Ventura Park Day
2025-03-24 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Harvest Park, 1898 Harvest Loop, Santa Paula, CA, 93060, United States
This is a new park, located in Santa Paula.
Please join us at the park to play and get to know each other. We look forward to meeting new friends.
Bring a snack/picnic lunch, outdoor play equipment, or scooter/bike.
RSVP appreciated but not required.

Oxnard Park Day (and optional book study)
2025-03-25 11:30 - 13:30, 2025-04-01 11:30 - 13:30, 2025-04-08 11:30 - 13:30, 2025-04-15 11:30 - 13:30, 2025-04-22 11:30 - 13:30, 2025-04-29 11:30 - 13:30 | Rio Lindo Park, 400 Rio Lindo St,, Oxnard, CA, 93036
Please join us for park days in Oxnard! All ages welcomed.
There is an optional book study for moms but not required to join us. The book is Seasons of a Mother’s Heart by Sally Clarkson.Come meet new friends and catch up with old ones. My children range from teens to toddlers. The park has restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, a track, plenty of trees and grass area, concrete for skating or scooters, and plenty of parking. Come and join us for fellowship, prayer and fun. I suggest you bring water, snacks, maybe a lunch, jackets, hats, lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets, play equipment etc. ~ Paulette
When: Tuesdays
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: Rio Lindo Park, 400 Rio Lindo St, Oxnard, CA 93036
Questions? Feel free to contact Paulette directly at (805) 204-6796.

Waltz Class
2025-03-26 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-02 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-09 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-30 16:00 - 17:00 | House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
What: Private ballroom dance classes for ACHEV at House of Dance – Lesson for 45 minutes, dance practice to music for 15 minutes.
First Class is January 8th, continuing through April 30th with a break on the Wed before Easter (April 16th). There are 4 classes each month.
We will be learning Waltz this semester. We will learn a different dance in the summer, or we could do a series of workshops to introduce new dances every week.
Who: ACHEV members, grads & guests 11 and up. Only ACHEV Members can invite guests: guests do not need to be ACHEV members, but need to be homeschooled. Please clear invited homeschooling friends through Bonnie at bonnieadair@verizon.net. Current ACHEV members are given priority on the sign up sheet, ACHEV grads next, and then guests. Do not add any guests to the sign up sheet without approval first, and do not share the sign up sheet outside of ACHEV.
We must have equal number boys and girls in order for the class to work. We can keep a waitlist in case space opens up prior to the first class in a series. Minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls in order to hold these classes. Partners rotate throughout the class.
Where: House of Dance , 3007 Bunsen Ave, Ventura 93003 https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per student per class payable to House of Dance in advance on the first of each month. $40 payable on Jan 8th, $40 payable on Feb 5th, $40 payable March 5th $40 payable on April 2nd. Pay in advance via Venmo or Zelle (info at https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/) Or pay with cash or check when you arrive on the first Wednesday of the month. If you pay via Venmo or Zelle, please include a note “ACHEV Homeschool class”. Do not send payment to ACHEV or to me (Bonnie) personally.
What to Bring & Wear: Bring your own water bottles. There is no drinking fountain. There is no special dress code, other than ACHEV’s general dress code for all events which is, “modest and appropriate for the occasion”. Some girls choose to wear dresses and skirts, but you can wear pants or shorts. Boys can wear pants or shorts. Be comfortable. If you do not have felt bottomed dance shoes (felt bottomed dance shoes are ideal), try to choose a shoe that is not grippy and rubbery on bottom. Leather soled dress shoes or Vans-type skateboard shoes are okay. Absolutely NO flip flops. No sandals, no Uggs. Boots/cowboy boots/work boots are not good for ballroom or swing dancing and if you step on your partner (it happens) it will hurt a lot if you are wearing a heavy boot, please don’t wear heavy boots. You want to be able to slide/glide on the floor, turn easily on your toes (sometimes on your heels) and point your toes.
To purchase good quality dance shoes (recommended but not required), go here
Payment Policy:
Payment for the month of classes is due in full at the beginning of the first class of the month. There will be no refunds or credits for missed classes. We understand that sometimes illness or unexpected circumstances come up on short notice, but in order to keep these classes affordable, House of Dance cannot issue refunds or credits. If you know before a series starts that you will need to miss a class, please check with the organizer to make sure that will be okay before signing up (it depends on a variety of factors), and the full amount of the series will still be due at the first class.
Notes on Attendance: These classes are not drop-in classes. Signing up in advance is required. After the series has begun, we cannot add new students. If you sign up for a series, your classmates are counting on you to be there for all the classes other than illness or other unavoidable/unforeseen circumstances, because these classes are most enjoyable when everyone has a partner. Additionally, learning dance is sequential and if you miss too many classes, it can be difficult to catch up and it can hold up others in the class. This class continues for 4 months, so if there is one week where you have a conflict, that is understandable, please check with the organizer first if there is a week when you will not be able to attend.
Questions? Bonnieadair@verizon.net or 805-504-6457 call or text.
We must have an even number of boys and girls. Any girls in excess of boys, or vice versa, are considered to be on the waitlist. We must have a minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls to proceed with the class.
Sign Up Here for Waltz Classes Spring 2025
Questions? Contact Bonnie Adair at bonnieadair@verizon.net.

