When does the Conference start and end? You can check in and pick up conference packets on Thursday night, August 4th at 5:00 p.m. The Conference concludes on Sunday evening, August 7th at 5:30p.m.
When can I get my badge and do I have to wear it? All attendees must check in at the Registration Desk to pick up their conference badges. We recommend that you plan extra time for this before the conference begins. Registration will be open on Thursday, near the Edgewater rooms, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and will open again at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Attendees must display badges in plain sight to attend conference functions. Replacements can be purchased for $20. You must wear your badge in order to take part in any of the conference activities.
Do I need to be a member of HSC to attend the Conference? You do not need to be a member of HSC to attend the conference, but being a member will save you a lot of money in registration fees (in fact you'll probably save a lot more than your actual membership costs). For info on being a member, please go to www.hsc.org.
Is this Conference for a particular type of homeschooler? No, this is a fully inclusive homeschool conference with something for all folks within the glorious spectrum of diversity of the homeschooling community. All homeschoolers, and those interested in homeschooling, are welcome!
Will anyone else be there? Yes! Hundreds of folks will attend the conference and every year we sell out the Radisson's 306 hotel rooms! It's a blast! Be there!
Help! There's too many great things going on at once, I don't know what to do? It is common for both new and veteran conference attendees to be momentarily stunned by the sheer quantity and quality of options available to them during the conference. Conference volunteers sweep the premises in search of homeschoolers frozen by the sheer awesomeness of the HSC conference. They are trained to combat overwhelm through guiding attendees to take a few deep breaths, consider all of their family needs, choose something, and go enjoy it by focusing on what they are doing instead of what they might be missing. So, just breathe deep and know you will be okay. Also, remember that there is always next year (and you can buy a CD of that missed workshop).
Do I have to wear shoes at the hotel? YES! It's the hotel's policy, so we've got to keep our shoes on!
What should I bring to the Conference (other than shoes)? Snacks for the little ones and maybe even some to share. A family emergency plan -- how and when to find each other in case of an emergency. Sweaters for you and the kids for evening and the powerful air conditioning Musical instruments Props for your performance in the Talent Show Empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls - drop them off at the Construction Zone A digital camera and cable for downloading to computer Cell phones or 2 way radios to keep in touch with family members A great attitude and a willingness to try new things and have FUN!
Should I bring the whole family? The HSC Conference is uniquely designed for all ages -- from babies to grandparents. There are complete conference programs designed for all those two years and above, and the littlest ones are welcome by your side. Be sure to bring the whole family!
Is there childcare provided at the conference? We do not offer childcare and it is important that all children under 14 have an adult nearby throughout the weekend. Families are welcome to use cooperative childcare in order to attend workshops. While childcare is not a service offered or organized by HSC, we will assist your efforts by providing two blank program grids near the Registration Desk; one is for the time slot(s) you'd like childcare, and the other is for the time slot(s) you will give childcare. Sign up in the appropriate grid squares with your name and room number or cell phone number. Please indicate the names and ages of your children on the "I would like childcare" board. Please list how many you are willing to watch on the "I will watch" board. HSC suggests you offer to watch no more than three children at one time. Sign-ups can be ongoing throughout the conference. You are responsible for meeting and making arrangements with the other families. You may also choose to meet by just showing up at the sign-up area prior to the beginning of the session. The sign-up grids will be moved to the Playroom at noon on Friday. HSC and agents assume no responsibility or liability for the cooperative childcare.
What are some ways for all family members -- adults and kids -- to best enjoy the conference? The HSC Conference is really five conferences in one with full programs of activities for all ages of kids over two, as well as adults. Sometimes it takes some arranging to make sure all family members are taken care of. Based on experience, here are some suggestions: One adult may go to an adult workshop while the other goes to family workshops; if a workshop is really good, you can purchase a recording of it to listen to together later. Sometimes, you may find both adults ending up with the kids at the family workshops because they are so fun. Many families take part in cooperative childcare with other families (this can be arranged onsite and is a great way to meet other families). Some folks bring along a grandparent or another caregiver along to watch the kids while they attend adult workshops. Grandparents are free this year! Some families leave the kids at home with a sitter while they go and enjoy an adult learning vacation weekend at the Radisson. We encourage you to choose the approach that works best for your family. Relax, there's no way you can attend everything at the Conference even if you weren't lucky enough to have your wonderful kids with you. However, if you are fortunate enough to have them with you, enjoy this weekend together.
