Called

to PREPARE

Homeschool Idaho North Conference
Saturday, February 7, 2026

Registration

Register online & save!
Adults: $35
Spouses Attend Free!
Teens (14+): $10

Catered Lunch

Catered by Caruso’s
Boxed Lunch: $13
GF Boxed Lunch: $15.50

Location

Candlelight Christian Fellowship
5725 N Pioneer Drive
Coeur D’Alene, ID

Online registration is now available

First 15 to register get a free mug!

Called to Prepare!

Can you imagine sending your child into the wilderness with no preparation—no shelter, no food, no fire, no knowledge of the dangers that lurk in the wild?

We can’t either. Yet that is what it’s like to send our children into adulthood without intentionally preparing them for what lies ahead. Life will confront them with countless decisions. There will be relationships to build, trials to endure, and cultural currents to discern. Helping them learn to navigate these realities is imperative.

The call to homeschool is a remarkable opportunity. We’re not only able to shape our children’s education for the future they will face, but we also have the daily privilege of pointing them to the Lord’s unending grace and mercy. We get to tell them about Jesus’ sacrifice and the gift of salvation, not just once, but woven into the everyday moments of life.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–9

We have been given the gift of time—day after day—to instill in our families the biblical truths that will sustain them throughout their adult lives.

This year, we invite you to join us for Homeschool Idaho North: Called to Prepare, a day set aside to focus on training our children spiritually for the future. With the Lord’s guidance, we can prepare them for the world they are walking into.

Are you interested in being a sponsor?

We have a page just for you!

Meet Our Speakers

Todd Wilson

TODD WILSON is a dad, “Pops” to nine grandkids, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. His humor and down-to-earth honesty have made him a favorite at homeschool conventions, retreats, and churches across the country.

As the founder of Familyman Ministries and The Smiling Homeschooler, Todd’s passion is to remind moms and dads of what matters most. He does this through weekly emails, two podcasts (The Familyman Show and The Smiling Homeschooler), live seminars, and encouraging books and resources for parents.

Todd and his wife, Debbie, live in Northern Indiana, where they continue to homeschool their youngest of eight children. Seven of their children have graduated, and five are married.

Annie Grey

Annie Grey is a Christ follower, wife, and mom to two homeschool graduates. She recently received the joyful title of “GG” with the birth of her first grandson.

When she isn’t serving homeschool families in Idaho as an Area Representative for Classical Conversations, you’ll likely find Annie outside enjoying God’s creation, working on the family farmstead, teaching group fitness classes, diving into thought-provoking conversations with her young adult children, or curled up with a good book.

Having watched her own “birdies” leave the nest, Annie is especially grateful in this season that God continues to use her to encourage and support families who desire to homeschool well through high school.

Audra Talley

Audra Talley was homeschooled during the early days of the modern homeschool movement and had a front-row seat to the battle for homeschool freedom in her home state of Idaho. After completing her homeschool coursework, she attended the College of Idaho, where she graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and History.

Audra and her husband, Bruce, live in southern Idaho, where she homeschools the younger three of their four children (their oldest is grown). She is actively involved in her local community through a homeschool co-op, her church’s homeschool ministry, and Homeschool Idaho, where she and Bruce serve on the board of this statewide organization dedicated to inspiring, promoting, and preserving the homeschool way of life.

Audra is a regular contributor to Homeschool Idaho’s quarterly magazine. For years she has encouraged and mentored homeschool families one-on-one, and she is now beginning the journey of sharing her experience and perspective with a broader audience.

Kody Hanner

Kody Hanner is a homesteader, proud homeschool mom, and the creator of The Homestead Education, a company dedicated to providing educational resources that teach children self-sufficiency through hands-on learning.

Inspired by her own family’s story, her education, and her background in agriculture, Kody and her family moved to Idaho to start their own homestead. As she homeschooled her children, she realized there was a gap in the market for curriculum and resources that reflected the needs and values of homesteading families.

Through The Homestead Education, Kody’s goal is to help prepare the next generation by equipping children with practical life skills and giving them a taste of the joy that comes from working in agriculture—especially in a time when so much educational focus is geared toward STEM and tech-related fields.

Lori Beth Auldridge

Lori Beth Auldridge wears many hats: work-at-home mom of four, wife, friend, sister, blogger, homeschooler, hopeful homesteader, business owner, webinar creator, avid reader, podcaster, speaker, and writer. She isn’t defined by any one role or title—and neither are you, Mama! That desire to honor and celebrate the “whole woman” is what led her to create the Elevating Motherhood podcast.