Sock Hop
2025-03-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
The ACHEV Sock Hop Dance is ballroom and swing dancing for 6th grade and older, featuring lots of oldies tunes, and we will do some fun group dances as well. It will be held at the beautiful Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura, which has a generous stage and dance floor.
Parent chaperones are required for this dance (and all ACHEV dances). If you are unable to attend, you may find another parent ahead of time to chaperone in your place. Thank you. If the children under your care are outside on the patio, make sure to supervise them out there. Children are not allowed outside of the building without a chaperone present.
There are many important details so you will be prepared to have the very best time! Please read carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The organizers are happy to answer your questions.
No Younger Siblings. This event is for 6th grade and up only. Younger siblings are not permitted at this event. Babes in arms/nursing babies are okay.
ACHEV has guidelines for events. They are included in full on the “keep this” page of your membership agreement. Here are the points that are relevant to dances:

Be punctual as a courtesy to other members and our hosts.
Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior and safety for the duration of the gathering. This responsibility may be delegated to another parent if necessary. No drop offs.
Attire should be modest and appropriate for the occasion.
Be respectful of both private and public property.
Please clean up after yourself at all events.
Thank the individuals who made the event possible.
ACHEV activities are for members only, unless otherwise stated.

Thank you for bringing a finger food to share. It will help us tremendously if you bring them on a serving plate or bowl (disposable if you prefer) to make it presentable and easy for those volunteering to manage the refreshment tables. ACHEV does not have an inventory of serving plates. Thank you.
You may invite friends you believe would enjoy this dance. Guests must be cleared in advance with Bonnie Adair: bonnieadair@verizon.net or 805-504-6457. Please share all the information with your guests so they are prepared. Thank you. While we do keep a guest list and ask that you get your guests cleared in advance, we do not have a limit on guests for dances at the Poinsettia Pavilion.
Consider arriving at 6:45 so that you have time to get through the check in line and are ready to start at 7. We don’t want you to miss anything. =)
Cost: $15 per dancer. Parent Chaperones are free. $30 family maximum.

Pay at the door: cash or check payable to ACHEV.
Electronic Payment: Zelle Only. To pay with Zelle use achevmail@gmail.com and please send by noon on the day of the dance.

ACHEV has a dress code for dances. This is the dress code for the Sock Hop Dance. It is enforced upon entrance. Come prepared, and be sure to share this with your invited guests. A good rule of thumb is if you are unsure, change into something that clearly meets dress code. Thank you for helping us uphold the dress code.
Boys:

T-shirts OK for this dance
Jeans OK for this dance, no holes
Wear closed toe shoes. No flip flops. It is easier to dance in shoes that do not have rubber bottoms.

Girls:
While 1950’s era dresses and skirts (which were predominately below the knee) are most suitable for this event, we have included illustrations of the minimum hemline allowed by the dress code for dances in general. Please note if dresses have sheer layers, it is the solid fabric that must be at least to the top of the knee, as shown below. Please note the requirement for wearing modest leggings or shorts under skirts, since twirling and other athletic moves are involved in many swing dance steps.

