastructure does not just happen. People design it, maintain it, improve it, and solve problems within it every day.  There were 15 spots available for this year’s 4R Ambassador Program, and only 12 were filled. After seeing how meaningful this experience was for Mateo, I truly hope more homeschool families will consider it in the future.

If your learners enjoy science, systems, environmental topics, public works, engineering, innovation, or simply understanding how things really work, SWA’s 4R Ambassador Program is a fantastic opportunity. Click this link and scroll down to learn how to register for next year. 

ASCEND Classes
Braveheart Farm
​Leadership Skill Development
Michelangelo Exhibit
​Radio Station Tour
​Technology Exploration
Whole Foods Experience
​Community Events

The first Technology Exploration Experience was a definite success.  31 participants, including 20 learners and their parents. This event was designed to feel more like a mini technology expo than a sit-down class. Families were able to move through several stations at their own pace, complete technology missions, ask questions, and explore different areas of interest before transitioning into jump time.

Learners completed four Technology Discovery Missions, and one of my favorite parts of the morning was watching how seriously they engaged with them. They explored future technology career paths, worked through the QR Code Tech Trail, and reflected on challenges with AI data centers. ​Some learners worked side by side with their parents, which was such a beautiful example of collaborative learning in action. In those moments, parents were not just observing — they were learning alongside their learner, asking questions, helping them think more deeply, or simply guiding the process.   Other learners naturally partnered with one another, moving through the hands-on activities together, sharing ideas, testing things out, and figuring things out as a team.

The hands-on stations gave learners a chance to engage with technology in different ways. One station featured a fully assembled PC, and learners had the opportunity to rebuild it while learning more about what the different parts do. Another station introduced ciphers and gave learners a chance to try cracking a code. Minecraft Education was also available as another way to explore technology through creativity and play.

Our AI station did not go exactly as planned — the music in Sky Zone was a little too loud for Claude to clearly distinguish voices — but even that turned into a learning opportunity. Instead, families were able to see how Claude had been used to help write code to program a robot in just one week by someone with no prior experience. That alone sparked great conversation about what AI can do, where it still has limits, and why human creativity and problem-solving still matter.

One of the best pieces of feedback I heard was:   “I had no idea my daughter was this interested in technology and hacking.”  That is exactly why these experiences matter.  Sometimes learners do not know what they are interested in until they are given a chance to explore it in a real, engaging, low-pressure environment.

Another parent shared:  “We learned so much. Thank you for hosting such amazing events.”   My son may be the motivator for me to create these events, but feedback like this keeps me inspired.  
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And after about 90 minutes of deep technology exploration, something equally wonderful happened.  The learners ran around Sky Zone, laughed, played, climbed, bounced, and enjoyed simply being together. Watching teenagers go from thoughtful conversations about careers, AI, cybersecurity, and data centers to running around without a care in the world was such a good reminder that technology my be powerful but it cannot replace movement, friendship, laughter, and real human connection.

So what's next?  Well, plans are in the works to do something similar in August so families who could not attend today can join in the meantime, consider a Sky Zone membership for next year.  I will also be organizing some actual classes at Palm Beach State College over the next school year.  So much ahead, be sure to stay connected. 

Some experiences are hard to fully capture because they are not just about what happened. They are about what was learned, what was felt, and what quietly shifted inside the learners who were there.  Earlier today, Mateo and I volunteered at Braveheart Farm where we hosted some participants in the First Tee ACE program. I had connected the two organizations because I knew the heart behind Braveheart Farm and the purpose of First Tee’s ACE program could make for a meaningful fit.  I was right on!!

Mateo has been involved with First Tee for many years and will be joining the ACE program himself in the fall, so serving in this capacity felt especially meaningful. He already knew some of the participants from previous First Tee events. They were surprised to see him helping at the farm, but they definitely welcomed the friendly face.  First Tee’s ACE program is designed to help teens take an active role in building their future. Through hands-on projects, participants explore who they are, think about possible future paths, create goals, invest in their community, and build confidence for whatever comes next. 

