2019 MÂCHÉ Convention

2019 MÂCHÉ Convention Speakers!

Mark Beck is a homeschool graduate with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul. He met his wife BriAnn at college and married her just in time to tag along with each other to Cameroon, Africa, where they taught missionary kids for a year and a half with Wycliffe Bible Translators. In 2013, a few years after returning to Minnesota, Mark founded Josiah’s Gift, a ministry of memorizing the Word of God and bringing it to life through powerful recitations. So far, he has memorized over thirteen books of the Bible and speaks at camps, churches, conferences, and in living rooms, sharing God’s Word and training others to take it to heart. His four children (age 8 on down) love to memorize along with him and call his recitations “Bible Stories from Daddy’s Heart.” Memorization in their household is a full-contact sport and frequently involves swords, tutus, and hanging upside down off the furniture.

• Square Pegs and Round Holes: An Effective and Powerful Alternative to Rote Memorization
• Phylacteries, (Baby) Gates, and a Quiver Full of Arrows: How to Integrate Bible Memorization into the Chaos of Your Family Life

Nancy Bjorkman began as the ultimate homeschool skeptic. But now, after 20+ years teaching her own four children, she has become the “go-to lady” for many and a champion of the cause. She is a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in over 10 states where she is known for her enthusiasm, energy, and encouragement. Having graduated all of her children, Nancy finds it exciting to have graduated herself to being a mentor for other homeschool families. Though she stays busy as a bookstore owner, mentor, and speaker, her favorite times are spent with her growing family (grandkids - yeah!). She and her husband own HEPPNER’S LEGACY, a homeschool store in Elk River, Minnesota, where they delight in ministering to the unique needs of families year round, and where parents say, “Come for the books. Stay for the therapy.™”

• Meal Management in an Age of Fast Food
• Math Outside the Book
• Time and Home Management: Managing Life and Home while Homeschooling

Chuck Black was born and raised in Williston, North Dakota. He entered the United States Air Force and traveled throughout the U.S. and to foreign countries as a tactical communications engineer. He was then accepted into pilot training and eventually flew F-16 fighters. Chuck is the inventor/co-inventor on twelve patents for products that are distributed and sold nationally and internationally. Chuck and his wife, Andrea, have homeschooled for the past twenty-five years. In addition to writing on various websites and e-newsletters, Chuck is the author of sixteen books which comprise The Kingdom Series, The Knights of Arrethtrae series, The Wars of the Realm trilogy, and Call to Arms: The Guts and Glory of Courageous Fatherhood. His book Kingdom’s Dawn (of The Kingdom Series) received Homeschool.com’s “Voted #1” award and was on CBA’s top ten best sellers list twice in 2008 for all Christian Youth Literature. Chuck’s passion is to inspire people of all ages to follow the Lord with zeal and to equip parents, pastors, and youth leaders to accomplish the same. 

• Practical Apologetics for Teens
• Dealing with Doubt: Bullet-proofing Your Armor
• The Battle Within: Understanding the Raging War Between Spirit & Flesh and How to Live in Victory
• Escapism: How to Avoid the Enemy's Snares
• Defending Your Faith: Building on the Cornerstone of Jesus Christ
• Waiting for God to Speak

Dr. Lainna Callentine is an author, speaker, missionary pediatrician, founder of Sciexperience, homeschool mother, and teacher who has taught all levels from elementary to post graduates. She holds a master’s in education and received her B.A. from Northwestern University where she studied in the School of Education majoring in Human Development and Social Policy while competing on a full athletic scholarship in basketball. She completed her M.D. and residency training in pediatrics. She serves as a missionary doctor for uninsured children in the Chicago suburbs. As well as providing consultation to Focus on the Family as a member of the  Physician Resource Council in which she contributes to the many ministries at Focus. Dr. Callentine continues to have wonderment for the beauty of God's creation in the human body.  She is the author of an exciting book series and hands-on curriculum for children showcasing the human body called God’s Wondrous Machine. Follow Dr. Callentine at www.sciexperience.com and https://www.facebook.com/Sciexperience/.

