A Family Homeschool Experience
May
8
2023
to May 12
Williamstown, KY
Answers Center - Ark Encounter
More than a homeschool conference—it’s a family experience!
Join us for five days of faith-building experiences for the whole family as we equip generations for the King. Tour the full-size Noah’s Ark, meet the animals in Ararat Ridge Zoo during live animal programs, ride the carousel, walk through biblical history at the Creation Museum (including our brand-new, expanded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made exhibit), soak in practical, biblical teaching from sought-after speakers, enjoy hands-on, engaging science and Bible programs for the whole family (available for additional cost), shop from our vast array of resources, take the kids to our world-class playgrounds, and watch the kids’ eyes open in wonder as they learn more about God’s creation and the Creator!
Our 2023 speakers include Heidi St. John, Ken Ham, Alex Kendrick, Captain Barry E. Wilmore and many more.
We’ve designed our Answers Homeschool Experience to help you to better disciple and educate your children, encourage you in your homeschooling journey, equip your children with answers to the questions of our day, and build lasting family memories while you have fun together. In other words, we want to equip generations to stand for the King of all kings!
Here are what families had to say after last year’s event:
What a fantastic event! I thank God for your growing ministry!
It’s been such an incredible week—the most meaningful and impactful family vacation and homeschool experience we’ve ever had. Our hearts are so very full and ignited with greater boldness! Thank you for providing this opportunity!
Best homeschool conference! Thank you. We left feeling empowered and encouraged! Can’t wait for next year!
This has been a fabulous experience! And each and every workshop, tour, and session has pointed us back to God. It’s truly a blessing to be here as a family this week. Thank you!
There’s no other experience like it! Our inaugural event sold out (twice!), so register early to avoid disappointment.
Register Now | Schedule | FAQ
Sponsors
This event is in partnership with BJU Press and Master Books.
Official Conference Hotel
Promo Video
Download Promotional Materials
Registration
Register online to ensure your place at this conference!
Includes:
Registration includes seven-day admission to the Ark Encounter and the nearby Creation Museum. Parking is also included.
Event Cost
Price: Starting at
Individual $129
Family $299
Add-on options are available.
See registration page for details.
Speakers
-
Ken Ham
Speaker, Author, CEO, and Founder of Answers in Genesis
-
Martyn Iles
Attorney, Commentator, Preacher
-
Alex Kendrick
Writer, Producer, Director, Actor and Author
-
Dr. George Matzko
Chemist, BJU Science Ambassador
-
Roger Patterson
Author and AiG Speaker
-
Heidi St. John
Author, Blogger, Speaker
-
Rick Teepen
Herpetoculturist
-
Zan Tyler
Speaker, Author, and Podcaster
-
Israel Wayne
Author, Conference Speaker, and Director of Family Renewal
-
Captain Barry E. Wilmore
CAPT, U.S. Navy (Ret); NASA Astronaut
-
“Corrie ten Boom: A Light in Dark Places”
Live Portrayal by Vickie Gaynier
-
Sounds Like Reign/Tiny Notes from Home
Brackin and Lindsay Kirkland
-
Stephen Leavelle
Zoo Education Specialist
Location
1 Ark Encounter Dr.
Williamstown, KY 41097
Williamstown, KY 41097
Schedule
Ark Encounter Schedule
$ = Ticket Required
* No ticket is required for sessions without a $, including all sessions in the Answers Center Auditorium.