​Six participants and two chaperones joined this special hands-on equine experience. Throughout their time at the farm, the participants groomed horses, learned how to lead a horse, and even had the opportunity to ride. For some, this brought back memories of previous horse experiences. For others, it was their very first time being that close to such a large animal.  But this experience was about much more than riding a horse.  One of the most meaningful lessons of the day was that leadership does not mean being mean, forceful, loud, or overly assertive. In fact, the horses often responded best to calm confidence, clear posture, and gentle direction. The participants learned that they could move a horse with something as simple as a gentle nudge.

Community Greening
Standard Bearer
​Tree of Life Resource Center

Seven years ago, Mateo and I visited the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Opa-locka for the first time. It was just the two of us, and even though some of the machines were not working that day, we were still amazed by what we were able to see.
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A few weeks later, we decided to go back and brought one of Mateo’s friends along so we could experience the tour again. Even back then, it was mind-boggling to see the technology Amazon had already put in place to help get packages from their fulfillment centers to our front doors.

​The orange robots were especially fascinating. Watching them move, communicate, and work together gave us a firsthand look at how much technology is involved in something many of us use every day without thinking much about it.  Fast forward seven years, and I am so glad we returned.
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This time, the layout of the tour had changed, but the overall experience still gave families a meaningful look at how packages move through Amazon’s system. We also noticed that Amazon has added blue robots, which made the experience feel both familiar and new at the same time. Our tour guide truly went above and beyond for our private homeschool group. In the past, we had joined a public tour, which was still interesting, but there was something extra special about experiencing it this time with friends from our own community. The families left feeling the same way we did — impressed, surprised, and glad they made the drive.

What I appreciated most is that the tour was not only about how packages are shipped. Yes, that part is fascinating, but the experience also gave us a broader look at Amazon as a company.  We learned about their efforts to continue adjusting and improving, especially when it comes to reducing waste and becoming more environmentally thoughtful. For example, Amazon is moving away from the white plastic-like bags many of us are used to receiving and transitioning toward more paper-based packaging. 

One interesting detail I had not realized before is that when a small item arrives in a very large box, that is often connected to third-party vendor information. If the vendor does not provide accurate package dimensions, Amazon may charge them extra until the dimensions are corrected. The goal is to encourage better packaging choices and reduce unnecessary waste.  Oh and did you know that not all returns go back into inventory. Many items are actually donated to charity.

Another area that stood out was Amazon’s focus on employee safety, wellness, and growth. We learned that employees receive free safety equipment and have access to spaces for working out, stretching, or simply spending time with co-workers. We also heard about benefits beginning on day one of employment and Amazon’s education support, where employees can pursue a degree without being locked into staying with the company afterward.

For homeschool families, this is the kind of experience that opens up so many conversations. Technology, robotics, logistics, environmental choices, business decisions, employee wellness, careers, innovation — it is all wrapped into one tour.  I am so glad Mateo and I returned after all these years, and I am even more grateful that this time we were able to experience it with other homeschool families instead of a group of strangers.  The drive to Opa-locka is definitely an early start from Palm Beach County, but this tour was absolutely worth it. It was educational, eye-opening, and of course fun.

Next visit is planned for August 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm. 

​ASCEND Classes
Braveheart Farm
Homes and Habitats​
Michelangelo Exhibit
​Radio Station Tour
Whole Foods Experience
​Community Events

There is something special about watching learners become completely immersed in the world around them. That was certainly the case during today's Homes & Habitats introductory class at Okeeheelee Nature Center in West Palm Beach.
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This experience was designed to give families a glimpse into an upcoming 5-week series that will allow learners to take a much deeper dive into specific areas of study including:

Mammals
Raptors
Reptiles
Insects & Pollinators
Plants

Rather than simply introducing facts, the goal of the future series is to help learners develop a strong understanding of each topic area — almost becoming young subject matter experts through observation, discussion, exploration, and repeated exposure.