Skirts or dresses knee length or longer. (This means touching the top of the kneecap, regardless of leggings.) If there is a lace overlay, the skirt underneath (solid fabric) needs to touch the kneecap.
Slits in skirts cannot rise above the top of the kneecap regardless of leggings underneath. If your skirt/dress just touches the top of the knee and it has a slit in it, it is too short. You can stitch up a slit or use safety pins to close it up.
Leggings or shorts are required if the skirt rises past the knees while twirling. It’s a good idea to wear shorts or leggings under your skirts regardless of length.
No low-cut, strapless, backless, or halter tops. Straps need to be at least one inch wide. No exposed midriffs, cleavage or bra straps. No peekaboo cutouts. If your top is sheer or see through (such as lace), you need to wear underneath solid straps that are at least one inch wide. If you aren’t sure, wear a cardigan over your dress.
Girls can wear a t-shirt under their dress or along with a skirt.
No pants (other than leggings under your skirt or dress).
Closed toe shoes are recommended. We recommend no slingback shoes. No flip flops. It is easier to dance in shoes that do not have rubber bottoms. If the girls want to wear heels, please bring a second pair of shoes that will be more comfortable in case they need/want to remove their heels.

Please also view the visual dress code with some photos to help show ideas for what to wear and minimum hemline/skirt length.
Thank you for sharing dance etiquette with your children and invited guests.
For Boys:

Ask a variety of girls to dance. They are waiting for you to ask. Smile, offer your hand, and ask if she would like to dance.
You may be nervous asking a girl to dance. That is ok. She is probably nervous waiting to be asked.
Offer her your hand or your arm and escort her onto the dance floor
When the dance is over, escort her off the floor and thank her for the dance.
If we announce a Sadie Hawkins dance, and you decline an offer to dance, you will rest for the entire song.

For Girls:

If a boy asks you to dance, graciously accept his offer unless you need to rest or take a breather, in which case you may say “no thank you”. If you decline an offer to dance, you will rest for the duration of that song.
If you stand with your friends in a closed circle, it is hard and nerve-wracking for a boy to ask you to dance. Make yourself available by opening up your circle.

For Both:

Every dance has first time attendees. Make an effort to reach out to them and include them in your conversations and help them learn a few of the steps.
Not everyone knows how to dance…that is ok. Everyone has to begin sometime.
A Sadie Hawkins dance is when a girl can ask a boy to dance. The boys are to do the asking unless we announce a Sadie Hawkins dance.
Chewing Gum is not permitted at the Poinsettia Pavilion

Volunteers are needed to make the evening run smoothly. We need you. There are many ways to help. Volunteer Sign Up Sheet is Here.
There is no sign up sheet to attend the dance, only a sign up sheet for helpers. We don’t have concerns about exceeding the maximum capacity for the building at this location.

Volleyball
2025-04-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
ACHEV Dad, Kevin Adair hosts this volleyball clinic/game time for ACHEV kids 11 and up. We continue playing through the year, and if you log enough hours, you can count this for High School credit.
This is for fun, exercise, and to learn how to play the game, this is not hyper competitive. Kevin would love to do drilling and teach the kids more technique if they want to learn. So if you want to get better at serving, setting, etc. ask Mr. Adair to help you.
Who: ACHEV kids ages 11 and up. You don’t have to know how to play, Mr. Adair will teach you.
Drop off is okay for this event. If you are dropping off, please make sure we have your cell number in case we need to reach you.
We start at 2, and it’s really helpful if everyone gets there at the same time.
Please rsvp via email bonnieadair@verizon.net and make sure I have your email address and cell number in case I need to reach you.
Bonnie 805-504-6457
Kevin 805-910-0797

Ventura Park Day
2025-04-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Barranca Vista Park, 7050 Ralston St, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
Please join us at the park to play and get to know each other. We are looking forward to meeting new friends.
Bring a snack/picnic lunch, outdoor play equipment, blankets, etc.
RSVP appreciated but not required