| Monday, May 8 | Ark Encounter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 10:00 a.m. | Special Music | BJU Grass | AC Auditorium |
| 10:30 a.m. | Ken Ham | AC Auditorium |
| 12:00 p.m. | Israel Wayne | AC Auditorium |
| 12:15 p.m. | Sssensational Snakes | Animal Actors Stage |
| 1:30 p.m. | Up in Flames | Roger Patterson | AC Auditorium |
| 1:30 p.m. | One-On-One: Homeschool Strategies for Success (In-Person Sign-Up Required) |
Conference Information Table |
| 1:30 p.m. | God’s Fingerprint Design | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 1:30 p.m. | Bible in Motion- OT | Bryan Osborne $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 1:30 p.m. | Feathered, Flying, and Ferocious- Jessica Jaworski $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 1:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 1:30 p.m. | Dinosaur Detectives | Stephen Leavelle | Noah's Village Stage |
| 2:15 p.m. | Amazing Animals | Animal Actors Stage |
| 3:30 p.m. | Corrie ten Boom: A Light in Dark Places with Vickie Gaynier | AC Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. | I Don’t Get It: Strategies for Reteaching | Heather Jenkins $ | AC Lower-Level A |
| 3:30 p.m. | Forensic DNA Fingerprinting | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 3:30 p.m. | Bible in Motion- NT | Bryan Osborne $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 3:30 p.m. | Hands-on-Science at Home | Roger Patterson $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 3:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 3:30 p.m. | Special Music | BJU Grass | Noah’s Village Stage |
| 4:15 p.m. | Predators and Prey | Animal Actors Stage |
| 7:00 p.m. | Mom’s Night Out $ | Emzara's 2nd Floor |
| 7:00 p.m. | K-9 Encounter | AC Auditorium |
| Tuesday, May 9 | Ark Encounter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 10:00 a.m. | Special Music | BJU Grass | AC Auditorium |
| 10:30 a.m. | Astronaut Barry Wilmore | AC Auditorium |
| 12:00 p.m. | Heidi St. John | AC Auditorium |
| 12:15 p.m. | Sssensational Snakes | Animal Actors Stage |
| 1:30 p.m. | Up in Flames | Roger Patterson | AC Auditorium |
| 1:30 p.m. | One-On-One: Homeschool Strategies for Success (In-Person Sign-Up Required) |
Conference Information Table |
| 1:30 p.m. | Fossils and the Flood | Kyle Morris $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 1:30 p.m. | Scripture Sleuths | Dana Sneed $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 1:30 p.m. | Forensic Hair Microscopy | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 1:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 1:30 p.m. | Ice Age Giants | Stephen Leavelle | Noah's Village Stage |
| 2:15 p.m. | Amazing Animals | Animal Actors Stage |
| 3:30 p.m. | What Is Dyslexia? | Holly Hightchew | AC Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. | Connecting the 7 C’s Across the Curriculum | Roger Patterson $ | AC Lower-Level A |
| 3:30 p.m. | Teaching Students with Diverse Learning Needs|Heather Jenkins $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 3:30 p.m. | Building a Lie-Detector Toolkit | Patricia Engler $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 3:30 p.m. | Forensic Hair Microscopy | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 3:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 3:30 p.m. | Special Music | BJU Grass | Noah's Village Stage |
| 4:15 p.m. | Predators and Prey | Animal Actors Stage |
| 6:00 p.m. | Special Event: "Living in Babylon" | Martyn Iles | AC Auditorium |
| Wednesday, May 10 | Ark Encounter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 10:00 a.m. | Special Music | BJU Grass | AC Auditorium |
| 10:30 a.m. | Martyn Iles | AC Auditorium |
| 12:00 p.m. | Alex Kendrick | AC Auditorium |
| 12:15 p.m. | Sssensational Snakes | Animal Actors Stage |
| 1:30 p.m. | Up in Flames | Roger Patterson | AC Auditorium |
| 1:30 p.m. | One-On-One: Homeschool Strategies for Success (In-Person Sign-Up Required) |
Conference Information Table |
| 1:30 p.m. | God’s Fingerprint Design | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 1:30 p.m. | Finely Tuned | Kaia Kloster $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 1:30 p.m. | Feathered, Flying, and Ferocious | Jessica Jaworski $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 1:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 1:30 p.m. | Dinosaur Detectives | Stephen Leavelle | Noah's Village Stage |