​Our introductory session began outdoors with a guided nature walk through the pond and pine flatwoods habitats surrounding the Nature Center. Despite the humid Florida weather, the learners remained incredibly engaged and attentive throughout the walk. They observed different types of homes and habitats used by the animals living within the ecosystem and asked thoughtful questions along the way. It was wonderful to see curiosity naturally lead the experience.

One of the things that stood out most was how comfortable the learners felt asking questions. The guides encouraged discussion and observation, which created an environment where learners were not simply listening — they were actively participating in the experience.

After the outdoor portion of the class, everyone welcomed the opportunity to cool off inside the Nature Center where families had the chance to meet several of the resident animal ambassadors including Myrtle, Luigi, Houdini, and Nikki. Learners were able to observe them up close, learn about how they came to live at the center, and in some cases even gently touch them while hearing their stories.

Families also spent time exploring the exhibits inside the Nature Center. For some, the visit served as a reminder of what an incredible educational resource exists right here in Palm Beach County. For others, it was a complete surprise to discover the Nature Center for the very first time.

What made the experience especially meaningful was the combination of hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and authentic curiosity. It was not rushed or overly scripted. Instead, learners had space to observe, wonder, ask questions, and make connections with the natural world around them.
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The Homes & Habitats introductory class was an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, and it offered families a glimpse into how meaningful deeper-dive learning experiences can become when learners are given time to truly engage with a subject.

Why Experiences Like This Matter for Homeschool Learners
Field experiences like this help learners move beyond memorization and into active discovery. When learners can see habitats firsthand, interact with ambassadors, and ask real questions in real time, the learning becomes more personal and memorable.
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Experiences like Homes & Habitats also help families discover educational resources within their own community that can continue to inspire learning long after the class ends.

Interested in the Full Homes & Habitats Series?
The introductory class offered just a small glimpse into the deeper learning opportunities being planned for this upcoming series. Each week will focus on a specific topic area — including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects & pollinators, and plants — allowing learners to build knowledge through observation, discussion, hands-on experiences, and repeated exposure.

New families interested in learning more about the upcoming Homes & Habitats series are encouraged to connect with me so I can keep you updated.  

​ASCEND Classes
Braveheart Farm
Michelangelo Exhibit
​Radio Station Tour
Whole Foods Experience
​Community Events

Today, our co-op had the opportunity to serve at the Tree of Life Resource Center in West Palm Beach, and it was one of those experiences that gave our learners a deeper understanding of both service and community need.

During our volunteer time, learners worked behind the scenes sorting clothing donations for children, women, and men—items that will be made available entirely to families in need. They also helped sort fresh produce, removing what could no longer be used and saving what was still fresh for distribution.
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What stood out most was how much can be accomplished in just two and a half hours when willing hands come together. The learners left knowing they had made a small but meaningful impact.

A Closer Look at Need in Our Community
It can be easy to assume that areas like Palm Beach County are largely insulated from hardship, but the reality is more complex. Thousands of families in our community experience food insecurity, housing instability, or rely on local organizations for basic necessities like clothing, hygiene products, and support services.

Organizations like Tree of Life Resource Center are working quietly behind the scenes with very small teams—often just a handful of people—to meet these needs with dignity. Families make appointments, receive personalized support, and are treated with care that goes far beyond a simple distribution model.

For our learners, seeing this firsthand brings awareness that no textbook can fully replicate.

Why Homeschool Learners Are Uniquely Positioned to Serve
One of the greatest strengths of homeschooling is flexibility—not just in schedule, but in what we choose to prioritize.
Experiences like this are a powerful reminder that learning doesn’t only happen at a desk.

Because homeschool families can adjust their schedules, they have a unique opportunity to engage in service during times when organizations need help most—weekday mornings, preparation hours, and behind-the-scenes work that often goes unseen.

And in those moments, meaningful learning happens naturally:

• Observation skills are sharpened as learners evaluate clothing—identifying stains, wear, and usability
• Organizational skills develop as they sort, hang, and categorize items efficiently
• Critical thinking comes into play when determining what can be salvaged and what cannot
• Real-world awareness grows as they see how a nonprofit operates and serves the community through donations

​This is education that is lived, not assigned.