• The EYES: Window into the Soul
• The Electrifying NERVOUS SYSTEM Interactive Workshop
• The Breathtaking RESPIRATORY Interactive Workshop
• The Complex CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Hands-on Workshop
• Life Lessons from Courtside
• Diagnosis 101

Kris Cox and her husband, Bruce, homeschooled their four children for 17 years, finishing their homeschool journey when their youngest graduated in 2011. Kris' passion for encouraging and helping homeschool parents led her to become a homeschool consultant in 2012. Along with consulting, Kris writes a homeschool blog (http://www.krismcox.com) and speaks on various homeschool topics for homeschool groups. She also leads a support group for new homeschoolers each school year. Kris served as the phone responder for MÂCHÉ from June 2013 to December 2016 and currently co-presents the Homeschool Workshops put on by MÂCHÉ in cooperation with various support groups throughout the state. In all these endeavors, Kris strongly encourages seeking God for guidance in every decision and struggle, believing that the key to successful homeschooling is depending on Him. Her heart’s desire is to serve the Lord by supporting and encouraging homeschool parents, giving them the tools they need to be successful in educating their children. 

• Homeschooling: Starting Off Right
• Choosing Curriculum to Fit Your Family
• Planning and Scheduling: Managing Your Home and Homeschool Well
• Understanding Your Child's Learning Style
• Raising Children Who Love to Learn
• What If My Child Doesn't Want to Go to College? (Presented with Kris Hage)

Steve Donofrio has a passion for protecting and helping others. After his military service which included deployment to Iraq and Kuwait for the first Gulf war, he entered full time youth ministry, part-time security, and protection practitioner. In 2000 with his  wife Heidi and one year old son Malachi, they moved to Japan to serve as missionaries. They served two years in full time ministry and then Steve started his full time security management, protection, and fitness business. They lived in Japan fourteen years as "tent makers." Malachi was educated part-time in the Japanese school system, then homeschooled. Steve is a motivational speaker specializing in self-protection, personal and workplace harmony, and fitness. He has consulted and taught in schools, colleges, and companies throughout Japan. He has a Masters Degree in Security Management, is the lead author of the book Mama Manual (a book for mothers about family and personal protection), and is a regular contributing author for Japan's leading professional security journal, Security Research Magazine. His original content has been seen on local, regional, and national media platforms throughout Japan. He has a style of speaking and training best described as “edutainement," a unique blend of solid, practical education from a subject-matter expert ... combined with an original entertaining approach.

• Wise Escapes for Women: A Seminar on Personal Protection and Crime Prevention
• Raising Safe-minded Children: A Character and Principles-based Approach to Raising Safe Children

Jamie Erickson, founder and popular education blogger at The Unlikely Homeschool, holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an emphasis in public speaking and oral interpretation of literature. When she’s not curating memories, hoarding vintage books, or playing ringmaster to her own live-in circus of five, she can be found encouraging and equipping parents all across the globe who find themselves in the everyday trenches of homeschooling. She is a contributing author to How We Teach, The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas, and The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas Volume 2, three collaborative books put together by iHomeschool Network. Her first book, Homeschool Bravely, is set to be released by Moody Publishers in April 2019.  In addition to speaking and writing, Jamie loves talking faith and family over a cup of Starbuck’s finest, collecting calories around a table full of friends, and taking grueling hikes with her formerly-homeschooled husband, Dain (because alas, calories don’t display very nicely on a shelf like other collections).

• It's Homeschool, NOT School-at-home
• Homeschooling When You Are One Crazy Day Away from Crisis
• Un-harried Homeschooling: Scheduling 101

Frederic Gray is enthusiastic about helping and empowering families. As the founder of the Fathers of Faith & Daughters of Excellence Retreat, he has spoken for homeschooling groups, state and local conventions, family camps, and retreats across the country. As a marriage coach, Frederic provides teaching and support to couples through his Magnetic Marriage seminars hosted by churches and private groups across the country. He lives to help people create dynamic personal and family relationships with God as the center. Frederic and his wife, Heather, are the homeschool parents of six beautiful children.

• The Gideon Factor: The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Homeschooled Children
• How to Love Your Homeschooling Wife Like Christ Loved the Church
• Why God Has a Special Place in His Heart for Homeschooling Moms
• Why Every Homeschooled Daughter Needs Her Dad
• A Dad's Duty: Balancing Teaching and Discipline (Guidance and Boundaries)

Kris Hage and her husband, Marty, have eight children and a brand-new granddaughter. They have been home educating for more than 25 years, having graduated all but one of their children, who is a sophomore in the Hage homeschool. Kris has been active with her children in local homeschool co-ops for many years. After her three oldest daughters had graduated from homeschool high school, they taught alongside Kris in co-op preschool and kindergarten classes. She is currently on the board of the co-op her youngest daughter attends. Through writing and speaking, Kris loves to share all God has taught her over the years, encouraging younger home educators to raise their children in God’s ways. Putting her love of writing to use, Kris writes an article on character training three times a year for The Paper MÂCHÉ magazine. She also serves MÂCHÉ as the Volunteer Coordinator for the annual MÂCHÉ Convention. When she is not teaching her daughter, Kris enjoys studying Greek in God’s Word, participating in outdoor activities with her family, and editing her older daughter’s latest novel. She is the author of the Character Companion, a workbook accompanying the Miller Family Books by Green Pastures Press.

