Who can join?

Big Country families who are currently home educating at least one student (between preschool and high school) in a bona-fide manner according to Texas law are welcome to join. Private home schooling is defined as home education that is primarily produced and directed by parents, in the home. There is no specific faith requirement or curriculum/education method requirement. We also have some member families who are homeschooling one child while others attend public/private school. We have single parent families, families with two working parents, families with a stay-home parent, families with dad as the primary educator, and families with children who are being raised/educated by grandparents. Families who also have public/private school kids are welcome to bring them along for non-age specific events (i.e. campout, skate & bowl, field day), however our age specific events/classes are for homeschooled kiddos only. 

Businesses, advertisers, and groups are not allowed to join Big Country Home Educators. 

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What does membership cost?

Please visit our Join page to view membership options and cost information for the current year.

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Where does my money go?

The BCHE board follows an annual budget that seeks to use membership funds and donations wisely in providing key opportunities and events for members as well as covering the logistical expenses of running a non-profit organization such as website fees, insurance, facility rentals, etc. Membership fees only account for a small portion of our operating budget.

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How do you do all of that for just the membership fee?

Board member families and other volunteers work very hard to make your membership money stretch as far as possible! As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we are able to get non-profit and tax-free rates from other businesses and organizations, and are also able to negotiate group rates. We negotiate trades and do our best to build and maintain relationships within the community that encourage businesses to think of us when they are planning, advertising, and pricing their educational/sports/arts opportunities. BCHE also receives donations from both individuals and organizations.

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Does BCHE provide curriculum?

No, BCHE is not a school. Participation in BCHE is meant to enrich/enhance your own constructed home education plan, not replace it. Some of our Monday Co-Op class options do offer curriculum that is specific to an individual class. BCHE is a great resource that provides enrichment opportunities to enhance your family's homeschooling experience, but there is not one single curriculum or curriculum publisher that we promote. We can, however, answer your curriculum questions. We have many veteran homeschool families (we've used it all!) who would be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

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How does BCHE protect member privacy?

BCHE will not share your personal names, addresses, phone numbers, email address, or other contact information. Publicly posting fellow members’ personal information on social media sites is strictly prohibited, as is posting pictures of other people’s children without consent. All BCHE hosted events will only be posted on our private calendar and private social media site. Members using fake name accounts are not allowed to join any BCHE private social media group (Facebook/MeWe).

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Does BCHE have a dress code / behavior policy?

Yes. We seek to create an atmosphere in which all we do, including the way we dress, honors God and others. We ask that all members and event attendees (both parents and students) alike dress modestly and conservatively, out of consideration for others. Parents AND students, please be aware of how you look before attending any BCHE event. Certain events may have additional dress code requirements.

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What does BCHE expect of me?

All members should read the By-Laws.

As a member you will be required:

• to fulfill the service agreement that is part of each family's membership (unless you choose to pay the opt-out fee) by visiting the BCHE Volunteer Hub to choose service option
• to keep names, addresses, phone numbers, personal email addresses, and other contact information of fellow members and board members in strict confidence; posting fellow members’ personal information on social media sites is strictly prohibited, as is tagging pictures of other people’s children without parent consent; only publicly posted board members' contact info may be shared 
• to keep calendar and event info private--this means no sharing/posting with individuals or groups outside of BCHE; all members have the same access to event/activity info, so it should be easy for members seeking info to find it on their own. Sharing of private calendar date/location info outside of might constitute grounds for dismissal.
• to pick up and confirm receipt of current family membership card, to bring current membership card to all BCHE events and activities, and to present that card upon request to BCHE staff, board, or directed volunteers
• to adhere to BCHE policy regarding social media: No fake name accounts are allowed to participate in the private Facebook group--names must resemble actual name in the BCHE database. Publicly shared comments deemed slanderous, malicious, or prejudicial to BCHE interests will be deleted and considered grounds for termination of membership.
• to regularly check the calendar and website, adhere to dress code and behavioral policy, and read member emails to stay informed about upcoming events, activities, and deadlines. By joining, you agree to honor BCHE policies, procedures, and behavior/dress code.

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How can I advertise my business with BCHE?

In general, we are happy to advertise free opportunities offered by local businesses. Soon there will be advertising opportunities available on the website, in our member newsletters, on our social media pages, at our annual conference, and through benefits (discounts, classes, etc) offered to our membership. Please email alongley@bched.com for more information.

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Who can attend member events?

BCHE membership applies to your immediate family members living in your household, only. Membership benefits, including attendance at member activities/events, does not apply to neighbors, visiting relatives, or children for whom you may be providing childcare. Families who also have public/private school kids are welcome to bring them along for non-age specific events (i.e. campout, skate & bowl, field day), however our age specific events/classes are for homeschooled kiddos only. There are times when grandparents are able to join in the fun, as long as there is not a maximum capacity and their attendance does not take spots away from member parents and kiddos. Always email any board member to find out if an activity is able to support grandparent attendance. Children for whom you are providing childcare must have their own family membership in order to attend BCHE events. Email info@bched.com for more information.

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Why can't I see the calendar?

You must first become a member and be logged into your account to access the calendar. For security of our families and the protection of our members’ privacy, most of our events are viewed by/offered to current members, only, and therefore not accessible to the public at large.

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Why can't I register for events?

You must first become a member to register for member specific events. Those events open to the homeschool public such as Safety City and the Annual Homeschool Curriculum sale will have separate registration that is visible to the public closer to the event date.

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Why must I register for events?

In order to properly plan events, it is often necessary to know who will be attending in order to have enough room, supplies, food, chaperones, etc. It is very difficult to prepare without numbers and can lead to wasted time and resources. Many of our field trip hosts require numbers in advance and we frequently have a maximum capacity.

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I am a member--why is there an additional fee for some events?

Free events and activities are our favorite kind to offer! Unfortunately, there is no way that the membership fee per member family can cover the cost of everything we offer our members. There are events for specific age groups, classes for those interested, and large group events that cost thousands of dollars to produce--additional fees may be required for these so that we can keep membership costs low for those families who don't have children who fit the age requirements for such events.

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Do I need to notify you if I need to cancel my registration for an event/activity?

Yes. Many events have limited space. We often have a waiting list and need to open your spots to others who would like to attend. It is also a courtesy that helps us use resources wisely and allows us to give accurate attendance numbers to field trip hosts.

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What is a Statement of Faith?

The Statement of Faith is our core beliefs on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It is the foundation on which our decisions, actions, and by-laws are made.

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Who signs faith statements?

Only BCHE families who serve on the board will be asked to sign the Statement of Faith. All teachers, coaches, BCHE representatives/leaders, and staff agree to not teach or promote anything that is counter to the Statement of Faith, or to BCHE's Christian foundational beliefs.

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Do I have to agree with the Statement of Faith?

No. But, by becoming a member, you agree to participate with the understanding that BCHE operates based on the beliefs and principles included in the Statement of Faith. All events, activities, and policies will be operated under the Statement of Faith.

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Do you pray at events?

Yes. Many BCHE events include prayer.

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