How You Can Help
In addition to food and clothing, Tree of Life Resource Center provides well checks, chaplain services, and access to everyday essentials like toiletries and cleaning supplies.  These items are often in low supply.

For families or co-ops looking for a simple way to get involved, consider organizing:

• A hygiene drive
• A feminine product collection
• A cleaning supply donation

These are tangible ways learners can contribute while understanding the direct impact of their efforts.

Looking Ahead
The current facility is only phase two of the organization’s journey. Future plans include expanding into a larger resource center surrounded by transitional family housing.
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For our learners, this experience was more than volunteer hours.

It was perspective.

It was awareness.
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And it was a reminder that even a few hours of service can make a meaningful difference.

There are moments as a homeschool parent that quietly affirm the choices we’ve made—and this week was one of them.

My son recently played a round of golf with two friends he introduced to the sport over four years ago. Over the years, golf has taken him on quite a journey—from early lessons to competitive play—but this round felt different.

Back then, they were just learning—figuring out how to hold a club, how to make contact, how to be patient with themselves. He helped guide them, even taking them out on the course for the very first time.

Life got busy. Interests shifted. Golf wasn’t always front and center for them.  But it never fully left.

This past week, the three of them stepped back onto the course together—and it was something special.
They laughed.
They played.
They ate (because let’s be honest… you need to keep your energy up when you’re walking 18 holes).

And somewhere between the swings and the conversations, they reconnected—not just with the game, but with each other in a new way.
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For my son, it wasn’t about the score.  And that’s what made it so meaningful.

Golf has taken him on a journey over the years—from those early days of learning alongside friends to competing and experiencing success in the sport. He’s won his fair share of tournaments and understands what it takes to play at a high level. But what stood out in this moment wasn’t any of that.

He chose to play from more challenging tees—not to prove anything, but simply to experience the course in a new way. He encouraged his friends, helped them along, and made sure they were enjoying themselves as they stepped back into a game they hadn’t played in quite some time.
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Because at his core, he understands something that many spend years chasing: Golf isn’t just about competition. It’s about connection

Golf Teaches More Than a Scorecard
When homeschool learners are introduced to golf the right way, they gain so much more than a sport:

• Patience and Focus – Golf doesn’t rush you. It teaches learners to slow down, think, and adjust.
• Resilience – Not every shot goes as planned, and that’s okay. Golf builds the ability to reset and try again.
• Integrity – One of the few sports where you keep your own score. Honesty matters.
• Social Connection – Conversations happen naturally on the course. Friendships grow without pressure.
• Confidence – Progress is visible. Each improvement builds belief.

And perhaps most importantly… It creates shared experiences.

Why Golf Works So Well for Homeschool Families
Homeschooling offers something unique—flexibility.

That flexibility opens the door for opportunities like golf:

• Playing during the day when courses are less crowded
• Practicing at your own pace
• Learning in a low-pressure, supportive environment
• Connecting with other homeschool families in a meaningful way

Programs like Youth on Course and local options like the Palm Beach County Junior Card make it incredibly affordable for learners to get out on the course regularly—often for just a few dollars.

That means more time playing. More time learning. More time connecting.

It’s Not About Creating Professional Golfers
Not every learner will fall in love with golf—and that’s okay.

But what I’ve seen over the years is this:
Even when interest fades, the experience stays.
And sometimes, years later, it comes back… in the form of three friends walking 18 holes together, laughing like no time has passed.
That’s what we're really offering our learners.
Not just instruction.
Not just a sport.
But a foundation for connection, confidence, and lifelong memories.

An Invitation to Try
This is why I believe every homeschool learner should at least try a golf class. With the right instruction and environment, learners can grow in ways that extend far beyond the course.

If your family has been curious, this is a great time to explore it. Our upcoming homeschool golf program is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and engaging for all levels—whether your learner is picking up a club for the first time or returning after some time away.
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Come see what it’s all about.

Braveheart Farm is already a meaningful part of our weekly rhythm.