• What If My Child Doesn't Want to Go to College? (Presented with Kris Cox)

Given Hoffman is a homeschool graduate, a Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Craftsman, a weekly blogger on practical Christianity, and an alumni of Ellerslie Missions Society. She compiled the book, The Voices of the Pioneers: Homeschooling in Minnesota, and is the author of the new teen suspense novel, The Eighth Ransom, and the flash fiction stories: “FBI Apprehends Mole” and “Mrs. Fanny Delmor.” As a teen suspense novelist, Given writes not just to entertain but to exhort the vast community of significant, influential, and expressive young people of today to do and be more than what the world expects of them. If you want to know more about Given, visit her website at givenhoffman.com.

• How to Make Writing Fun Using Flash Fiction
• Help! My Child Wants to Be a Fiction Writer, but I Don't Want Him to End Up a Starving Artist. What Do I Do?

Adam Hultstrand lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife of 22 years and their four children.  He holds a master of divinity degree and he pastored a multi-cultural church for eight years.  After pastoring, he earned a state certification in structural family therapy and worked as an in-home, family-based therapist, counseling families whose children were at risk of being placed out of the home. Adam is currently serving as the director of ministry outreach with Knights of the Twenty-first Century (K21) where he loves coaching pastors and men’s ministry leaders while traveling the country speaking about a variety of contemporary manhood issues.

• Mentoring Boys into Manhood

Jake MacAulay is a homeschooling father of four and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute on the Constitution (IOTC), an educational outreach and curriculum that presents the founders’ Biblical view of law and government. IOTC’s U.S. Constitution Course accommodates the required high school Civics and U.S. Government credits. Along with thousands of graduates in all 50 states, students acquire a full understanding of the Biblical principles on which America’s founding documents are based. Jake is an ordained minister and former syndicated talk show host who has spoken to audiences nation-wide and has established the American Club, a constitutional study group in public and private schools. Jake has been seen on Yahoo News, Fox News, The Blaze, AP, CBS, NBC, The Weekly Standard, and more…

• Religion and Our Founding Fathers
• The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
• The War on the Constitution: Why Youth Should Care

James Mason joined HSLDA to lead the litigation team in 2001 and has represented homeschooling families in a wide range of challenging situations. In addition to serving as HSLDA’s Vice President of Litigation and Development and penning many of the most popular articles in HSLDA’s Home School Court Report magazine, Jim serves as the president of ParentalRights.org. Before coming to HSLDA, Jim represented numerous right-to-life groups in campaign finance cases and clerked for an appellate court in Oregon. He graduated with highest honors from Regent University School of Law in 1996. Jim is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on active duty in Operation Desert Storm. Jim and his wife Debbie live in Winchester, Virginia. They have seven children and one granddaughter. The Masons have homeschooled all of their children: six have graduated and one is still being taught at home. In his spare time, Jim is an avid birdwatcher, waffle connoisseur, and abstract art fan.

• State of the Homeschooling Nation Address
• Why We Need a Parental Rights Amendment
• The Prodigal Son, the Forgiving Father, and the Power of Beholding

Beth Mora is the wife to one, mother to eight, ‘Nana to one, and a Homeschool Purple Heart recipient for multiple moments where she thought she wasn’t making a difference in her children’s lives. Beth is indebted and salutes the homeschooling vets in her life that carried her through and simply desires to return the blessing. Beth pulls from her past experiences as a Certified Rehabilitation RN, homeschool mom, co-op leader and teacher, Marriage Ministry Director, Women’s Ministry Programer, Children’s Ministry Leader, Drama Team Member, creator and author of Here to Help Learning’s Writing Program for grades 1-6, and most presently, “Mrs. Mora,” the on-camera teacher for Here to Help Learning’s filmed instruction. She loves blogging at Home to Home and Peak Performance. Everything she does, whether laughable or heart gripping, is done to honor One, without apology. God’s grace is the salve that has healed her own life and God’s grace is what she offers liberally to others.

