8:00am – Registration Opens
9:00am-1:00pm – Used Curriculum Sale
9:00am-12:00pm – Jumpstart Your Future – College & Career Fair

9:00am-11:00am – Taste of Homeschooling – Getting Started Seminar
10:00am-1:00pm – ASVAB and Assessment Testing
12:00pm-3:00pm – Leadership Summit (begins with VIP Luncheon)
1:00pm-7:00pm – Exhibit Hall Open for Shopping
1:00pm-4:00pm – Chart Your Course for High School Success
1:00pm-2:00pm – Panel Discussions (Homeschooling Preschoolers, Special Needs, Foster Care & Adoption, Working/Single Parent Homeschooling)
2:00-5:00pm – Exhibitor Workshops (3 timeslots- 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm)
4:00-5:00pm – Grandparents and Pastors’ Meet-up
5:00-5:30pm – Regional Meet-Ups
7:00-10:00pm – Living Room Reset with Kirk & Chelsea Cameron (Childcare available for families bringing children)

8:00am – Registration Opens
8:30am-9:45am – Keynote – Kirk & Chelsea Cameron
9:00am-12:00pm – CLT Test
10:00am-4:30pm – Exhibit Hall Open for Shopping
9:45am-12:15pm – Children’s Conference
9:45am-12:15pm – TLC & Teen Program
10:00am-11:00am – Workshop Period 1
11:15am-12:15pm – Workshop Period 2
12:15pm-1:30pm – Lunch & Shopping
1:15pm-3:45pm – Children’s Conference
1:15pm-3:45pm – TLC & Teen Program
1:30pm-2:30pm – Workshop Period 3
2:45pm-3:45pm – Workshop Period 4
3:45pm-4:30pm – Shopping
4:30pm-6:00pm – Closing Keynote: Steve & Megan Scheibner
(Doorprize Drawings & Graduate Recognition)
6:00pm – Class of 2019 Graduate Reception & Conference Ends

We have various ways you can save money attending the conference

• Grandparents/Pastors: FREE! Maximum of two free guests per paid adult registration. Whether you’re coming as an individual or a couple (which would allow you up to 4 guests for your family), you can bring grandparents (or your non-homeschooling pastor) along at no extra cost! Free guests, however, will NOT receive tickets to the Friday evening Living Room Reset event. Guests wishing to attend this will need to purchase tickets through KirkCameron.com.
• We want your extended family and church family to be excited about and supportive of your decision to homeschool, too!! Help us spread the vision for Biblically-based, family-centered, parent-directed home discipleship! [NOTE: This is for grandparents and pastor’s families who are NOT homeschooling their own children, as those attending the conference for the benefit of their own immediate family need to pay the regular attendee rates- which includes a $10 discount for those in full-time ministry.]
• $10 Discounts available for:
  1. Parents of ALL Preschoolers – oldest child is 5 or younger as of 5/17/19 (Promo Code: PRESCHOOL)
  2. Homeschool Support Group Leaders (Promo Code: LEADER)
  3. Those in full-time Christian ministry (Promo Code: MINISTRY)
  4. Military – currently serving or veterans (Promo Code: MILITARY)
• Working Scholarships:We want to make it possible for all those interested in attending the INCH Conference to come, and do not want finances to prevent families from being here. We are currently seeking sponsors to donate to our scholarship fund. In the meantime, for those in desperate financial circumstances, we do have the option of a working scholarship: If you are a low-income, single-parent, or otherwise financially-struggling family who desires to attend this year’s INCH Conference at a discounted rate, feel free to contact our volunteer coordinator about opportunities to volunteer your time in exchange for a full or partial scholarship. You can let us know when you would most like to serve:

1. Thursday evening, 5/16, for conference set-up
2. During the conference on Friday morning, 5/17
3. During the conference on Friday afternoon 5/17
4. During the conference on Saturday, 5/18
5. Saturday evening for conference clean-up/ tear-down

If you would like to apply for a working scholarship or have questions about our working scholarship opportunities, email INCH at [email protected]

• Scholarships – Non-working:
  Some scholarship money may be available. Please contact INCH to request more information about scholarship opportunities if finances are preventing you from attending this year’s INCH Conference. Direct all phone calls to the INCH voicemail: 517-481-5994. Emails should be sent to INCH with ‘Scholarship’ in the subject. Thank you!