Our co-op gathers there regularly, using the space to learn, connect, and grow as a community. Over time, it has become more than just a location—it’s a place where relationships are built, both among families and with the land itself.

But this particular day offered something different.
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It gave our learners the opportunity to engage more deeply with the heart of the farm—its equine program and the intentional work happening behind the scenes.

A Deeper Experience at a Familiar Place
Even though we meet at Braveheart Farm each week, this experience allowed our students to see it through a new lens.

They stepped into hands-on learning that included:

• Grooming and caring for their equine partners
• Leading horses and practicing groundwork
• Participating in group-based activities

Learners who were already comfortable in the environment began to engage more intentionally—with the horses, with each other, and with the learning process itself.

Learning Through Observation: Liberty Training in Action
One of the most memorable parts of the day was a liberty training exhibition led by one of their peers. This was not a skill the learners were expected to practice. Instead, it served as a powerful teaching tool.

Through observation, learners saw:

• What trust truly looks like in action
• How consistency and communication shape relationships
• The level of connection possible between horse and human

​It created space for reflection and discussion—helping learners connect these ideas to their own relationships and interactions.

More Than Riding: A Shift in Perspective
There are many equestrian programs in our area, but this experience highlighted something important:  Braveheart Farm is not focused on riding alone.  In fact, one of the most impactful takeaways is this:  Riding is great for the rider—but not always for the horse.

The program emphasizes that the best riders first learn how to:

• Build trust
• Communicate clearly
• Respect the horse as a partner

That foundation changes how students approach not only riding—but relationships in general.

Why PATH Certification Matters
Braveheart Farm is PATH certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, and this distinction is significant. Families exploring equine programs should feel confident asking about this.

PATH certification reflects:

• A strong commitment to safety
• Instructors trained in therapeutic and adaptive practices
• A deeper understanding of both human and equine behavior

​In a space where some programs prioritize riding time, Braveheart Farm prioritizes the well-being of both the student and the horse.

A Program That Serves the Whole Child
Beyond our co-op experience, Braveheart Farm offers homeschool programming that can be tailored for groups:

• One-time immersive experiences
• Ongoing series for continued growth

The nonprofit also serves neurodivergent youth and their families, creating an inclusive environment where all learners can thrive.

Learners who continue in the program may eventually pursue riding at a higher level—even competition—but always with a strong relational foundation.

More Than a Farm
Braveheart Farm isn’t just teaching students how to ride. 

It’s helping them become:

• More aware
• More confident
• More connected

Because when learners understand how to build trust with a horse, they begin to understand how to build trust in every part of their lives.

Get Connected
If you’re looking for a homeschool experience that goes beyond the expected, Braveheart Farm offers something truly unique. Whether for a one-time visit or a recurring program, it’s an opportunity to experience meaningful, relationship-based learning. Let's talk.

There’s something powerful about stepping into a space where learning isn’t confined to a desk, a worksheet, or even a conversation. It becomes immersive. Personal. Memorable.

That’s exactly why I love incorporating art exhibitions into home education—especially here in South Florida where opportunities like this are accessible to homeschool families looking for meaningful experiences.

Four years ago, my son and I attended a Michelangelo Exhibit when it came through West Palm Beach. It was just the two of us—quietly walking through, taking it all in at our own pace.

It was meaningful.

But this time, it was something more.

Homeschool Learning Through Real-World Experiences
When the exhibit returned—this time closer to Fort Lauderdale—I knew I wanted to share it with other families.

This is one of the biggest advantages of homeschooling:  Learning doesn’t have to stay at home. Instead of reading about Renaissance art, learners were able to:

• Stand near life-sized reproductions
• Study the details up close
• Engage with the history behind the art independently or collectively

My son experienced the exhibit in a completely different way this time. He wandered on his own, spent time with friends, and used the app to learn more about the frescoes.

When I asked him what he thought afterward, he said, "I liked the way this one was organized, I remember the other one feeling more cramped. Today it was easier to really take it all in.  Having friends with me was nice too."