• The Road to Homeschool Co-op Utopia
• Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers (Presented with Forrest Mora)
• Embracing Marketing Shifts in the Homeschool Community (Presented with Forrest Mora)
• The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Writers
• Moving On to the Next Writing Level
• The Science of Learning and How It Should Change What You Do on Monday
• Educational Life Hacks for Students with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyspraxia
• Keeping Your "SmartCookie" Challenged

Forrest Mora is a husband, dad of eight children, business owner, landscape contractor, and the C.F.H. or “Chief Financial Husband” of HereToHelpLearning.com. Forrest gets down to the nuts and bolts with men by encouraging them to embrace their role as servant leaders of their homes. Forthright and humorous, he shares God’s word with clarity and practicality. For the last 20 years, he has served in leadership roles in marriage ministry, men’s ministry, and in the financial ministry at his church. His heart is to provide encouragement to Christian men to serve the Lord by living with no regrets, providing leadership to their families, and finding true fulfillment in their marriages, families, and personal lives.

• Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers (Presented with Beth Mora)
• Embracing Marketing Shifts in the Homeschool Community (Presented with Beth Mora)
• An Equipment Operators Guide to Keeping Your Family Out of the Shop

Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder and CEO, is a leader in the special education homeschooling community and a frequent writer and speaker on special education homeschooling issues. Peggy is the former THSC (Texas Home School Coalition) Special Needs Team Lead, MÂCHÉ (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators) Special Needs Coordinator, and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Area Coordinator for MN, ND and SD. She is certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors and trained as a Precept Bible Study leader. Peggy's homeschool journey started when her oldest child was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.  Now with 16 years of homeschooling under her belt, she thanks God for all the experiences He has given her so she can use them to encourage other special needs homeschooling parents. Peggy and her husband Doug live in Conroe, Texas, where they still homeschool the youngest of their three children.

• The Essentials of Special Education Homeschooling
• Customizing Your Curriculum
• How to Write an IEP and Then Use It Effectively in Your Homeschool
• Homeschool Special Education with Cheap Online Resources
• Homeschooling Special Education High School
• Life Skills & Transition Planning for Homeschool Special Education
• Homeschooling Students with Profound Learning Issues
• Shedding Light on Depression

Woody Robertson is a first generation homeschool graduate who is passionate about reaching the next generation. If you hang around Woody for long, you’re sure to hear words like, “live life to the fullest,” “purposeful living,” or “world-changer;” and he’s helped young adults successfully navigate life decisions for years. An entrepreneur and visionary, Woody has been a principle player in several start-up companies. In 2004, he co-founded CollegePlus (now Lumerit Unbound) and earned his accredited BSBA in General Management in 18 months for under $10k from a state university! A frequent motivational speaker at conferences nationwide, Woody’s information-packed sessions are innovative and inspiring. Characterized by a high level of energy and enthusiasm, Woody blends each session with motivational and practical information attendees can put into practice immediately. Attend his sessions and be prepared to get knocked outside of your box! As a member of the Lumerit Unbound team, Woody lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Gina, the girl of his dreams!

• How to Homeschool High School
• Navigating Your Student's Future: 3 Keys to Life Preparation
• Dual Credit on Steroids: A Radical Approach to the Junior and Senior Years
• 8 Practical Steps to Life after High School: Training Starts Now
• Raising an Adult, not a Child: A Solution for the Peter Pan Epidemic
• Study Like a Genius: Unlocking Your Brain
• Motivating Guys to Take Ownership of Their Education

Megan Scheibner is a writer, blogger, and popular conference speaker. A trained Biblical counselor, she earned her degree in Communications in 1984 and she’s currently pursuing her Masters in Counseling. Megan is the homeschooling mother of eight beautiful children - four boys and four girls - as well as the grandmother of six gorgeous grandchildren. She has been married for 33 years to her college sweetheart, Steve. Together they have co-authored Parenting Matters: The Nine Practices of the Pro-Active Parent. She is also the author of a series of discipleship books for mothers and many devotional Bible studies. She authored In My Seat, the story of Steve’s 9/11 experience as one of the involved airplane’s pilots, that has captivated millions on YouTube. Her newest homeschooling book, An A-Z Guide For Character-Healthy Homeschooling, provides encouragement and practical tips gained through her 20 plus years of homeschooling experience. She is a popular speaker, guest on Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson, and TV personality on the Glenn Beck TV Show. Megan and her husband Steve share a strong desire to equip today’s parents to raise the next generation of character healthy leaders. In her spare time, she loves to run and play tennis. Megan enjoys writing, cooking, feeding teenagers, reading, and everything pertaining to the Boston Red Sox. 