| 2:15 p.m. | Amazing Animals | Animal Actors Stage |
| 3:30 p.m. | Corrie ten Boom: A Light in Dark Places with Vickie Gaynier | AC Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. | Teaching Students with Diverse Learning Needs|Heather Jenkins $ | AC Lower-Level A |
| 3:30 p.m. | Forensic DNA Fingerprinting | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 3:30 p.m. | Finely Tuned | Kaia Kloster $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 3:30 p.m. | Invisible Zoo | Jessica Jaworski $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 3:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 3:30 p.m. | TrueSong | Noah's Village Stage |
| 4:15 p.m. | Predators and Prey | Animal Actors Stage |
| 6:00 p.m. | Created For Worship: An Evening of Song & Praise with Sounds Like Reign | AC Auditorium |
| Thursday, May 11 | Ark Encounter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 10:00 a.m. | TrueSong | AC Auditorium |
| 10:30 a.m. | Heidi St. John | AC Auditorium |
| 12:00 p.m. | Ken Ham | AC Auditorium |
| 12:15 p.m. | Sssensational Snakes | Animal Actors Stage |
| 1:30 p.m. | Up in Flames | Roger Patterson | AC Auditorium |
| 1:30 p.m. | Bible in Motion- OT | Bryan Osborne $ | AC Lower-Level A |
| 1:30 p.m. | Golden Ratio | Patrick Kanewske $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 1:30 p.m. | Scripture Sleuths | Dana Sneed $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 1:30 p.m. | One-On-One: Homeschool Strategies for Success (In-Person Sign-Up Required) |
Conference Information Table |
| 1:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 1:30 p.m. | Ice Age Giants | Stephen Leavelle | Noah's Village Stage |
| 2:15 p.m. | Amazing Animals | Animal Actors Stage |
| 3:30 p.m. | The Gift of Dyslexia? | Holly Hightchew | AC Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. | Connecting the 7 C’s Across the Curriculum | Roger Patterson $ | AC Lower-Level A |
| 3:30 p.m. | Golden Ratio | Patrick Kanewske $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 3:30 p.m. | Building a Lie-Detector Toolkit | Patricia Engler $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 3:30 p.m. | Fossils and the Flood | Kyle Morris $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 3:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 3:30 p.m. | TrueSong | Noah's Village Stage |
| 4:15 p.m. | Predators and Prey | Animal Actors Stage |
| 7:00 p.m. | Mom’s Night Out $ | Emzara's 2nd Floor |
| 7:00 p.m. | K-9 Encounter | AC Auditorium |
| Friday, May 12 | Ark Encounter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 10:00 a.m. | TrueSong | AC Auditorium |
| 10:30 a.m. | Zan Tyler | AC Auditorium |
| 12:00 p.m. | Ken Ham | AC Auditorium |
| 12:15 p.m. | Sssensational Snakes | Animal Actors Stage |
| 1:30 p.m. | Up in Flames | Roger Patterson | AC Auditorium |
| 1:30 p.m. | One-On-One: Homeschool Strategies for Success (In-Person Sign-Up Required) |
Conference Information Table |
| 1:30 p.m. | God’s Fingerprint Design | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 1:30 p.m. | T. Rex, King of the Dragons | Kyle Morris $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 1:30 p.m. | Feathered, Flying, and Ferocious | Jessica Jaworski $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 1:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 1:30 p.m. | Dinosaur Detectives | Stephen Leavelle | Noah's Village Stage |
| 2:15 p.m. | Amazing Animals | Animal Actors Stage |
| 3:30 p.m. | Corrie ten Boom: A Light in Dark Places with Vickie Gaynier | AC Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. | I Don’t Get It: Strategies for Reteaching | Heather Jenkins $ | AC Lower-Level A |
| 3:30 p.m. | T. Rex, King of the Dragons | Kyle Morris $ | AC Lower-Level B |
| 3:30 p.m. | Building a Lie-Detector Toolkit | Patricia Engler $ | AC Lower-Level C |
| 3:30 p.m. | Forensic Hair Microscopy | Jennifer Rivera $ | AC Lower-Level Lab |
| 3:30 p.m. | Horticulture and Greenhouse $ | Ark Stern |
| 3:30 p.m. | TrueSong | Noah's Village Stage |
| 4:15 p.m. | Predators and Prey | Animal Actors Stage |
| 6:00 p.m. | Special Event: "Living in Babylon" | Martyn Iles | AC Auditorium |
Creation Museum Schedule
$ = Ticket Required
* No ticket is required for sessions without a $, including all sessions in Legacy Hall.