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve State Park Guided Field Trip
2025-04-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, 150th St W, Lancaster, CA, 93536, United States
What: Guided hike at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve led by California State Park Staff/Volunteers. Become a Junior Ranger of this beautiful state park! We’ll get to see a very different environment than what we are used to in Coastal Southern California. We’ll talk about a desert and what it is, why it looks different, and types of plant and animal adaptations. We’ll talk about what is beautiful and we’ll look for fragrant desert flowers .
Who: ACHEV Members, all ages at parental discretion. This field trip is best suited for 2nd grade and up. This field trip and hike can be tailored to our group. Depending on who would like to come, if you have a lot of younger kids, or if we have anyone with accessibility needs, we can use the ADA trail.
Cost: Free. There is usually a fee to park, but their website states: “Vehicle entrance for K-12 school groups is free. Fee waiver only applies to schools and homeschool groups; other school-age groups and organizations do not qualify. School fee waivers are only offered on the weekdays during school hours.”
When: Monday April 7. The tour begins at 11:30, but you will need to plan to be there 20-30 minutes earlier than that in case it takes a while to get into the parking lot and to allow time to use the restroom and maybe eat a snack before we start our hike (see details below).
Notes:

Their guidelines state no backpacks, but this is directed more toward brick and mortar school students who usually have heavy books in their bags. Kids who are capable of carrying their own backpacks may do so in order to carry their water and necessities. They don’t want kids getting tired and distracted from lugging something around that they can’t handle very well. Parents may carry a backpack with water and necessities. Food is not permitted on the trail!
Wifi & cell reception is limited
We’ll meet in the parking lot at the visitor center
Let’s carpool if possible. Let me know if you would like to carpool. I can carry a few extra people in my car.
When you sign up for the field trip, I will email you the Junior Ranger booklet so your kids can start some of the pages and the rest can be done on the field trip. I also have a poppy coloring page to send you.

Sign Up here
There are a lot of details and rules to review before our trip. Thank you so much for reading through the whole thing:
Congrats! You have scheduled a Guided Field Trip to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Please read the email in its entirety so that you will have a successful field trip.
Guided tours are led by California State Park Interpretive Staff and Volunteers. Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours for your visit. More time is preferable. During your field trip, you are welcome and encouraged to explore the park whilst following established park rules.
How to Prepare

Check the weather. Students will need to be prepared to be exposed to whatever the weather conditions are. Please click this link for a weather report.
Organize Students. Before arriving at the park, please organize students into groups of 10-15 with a minimum chaperone ratio of 1:15 (adult: student).
Prepare Students. Ensure students are prepared to hike a 2-mile trail with half a moderate uphill. If there are students with mobility needs, a shorter ADA compliant 1-mile trail will be utilized.

Comfortable Shoes. Students need comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Remind students they will be hiking – they should wear shoes they are okay with getting dirty.
Water bottles. Preferably one liter per student.
Leave backpacks and lunches in the school bus.
Layered Clothes. Antelope Valley CA Poppy Reserve can have extreme temperature changes and cold winds – the morning might be 40 degrees and the afternoon 90 degrees! Instruct students to wear comfortable clothes with layers to adjust for cold or heat.
There are no trashcans or restrooms on the hike. Garbage may be disposed of after the hike or if large amounts, taken back to the school bus.

Prepare Chaperones. Chaperones are expected to be active participants during the field trip and are responsible for their group. Chaperones should help with behavior management and to keep track of their group.

Parking and Directions
For directions to the park, you can open the Google Map directions here. There is no fee associated with parking for registered school groups. During peak times, it can take 30-40 minutes to enter the park. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes in advance of your scheduled tour time.
Buses can park in the Overflow lot. Make a right into the dirt lot after the kiosk. Single cars or otherwise not identifiable school buses may park in the main parking lot or in the overflow lot. Parking spaces are not reserved and are on a first come-first served basis
When you arrive at the parking lot, our State Park Interpreter/Volunteer will greet your bus. At this point, students will exit the bus, use the restrooms in the main parking lot, and get into their smaller groups with their chaperone to participate in the nature hike. Lunches and backpacks are to remain stored on the bus.
What to expect during the field trip

Trained, interpretive staff/volunteer docents will lead groups of 15-30 students on a nature hike, stopping every 5 minutes or so to discuss a topic or do an activity.
After the tour, your class is welcome to stay and explore the park and visitor center. If you would like to enjoy lunch in the Reserve, lunch can be eaten at picnic tables at our first come, first serve picnic area.
About 15 minutes before your expected departure time, teachers and chaperones will walk students back to the bus as a group.