How can I keep my kids and the conference safe and comfortable for all families? Be sure that all children are wearing conference badges. Write your pager or cell phone number (including your area code) on the back so that we can reunite children with lost parents in the event that you do get separated. If you should run across a lost parent or child, please take them to the conference Registration Desk. Don't leave children sleeping in the hotel room alone. Do not let children swing from the iron railings, play in the fountain, or run down the halls. Keep your children seated or on your lap if you're eating in the restaurant. Those waiters have to move fast with heavy trays of breakable dishes and pots of hot coffee. If we get in the way, it can be scary for everybody. Carry healthy snacks and maybe some to share with new friends. Bring sweaters for yourself and your child because the hotel air conditioner can be really cold. Speaking of clothing, everyone must wear shoes unless they are swimming. Don't leave any child under 14 alone or with older siblings at the pool. The hotel says that all children must have an adult supervising at the pool. The lifeguard has complete authority and all swimmers must exit the pool when told to do so. Even lifeguards need a break now and then!Do not bring anything to the conference that has wheels except your car, a stroller, or a wheelchair. That includes skateboards, roller blades, skates, bikes, and scooters. Please report any suspicious person to the conference Registration Desk or a staff member.
Why must we sign a Liability Release Form? All attendees under 18 must have a release of liability form on file with the Registration Desk. While HSC and the Radisson have taken appropriate measures to maximize everyone's safety, each family assumes potential risks by attending the conference. The release of liability form is HSC's only way to ensure that each family realizes that there may be certain risks associated with the conference. Attendees must return completed liability forms for their children with registration materials, or they must present them at the Registration Desk to receive their badges.
What should we do about food? The Radisson Hotel has gone to great lengths to provide our group with meal choices ranging from muffins, coffee, sandwiches, and desserts in Java City to elegant dining at Basil's By the Lake. Crocodiles features burgers, quesadillas, and light meals for those who need to eat quickly in order to hurry off to the next session. The Radisson will also provide meal carts near the session areas for your convenience. Support the effort of HSC and the Radisson to offer food selections that you have asked for by purchasing food onsite. The more we support them, the better they can serve us! In addition, a number of restaurants and grocery stores are located near the conference site just a short drive away.
Is there a campsite nearby? Yes, there is a KOA nearby where sleeping cabins are $50-55 per night and tent sites are $30-32 per night; RV hookups are also available. Their website is: http://koa.com/where/ca
Are workshops recorded? Workshop sessions that will be recorded are indicated on the schedule. CD's will be available for sale during the conference in the Exhibit Hall. We will not record any of the roundtables, family, or teen workshops.
What about Advanced Sign-ups for Limited Enrollment Workshops? Following the requests of our members we have eliminated advanced sign-ups and are offering a greater menu of workshops than ever. Of course, some workshops will fill up, but we've tried to do our best to accomodate as many attendees as possible.
Will my favorite speakers books be available at the conference? Most likely! The Speakers' Booth in the Exhibit Hall sells books written by our past and present speakers. This year's speakers will be available to sign their books at various times throughout the weekend. Related books, audio and video recordings will also be available.
How can I win some cool stuff to take home? The HomeSchool Association of California is again sponsoring a raffle as a fundraiser for the organization. You can buy HSC raffle tickets and may win one of the many wonderful prizes donated by our vendors and other companies. You'll also be contributing to the worthwhile work of HSC. Tickets are $1 each or 10 for $5, and may be purchased from HSC's roving raffle ticket sellers or at the HSC Table. Drawing times will be posted. Any prizes unclaimed at the end of the conference will be distributed to conference volunteers.
Can we swim in the pool? Yes, you can swim in the pool (but please, not the pond or fountains). HSC will provide a lifeguard from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Please remind your children that HSC has given our lifeguard complete authority to manage and control behavior at the pool. HSC will abide by all of the hotel's posted pool rules, including the rule that children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or other adult at the pool.
Can I stay up all night making loud noises? Only if you go home to do it. If you are staying at the hotel, we ask that all attendees honor a 1:00 a.m. curfew. Let us let parents and little kids get a good night's sleep. Please remember that not everyone staying at the hotel is with the conference. If I don't like a workshop, can I get a refund? No refunds of registration or other fees will be made.
Can I just come to the Radisson and hang out? Sure, but to attend any conference activities you must have a badge, except for the Exhibit Hall, which you can browse in for free.
Can I help? We'd love to have your help! Go to the volunteer page to find out how!
How do I join the HomeSchool Association of California (garnering me both significantly reduced conference registration fees but many other benefits as well)? Just go to http://www.hsc.org/about/support/join.php and all the info is right there.
Who is the Homeschool Association of California? The HomeSchool Association of California (HSC) is a statewide volunteer-driven organization whose mission is to: honor the diversity of homeschoolers support and promote the entire spectrum of homeschooling provide information monitor and influence legislation offer opportunities for families to get together empower families to make the choices that respect the rights, needs, and aspirations of their children The HomeSchool Association of California is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Tax ID #68-0137455.
When and where is next year's conference? August 2nd-5th, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel, Sacramento.
What if I have a question that wasn't answered on this extraordinarily helpful F.A.Q. page? Go ahead and send an email to info@hscconference.com and we'll do our best to get you an answer. | 