| Monday, May 8 | Creation Museum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 11:00 a.m. | Astronaut Barry Wilmore | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Water the Miracle Chemical | Matzkos | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Fossils and the Flood- Kyle Morris $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 1:00 p.m. | Beauty in Blooms | Dale Spada $ | Main Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Snakes Alive | Rick Teepen | Legacy Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Building a Lie-Detector Toolkit | Patricia Engler $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 3:00 p.m. | Beauty in Blooms | Dale Spada $ | Main Hall |
| Tuesday, May 9 | Creation Museum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 11:00 a.m. | Ken Ham | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Invisible Properties of Air | Matzkos | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Golden Ratio | Patrick Kanewske $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 1:00 p.m. | Birds of the Garden | Jessica Jaworski $ | Main Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Snakes Alive | Rick Teepen | Legacy Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Golden Ratio | Patrick Kanewske $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 3:00 p.m. | Pond Ecology | Jessica Jaworski $ | Main Hall |
| Wednesday, May 10 | Creation Museum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 11:00 a.m. | Heidi St. John | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Water the Miracle Chemical | Matzkos | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Building a Lie-Detector Toolkit | Patricia Engler $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 1:00 p.m. | Beauty in Blooms | Dale Spada $ | Main Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Snakes Alive | Rick Teepen | Legacy Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | T. Rex, King of the Dragons | Kyle Morris $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 3:00 p.m. | Beauty in Blooms | Dale Spada $ | Main Hall |
| Thursday, May 11 | Creation Museum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 11:00 a.m. | Alex Kendrick | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Invisible Properties of Air | Matzkos | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Finely Tuned | Kaia Kloster $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 1:00 p.m. | Birds of the Garden | Jessica Jaworski $ | Main Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Snakes Alive | Rick Teepen | Legacy Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Finely Tuned | Kaia Kloster $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 3:00 p.m. | Pond Ecology | Jessica Jaworski $ | Main Hall |
| Friday, May 12 | Creation Museum | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Location |
| 11:00 a.m. | Israel Wayne | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Water the Miracle Chemical | Matzkos | Legacy Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | Scripture Sleuths | Dana Sneed $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 1:00 p.m. | Beauty in Blooms | Dale Spada $ | Main Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Snakes Alive | Rick Teepen | Legacy Hall |
| 3:00 p.m. | Bible in Motion- NT | Bryan Osborne $ | Morris and Whitcomb Room |
| 3:00 p.m. | Beauty in Blooms | Dale Spada $ | Main Hall |
Travel & Lodging
Our partner hotels offer special rates to Ark Encounter guests. To receive these rates please book your hotel at arkencounter.com/places-to-stay.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I register by mail and/or pay by check?
A: Online registration with credit card payment is the only method by which we can process registrations.
Q: Will I receive registration confirmation through the mail?
A: When registering, you will receive confirmation on the screen (with an order number) when you complete your registration; this will be followed by an email confirmation.
Q: When is check-in?
A: You can check in at any point during this event. The speakers, special sessions, and workshops are repeated throughout the 5 days, so you can plan your own schedule for 2–3 days or all 5 days.
Q: What is available in addition to the ticketed workshops?
A: Any session in the Ark Encounter Answers Center or the Creation Museum Legacy Hall is free and open to all. These sessions include the keynote speakers, special music/concerts, “Up in Flames” with Roger Patterson, “Corrie ten Boom: A Light in Dark Places” with Vickie Gaynier, “Water—The Miracle Chemical” with the Matzkos, “Invisible Properties of Air,” “Snakes Alive!” with Rick Teepen, and “K-9 Encounter.”
Outdoor sessions at Ark Encounter include animal shows “Sssensational Snakes!” “Dinosaur Detectives,” “Amazing Animals,” “Ice Age Giants,” and more.
Q: How do we get our free Ark Encounter and Creation Museum passes?
A: Your registration includes a seven-day pass to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum (included in the barcode on your name badge). This pass must be used within seven consecutive days including Homeschool Experience days. PLEASE NOTE: The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum are CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. If you desire to visit the Ark Encounter or Creation Museum prior to the Homeschool Experience, you can do so starting Friday, May 5. You will need to show your lanyard/name badge to enter. If, for some reason, you do not have your name badge with you, you will need to go to the ticket window and let them know you are registered for Homeschool Experience. They will find your name on the conference roster. The latest date your pass may be used is Monday, May 15 (excluding Sundays).
Q: What is the closest airport to the Ark Encounter/Creation Museum?
A: The Greater Cincinnati/Northern KY Airport (CVG) is located about 10 minutes from the Creation Museum and 45 minutes from Ark Encounter.
Q: Are there any discounts on hotels?
A: Our partner hotels offer special rates to Ark Encounter guests. To receive these rates, please book your hotel at ArkEncounter.com/places-to-stay.
Q: Is there a shuttle from the airport to the museum or the Ark?
A: There are no shuttles provided from the airport or hotels to the Creation Museum or Ark Encounter. If you fly in, you will need to rent a car. Also, check with your hotel to see if they have a shuttle to and from the airport.
Q: Does registration for the conference include meals?
A: You are on your own for meals. Food is sold at the Olive Leaf Café in the Answers Center lobby and Emzara’s Buffet (a favorite of many) next to the Ark. There may also be other food vendors available.
Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: There are no cancellations except for health reasons. Health cancellations requested in writing 60 days prior to the event will be refunded, minus a 25% cancellation fee. Health cancellations requested less than 60 days prior to the event will be refunded, minus a 50% cancellation fee.
Q: Can I transfer my registration for Homeschool Experience to another person/family?
A: No, there will be no registration transfers for this conference.
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