Local Resources

Some people wonder if they homeschool, how will they or their children ever meet anyone else? No, you don't have to join a co-op  - although you can. And, no, you don't have to stay isolated - although you can. The longer you homeschool, the more you will find you have to actually struggle to keep the "home" in homeschool. There are more opportunities around this area than you will have time, money, and energy to do.  It is also perfectly fine to participate in none of these opportunities. Staying home is valuable! Here are some of our favorite opportunities, not all are exclusively homeschool opportunities.  If you know of something not listed, please email us.

Arts

Bible Study

  • Community Bible Study - Ladies Bible study, homeschool groups for elementary through high school, meets on Thursday mornings 
  • eTeen - an evening Community Bible Study for teens, led by a local homeschool grandparent team, while not only a homeschool group, many homeschool children attend 
  • Bible Bowl - local group 
  • Bright Lights/Bitty Brights - 2 local groups for girls 6-10, 11+ - email for details
  • Highlands Fellowship has a "Kids Small Group" Bible study on Wednesday nights for 1st through 6th graders (and other programs for older kids). This is not just for homeschool children. The link to attend is at the bottom of the page.
  • Camp Evangel - offers summer camps, fall and spring weekend retreats for teens and middle schoolers - run by member of our group
  • AWANA - a few churches offer this evening Bible study for kindergarten through teens including Abingdon Bible Church and Rosedale Baptist - This is not just for homeschool children. 

Clubs

  • Trail Life - Christian Boy Scout type club, meets weekly in Abingdon - not exclusively homeschoolers, although homeschoolers are involved
  • Shakespeare Club - homeschool group

Co-ops/Classes in Area

Dual Enrollment/College

Farms/Zoos

Libraries

  • Living Books Library - a private, membership library in Bristol, specializing in out-of-print books, owned by a local homeschool family.
  • Bristol Public Library - story time, book clubs, 
  • Washington County Libraries  - special homeschool activity days, currently Wednesdays at 2:30 
  • Kidz Place - free for Washington county residents to check out of games, books, and educational resources  - mostly targeted for pre-school and elementary age students

Living History

Music

Nature

Podcasts/Audio

A few GRACE families have national podcasts.

  • A Delectable Education, focusing on the Charlotte Mason Method of education
  • HomeWise, focusing on seeking Christian wisdom for homeschool and families concerns. 

Science

  • KidsTech - meets twice a year on a Saturday, not just for homeschool families, but a great opportunity for 9 -12 year olds.
  • 4-H - Washington County 4H club -  Crystal Peek 
  • Lego League
  • Hayters Gap Library and Glade Spring library are hosting weekly STEAM days. Please check with them for the details.
  • Hands on Museum in Gray, TN offers homeschool programs 

Sports 

This is not an exhaustive list for the larger VA/TN region. A few other co-ops have sports teams, but the following listings are those closest to the Abingdon area. If the Abingdon area does not have an opportunity, then a farther away option is listed for those who are interested. 

Fun

Theater