• KEYNOTE: Marriage, Communication, and Friendship (Presented with Steve Scheibner)
• Battling with Behavior? (Presented with Steve Scheibner)
• The A to Z of a Character Healthy Homeschool
• The Disciple-making Mom
• Homeschooling with Simplicity and Sincerity
• The Wise Wife
• The Toddler Toolbox

Dr. Steve Scheibner has an earned Bachelors degree, two earned Masters degrees, and an earned Doctorate degree. Upon graduation from college, he joined the U.S. Navy and was commissioned and trained as a pilot. He married his college sweetheart, Megan, and they began a life together that has included eight children and fifteen moves. Steve was deployed three times in four years as a pilot flying the P3 Orion. When he left active military duty, he was hired by American Airlines. Steve remained active in the Navy Reserve, where he was asked to design and teach a course in Navy Core Values. The course has found broad acceptance and Steve is a highly sought after trainer and motivational speaker. Steve and Megan have developed a parenting course entitled Parenting Matters: The Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent. Steve is also the author of several books and studies. Steve and Megan have been guests on Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson and The Glenn Beck TV Show. In his spare time, Steve sleeps, watches the Red Sox, and drives his children to sports practice … all while attending weekly meetings of Overachiever’s Anonymous. In 2011, Steve retired as a Commander from the U.S. Navy and is currently a First Officer for American Airlines. He recently retired as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Topsham, Maine, to become the President of Characterhealth Corporation, a non-profit conference ministry aimed at equipping parents to train the next generation of character-healthy leaders.

• KEYNOTE: Living on Borrowed Time: The Nine Practices of the Proactive Parent
• KEYNOTE: Marriage, Communication, and Friendship (Presented with Megan Scheibner)
• Teaching Teens to Take the Initiative
• Battling with Behavior? (Presented with Megan Scheibner)
• Training Young Men to Be Gentlemen in a Feminist Culture
• 2ML (Second Mile Leadership for Men)

TEEN TRACK #1

The Marvelous Expedition

Teacher: Dr. Lainna Callentine (Sciexperience)

Fee: $125 (Covers lab supplies)

Maximum student attendees: 200

This interactive hands-on workshop will catapult you through an expedition of the fascinating and complex world of the human body. Examine how the eyes and the brain cooperate and dissect an actual sheep brain. Travel through the lungs and heart and marvel at the life-sustaining processes of respiratory and circulatory systems as they maintain the other vital organs in the body. Dr. Lainna Callentine will be your tour guide on this marvelous expedition through the human body.

• The EYES: Window into the Soul (Lab)

• The Electrifying NERVOUS SYSTEM Interactive Workshop (Lab)

• The Breathtaking RESPIRATORY Interactive Workshop (Lab)

• The Complex CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Hands-on Workshop (Lab)

• Life Lessons from Court Side

• Diagnosis 101 

The first four workshops include dissection labs. Every participant will dissect their own specimens of a brain, eyeball, lung, and heart. All supplies for the labs are included in the fee. Participants will have the opportunity to document the laboratory hours for their high school transcripts. “Diagnosis 101” is a fun, investigative three hour workshop. Read more about the workshops at the bottom of this page.

NOTE: There are no refunds for Teen Track #1.

If a student registers for this track then finds that he cannot attend, the supply kit (which was included in his fee) is still his and he can have a friend or family member pick up the supply kit and bring it home to him. He will then be able to do the dissections at home, but there will be no documentation of laboratory hours for a transcript from Sciexperience.

Each registered student will need to check-in at the table at the back of the Teen Track #1 room in order to verify that he/she attended all of the dissection labs.

NOTE: Registration for Teen Track #1 closes when the maximum number of students is reached in order for us to have time to assemble the dissection kits.

Dissection labs begin Friday morning of the conference at 9:00am, but will follow the parents’ workshop schedule the remainder of the weekend. 

Space is limited. Register Early!

TEEN TRACK #1: WORKSHOPS

Teacher: Dr. Lianna Callentine

Room: Ballroom G

• EARLY SESSION: The EYES: Window into the Soul

(Dissection Lab) They say the eyes are the window to the soul. In this interactive workshop you will peer into a real eye. Learn how the eye and brain cooperate in amazing teamwork. Each participant will receive a certificate for lab hour documentation. In addition, each student will take home a science kit to continue their exploration at home (Included in the workshop registration fee).

