How it started
As a parent deeply invested in providing the best educational experiences for my child, I quickly realized that learning doesn’t just happen within the walls of our home. It happens in the world around us—in museums, parks, historical sites, and even local businesses. That’s what inspired me to start organizing field trips for homeschoolers.
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It all began last year when I was searching for ways to make our homeschool curriculum more engaging and hands-on. I stumbled upon the idea of a group outing to a nearby dairy farm. I reached out to a few other homeschooling families in my area, thinking it would be more fun and beneficial for the kids to learn together. To my delight, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
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That first trip was a hit! The kids explored together, asked impressive questions, and sparked each other’s curiosity. The parents, too, enjoyed connecting with others who shared similar values and challenges. I quickly realized that these outings were about more than just education—they were about building community.
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From there, organizing field trips became a regular part of our homeschooling routine. I began researching local attractions, reaching out to venues to negotiate group rates, and coordinating schedules to ensure that as many families as possible could participate. Many venues required a minimum of 15 participants to book a tour, which encouraged us to gather larger groups for these outings. Over time, the group grew, and what started as a small gathering of a few families blossomed into a vibrant network of homeschooling parents and kids eager to explore and learn together.
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In January 2025, the time came when Field Trip Friends became an official business. We eagerly await the decision on our 501(c)(3) approval, which will allow us to apply for grants and create even more opportunities for our homeschool community.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of organizing these trips has been seeing the joy and excitement on the kids’ faces as they experience something new. Whether it’s watching them marvel at a States of Matter show, getting hands-on with science experiments, or learning about local history on a guided tour, these moments reaffirm why I started this journey.
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I’ve also loved the opportunity to collaborate with other parents. Their ideas, support, and enthusiasm have been invaluable. Together, we’ve been able to offer our kids a richer and more diverse education than any of us could have achieved alone.
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Organizing field trips for homeschoolers has become a true passion of mine. It’s not just about education; it’s about creating experiences, building relationships, and fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next and am always on the lookout for new opportunities to explore, learn, and grow together as a community.
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Kindly,
Liv