Trail map- Click here for a trail map.
Free self-guided brochures are also available along with a scavenger hunt focusing on the park’s natural resources is available to download/print before your visit.
The Merlin app by Cornell is an excellent resource for bird identification.
iNaturalist or iSeek will help you identify any animal or plant within the Reserve.
Behavior Expectations to Discuss with Your Students:
When you are visiting the park, please be sure to clearly outline behavioral expectations for your students that will protect park resources and wildlife and provide for the safety of your group.
Leave No Trace & Keep It Crumb Clean: Please instruct students to pack out any trash that they bring into the park with them, this includes all wrappers and food scraps. Although natural food items will naturally break down over time, leaving behind scraps attracts pests and negatively impacts wildlife and other visitors.
Stay on the official trails!
Stepping on plants kills them, causing ugly patches of bare dirt that ruin the park’s beauty. Walking on already-damaged areas will crush roots and worsen the damage. We have Mojave green rattlesnakes at the park. Mojave green rattlesnakes prefer to hide in the flowers and grass. Stay on the trail.
Do not pick any flowers.
ALL plants, animals, rocks, and historic objects are protected by law in the park. Wild areas are becoming increasingly rare. This park was created to protect ALL natural and historic features.
Dogs/Pets are prohibited.
No Drone Zone
Drones are prohibited in the airspace above the park due to fire danger, negative impacts on wildlife, and visitors’ reasonable expectations of privacy and tranquility.
Consumption of food is only allowed in parking lots and the designated picnic areas.
Post-Visit trip Activity Suggestions:

Have students investigate the animals and environments around the school neighborhood. If you are in a more urban area, investigate the relationship between the city ecosystem and the kinds of animals that have adapted to live close by with us (see this link for more information). Use this resource from Wonder of Science as a graphic organizer to support this field trip.

Post-Visit Survey:

Let us know how we did! Complete this survey

If you have any other pre field trip inquiries, questions, or concerns, contact Callista.Turner@parks.ca.gov . On the day of your visit please feel free to call (661) 483-0565 if you have any problem locating the park or you are running late.
Thank you, we look forward to seeing you!

Tour of Port Hueneme
2025-04-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Port of Hueneme, 333 Ponoma Street, Port Hueneme, CA, 93041, United States
*Please note that though this field trip was originally scheduled for March 5th, they double booked themselves and the field trip is now on April 10th.
What: The Port of Hueneme offers an excellent educational experience for students of all ages with tour content tailored to meet the educational needs of elementary, secondary and post secondary educational levels. Tours are generally divided into two sections: inside classroom-style presentation followed by an outside tour by bus. On average, Port tours take approximately 1½-2 hours. Note: during the tour on Port, students will not be allowed to exit the tour vehicle. Photos are allowed in certain areas as specified by the tour guide.
Topics that may be covered:

Fundamentals of ports in our community
Cargo, cargo handling, and an overview of world trade; imports and exports will be defined and discussed
Cargo types at the Port of Hueneme, included ro-ro (autos) and other wheeled cargo, produce, liquid bulk and fish
Growing, handling and shipping of bananas (the Port’s #1 import by weight) from plantation to local supermarket. Download the Journey of the Bananas
Description of the types of vessels and cargo handling equipment they may see on Port
Wildlife that live at and near Port
Types of jobs at the Port of Hueneme, and an opportunity to see people in action on the Port
The Port’s commitment to environmental initiatives
Origins of the Port of Hueneme and how the name Hueneme came to be identified with this area
Special District governance and how they work with other local governmental entities.
US and California ports and their role in the goods movement industry and US/World economy
Job generation and the impact of the Port on Ventura County economy
Challenges created (social, environmental & financial) by our modern economy as well as some of the particular job skills needed in today’s goods movement industry

Who: ACHEV members 1st-12th grade and parents. Younger siblings are welcome to tag along.
Where: Arrive in your personal vehicle and park at 333 Ponoma St, Port Hueneme, CA 93041, where our guide, Ronaldo, will meet us. He has arranged for a bus to pick us up there for our “land tour”.
When: Thursday April 10th. Meet in the parking lot at 9:15, tour begins at 9:30 and ends around 11:00.
Sign Up Here by April 1st