• Pray and ask the Lord to help you get His best from the conference.
• Seek the counsel of your spouse. Start preparing before you attend the conference. Discuss: What is our purpose for home educating our children? Pray together and ask for God’s wisdom and direction for your family.
• Plan to pre-register. This takes the hassle out of waiting in long lines on the day of the conference.
• Come prepared to take notes. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a large tote bag for all your goodies.
• Attend the keynote sessions. These sessions are designed to give encouragement, vision, and help us to lead our families biblically. Academic resources are easily available. Vision and encouragement are harder to find.
• If you have questions, be sure to write them down. Visit the INCH table, located just inside the Exhibit Hall, and talk with the members of our INCH staff.
• Consider that you and your spouse may want to attend different workshops. Study the schedule and then divide and conquer. If you cannot attend all the sessions you want, plan to purchase MP3′s or CDs at the conference so you can save shipping charges.
• Decide on a time and a place to reunite!
• Take some time to study the Exhibit Hall map. If you have a “need list” go to those tables first, since vendors do run out of materials on occasion.
• As time allows, browse the Exhibit Hall and check the products on your “want list’. Are they as good as you thought? Remember to pick up free samples or brochures.
• Shop around the Exhibit Hall. Some exhibitors offer discounts. Carry a small notebook and make notes.
• Look for non-consumable reusable materials.
• Don’t make any major purchases not on your “need list’. Regret may prove to be a high price.
• Be fair! If you spend a significant block of time with a particular exhibitor discussing a specific item, repay that exhibitor for his time by purchasing the item from him rather than a competitor.
• Relax! The conference is planned to serve you. Take a 15-30 minute break each day.
• Consider purchasing the conference audio recordings so you can listen and be refreshed during the year

Please Read Carefully!

Children: We LOVE children and we are attempting to make the conference as “family-friendly” as possible, welcoming children of all ages with open arms— but trusting that families will be willing to abide by the following guidelines in order to make the conference a positive experience for all attendees.

1. We ask that those 4 years old and under stay with their parents. They can stroll with you through the Exhibit Hall, sit QUIETLY with you in the workshops (in the designated area if available) or visit the toddler play area/nursing mothers room where you can hear the Main Hall speakers.Unfortunately, each year we receive several complaints that parents with noisy babies/children did not leave sessions promptly when the children became a distraction. Some workshop recordings have even been rendered useless because of noisy infants. Parents, please be sensitive to everyone around you and leave the workshops or keynote sessions if your child is being noisy. If you do stay in the workshop with a noisy child you may be asked to leave. Thank you!!
2. All 5 to 10 year olds in attendance are encouraged to attend the Children’s Conference, as most of our adult workshop tracks have limited seating and are not necessarily intended to keep the interest of children. However, children are welcome to sit quietly in workshops with their parents, though we ask them to be considerate and willing to move to a parent’s lap or the floor should the room become full.
3. 5 to 12 year olds must remain under the direct supervision of their parents and stay with them at all times while in the concourse area, vendor hall, or main auditorium— i.e. at any time they are not in the Children’s Conference room or (for 10-12 yr. olds) a Kids’ Track workshop.

Security-Identification: It is necessary that conference wristbands and nametags be worn and visible at all times in the conference center. The Lansing Center is a public facility, meaning anyone not associated with the conference can walk through the concourse part of the building at any time. It is important for everyone to be able to quickly identify whether or not someone is a conference participant if they are anywhere other than in the open concourse area. If it is noticed that someone is not a conference participant and is in any workshop, exhibit hall or keynote session, please bring it to the attention of a member of the conference staff immediately. It is important that we maintain a safe and secure event.

Keynote Sessions: We strongly encourage everyone to attend the keynote sessions. All important announcements, changes, instructions and crucial messages will be communicated during this time. Note, however, that once the exhibit hall opens each morning, it will be open continuously throughout all workshop periods, lunch, dinner, and even one of the keynotes each day. An announcement will be made in the exhibit hall prior to the beginning of each keynote session, so we hope that when the announcement is made, most of you will conclude your shopping and move immediately to the main auditorium.

Workshop Preferences: This year we are not asking for your workshop session preferences with your registration. Seating in the workshops will be first come, first served.

Exhibit Hall: The Exhibitors are not directly affiliated with INCH. Conference attendees should take note that the views, attitudes and behaviors of the exhibitors are not necessarily shared by INCH.

