Add-on Programs
Something for Everyone at the Convention!
Make this convention an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
There are add-on events to suit every age and interest.
Children's Program
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, June 5, 6, & 7
Ages 5 -12
Let the children enjoy their own convention while you enjoy the teaching workshops! The Children’s Program is open all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, concurrently with most convention workshops. Games, songs, skits, and crafts are geared for children ages 5 to 12.
Teen Program
Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7
Ages 13+
Presented by Jonathan Brush of Unbound. Training young adults to thrive!
Details coming soon!
Pre-registration for the convention is required.
Music Competition
Thursday, June 5
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ages 5 – 19
$49/student ($39 HEAV members)
Share the skills you worked so hard to develop! Homeschool musicians can compete in three categories: piano, vocal, and instrumental. Cash prizes are given in each category, and the winners will be recognized at one of the three keynote sessions.
Learn more about the Music Competition here.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Dissection: Discover the Amazing Anatomy of Sharks
Thursday, June 5
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages 11+
$69/student; $10/parent add-on
Presented by Sherri Seligson of Apologia.
Dive into the exciting world of sharks as we cover the fascinating design of these animals! In this group dissection with Sherri Seligson, we will learn about shark behavior as well as their external and internal anatomy. We’ll discover the amazing complexity of sharks’ ability to identify electromagnetic fields to hunt and the organs that help them do it. We will cover sharks’ unique body structures that are perfectly designed to help them swim, capture and digest their food, and thrive in an ocean environment.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Elementary Art
Thursday, June 5
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$39/student
Ages 8 – 11
Presented by Davy Liu, founder of Kendu Kids.
Creativity with Kendu Kids (creative workshop with kids using basic shapes)
As the former animator behind Disney classics like The Lion King, Davy Liu possesses a unique ability to connect with children through creativity. His talents have extended to teaching members of the families of Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and President Carter. Using just three simple shapes, Davy leads children through engaging workshops that enhance their imagination and observational skills. Together, they transform friends and family into delightful animal characters.
Pre-registration is required.
Middle/High School Art
Thursday, June 5
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$49/student
Ages 12+
Presented by Kevin McEvoy.
Pre-registration is required.
Beginner Coding: Guess the Number and Balloon Pop in Scratch
Thursday, June 5
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$49/student $10/parent add-on
Ages 11+
Presented by Rob Walsh of Excalibur Solutions.
Scratch is a block-based programming language developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to simplify learning to program. In this workshop, participants will create two complete games from start to finish. One game will enable the computer to play a “Guess the Number” game against a human player, while the other will be an arcade-style game where players pop as many balloons as possible in one minute. Along the way, students will learn foundational computer science concepts, including variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and event handling.
This class is designed primarily for middle school students. No prior programming experience is required. A limited number of computers will be available. Participants bringing their own laptops should download and install the Scratch programming environment beforehand. Those without laptops may bring a USB storage device to save their projects at the end of the workshop.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Intermediate Coding: T-Rex Run in Python
Thursday, June 5
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$59/student $10/parent add-on
Ages 11+
Presented by Rob Walsh of Excalibur Solutions.
Have you played the dinosaur jumping game on Google? Want to create your own version of this game in Python? This workshop introduces participants to the basics of programming in Python and Pygame.
Python is a text-based programming language known for its easy-to-learn, English-like syntax. Pygame is a Python library specifically designed for creating video games. Participants will learn foundational computer science concepts and explore game design elements such as sprites, collision detection, and the game loop.
This class is designed for high school students. No prior programming experience is required. A limited number of computers will be available. Participants bringing their own laptops should download and install Visual Studio Code, Python, and the Pygame library beforehand. Those without laptops may bring a USB storage device to save their projects at the end of the workshop.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Forensics for Kids & Teens: Investigation in Truth
Thursday, June 5
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$49/student
Ages 8+
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Rivera of Answers In Genesis
Assessing a crime scene, collecting and analyzing evidence, and profiling criminals are all important aspects of forensic science that boil down to one thing: finding the truth.