Elementary PE Group
2025-04-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA
What: Please join us in engaging our younger elementary children in teaching them how to work as a team and develop perseverance, good sportsmanship and friendships through physical activity. Our goal is to choose activities that will challenge the kids a bit, but something that they can be successful at. Structured PE activities will be around 45 minutes long. Afterwards we will have optional free play.
Parents will take turns organizing/planning/leading the activities and do a different activity every month. If you need equipment, reach out to the other parents or ACHEVmoms on Facebook to see if it can be obtained/borrowed for free, or come up with another idea that doesn’t require equipment you don’t have. We are not expecting anyone to spend $$ on equipment. Some examples: Relay races, duck duck goose/Simon Says/Red light-Green Light, trash can basketball, Capture the Flag, Freeze Tag/Blob tag, dodgeball, jump rope games, push up games, track and field games, etc.
Who: ACHEV members under 10 and parents. ACHEV members over 10 are welcome to come and help the younger kids with the activities, sit and watch, or go play volleyball with the ACHEV volleyball group at Pitts Ranch. Drop off is ok for ACHEV volleyball (please see calendar for details on volleyball).
Elementary PE is not a drop off event, and parents should be available and willing to help their children through the activities, giving assistance and encouragement as needed.
Elementary PE is a co-op, but will remain open for ACHEV members to join us any time. Please consider joining us regularly and helping plan activities. We need to have a core group of people that intend to prioritize this activity on their calendar. The dates for the whole school year are printed below and all dates are also on the ACHEV calendar, all are on Fridays. We will meet at Pitts Ranch Park (Camarillo). Please email or text Bonnie Adair 805-504-6457 bonnieadair@verizon.net if you are interested in joining us. We need to know how many children will be present in order to help with activity planning.

9/6/2024

10/4/2024

10/18/2024

11/1/2024

11/15/2024

12/6/2024

1/17/2025

2/14/2025

2/28/2025

3/14/2025

4/11/2025

4/25/2025

5/2/2025

5/16/2025

Fine Arts Festival 2025
2025-04-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Temple Avenue Baptist Church, 1601 Temple Avenue, Camarillo, CA
The ACHEV Fine Arts Festival is back! This year it will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 12th at Temple Avenue Baptist Church in Camarillo. The Arts Festival is a wonderful time for our students to share their God-given talents. This is a non-judged activity, designed to appreciate the talents of our ACHEV homeschool community. Due to time constraints, we may need to limit the number of activities per person (i.e., 2 solo events) depending on how many entries we receive.
We’ve had an amazing response in the past with such creative entries as comedic skits, dance, bands, mime, poetry reading, excerpts from plays, films, instrumental solos (piano, guitar, harp, violin…), vocal solos, photography, drawings, sewing, knitting, models and more. This is a great opportunity to recognize and encourage the hard work that goes into developing these life-enriching skills.
We ask that all performing and fine art be appropriate for families with young children and glorifying to God. When our families come together as a group, we hope to create an atmosphere that allows for consideration and grace.
Values we trust every ACHEV family to embrace are:

Artist/performer – Personal opinions and freedoms can and should at times be humbly set aside temporarily for the sake of the community. A good rule of thumb is if you have any concern it might offend, chose something safer to perform/create/wear. Remember all ages may be present, and ask yourself, “Will it honor God?”, and “Will it bless those who hear and see?”
Audience – There is a time and place to graciously make allowances for the differing opinions about what is appropriate to perform/create/wear. Since this event serves our entire membership, we can expect our diverse community to be just that: diverse. That is part of the beauty of community. We offer benefit of the doubt that each participant sincerely desires to honor God and bless those who hear and see.

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Please fill out your submission forms no later than Thursday March 27th. There is a good deal of planning that needs to be done ahead of the event to coordinate all the performances, create and print the program, etc. If you can submit your form earlier, that is very helpful. We will not be accepting submissions after the deadline. You must submit a separate form for each piece of artwork and each performance. Visual Arts need to be dropped off no later than Sunday March 29th (form is still required by Mar 27).
To make this event happen, we need all parents to volunteer. We are asking every family to bring a plate of cookies/finger-snacks to share AND to volunteer for one of the jobs listed in the Google Form linked below. We will contact you before the festival to let you know what your job will be. Thank you for all of your help!
Click on the forms below to sign up!
Volunteer Form (required for all families)
Visual Arts Entry Form
Performing Arts Entry Form
Please drop off your fine art no later than Sunday March 29th.
Camarillo Art Drop Off:
TBD
Ventura Art Drop Off:
Vanessa Espinoza:10926 Telegraph Rd. Apt 104, Ventura, CA 93004 Call or text to arrange drop off 805-443-1738
Please help us make the fine arts presentation beautiful and honor your child’s artwork by putting it in a frame.
You can borrow a frame from something else in your house, buy used from the thrift store, or reach out on ACHEV members facebook page and ask to borrow something. If it is a stretched canvas, a frame is not needed. Examples below of a stretched canvas (left) and framed crayon drawing (right).