Food and Beverages: Please do not bring outside food and beverages with you into the Lansing Center. The Lansing Center Food & Beverage Department is proud to be the exclusive caterer for all events at the Lansing Center. Refreshments will be for sale for our attendees throughout the weekend, including a lunch special in the rear of the exhibit hall on both Friday and Saturday. There are also numerous vending machines located throughout the building. If you desire to pack drinks, snacks, or lunches for your family, please refrain from bringing them into the building. Picnic tables are available outside near the river for your outdoor dining pleasure.

2019 Hotel Discounts negotiated for Information Network of Christian Homes | May 17-18, 2019

We’ve made special arrangements at a number of hotels around Lansing… we hope you can find a comfortable and affordable place to stay while you’re here!

Hotel Discounts for INCH Conference attendees have been negotiated with the following hotels for 2019. If you’re coming to this year’s conference from out of town, you may want to contact these hotels soon to reserve your room. Please make your reservations online or by phone with the conference hotels directly. Be certain to ask for the 2019 INCH Conference Room Block for discounted rates.

Also feel free to contact the Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau by visiting their website at http://lansing.org/inch or call their visitor center at (888) 252-6746, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We hope you find this reservation format to be very easy and efficient as you plan your visit to Michigan’s Capital City.

Connected to the Lansing Center:
Radisson – Headquarter Hotel
111 N. Grand Avenue, Lansing, 48933
Room Rate: $120.00 (Rate includes Full American Breakfast Buffet for up to four (4) guests per room.)
Cutoff Date: May 3, 2019
http://www.radisson.com/lansing-hotel-mi-48933/lansing
(517) 482-0188
Block Code: INCH19
NOTE: There is a 7 day cancellation policy – cancellations w/in 7 days of arrival will forfeit one (1) night room

The Radisson Hotel is located in Lansing’s city center: the heart of the entertainment, business, and government district of Michigan’s Capital City. Adjacent to the Lansing Convention Center and attached via a covered crosswalk, it is located one block east of the State Capitol, within walking distance to all of downtown Lansing’s attractions. They are offering INCH attendees $10/night valet parking (50% off the regular rate), along with an indoor pool, exercise and health facilities, sauna/steam room, jacuzzi, high-speed wireless internet, and on-site dining at the Capitol City Grille.

Comfort Inn
525 N. Canal Rd., Lansing, MI 48917
INCH Room Rate: $85 (includes complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast, free internet, and free parking)
Cutoff Date: May 1, 2019
https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/ZT6BL8
(517) 627-8381

PREFER TO CAMP?
Cottonwood Campground
5339 Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48911
INCH Rate: $28/night – rustic, $35/night – water & electric
http://www.lansingcottonwoodcampground.com/
(517) 393-3200 NOTE: Mention INCH!
(Rates good for 4 people per campsite; additional children are $2/each)

Host homes: coming from out of town, but struggling with the cost of a hotel room?

INCH wants to help by offering to host you in the home of a Lansing-area homeschooling family! Note: Offer is subject to number of homes offered and the number of requests made. Available homes will be filled in the order requests are received. If you would like to request a “Host Home” mark the appropriate spot on your registration form, and email [email protected] with “Host Home” in the subject or call 517-481-5994 with questions. We will need to know how many people are coming that would like to be housed together, which night or nights you’d like to stay, and any special requests, needs, or preferences.

Lansing is full of fun family field trip opportunities! As long as you’re going to be in town for the weekend, we thought you might be interested in seeing what else is available for your family to do before and after the conference.

Welcome to Lansing! Please find a few suggestions about how you may want to send some free time while in town for the 2018 INCH MI 35th Annual Michigan Home Education Convention. We will have a restaurant reservation booth staffed in the main concourse of the Lansing Center to assist with ideas of how to spend your free time. Please visit our free mobile app, website, visitor guide or the booth onsite for more details: http://www.lansing.org/

Calendar of Events Highlights & Featured Attractions – Downtown Lansing

Lansing Lugnuts Baseball vs. Dayton Dragons and Bowling Green Hot Rods
May 16, 17, 18, & 19, 2018 – home games all 4 nights
Cooley Law School Stadium is directly across the street from the Lansing Center
Address: 505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912
Game Time: 7:05 p.m.
Admission: Varies
517-485-4500
Saturday Promotion: Enjoy Fireworks following the game!

Join us to Go Nuts downtown for a Lansing Lugnuts Baseball game! The classic American past time is alive and well in our community, so come be a part of the fun.

