Programming for Kids
children at the convention
Teens attending the AFHE Convention with their parents have several registration options, providing a range of opportunities to participate and learn with other teens.
1. Intro to the World of Animation, presented by Chad Stewart from The Animation Course. This two-day program is open to students age 12-18. Program description below.
2. Photo Class: Learning to See Light, taught by James Staddon from Lenspiration. Including four interactive sessions (two on Friday, two on Saturday), this class is open to teens age 14+. Any camera and any skill level are welcome! Click "Photography Options" button below for more information.
3. Photography Team, taught by James Staddon from Lenspiration. This small-group training for more advanced photographers is available by application only, ages 15-18. Click "Photography Options" button for prerequisites and program specifics.
4. General youth admission, ages 6-18. Please see information below about children and teens at the convention. Ages 5 and under are free. 
5. Homeschool graduate admission, age 17+. Please see registration form for guidelines.

Looking for something more? Volunteer with the Youth Service Team! The "Blueshirts" have tons of fun at the convention, and have a valuable role in our ability to serve attendees and exhibitors all weekend long. Earn free general admission by serving! Details on our Volunteers page. (This volunteer service may be combined with any of the other teen options. Grads are welcome!)
photography options with lenspiration
register for convention (April 14-June 27)

Intro to the world of animation

How does animation affect us in today's tech-saturated world? Animation is part of our daily lives, but what actually goes into creating this fascinating form of art? How can learning about the world of animation be useful in whatever you decide to do in the future?

In this engaging and interactive two-day program presented by The Animation Course: 
  • Teens will learn about multiple styles of animation, including hand-drawn animation, digital 2D animation, and digital 3D animation, with a basic introduction to the software used for each style. 
  • They will gain insight into the principles of design, kinetics, physics, and communication that are essential to high quality animation. 
  • Attendees will gain a better understanding of how professional animation works and learn about different jobs and opportunities, such as character designer or storyboard artist. 
  • And they’ll get a chance to be ‘hands on’ and do some animation of their own! 
  • Finally, teens will gain exposure to carefully selected independent films created by animation students and learn about potential college and adult animation training options.  

Details:
  • Complete two-day program, four sessions each day 
  • Supplies for hand-drawn animation and class materials included
  • Ages 12-18
  • Registration $60/person

THANK YOU to these sponsors for their support of our Teen Programming!

Young Entrepreneurs & Innovators Sponsor

Teen Program Sponsor

Teen Program Sponsor

Reaching Higher Expo Sponsor

Programming for Kids

Although there is not a formal children's program at the AFHE Convention, these are some features of the weekend planned with youngsters in mind!

EXHIBIT HALL Features for Kids

  • KidsCorner — Visit a fun station near the concessions area where your kiddo can relax and play. Take a break here while your kids enjoy games and toys in a space set up just for them!
  • KidsCorner programming — Curious kids and their parents are invited to attend demonstrations and activities throughout the day presented by our wonderful exhibitors! Check the schedule of events in your program when you arrive at Convention.
  • Stop by the AFHE booth to pick up a Photo Scavenger Hunt for your child to complete in the Exhibit Hall and lobbies.
  • Several vendors will have demonstrations and activities at their booths, offered with youngsters in mind!

HANDS-ON TUTORIAL WORKSHOPS

Hands-On Tutorial workshops: DNA: The Code of Life and The Golden Ratio are suitable for kids to attend with their parents. Each person attending must have a ticket.
Workshop descriptions at our SPEAKERS & WORKSHOPS page!

Children at the AFHE Convention

The AFHE Convention is an event planned for the enrichment and development of parents who are educating their children in the freedom and familiarity of the home context. We also offer robust options for homeschool teens to grow and learn in a large group setting.

Many attendees do bring their younger children to the convention. If you are bringing children under age 12, please observe the following guidelines.
  1. Children may attend workshops with their parents as space permits. Seating preference will be given to adults in the room. If a workshop is full, please seat your young children on your lap to make room for other adult attendees. For everyone's safety, children should not be seated on the floor in the conference rooms or exhibitor workshop pavilions.
  2. If your baby or child becomes noisy during a workshop, please step out for a moment to help him or her settle down. We appreciate your consideration for the speakers, other attendees, and the quality of our workshop recordings.
  3. Children under age 12 must remain with an adult at all times.  We have a fun KidsCorner area in the exhibit hall where youngsters can "get the wiggles out" and enjoy some playtime, attended by their parents or caregivers. Do not allow your child to run in the hallways, exhibit hall, lobbies, or other areas, for their safety and the safety of others.