For homeschooling families in Transylvania County seeking to enhance their curriculum with experiential outdoor education, Camp Tekoa's homeschool programs offer the perfect complement to your at-home learning. Just a short drive from Brevard, our programs combine STEM education, nature exploration, and social interaction in a supportive Christian environment.
Comprehensive Outdoor Education for Homeschoolers
Camp Tekoa's homeschool programs are thoughtfully designed to support and enrich your family's educational journey. Our experienced staff combines academic concepts with hands-on outdoor experiences, creating memorable learning opportunities that can't be replicated in traditional settings.
The Tekoa Homeschool Program offers morning sessions twice monthly throughout the school year, specifically created for elementary-aged students in Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, and Polk counties. Each session incorporates outdoor education activities, STEM learning, creative projects, and traditional camp fun.
Program Components and Activities
Our homeschool curriculum integrates multiple educational disciplines through engaging, hands-on activities:
Outdoor Education
- Compass and map reading with practical navigation challenges
- Flora and fauna identification using scientific observation techniques
- Conservation principles and environmental stewardship projects
- Weather patterns and meteorology through field observation
STEM Learning
- Sustainable gardening with plant life cycle studies
- Outdoor cooking that incorporates chemistry and measurement
- Hands-on experiments utilizing natural materials
- Simple machines and engineering challenges in natural settings
Creative Expression
- Nature-inspired art projects using various mediums
- Journaling and descriptive writing in outdoor settings
- Music and movement activities connected to natural rhythms
- Storytelling and dramatic play incorporating natural elements
Traditional Camp Fun
- Swimming in our spring-fed lake (weather permitting)
- Zipline adventures that illustrate physics principles
- Climbing activities that build confidence and physical skills
- Team-building games that develop social competencies
Families who participate in our program frequently share that the experiential learning at Camp Tekoa perfectly complements their home curriculum, providing hands-on reinforcement of academic concepts in a social, collaborative environment.
Homeschool Adventure Days for Middle Schoolers
Our Homeschool Adventure Days program is specifically designed for middle school students. This program focuses on outdoor skills, with participants learning fundamental techniques on site before venturing off-site for a real nature adventure.
This program is perfect for homeschooled students who:
- Are ready for more physically challenging activities
- Want to develop technical outdoor skills
- Benefit from experiential learning approaches
- Enjoy peer interaction in structured settings
Homeschool Adventure Days provide valuable social interaction opportunities with like-minded peers while building confidence, problem-solving abilities, and physical competence—all within a supportive Christian environment.
Program Details and Scheduling
The Tekoa Homeschool Program runs throughout the academic year, with sessions offered twice monthly. Each session runs during morning hours, allowing families to incorporate these experiences into their regular homeschool schedule. There are options to register for individual days, monthly sessions, or receive a discount for the entire season.
For our Homeschool Adventure Days program, registration is available through our website. This specialized middle school program follows a different schedule from our elementary offerings, so please contact our office for current dates and availability.
Educational Philosophy and Approach
At Camp Tekoa, we believe that meaningful learning happens when children are actively engaged with their environment, challenging themselves, and connecting with others. Our homeschool programs are built on several key educational principles:
- Experiential Learning: Students learn by doing, with hands-on activities that make abstract concepts concrete and memorable.
- Integrated Curriculum: Rather than separating subjects artificially, we blend science, math, language arts, social studies, physical education, and character development.
- Place-Based Education: We utilize our unique natural setting to help students develop a sense of place and environmental stewardship.
- Faith Integration: Christian principles of stewardship, community, and purpose are woven naturally throughout our programming.
- Differentiated Instruction: Activities are designed to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and interests within mixed-age groups.
Our educational approach aligns well with many homeschool philosophies, including Charlotte Mason, nature-based learning, and project-based education models.