God created unique characteristics in every individual that can be used by forensic scientists to uncover identity in criminal investigations. Join Dr. Jennifer Rivera, forensic scientist, and Dr. Dana Sneed, forensic education specialist, as you learn about your unique characteristics in fingerprints, DNA, and shoeprint impressions.
A parent needs to register and be present during the entire session.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Mineral Mayhem Geology
Presented by Dr. Marcus Ross of Cornerstone Educational Supply
Discover the fun and wonder of minerals with creation geologist Dr. Marcus Ross. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn all about minerals, including their formation, basics of chemistry, and mineral groups–and you’ll learn how to test and identify minerals using their properties. From the pretty to the practical, minerals are all around us! (The cost includes Cornerstone’s Deluxe Mineral Kit and Geology Testing Kit to use during the workshop and take home)
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Beginner Chess
Thursday, June 5
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$39/student
Ages 7 – 19 (currently homeschooled)
Presented by Virginia Chess Federation
In this course, students will learn the basics of the game of chess including terminology, board orientation and setup, piece movements including castling and en passant, basic defense and calculations, opening principles, basic checkmate patterns, and a brief introduction to tactics.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Intermediate Chess
Thursday, June 5
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$39/student
Ages 7 – 19 (currently homeschooled)
Presented by Virginia Chess Federation
Suitable for students who are proficient in all material covered in the crash course, this mini-camp will include instruction on tactics, endgame techniques, and an introduction to strategic concepts, particularly positional assessment and pawn structure.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for the convention!
Chess Championships
Friday, June 6
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$39/student
Ages 7 – 19 (currently homeschooled)
Presented by the Virginia Chess Federation.
In this course, students will learn the basics of the game of chess including terminology, board orientation and setup, piece movements including castling and en passant, basic defense and calculations, opening principles, basic checkmate patterns, and a brief introduction to tactics.
Register here [link coming soon!]
Location: Exhibit Hall
Pre-registration for the convention is required.
Beginning Photography
Friday, June 6 – Saturday, June 7
$79/student
Ages 11+
Beginner: Photography Class
Presented by James Staddon of Lenspiration Photography. The Photography Class is a series of four interactive classroom sessions centered around learning practical photography skills regardless of what camera or skill level you have.
Bring any camera! Let’s go in-depth and more hands-on than a regular convention presentation.
With the theme of “Learning to See Light,” topics include
- exploring ways to make the most of whatever lighting situation you are in,
- understanding the three major attributes of light in photography,
- using light to create an emotional impact in your photos,
- taking full advantage of whatever time of day you are shooting in, and
- seeing how professional lighting works in a portable studio.
At the end, we’ll pull up the photos everyone submitted for class assignments and do some live photo coaching and critique.
If you love snapping photos, you won’t want to miss these sessions. God has given us a love for art and beautiful things. Let’s hone our photography skills for His glory!
Sign up when you pre-register for the convention!
Advanced Photography
Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7
$99/student
Ages 15+
Presented by James Staddon of Lenspiration Photography.
Step outside the classroom and into a real-world experience! Photography Team members will receive real-time coaching during guided photo shoots as they help photograph the Convention.
Orientation and coaching begin on Thursday, focusing on gaining practical experience. You’ll photograph speakers, families, and Convention activities while learning the entire event photography workflow—from capturing images to editing them—using your own equipment, laptop, and photo editing software.
On Friday and Saturday, we’ll join sessions for artistic inspiration, broader instruction, and personalized photo coaching and critique. This is your chance to experience what event photography is really like!
Pre-registration for the convention is required.
Pre-registration is closed. Please join us onsite to register!
How to Add Events
Add your choice of events when you register for the convention.
How to Add Events
Add your choice of events when you register for the convention.
Already registered for the convention?
Request to add an event to your registration here.
Questions? Call the HEAV office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 804-278-9200.
Convention Sponsors
Many, many thanks to our convention sponsors!
They have invested heavily in homeschool families—in YOU—to help keep our convention prices as low as possible and support homeschooling in Virginia. Please join us in thanking them for their generosity!