Lori Beth is the creator and host of Elevating Motherhood and the teacher behind the online course Homeschool Explained. She and her husband, Chris, recently moved their family to Idaho after almost 20 years on Maui. Together, they homeschool their children, run a construction business, and hit the road for family adventures whenever they can.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication for the Child and master’s degrees in both Children’s Literature and Creative Writing for Children. Lori Beth is passionate about helping moms grow in confidence through practical, creative resources—encouraging them to trust their intuition, embrace lifelong learning, and show up fully as the women God created them to be.

Mark Martinez

Mark Martinez is a father, grandfather, and former pastor of seven years. He is the founder of CROP Ministries, a Christian rite-of-passage program for families with children ages 11–15, and the author of the CROP curriculum, which equips families to confidently walk with their children through the transition into young adulthood.

Mark writes a regular column on rites of passage for the Kootenai Journal and is the author of A Father’s Story: Life Lessons from My Dad to You. He has been a guest on multiple podcasts and is a frequent speaker at homeschool conferences.

Mark and his wife homeschooled their daughters for eight years, giving him firsthand experience within the homeschooling community. He is passionate about his God-given calling to teach life-giving truths to preteens, teens, and the parents and grandparents who love them.

Looking to be reminded of truth throughout the year?

Visit Our Shop!

Conference Schedule

8:00 - 8:40 AM

Doors Open
  • Pre-Registration: $35
    Bonus: The first 15 people to register will receive a free “Called to Prepare” coffee mug!

  • At-the-Door Registration: $45

  • Spouses: Free

  • Teens (ages 14+): $10 online pre-registration, $15 at the door.

  • Childcare: Not provided

 

8:45 - 10:00 AM

Keynote

This, We Believe! | Todd Wilson

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we’ve forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting.

Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great conference and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You’re not going to want to miss this for the world.

 

10:00 - 10:30 AM

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Workshop

Irresistible Parenting - Todd Wilson

The holy grail of parenting is “what to do to have good godly kids.” Unfortunately God didn’t leave a complete guideline for our use. He did leave us some examples of the good, bad, and ugly of parenting, and plenty of principles…but we’re still left…wanting more. Enter the flim-flam man who fills in all the gaps and begins to pile on rules, principles, and things to avoid. The problem is that it sometimes has adverse effects and leaves behind hurt and wayward children. So…some parents swing the other way and claim and proclaim the message of Freedom to equally dire results. While I would never be so bold as to say, “Here’s how to parent and what to do to have successful children.” I will say there seems to a sweet-spot in parenting that avoids the extremes but not the responsibility. Join me as we get down and dirty in the trenches of parenting and discuss a method of parenting that is IRRESISTIBLE.


 

 

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Workshop

Raising the Last Generation that Knows How - Kody Hanner

We are the first generation of parents expected to raise children with no skills, no purpose, and no connection to how the world actually works. And we wonder why they’re struggling. In this powerful and paradigm-shifting talk, Kody Hanner challenges modern parents to take back what was stripped from us—our role as the first teachers of civilization. With raw truth and lived experience, she makes the case for reskilling the next generation through gardening, food preservation, herbal medicine, critical thinking, trades, resourcefulness, and emotional strength. This isn’t about prepping. It’s about preserving humanity.

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Workshop

Curriculum, Transcripts, Diplomas…oh my! - Audra Talley

If you have ever wondered how to design a high school course of study, evaluate the results, develop a transcript, or award a diploma, then this is the workshop for you! Audra will cover all of these subjects and more in one quick paced hour.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Lunch Break

We recommend purchasing the catered lunch or planning to bring one from home as the one and a half hour lunch break will limit options to eat off-site.

 

 

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Workshop

Knock Knock, Who’s There? - Audra Talley

Do you know what to do if Child Protection Services knocks at your door? In this workshop, Homeschool Idaho Board member, Audra Talley, will walk you through the Idaho Homeschool education requirements and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares’ policies and procedures so you are prepared if your doorbell rings.


 

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Workshop

Raising God-Honoring Teens in a Media-Driven Culture - Mark Martinez

Most parents feel unsure about the digital world their teens live in. This workshop explains how today’s online culture shapes young people mentally, emotionally, and socially, and provides practical, faith-informed strategies to guide them toward healthy digital habits. You’ll also discover helpful tools, resources, and strategies that make it easier to set boundaries and support your teen in managing their online life with wisdom.