– See more HERE:

Lansing City Market
325 City Market Dr., Lansing, MI 4891

http://lansingcitymarket.com/about-us/

Adjacent to the Lansing Center, the Lansing City Market provides the Greater Lansing region, and out-of-town guests, a year-round, one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a family friendly environment. Established in 1909, the Market’s recent reconstruction along the Grand River has strengthened Lansing’s downtown corridor by creating a welcoming home for more than 20 merchants. Currently the Market features a wide variety of goods including: local produce, fresh dairy products, artisan cheese, house-baked breads, organic meat, poultry, fresh-cut flowers, natural heath care products, photography, gluten-free items, and several hot-prepared food merchants including a full-service bar and grill.

Impression 5 Science Center
200 Museum Dr.
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 485-8116
Special for INCH Families: Visit the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau booth in the main concourse of the Lansing Center to pick up one free admission coupon- available to the first 200 families that stop by. (One per family please)
Admission: Adults: $5.00, Seniors: $4.50, Children, 1 & older: $5.00, Children, up to 1 year old: FREE
Web: www.impression5.org
Impression 5 is a hands-on learning environment that challenges visitors to experience, discover and explore! Interactive exhibits include “Bubbles,” “Throwing Things,” and many more. Explore the exhibits, experiment with science in a workshop and shop ’til you drop in the Science Store!

State Capitol Building
100 Capitol Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 373-2353
Admission: FREE
Web: www.michigan.gov/miplaces
Step back into the Victorian era with a visit to Michigan’s award-winning Capitol Building. Designed by Elijah E. Myers, one of the foremost architects of public buildings during the Gilded Age (1865-1914), construction of the Capitol Building took six years and contains over nine acres of hand-painted surfaces. The building was dedicated to the citizens of Michigan in 1879. Tours of the public areas and the House and Senate galleries are available every half hour.

Michigan Historical Museum
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 373-3559
Admission: Adults (18+) – $6, Seniors (65+) – $4, Youth (6-17) – $2 (optional), Children up to 5 years – Free
Web: www.michigan.gov/museum
The Michigan Historical Museum surrounds visitors with Michigan history from prehistoric times through the late twentieth century. Major exhibit environments include a three-story relief map of Michigan, walk-through Upper Peninsula copper mine, one-room schoolhouse, 1920s street scene, 1957 Detroit Auto Show, and a lakes and lands diorama complete with a rustic cabin and lighthouse. Explore all 26 permanent galleries, located on four levels. Don’t miss the temporary exhibit gallery on the ground floor. The museum store offers unique items that have been carefully selected to reflect Michigan’s rich heritage.

Michigan Supreme Court Hall of Justice
925 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517)373-7171
Free admission.
Open Mon.-Fri., 9 am-4 pm.
Web: http://courts.mi.gov/education/learning-center/Pages/Schedule-a-Tour.aspx
Located on the first floor of the Michigan Hall of Justice, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center opened its doors to the public on November 1, 2002. This 3,800 sq. ft. public education center introduces children and adults to the Michigan court system. The Learning Center is designed for elementary students to adults, and the gallery is filled with activities including an introductory video, computer programs, push-button programs and traditional wall text panels. Groups of 10 or more should call ahead for guided tours. Walk-in visitors welcome.

Potter Park Zoo
1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing, MI 48912
Phone: (517) 483-4222
Admission: Resident $4, Non-Resident $10, Resident Senior $3, Non-Resident Senior, $8, Children (3-12) $2, All Children under 3 FREE
Web: www.potterparkzoo.org
The beautifully landscaped 100-acre park, gardens and zoo are situated in an old oak forest along the Red Cedar River. Located in the heart of the Capital City, Potter Park Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals from around the world. A zoo for all seasons, Potter Park is open all year. The Exploration and Discovery Center for Education provides classes and hands-on learning as well as a Safari Room available to rent for parties, meetings and receptions. The park surrounds the zoo, offering picnicking, exercise area and a playground. Camel and pony rides, a petting zoo, food concessions and a unique Zoovenir Gift Shop are open seasonally.