• SESSION 1: The Electrifying NERVOUS SYSTEM Interactive Workshop

(Dissection Lab) Thinking, crying, breathing, running, skipping, singing, smiling, itching, sneezing, and your beating heart — all of these activities have one thing in common, your brain. Tipping the scales at a mere 3 pounds, it is the integral organ of your body. This interactive engaging workshop will pick your brain and transport you into the fascinating and complex world of brain anatomy and physiology. See an actual brain dissection. Dr. Callentine brings the brain to life drawing you into the world of neuroscience as only a doctor can. Each participant will receive a certificate for lab hour documentation. In addition, each  student will take home a science kit to continue to pick their brains at home (Included in the workshop registration fee.) 

• SESSION 2: The Breathtaking RESPIRATORY Interactive Workshop

(Dissection Lab) Inhale. Exhale. The life-sustaining process of breathing is vital to the maintenance of all organs in the body. Embark on a voyage with Dr. Callentine, your tour guide, through the lungs. In this interactive hands-on lab, you will observe a lung dissection and see live demonstrations on lung functions.

• SESSION 3: The Complex CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Hands-on Workshop

(Dissection Lab) Our heart beats passionately. It never stops. It never rests. It works around the clock, day and night. We will journey into a whole new dimension. First, we will take a historical excursion through the pages of time and see how our knowledge of the circulatory system has expanded. We will learn all about blood, where it comes from, and how clots develop. Next, we will wade through the life-giving fluid that courses through the highways of your body. We will enter the atrium of the heart and peer into the heart’s many rooms. Witness the wonderful cooperation of our heart with our lungs. Peer into the chambers of a real heart and hold this amazing muscle in your hands.

• SESSION 4: Life Lessons from Courtside

As a former collegiate athlete, there are many lessons I received on the athletic field that transfer over to life lessons. It is through life’s struggles, successes, and failures that we gain wisdom, deepen our relationships, and grow in our faith.

• SESSIONS 5-6: Diagnosis 101

The Hippocratic Oath is the vow a doctor makes when he/she enters the field of medicine. An excerpt taken from this oath states: “I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of over treatment and therapeutic nihilism. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.” Do you have what it takes to be a doctor? Walk through a medical case scenario in which you will apply your investigative skills to manage your patients. Learn about a disease that affects more than 38 million Americans. In this hands-on lab investigation, you will study causes of the disease, take a medical history, perform an exam, perform standard diagnostic tests, and develop a treatment plan for your patients. This is a three hour workshop.

TEEN TRACK #2

Tough Questions Teens Ask

Teacher: Chuck Black (The Kingdom Series)

Fee: $40

Maximum student attendees: 300

Popular author and speaker, Chuck Black, will be presenting a series of six workshops dealing with the tough questions that today's teens face daily, from “How do I know that the Bible is true?” to “Why do my parents always bug me about being on my iPhone too much?”  

Topics covered are relevant to Christian teens in today’s world. For more information about the Teen Track #2 workshop descriptions, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Topic titles are:

• Practical Apologetics for Teens

• Dealing with Doubt: Bullet-proofing Your Armor

• The Battle Within: Understanding the Raging War between Spirit and Flesh and How to Live in Victory

• Escapism: How to Avoid the Enemy’s Snares

• Defending your Faith: Building on the Cornerstone of Jesus Christ

• Waiting for God to Speak

Students will leave this track with their faith challenged, but stronger; with answers to the tough questions they ask themselves; and with the wisdom and courage to stand alone in tough situations. 

Students who choose this teen track option should plan to attend all six workshops. It will follow the same schedule as their parents’ schedule.

Space is limited. Register Early!

TEEN TRACK #2: WORKSHOPS

Teacher: Chuck Black

Room: Ballroom H

• SESSION 1: Practical Apologetics for Teens

The deception of the Enemy in our modern world seems overwhelming at times, especially for young people. Is there scientific evidence for God? Does faith deny logic and reason? Chuck tackles these challenging questions and offers solid answers through practical apologetics. Equip yourself using the synergy between scripture, science, technology, logic and reason to stand against the onslaught of deception the world will throw at you.

• SESSION 2: Dealing with Doubt: Bullet-Proofing Your Armor

At fourteen years old I faced an episode of doubt in my life that lasted for fourteen years. Because of it I could not claim God’s Word as infallible nor witness boldly to anyone seeking answers about Jesus Christ. God preserved my faith through it all, but much was lost to those years lived in flimsy faith. It doesn’t have to be so for Christian teens today. Teens can learn how to equip, prepare, and launch as soldiers of faith into the world, fully capable of standing against the spiritual attacks and waves of doubt that they will often face. Discover how to face doubt and overcome one of the Enemy's most disarming tactics. Learn a few basic principles on how to overcome and live a faith-filled life for the King!

