Homeschooling can be a worthy but lonely task. The Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP) wants to help.

The organization will host a stop on the CHAP Hometown Tour on Friday, March 13, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Ave., Mount Joy.

"Most homeschoolers feel like they are on a bit of an island and feel like they are going about this enormous task alone. But they are not!" shared Ginger Wayde, CHAP board member. "There are many resources available for encouragement, connection and equipping. CHAP provides many resources to do all these things for the homeschooling family. If they are wanting a boost to get to the end of the school year, this is the place to be."

As Wayde explained, the Hometown Tour is a series of events hosted by CHAP designed to give homeschool families an opportunity to connect with other homeschoolers while simultaneously providing encouragement for their homeschool journeys.

"This year's speaker is Lauren Gideon, who is with Education Independence," Wayde said. Education Independence is a network of advocates for education freedom that promotes parent-led, private-funded and state-independent education.

Gideon will speak on the topics of "The 'Well Done' of Homeschooling - Beginning With the End in Mind" and "Charting the Course: Education Independence - A Refuge for Generations to Come."

Drawing on Jesus' parable of entrusted treasure, the first session will encourage homeschool families to focus less on grades and more on faithfully stewarding hearts, priorities and purpose. The second session will help families clarify responsibility and freedom, define Education Independence and gain practical tools for confident decision-making and advocacy amid shifting education policies and cultural pressures.

"We will also be having a light meal together in between the sessions, which is a great opportunity to make new friends and make connections," Wayde said.

People of all ages are welcome at the Hometown Tour, and coloring pages will be available to keep little ones occupied.

With a history that dates to the 1980s, CHAP hosts an annual convention, lobbies for improving the homeschool law, provides speakers and other support to homeschool groups and offers a variety of homeschool resources.

The CHAP Hometown Tour will make five stops throughout Pennsylvania in Warren, Pittsburgh, State College, Scranton and Lancaster.

Along with the tour, CHAP hosts a YouTube channel of podcasts, located at http://www.youtube.com/@chaphomeschoolpennsylvania5953. Wayde is the host of the podcast, called "Chattin' With CHAP." The organization also has a page explaining the Pennsylvania homeschool law and offering support at https://homeschoolpennsylvania.org.

Wayde hopes homeschooling families will consider attending the CHAP Hometown Tour.

"They can expect to be given a vision for homeschool, courage to continue this noble path and hope that the work they are doing now for their children will yield manifold benefits for their children in the future," she said.

There is a charge to attend the CHAP Hometown Tour, and registration is required. To learn more, visit https://chaponline.com/hometown-tour-2026.