Calendar of Events Highlights & Featured Attractions – East Lansing

East Lansing Art Festival & MSU Spring Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, May 19, 2018 & Sunday, May 20, 2018
Venue: Downtown East Lansing
Address: 410 Abbot Rd., Ste. 209, East Lansing, MI 48823
Times: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free
http://www.elartfest.com/
Join in celebrating the highly anticipated 55th annual East Lansing Art Festival. This mid-Michigan, two-day event features fine art, music, art activities, live demos, poetry and an international-style food court in downtown East Lansing.

www.uabevents.com
One of the largest arts and crafts shows in the state that includes a broad range of vendors selling handmade items including: candles, furniture, jewelry, home and yard décor, aromatherapy, clothing, children’s toys, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture and much more!

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
556 E. Circle Dr, Rm 344
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 353-9836
Admission: FREE
Web: www.broadmuseum.msu.edu
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, a new Zaha Hadid-designed contemporary art museum at MSU, is dedicated to exploring global contemporary culture and ideas through art. The museum presents groundbreaking, international contemporary art across all media, and thematic exhibitions that investigate contemporary works within a historical context.

MSU Barns – University Farms / Animal Science Dept
Animal Science Dept – Anthony Hall
474 S. Shaw Ln
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-8383
Fax: (517) 353-1699
Web: www.ans.msu.edu
Visitors are welcome to visit the many farms on the south side of MSU’s campus between Mount Hope and Jolly Roads. MSU is home to many animals including sheep, cows, horses, swine, cattle and chickens. Milking procedures can be observed every afternoon. MSU Barns are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and self-guided tours are available at each location. Allow approximately 30 minutes for each farm.

MSU Bug House
288 Farm Ln., Room 147
Natural Science Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-4662
Web: www.ent.msu.edu or http://www.tour.msu.edu/locations/bughouse
Do your kids go crazy for creepy, crawly critters? If so come visit the Bug House, located on MSU’s campus. MSU’s Department of Entomology has expanded the Bug House to include programs for children of all ages. There are collections, displays, discussions and hands-on activities. Bring the whole family to enjoy the incredible world of insects. The MSU Bug House is located in rooms 146-147 of the Natural Science building. Tours are held Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, by appointment only.

MSU Dairy Store
474 S. Shaw Lane
Room 1140, South Anthony Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-8466
Web: www.dairystore.msu.edu/ or http://www.tour.msu.edu/locations/dairystore
The MSU Dairy Foods Complex offers an integrated food experience. Not only can you visit our famous Dairy Store for some of the best ice cream and cheese in existence, but while you are satisfying your hunger, you can take a self-guided tour of our dairy plant observation deck and learn the basics of milk, cheese and ice cream processing. The self-guided tour includes a new multimedia presentation for all ages. If you have never had MSU Dairy Store ice cream you have to get some. If you have tasted it before it is time to go back!

MSU Horticulture Gardens and 4-H Children’s Gardens
A288 Plant & Soil Sciences Bldg.
1066 Bogue St.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-5191
Web: www.hrt.msu.edu/our-gardens or http://4hgarden.cowplex.com/Plan_a_Visit/Visitor/
Expose your child to the enchanting world of the 4-H Children’s Garden. A special place created just for children and the young at heart, the garden features over 56 theme areas including the Pizza Garden, Peter Rabbit Herb Garden, Butterfly Garden and ABC Garden. You can also enjoy the Tree House, Creation Station, Amphitheater, Monet Bridge, and the Dance Chimes. The garden is a perfect place to learn about horticulture, as it allows hands-on exploration along with several interactive activities.

MSU Museum
409 W. Circle Dr.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-2370
Admission: FREE
Web: www.museum.msu.edu
The MSU Museum has three floors of exhibits devoted to natural and cultural history with an emphasis on the Great Lakes region. Halls of continuing exhibits are devoted to world cultures, dinosaurs, animal diversity and heritage. Special exhibits rotate quarterly. The museum store has a nice selection of books, jewelry, traditional arts and educational gifts for children. The museum also produces the Great Lakes Folk Festival in August. The MSU Museum is Michigan’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate.

MSU Abrams Planetarium
755 Science Rd.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-4676
Fax: (517) 432-3838
Web: www.pa.msu.edu/abrams
Are you fascinated by the night sky? The Abrams Planetarium, located on the MSU campus, serves as an astronomy and space science education resource center for central Michigan. The planetarium is an outreach unit of MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy that offers a variety of shows to all age groups, from preschool through senior citizens. The planetarium houses an exhibit hall with a book and gift counter, a black light gallery of astronomical art, a hemispherical domed sky theatre, and Digistar, the world’s only computer-graphics-based planetarium projector.