• SESSION 3: The Battle Within: Understanding the Raging War Between Spirit and Flesh, and How to Live in Victory

One of the most confusing issues a teen will face is the war within between their spirit and their flesh. This war and its consequences are personal and will determine a teen's effectiveness as a believer. Understanding the biblical basis for this battle is paramount for living a victorious, joyful and faith-filled life. Teens will discover the power of the Spirit that lives within and cause the Enemy and his minions to tremble.

• SESSION 4: Escapism: How to Avoid the Enemy's Snares

In today’s technology culture, the enemy’s lure of our young people’s minds to escape into an artificial world is great. As the line between reality and simulation blurs, the stronghold of escapism becomes more and more powerful. Apathy and self-indulgence are two destructive consequences that lead to broken relationships, broken homes, and broken hearts. Teens can learn practical ways to help keep from getting caught in the dangerous snare of escapism.

• SESSION 5: Defending Your Faith: Building on the Cornerstone of Jesus Christ

Being ready to give an answer to anyone that asks of the hope that lies within you sounds easier than it is, especially when someone asks some really tough questions like "If Daniel went to heaven then why did Jesus have to die on the cross?" and, "If Daniel didn't need Jesus then why do I?" This session will give teens solid answers that will build their own faith and give them confidence as they fulfill their obligation to share the truth of Jesus Christ with this world. The primary Scripture reference for this session is Luke 16.

• SESSION 6: Waiting for God to Speak

There are times when it seems as if God is silent...as if our prayers for direction and guidance are bouncing off the ceiling. How do we as servants of the Most High decide the ‘whats’ and ‘whens’ during these times? What does God expect of us and what does scripture say about how to move on? Chuck discusses the lessons he’s learned about what to do while waiting for God to speak.

Used Curriculum Sale

Have you graduated your last child from high school and want to clear out those old textbooks, notebooks, and such?

Are you organizing those overstuffed bookshelves full of old books, curriculum, and homeschool supplies which you don’t need any more?

Are you looking ahead to what curriculum items you will need to order for next year...and trying to figure out where you’re going to put them?

Are you wanting great deals for great books and supplies - gently used, but still in good condition?

Why not consider selling your unneeded curricula and supplies at MÂCHÉ’s 2019 Used Curriculum Sale held during the MÂCHÉ conference? Reserve your table(s) as an "Add-on" when you register for the conference. 

Tables can be rented for $40 per table per day. You may rent tables for "Friday Only," "Saturday Only," and "Friday/Saturday." Buyers and sellers must purchase a conference registration before renting a used curriculum table.

Closer to the conference date, the used curriculum coordinator will contact you with more detailed information about move-in, location of your table(s), and other details. If you need information before then, contact the coordinator at used.curriculum@mache.org. 

The deadline for reserving your table(s) is March 15, 2019. 

VOLUNTEER

Give back to an organization that has encouraged and equipped Minnesota home educators in many ways over the last 35 years! Mingle with some of the best people in the world! Make new friends. Share in our ministry to home educators around the state.

If you are an adult or teen (16 years or older), come join our convention committee team as a volunteer. In exchange for serving six hours during the convention, MÂCHÉ volunteers will receive a $64 credit toward their husband/wife convention registration if working during the conference ($32 credit toward their husband/wife Thursday Sessions registration fee if working during the Thursday Sessions; or if a student, a $30 credit toward their student registration fee). This credit amount is the equivalent of the “early bird” member registration fee.

Prerequisites to serve as a volunteer are ...

• Have a current MÂCHÉ membership (through April 13, 2019).
• Have attended at least one previous MÂCHÉ conference.

MÂCHÉ will consider requests for specific areas of volunteer service, but will assign volunteers where they are needed most.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Room Host/Hostess: Two people are assigned to one workshop room for one day (three workshops) to assist speakers by helping them get set up, introducing them, opening the session with prayer, starting/ending the session on time, and helping with normal crowd control in the workshop room. When the workshop is not in session, the volunteer is free to visit the exhibit hall etc., as long as he/she is back to the room in time to greet the next speaker.

Security: Dads, young adult men, and sometimes a few moms are placed in strategic areas to help with crowd control, check for name tags (to make sure attendees are registered and are wearing their tags), report any unusual issues, and facilitate attendee safety.  In emergencies, they may be called on to assist the onsite physician or peace officer as needed.

