Harbor Homeschool Group of ...

Events

Name

Harbor Homeschool Group of Greater Martinsville

Mission and Vision

 

harbor :  n 

1 : a place of security and comfort      

2 : a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to furnish anchorage

 

     The Harbor is…

A CHRIST CENTERED group focused on RELATIONSHIP BUILDING, KNOWLEDGE SEEKING & FAMILY NURTURING.

 

 

     Just as a real harbor serves as a place where ships can come in for safety and refueling, our prayer is that with Christ as the beacon that guides us, the Harbor will provide for these needs so that we can be sent back out into our families, churches, and communities prepared and ready for the journey that lies ahead.

 

 

Christ Centered

     The group is founded on the cornerstone of Christ. The lighthouse is the focal point of a harbor that guides the ships and lights the way. We believe that Christ does the same for us in our homeschool journey. The Harbor exists to glorify God in the goals that it accomplishes and the needs that it meets. — Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 58:11, Hebrews 12:1-2

 

Relationship Building

     One of the primary purposes of the weekly meetings and various activities is to build strong like-minded peer relationships. We can be excited about being called to homeschool, and we need to help our children realize that they are not alone or unusual in the way they are educated. Strong relationships can help our children weather storms that they might encounter when not in the Harbor. — Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24,    Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 2 Timothy 2:22

 

Knowledge Seeking

     Our desire as homeschool families is to see that our children grow in knowledge and wisdom just as Christ did as a youth. We do this by studying units & subjects on various topics at our weekly meetings as well as providing correlating and additional activities and field trips. — Proverbs 2:6-11, Luke 2:52

 

Family Nurturing

     It is very important that the Harbor nurtures the entire family by encouraging, praying for, and helping others.   For example, there are times when we can spiritually lift others up, there are times when we can lend a listening ear, and there are times when we can physically help out with things such as childcare and other needs. — Galatians 6:2-3, Hebrews 10:24

 

 

Membership

What does Harbor membership involve?

     Currently, there is no "formal" membership process to be involved in the Harbor.  Family Information sheets are filled out at the first attended meeting.  We are a relatively new support group.  Some things, such as the membership process, are still "in the works."  We do currently ask that each participating family donate a small amount (about $20/yr.) to the church at which we meet to cover the expenses the church assumes for us meeting there.  We do ask that at least one parent/grandparent attend the group meetings with their child(ren).  The Harbor is volunteer fueled.  We rely on parents to help with various aspects of the group as God has gifted them.  We ask that some parents teach, some assist, some help with little ones, etc.  The Harbor is a Christ-centered group.  Those who teach and instruct the group must do so in a way that would glorify God and line up with Biblical principles.

Group Size

     The Harbor is currently averaging 14-18 families per week.  This translates into a group size (including adults) of anywhere between 45 to 75.   Many more families are part of the Harbor email group.  Some of these families occasionally participate in special activities and field trips.

Meeting Times

What do the Harbor meetings look like?

     One reason many of us homeschool is for flexibility. Although there is a general structure to the meetings and calendar, there are times when we realize we need to change things in order to meet the needs of our families. The general structure of the Harbor looks something like the following:

 

Meetings are usually held on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. The ending time is 3:30. The fourth Friday of each month is generally scheduled off. The holidays, months with five Fridays, and special activities will occasionally alter this schedule.

 

Educational units/classes, activities, and field trips are planned by the participating families. Planning meetings are scheduled in the evening or on a Saturday morning as necessary. (Generally three to four times a year.) It is expected that families who attend the Harbor will help in planning, teaching, or in other needed areas as they are able so that the load is shared by all.

 

Mom’s Night Out events and Family Gatherings are scheduled throughout the year. Information about these is posted at the weekly meetings and via email.

 

City/Area

Martinsville, Morgan County

Directions

     The Harbor meets at Faith Church in Martinsville.  It is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Highway 37 and State Road 44.  It is the northern most stoplight on Highway 37 in Martinsville.