These are the first things my kids ever submitted in the fine arts festival! We want to represent all ages and abilities!

Aquarium of the Pacific Field Trip #2
2025-04-16 10:00 - 18:00 | Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA, 90802
What: We have a fun opportunity to visit the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific on Wednesday April 16 at 10am. This is a field trip you don’t want to miss! Our visit will be self-guided and you can stay as long as you’d like until they close at 6pm. If you haven’t been, you need to go! Your older children will love it too. ACHEV Grads are welcome. There is much to explore, you can be occupied for hours. Here is just some of what they have:

The Shark Lagoon features several species and sizes of sharks, some of which you can touch … and some you can’t! This expansive outdoor exhibit is home to large sharks and rays, shark touch pools.
The Tropical Reef Habitat, which can be viewed from three locations in the gallery, is the Aquarium’s largest exhibit. Holding 350,000 gallons of water, this exhibit features over a thousand colorful fish and beautiful coral, including sea turtles, zebra sharks and porcupine puffers.
The Southern California Gallery will feature over ten exhibits and more than three dozen species. Highlighted animals will include the California two-spot octopus, leopard and horn sharks, California scorpionfish, a moray eel, California spiny lobsters, Catalina goby, and California’s state marine fish—the Garibaldi. Visitors will be able to get up close to these animals as they explore a variety of new exhibits.
Sea Otter Habitat. Peer underwater and discover the busy world of sea otters as they swim and interact amongst kelp and fish.

Lunch: I have reserved a space for us to have our lunch at 12:15. Bring your lunches in with you and there will be a place to store them until our lunch break. The storage space is not refrigerated, so bring insulated bags, or something that does not need refrigeration. I think it will be really nice to explore for a while and then all meet back up for lunch.
Who: ACHEV Members, all ages, ACHEV Grads
When: Wednesday April 16th, our walk in time is 10am. I you all to meet out front by 9:45. We have to collect money from everyone and pay in one lump sum. Bring cash.
Cost: $9 per person ages 3+ including adults. We need a minimum of 10 students/participants and will be permitted 1 free adult chaperone per every 10 students. The cost of admission for all students, siblings 3 and over, and adults is $9.00. This is an incredible price as the admission tickets are usually $29.95 for kids 3-11, and $44.95 for everyone 12+. Parking Fees: The most convenient parking is within the Aquarium Parking Structure, located on the waterside of Shoreline Drive between Chestnut Place and Aquarium Way. The parking fee is $8.00 for the day with Aquarium validation, so don’t forget to bring your parking ticket in to get validated.
Sign Up: Please sign up HERE by Wednesday March 12th, but sooner will help tremendously if you are able. I need to make sure we have enough people for the field so that I don’t get stuck with a bill. Conversely, if we have a lot more people wanting to join than the 30 I reserved spaces for, I need to know that much sooner rather than later or they may not have extra space. If I have lots of advance notice, the probability of being able to reserve additional space is much better.
Additional Info/Resources for our field trip to check out ahead of time

Ventura Park Day
2025-04-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-05 10:30 - 12:30 | Arroyo Verde Park, Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA, 93003

Speaker Event
2025-04-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
We have something special for you! This is hosted by ACHEV but open to the community. Please invite your friends who are interested in ACHEV, or interested in homeschooling in general.

This speaker event is designed for parents in every stage of their homeschool journey, all the way from inquiring, to preparing for high school and beyond. There will truly be something for everyone at this event, including time for Q&A and to browse resources.

ACHEV has reserved Poinsettia Pavilion’s large meeting room adjacent to the upper west parking lot. We will light refreshments, display tables with curriculum from the ACHEV Loaning Library to browse, plus a table dedicated to free books and other wonderful resources you can take home!

Keary DeVico is a mom of three who homeschooled her children for twenty years. She was a lead teacher and Class Director for Group Solutions Oxnard and Trinity Pacific Christian School. She has taught multiple classes, including public speaking, civics, American history, drama, and debate. She currently coaches for Trinity Pacific Christian School’s award winning mock trial program. Keary is a reading specialist and tutor, and offers a variety of courses each year around the county. For more information and current offerings, visit www.kearydevico.com.