Students: Students age 16 and older will initially be assigned to help in Coat/Book Check. This job entails checking in/checking out roller luggage/strollers and items that attendees want to store during the conference, as well as keeping the location neat and organized. During slow times a student may be called upon to help in other areas like pre-registration, silent auction, exhibit hall, etc.

DRESS GUIDELINES

As a volunteer, you will be representing MÂCHÉ and the homeschool community in general. For this reason and because attendees at the conference share a wide variety of convictions about clothing, we ask that all volunteers respectfully follow a dress code. Please come dressed in business casual attire each day that you are scheduled to volunteer.

LADIES:  Slacks or a skirt with a nice blouse/top (no low necklines, short skirts, or form-fitting clothing, please).

GENTLEMEN: Slacks with a button-up shirt and tie. (A tie is desired, but not required.)

If you have further questions, contact your committee coordinator.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

To begin the volunteer process, contact the MÂCHÉ Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@mache.org or call 763-717-9070.  In a few days, you will be contacted by one of the committee coordinators, who will give you information about your position and instructions on how to complete your registration.

Do not register until after you receive instructions from your committee coordinator.

Thank you for being a part of our great MÂCHÉ volunteer team!

Friday, May 16, 2025

Saturday, May 17, 2025

The MACHE young entrepreneurs program is an opportunity for homeschooled students and graduates to have booth space at the annual convention to display, promote, and sell products they have created, built, or developed themselves or services they offer utilizing their own skills.

Qualifications:

Students who are currently being taught at home by their parents or who are homeschool graduates are invited to participate in the program. Young entrepreneurs must be between the ages of 13 and 25 years old. 

Young entrepreneur businesses must be owned, managed, and operated by homeschool students or graduates only. Businesses owned and operated/directed by parents/others with only the assistance of the their students are not eligible.

Parents of young entrepreneurs who are ages 13-18 must be registered to attend the convention.

MACHE reserves the right to accept or reject a young entrepreneur application without further comment.

Booths:

Each entrepreneur is limited to one half-booth. You must receive email confirmation of approval and submit your payment before your booth is guaranteed. To have your name listed in the Convention Program Booklet, payment is due no later than March 1. If space is still available, additional applications will be accepted after March 1, but the business will not be listed in the Program Booklet due to our publication schedules.

Booths must be open and staffed during the entire time the exhibit hall is open. Set-up is on Thursday afternoon from 1:00 - 9:00pm.  The exhibit hall is open Friday and Saturday, 8:00am - 5:30pm. Tear-down before 5:30pm on Saturday is not permitted.

Each half-booth is 5’ wide by 10’ deep. It includes pipe & drape, one 4’ skirted table, one chair, and a simple name sign. You are welcome to bring your own banner/signage. MACHE-issued name tags must be worn at all times by the person whose name is printed on the tag.

The cost of one half-booth is $150.

You have the option to purchase additional amenities/services not included with your booth rental (such as electricity or Internet service) through the venue ahead of time. Additional booth items such as extra chairs or carpet can be ordered ahead of time through our convention decorator. Amenities/services/items may also be ordered onsite, but they will cost more. You will be sent an exhibitor packet from the decorator one month before the convention and can order these items at that time.

Limitations:

Distribution of materials (brochures, business cards, fliers, catalogs, etc.) is limited to the confines of your booth. All booth contents must be located within your booth space.

• Promotion of public or private schools is not allowed.
• Multi-level marketing, distributorship, franchise-model businesses, or businesses where the students are reselling someone else’s products are not permitted.
• All audios or videos played in or around your booth must be low enough so as not to disrupt neighboring exhibits.
• Venue regulations prohibit the sale or distribution of food within the exhibit hall without pre-approved consent of the venue.  However, you may distribute individually wrapped candies at your booth for attendees to enjoy.

All exhibitors, including young entrepreneurs, must fill out a state-required ST-19 Form which should be returned to the exhibit hall coordinator. As of this printing, Saint Paul sales tax is 7.875%.

Process:

If you would like to participate as a Young Entrepreneur in the MACHE exhibit hall, please submit your name, address, email, website (if you have one), a brief description of your product or service, and a sample or photo of your product or service to Tami at exhibits@mache.org. When your submission has been approved, you will receive instructions on how to get registered as a Young Entrepreneur.

If you would like additional information, contact Tami at exhibits@mache.org or 763-717-9070.