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Workshop

Prepared to Soar - Annie Grey

When our kids are in their upper high school years, we might begin to question whether we’ve prepared them (and ourselves!) for the next steps.  Did I teach them everything they need to know?  Will the world eat them up?  What have I missed?  We can be assured that God has a plan for the good of our children, and for His glory.   Parenting doesn’t end when our children graduate from our homeschools, and we can be encouraged by trusting in God’s faithfulness in the lives of our young adults.  Find hope for a parent’s heart as our kids leave the nest, learn to fly on their own, and soar.

2:00 - 2:30 PM

Coffee and Cookies Break

2:30 - 3:30 PM

Workshop

Women’s Session: The Story of Your Homeschool: Remembering Why You Began (& Why It Still Matters) - Lori Beth Auldridge

Every homeschool has a story—and yours is still being written. In this session, Lori Beth shares her own homeschool journey spanning nearly two decades and how the “why” that began it all continues to shape her days. Through laughter, honesty, and reflection, she’ll walk you through identifying the convictions that fuel your homeschool and how to keep them strong when seasons change.

Together, we’ll explore the essential elements of your homeschool story through the lens of writing—your plot, your characters, your setting, the wise counselor archetype, and the adventure that keeps unfolding. You’ll be invited to reflect on how your “why” has grown, what your daily rhythms reveal, and whether comparison or perfectionism have quietly crept into your narrative.

2:30 - 3:30 PM

Workshop

Men’s Session: Help! I’m Married to a Homeschool Mom! - Todd Wilson

It’s a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is…being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We’ll also do a lot of laughing as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

 

3:30 - 4:00 PM

Coffee Break

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Keynote

Choose the Hard Things - Todd Wilson

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage…well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most peopledon’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets.Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and experience God’s best for you.

Two Great Ways to Shop

Sponsor Tables

Compare curriculum and resources in person by visiting our Sponsor Tables. Our Sponsors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they are eager to answer your questions, share recommendations, and support you on your home education journey.

Silent Auction Fundraiser

We’re deeply grateful for the generous donations we receive from both businesses and individuals.

Your support helps Homeschool Idaho continue to inspire, promote, and preserve home education throughout our state.

Online registration is now available

Spouses attend free!

Conference FAQ’s

Do I need to pre-register?

Online pre-registration is open through Saturday, January 24th and will save you $10. You are welcome to register at the door for a cost of $45, spouses attend free.

Can my spouse attend?

Absolutely! There is no charge for spouses to attend. Simply add your spouse to your registration form.

Have you already registered yourself, but need to add your spouse? No problem! Pre-register your spouse by clicking here.

Can I bring my children?

Nursing babies are welcome to attend with their mothers. Childcare is not provided. As this is a time for refreshment for parents, we ask that you please find childcare arrangments for children above nursing age.

Can my teen come with me?

While there is no special programming for teens, we welcome students ages 14+ to attend with their parent(s) at the pre-registration price of $10, or the at-the-door registration price of $15.

Have you already registered yourself, but now want to add your teen? No problem! Add your teen(s) by clicking here.

Can I gift the conference to a friend?

Sure thing!

You may pre-register your friend by clicking here

I already registered, but can I now add a spouse/teen/boxed lunch?

Yes! You may add boxed lunches through Saturday, January 24th by clicking here.

Where exactly is the conference located?

The 2025 Homeschool Idaho North Conference will be held at:
Candlelight Christian Fellowship
5725 North Pioneer Drive
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Corner of Hwy 95 and Dalton Ave

What time should I arrive?

The doors open at 8:00 AM for registration check-in. 

Is lunch provided?

Boxed lunches are available by pre-order only. Caruso’s will be providing a delicious boxed lunch with a sandwich, soda, chips, and a cookie. Fruit will be available on the side.

Regular Boxed Lunch: $13.00 per person

Gluten-Free Boxed Lunch: $15.50 per person

We recommend purchasing the catered lunch or planning to bring one from home, as the short lunch break will limit options for eating off-site.

If you did not order lunch when initially registering for the conference, but now want to add a boxed lunch, you can do so by clicking here. All pre-orders must be received by Saturday, January 24th.

Do you need any help?

Absolutely! We’re always looking to partner with volunteers. You may indicate on your registration form that you would like to volunteer, or drop us a note at northidahoconference@homeschoolidaho.org

I registered, but cannot attend. Can I get a refund?

We will miss seeing you in person! Registration is non-transferable and non-refundable.

You can rest assured that your paid fees will help Homeschool Idaho continue to promote, protect, and preserve home education.

Questions about the Homeschool Idaho North Conference?

We’d love to hear from you!

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