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
- 4-H - Washington County 4H club - Crystal Peek - Call the office (276) 676-6309
Co-ops/Classes in Area
Driver's License
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
- Steele Creek Nature Center - monthly nature walks, camps, nature center
- Warrior's Path State Park - summer nature programs, Weekly Outdoor Wanders, also check their facebook page
- Roan Mountain - quarterly naturalist rallies, great events for children
- Rooster Front Park - check with Friend's of Steele Creek for events sometimes held here
- The Creeper Trail - walking, running, biking
- Lake Estanoa Wetlands - St. Paul - offers nature programs
- Blue Ridge Discovery Center - offers nature programs, naturalist rallies, and summer camps.
- Other places for exploring include - Backbone Rock, Natural Tunnel, Bristol Caverns, Appalachian Caverns, Bay's Mountain and hunting for the wild horses on Mt. Rogers.
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.
- 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.
- Upward Football and Cheer
- Basketball - ACTS (Appalachian Christian Team Sports) has a homeschool league in Abigndon for boys and girls, ages 5-18, contact through GRACEd
- Highlands Soccer - Soccer for older students may be available through KACHEA sports in Kingsport
- Little League or in Lebanon, VA through Appalachian Soccer Association
- High School baseball may be available through Appalachian Christian Academy
- Swim Team, both year round and a summer league - Coomes Center
- Golf - First Tee - has an exclusively homeschool group
- Golf - ACTS in Abingdon, VA has a high school homeschool golf team
- Gymnastics - Mountain Empire Gymnastics - Abigndon and Hart Gymnastics - Marion, VA - Both have had homeschool classes, contact for current info.
- Bristol Ballet
- Grace Studio of Motion and Dance
- Highlands Ballet
- Kingsport Ballet offers a Spring and Winter school performance for a low fee
- Karate - Omega - taught by a homeschool dad
- Lacrosse - contact Bristol Rage LAX
- Skiing/Snowboarding - great homeschool day deals
- Celebration Worship Arts ministry - dance, art, music
- Volleyball - ACTS in Abingdon has teams for elementary, middle and high school homeschool students - contact through GRACEd
- Cross Country - ACTS in Abingdon
- Cycling Team in Abingdon
Fun
Theater