Ballroom Dance Workshop
2025-05-07 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-05-14 16:00 - 17:30 | House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
What: Private ballroom dance classes for ACHEV at House of Dance – Lesson for 1 hr 15 minutes, dance practice to music for 15 minutes.
These classes are one time beginner workshops, every Wednesday in May and June from 4:00-5:30. Sign up for one or sign up for all.

May

June

May 7th: Foxtrot

June 4: East Coast Swing

May 14th: Nightclub Two Step

June 11: Cha Cha

May 21: Single Time Swing

June 18: Rumba

May 28: West Coast Swing

June 25: Samba

Who: ACHEV members & grads age 11 and up. We must have equal number boys and girls in order for the class to work. We can keep a waitlist in case space opens up prior to the first class in a series. Minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls in order to hold these classes. Partners rotate throughout the class.
Guests: Only ACHEV Members can invite guests: guests do not need to be ACHEV members, but need to be homeschooled. Please clear invited homeschooling friends through Bonnie at bonnieadair@verizon.net. ACHEV members & Grads are given priority on the sign up sheet****Guests may be approved only where there is a need to fill spots. Do not add any guests to the sign up sheet without approval first, and do not share the sign up sheet outside of ACHEV.
Where: House of Dance , 3007 Bunsen Ave, Ventura 93003 https://www.pmhouseofdance.com/
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 5:30 pm
Cost: $15 per student per 90 minute class payable to House of Dance when you arrive for class or pay in advance. House of Dance will accept cash, check, Venmo or Zelle Venmo@Patricia-Monico Zelle 805-650-2719 If you pay via Venmo or Zelle, please include a note “ACHEV Homeschool class”. Do not send payment to ACHEV or to me (Bonnie) personally.
What to Bring & Wear: Bring your own water bottles. There is no drinking fountain. There is no special dress code, other than ACHEV’s general dress code for all events which is, “modest and appropriate for the occasion”. Some girls choose to wear dresses and skirts, but you can wear pants or shorts. Boys can wear pants or shorts. Be comfortable. If you do not have felt bottomed dance shoes (felt bottomed dance shoes are ideal), try to choose a shoe that is not heavy, grippy or rubbery on bottom. Leather soled dress shoes or Vans-type skateboard shoes are okay. Absolutely NO flip flops. No sandals, no Uggs. Boots/cowboy boots/work boots are not good for ballroom or swing dancing and if you step on your partner (it happens) it will hurt a lot if you are wearing a heavy boot, please don’t wear heavy boots. You want to be able to slide/glide on the floor, turn easily on your toes (sometimes on your heels) and point your toes.
To purchase good quality dance shoes (recommended but not required), go here
Notes on Attendance: If you sign up for a class/workshop, your classmates are counting on you to be there for all the classes other than illness or other unavoidable/unforeseen circumstances, because these classes are most enjoyable when everyone has a partner. Please do not no-show.
Questions? Bonnieadair@verizon.net or 805-504-6457 call or text.
We must have an even number of boys and girls. Any girls in excess of boys, or vice versa, are considered to be on the waitlist. We must have a minimum of 4 boys and 4 girls to proceed with the class.
Sign Up Here for May & June Workshops
Questions? Contact Bonnie Adair at bonnieadair@verizon.net.

Volleyball
2025-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA
ACHEV Dad, Kevin Adair hosts this volleyball clinic/game time for ACHEV kids 11 and up. We continue playing through the year, and if you log enough hours, you can count this for High School credit.
This is for fun, exercise, and to learn how to play the game, this is not hyper competitive. Kevin would love to do drilling and teach the kids more technique if they want to learn. So if you want to get better at serving, setting, etc. ask Mr. Adair to help you.
Who: ACHEV kids ages 11 and up. You don’t have to know how to play, Mr. Adair will teach you.
Drop off is okay for this event. If you are dropping off, please make sure we have your cell number in case we need to reach you.
We start at 2, and it’s really helpful if everyone gets there at the same time.
Please rsvp via email bonnieadair@verizon.net and make sure I have your email address and cell number in case I need to reach you.
Bonnie 805-504-6457
Kevin 805-910-0797
