Back in the home school classroom ... PEACH Activity Day

On a beautiful Shenandoah Valley spring day, 10 eight-year-old home schooled girls gather with their American dolls as they learn American history, work together on a class craft, and giggle as they share a snack with their friends. Their teachers are home school moms who volunteer to teach the American Girl class.

Down the hall a group of younger children work with their teachers, also home school moms, as they learn about the customs, foods, and life styles of people in countries around the world ... in the gym the older boys are separated into teams as they prepare to compete with one another during a basketball game under the watchful eyes of home school dads ... the kitchen has a group of students learning about cooking from moms.

Throughout the church are many other classes learning sewing, civics, history, scrapbooking, beading, play acting, public speaking, and much more. When it's sunny and warm, some will move classes outdoors to enjoy the spring weather.

It's the third Thursday of the month which means it's PEACH Activity Day. PEACH (Parent Educators of Augusta County Homes) is an organization of volunteers made up of the parents who are members and whose children participate in Activity Day. As only one of many activities provided throughout the year, this social event offers an opportunity for the children to get together with friends and for parents to interact with students and other parents.

Lifelong friendships are made on all levels and, as this school year draws to a close, schedules are already being readied because next fall Activity Day will be back. Once again, more than 100 children will fill the halls with laugher and excited voices and enthusiasm as they gather to learn a new craft, hone a talent, or expend some energy under the leadership of their parents. Another home school year will begin.