About the West Valley Christian Homeschoolers

Our Purpose

The goal of the WVCH is to support and encourage the homeschoolers in the west valley by providing enriching and fun opportunities for our families to learn and develop positive friendships in the security of shared Christian values. We do this through weekly cooperative educational classes, park days, and a physical education co-op, bimonthly field trips, many community service opportunities, and holiday parties.

Our Philosophy

We believe that it is the Biblical calling of parents to love, nurture, and protect, as well as teach, train, disciple and discipline their own children.

We believe that parents’ are best suited to make decisions regarding their children’s education. There is not one single approach, textbook, or program that is right for every child.

Because our group is made up of unique individuals and families coming from different denominational backgrounds, educational philosophies, and parenting styles we agree to respect such variations within the framework of our common Christian beliefs and principles.

Our Statement of Faith

We believe there is One God. He is of One essence yet He has existed eternally in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus is fully God and man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died on the cross paying the penalty for our sins, and then rose again on the third day.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son. That the Holy Spirit is active in the world guiding us in truth, indwelling and empowering us to live a godly life.
We believe the Bible is the complete and inspired written Word of God. It is the final authority on what a Christian is called to believe.
We believe all men have sinned and are in need of salvation. That salvation is a gift, by the grace of God, through faith, in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.

A scripture that sums up our philosophy and faith nicely is:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Leadership

We are a member-led group. This means that everyone in the group is responsible for making it work. Each member is required to have a Service Position. If you have a particular interest, talent, or gifting we would love for you to utilize that, so that your service can bless you as it blesses the group. If after reading through the Service Position Descriptions you don’t see something you would like the group to offer and you would like to institute it we would be happy to hear about it. We are always interested in improving the group and what it offers.

Educational Co-op Classes

Over the years, the moms (and even a dad) in the group have volunteered to teach various classes. We have had the blessing of sharing learning about the following subjects: Beginning Spanish, Science of the Eye, Creative Writing, Arizona History, Geography, Biblical Holidays, Choir, Creative Music, Logic and Drama. Most recently the Drama class put on a play of Pride and Prejudice. At the end of each semester we put together a Showcase for the children to present what they have been working on. Any upcoming classes are undecided as yet. Many families using the same curriculums have formed small co-ops within the group with Apologia Science, Sonlight, Latina Christiana and Tapestry of Grace.

Park Days

September through May we meet weekly on Fridays starting at 11:30 am at a park in Litchfield Park. If you are interested in attending one of park days, please use the Contact Us page and someone will contact you with directions. During the summer we are meeting at various pools either in the afternoons or for Family Potluck and Pool Nights.

Field Trips and Community Service

It is the goal to have at least two field trips each month and to provide the opportunity to serve in the community regularly through the year.

These are the field trips and events our group went on in 2008-2009:

Group Camping Trip, Sahuro Ranch, Cerrta Candy Factory, Flagstaff Science Festival, Civil War Reenactment, Chinese Cultural Center, Halle Heart Center, Arizona State Fair, Animal Control/Humane Society, Gingerbread Houses, Christmas Party, Rock Art Museum, Ancient Texts and Bible Museum, Costco, Avondale Police Department, World Wildlife Zoo, Bodyology, Spelling Bee, SCA Estralla Wars, We Make History "Encampment in Litchfield", Festival of the West, Fathers and Sons' Campout, Mother-Daughter Sleepover, and the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Fine arts: Mid-Summer's Night Dream, Symphony, Romeo and Juliet, Velveteen Rabbit, Ferdinand the Bull.

Mom’s Fellowship Time

We try to meet once a month to get to know and enjoy each other.

Communication

The main way the WVCH distributes information is through our website and message board. Through the website and message board the members are updated on upcoming events and can share information about ideas, resources, and curriculums. Message Board is open to members only for the protection and privacy of our group. We offer trial memberships to families who may be interested in joining our group and have attended at least one park day.

Planning Meetings

We have two planning meetings per year. The first meeting in June we evaluate and adapt the group’s operation for the upcoming year, as well sign up for Group Service Positions. The second meeting, in January, is to review how the year is going and make any appropriate adjustments. These meetings are required.

Annual Dues

Our annual dues are $15. This amount goes to cover the handbooks, some field trips, activities, party expenses, as well as administration costs.