What ages of children is Vine Ripe Kids designed for? All ages, newborn through 12th grade. We have more and more families joining with middle and high school students!
In fact, for the 2010-2011 school year, our President and Founder will be homeschooling her 4 children grades K-12th.
Does your group cater to those with preschoolers, or to parents new to homeschooling? You may find our monthly Mom's meetings very helpful for support in your new venture, as we feature a different "educational focus" at each meeting. Throughout the month, you and your youngsters may enjoy various classes, parkdays, making other preschool age friends in our group, field trips, and special events. We offer support to new homeschoolers as well.
Do you have older children in your group? We encourage families with older children to join, as our services will continue to expand and meet the growing need that exists to offer events of fellowship and educational opportunities to middle and high school homeschoolers. We are excited to see a rise in this age bracket in our membership!
Can I join a club? Entry into a club is reserved for members of Vine Ripe Kids, which requires online membership for the school year, and an agreement that the parent will provide service to VRK in some way. There may be an additional charge per club your family is interested in.
I don't live in East Orlando. Can I still join VRK? Certainly! While we try to keep our events on the East Orlando side (except for special field trips or events), you may reside in any area and still join. We have found that families that live very far away (Kissimmee/Clermont) have a difficult time staying active. We would be glad to help you find a group that helps to best meet your needs. (Yes, we are serious about this, and refer many families to closer groups when asked to. :-)
Where are monthly Mom's Meetings held? At present time, we are rotating in member's homes that reside in the East Orlando area.
What part of Orlando does your group hold it's functions? Our co-op and most family educational events meet near Jay Blanchard Park, and we are heavy in membership in the Waterford/Avalon/Eastwood/Curry Ford/University Blvd areas. Most activites are held in the East Orlando area. Special field trips may be held further out.
Is participation in Monthly Mom's Meeting required? We understand that "life happens", and it is not a reasonable expectation for you to make each meeting. However, we strongly encourage you to participate as often as you can, for edification and support. Intimacy in the group is obtained from frequent fellowship, and sharing of hearts.
What is Vine Ripe Kids? At present time, Vine Ripe Kids is a cooperative support group, offering various services to homeschool families, including educational classes (co-op). We provide frequent opportunities to get to know other families both in relaxed settings, supportive settings, and through various educational activities. We strive to bring support to Moms regarding your walk with God, your marriage, being a homeschool parent, and helping with challenging issues that may arise in your home school. As a "homeschooling family", we offer to one another prayer and ministry. (Meals during difficult times, a helping hand, etc.) As membership grows, what we offer will grow as well. We look a little different every year, but our flavor remains the same- grape of course!
What opportunities does VRK offer for children? We offer fellowship through a plethera of field trips, clubs, family educational events, and cooperative educational actvities and classes. (Scroll down under the activities menu for current listings.) Community educational events are also advertised on our web-site and encouraged as we hear about them, or receive invitations from other groups. Remember, the more we grow, the more we will offer!
Are you affiliated with a church? We have over several dozen various area evangelical Christian churches represented (as well as many, many missionary families) through our membership, but Vine Ripe Kids is an independent homeschool support group regardless of our venue. We are non-denominational and are open to the community. (You do not need to be a Christian to join.) However, we are exclusively Christian, meaning that all of our Leadership and Teachers representing VRK are of the Christian faith.