Benefits for Homeschool Families
Incorporating Camp Tekoa's homeschool programs into your educational plan offers numerous advantages:
Curriculum Enhancement
- Supplements your core curriculum with experiential learning
- Provides professional instruction in specialized outdoor skills
- Offers science and nature education in an immersive setting
- Creates memorable learning experiences that reinforce academic concepts
Social Development
- Creates regular opportunities for peer interaction
- Builds collaboration skills through group activities
- Develops friendships with other homeschooled children
- Provides practice navigating social situations in structured environments
Physical Growth
- Encourages healthy physical activity in natural settings
- Develops gross and fine motor skills through varied activities
- Builds confidence through progressive challenge activities
- Teaches outdoor recreation skills for lifelong enjoyment
Practical Support for Parents
- Provides professional instruction in specialized subject areas
- Offers a consistent, reliable component to your homeschool schedule
- Provides parents with a morning “to themselves”
- Connects families with a supportive community of like-minded educators
Meet Our Homeschool Program Staff
Our homeschool programs are led by experienced educators who understand both outdoor education and the unique needs of homeschool families:
Morgan Morton (Day Camp Director) With a master's degree in Recreational Therapy from Clemson University and years of experience in outdoor education, Morgan brings expertise and enthusiasm to our homeschool programming. Having grown up attending Camp Tekoa herself, she understands the profound impact that camp experiences can have on a child's development.
Eleanor Trollinger A degree in developmental psychology and experience in preschool and elementary education combined with many years of working at camps means Eleanor knows the value of outdoor education and camp fun for children of all ages and backgrounds. She loves cooking, crafts, and building outdoor skills.
All of our instructors undergo thorough background checks and receive training in:
- Child development and age-appropriate instruction
- Outdoor education methodologies
- First aid and emergency response
- Positive behavior management
- Faith-based mentorship
How to Register for Homeschool Programs
Registration for our homeschool programs is simple and flexible. For the elementary program, you can sign up for individual days or sessions, or receive a discount by registering for the entire season. For our Homeschool Adventure Days, please contact daycamp@camptekoa.org for more information.
Space in our homeschool programs is limited to ensure high-quality instruction and appropriate supervision, so early registration is encouraged. We strive to make our programs accessible to all families regardless of financial circumstances—if cost is a concern, please inquire about our scholarship options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tekoa Homeschool Programs
Do parents stay during the homeschool program sessions?
Our programs are designed as drop-off experiences, allowing parents time for other activities. However,with prior approval, parents are welcome to observe sessions, and we occasionally host special family days where parents participate alongside their children.
How do you accommodate different age groups and abilities?
Our staff is trained in differentiated instruction and creates activities with multiple entry points and challenge levels. We often use small group rotations to provide age-appropriate experiences within our larger program structure.
What should my child bring to homeschool program sessions?
Participants should bring a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended), closed-toe shoes, and a small backpack. For sessions that include water activities, a towel and change of clothes are needed.
How does the program connect to standard curriculum requirements?
While our programs complement many standard curriculum goals, they are designed as enrichment rather than replacement for core subjects. We're happy to provide documentation of activities and learning objectives to help you incorporate our programs into your homeschool records and portfolios.
Is there a faith component to the homeschool programs?
As a Christian camp, our values inform our approach to education and community. While we incorporate Christian principles naturally throughout our programming, our homeschool programs focus primarily on outdoor education and STEM learning rather than religious instruction.
Can my child attend if they have special needs or accommodations?
We strive to make our programs accessible to all children and can accommodate many special needs. Please contact us in advance to discuss your child's specific situation so we can ensure a positive experience.
Join Our Homeschool Community
Camp Tekoa's homeschool programs offer more than just educational enrichment—they provide an opportunity to connect with a community of families who share your values and educational approach. Many of our homeschool families develop friendships that extend beyond our program days, creating valuable support networks and social connections.
To learn more about our homeschool offerings or to register for upcoming sessions, check out our dedicated page online (link to register there) or contact us at daycamp@camptekoa.org. We look forward to partnering with your family on your educational journey!