The Homeschool Gossip is the place to come to find out all about Homeschooling in the Greater Charlotte Area & beyond ~ from Rock Hill to Raleigh!

You'll find calendars of events and activities, list of co-ops, support groups and enrichment classes; Homeschooling FAQs and a Social Network to get you connected to other homeschoolers with similar ages and interests; there are even Marketplaces to buy & sell curriculum, toys and games!

So, spread the word! And don't forget to say you heard about it on The Homeschool Gossip!

The Homeschool Gossip's List of Special Interests Clubs!


Does your homeschooler have a passion for drawing, gaming, books, sports, dancing, writing, singing, all things geek... something else? If so, check out these amazing clubs!

This list is not complete. If you know of any special interestclubs not listed please share the information with The Homeschool Gossip to get it on the list!

Sports
Here is a link to find sports teams in NC ~ HSPN: http://www.hspn.net/homeschool-sports-pulse.asp?ref=locator&lstate=NC the list is not complete and there are some duplicates to the ones on this list, but it’s a great place to start and it covers the whole state!
§       Cliff Hangers HS Climbers ~ Thank you Ronda Peerbolte for setting this up!Join the Cliff Hanger HS Climbers facebook group to stay up on all the latest news, join a team and coordinate climbing days with your friends! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1185261281520309/Here are the details: New Homeschool climbing options for the Cliff Hangers Climbing & Fitness Gym at 326 Oates Rd. MooresvilleTwo new options have been created for the homeschool community. Home School Day Pass: *Start Date - Monday, November 7 and is ongoing.Monday thru FridaysBetween the hours of 10am - 3:00pmAll ages: students and parents that wish to climb or use workout facility.$12 day pass, includes a harness, full use of facility and workout areas.Parents belaying (holding the ropes) for students do not have to pay the entrance fee - unless they climb or use the workout area. You must wear closed toe shoes, any type will work.Climbing shoe rental cost extra, but is Optional. Shoe rental sizes are limited and based on first come availability. http://www.cliffhangersclimbing.com/Everyone attending for their first time must attend an orientation on their first visit to learn the basics and go over facility rules. Students 13 and up may belay each other after they attend orientation. An adult must attend and stay with children under the age of 13 at all times.Everyone must fill out a waiver, even if you are not climbing, to be in the building: http://www.cliffhangersclimbing.com/Please bring proof homeschooling ID card or a picture of it on your phone for the homeschool discount. You only have to bring it in once for your first check in and a note will be placed in your file for future check-ins.To find and take a picture of your homeschool card with your ID # go to: http://www.doa.nc.gov/dnpe/HSVerificationCard.aspx If you need your ID number go to: http://www.doa.nc.gov/dnpe/HSGetSchoolID.aspx Recreational Team Option: 5 student minimum is needed to start a team.Fridays 10:30-12:30pm (An additional team can be added on another day if there is enough interest)Cost: $130 per month per student, includes a membership, 2-hour weekly team practice, and harness use.Ages 7 – 19 (They are also open to an adult coached day team if there is interest)2 hours with a climbing coach.Team members will get a discount on gear purchases.Students may be dropped off during practice times.Teacher: Student ratio is 1: 5Start Date: TBD for those interested in attendingOnce we have 5 students interested in participating on the Friday rec team we can decide when we want to start.If you are interested in a day other than Friday morning, please let me know and I will find out interest.They are working on pricing for a homeschool family membership and have been very open to special requests.Homeschool Liaison Contact: Ronda Peerbolte at ronda_peerbolte@yahoo.com for general questions.Join the Cliff Hangers HS Climbers facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1185261281520309/
§       Homeschool Baseball - Charlotte Stampede- HS and MS The Stampede is a baseball program for competitive homeschool athletes. Our mission is to provide home-educated athletes a Christ-centered, competitive baseball program focused on developing each player physically and spiritually by providing advanced instruction and equipping each athlete with the skills necessary to succeed in a team environment and to pursue playing at the next level. All of our coaches played Division I college baseball and both of our Varsity coaches played professionally. Since 2012, eight players from our program have earned scholarships to play baseball in college. We play full and competitive schedules against local public and private school teams. Our Varsity team plays each year in the Homeschool World Series held at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, FL. This tournament attracts the top homeschool programs from across the country. Please go to our website to see our schedules - http://www.charlottestampede.org/. GO STAMPEDE!! Steve Bancroft, Baseball Director, Charlotte Stampede
§       Volleyball CarolinaCourts - Concord, NC Carolina Courts Concord is happy to announce that we are taking off with our Home School programs! We have had a high demand for Home School Volleyball programs and we are delivering. Jackie Bevington, Carolina Courts, Director of Volleyball,Concord, Director and Administrator of PEAK Volleyball Club (W) (704) 935-5501 (C) (704) 589-6956
§       Volleyball - Stanley, NC First Presbyterian Sports Ministry (SOAR Sports) - https://www.facebook.com/SOARStanleyNC/?fref=nf www.fpcstanleysoar.org/
§       GCAA (Greater Cabarrus Athletic Association) - Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball & Volleyball. The Greater Cabarrus Athletic Association (GCAA) primary function is to provide a competitive sports venue for homeschool students. It is an environment that promotes a Christian approach to sports and teaches the student athlete the importance of bringing their faith into their athletics. GCAA is based in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, but serves athletes from all areas surrounding, reaching into Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties frequently as well as drawing athletes from many more distant counties in North and South Carolina. GCAA is a safe place for a student to honor God and play his or her sport to their highest ability. Teams are developed for the purpose of developing the character, skill, and teamwork of each student with the hope that a properly placed passion for their sport will serve them and their walk with God for the rest of their lives. http://gcaastallions.com
§       Homeschool Basketball Team - South Charlotte. Do you have a high school aged son who is interested in playing basketball on a competitive level? The options in Mecklenburg and Union counties have been limited to private schools that allow homeschoolers to play on their teams. There is now another option. A team is being formed for the South Charlotte area. If you are interested, please contact me directly at cyntandj@yahoo.com for further information.
§       Homeschool Basketball has come to South Charlotte! We are so excited about our inaugural season and would love to have you and your son involved. We are currently looking for JV and Varsity players in grades 9-12. If you do not have a child in that age group, we could still use your support. Once the season begins we would love to see your family at the games! You can keep up with us on FB at South Charlotte Thunder https://www.facebook.com/SouthCharlotteThunder/ . So go on over and like us. If you have any questions you can reply to me or contact my husband Jewel at jewelabbott72@yahoo.com . Also, please share with anyone you think may be interested. Thanks!
§       Salisbury Rowan Runners Club This is not a homeschool club, but a family oriented club. Great option for those who love to run! http://salisburyrowanrunners.org/
§       Carolina Pride Cheerleading Carolina Pride Homeschool Football Cheer Squad! Open to all girls ages 12 - 18. Cheer Camp August 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th. For more information please see: Carolina Pride Cheerleaders http://carolinapridecheer.weebly.com/
§       The Archery Learning Academy is located in theBOSS Archery facility at:4501 Raceway Drive SW, Concord, N.C. 28025 Here is the link to their homeschool program: http://www.archerylearningacademy.com/special.htm#HomeSchooling
§       Ping-Pong / Table Tennis Thank you Cindy for sharing! ~ Union County, NC and wanted to tell you about an opportunity for your Homeschoolers. Your kids are invited to participate in Recreational Table Tennis. It meets at: Dickerson Recreational Center Gym 899 N. Johnson St., Monroe, NC 28110. Mondays & Wednesdays from 11am-1:00pm. The cost is $1 per person over the age of 12. Come when you can, you only pay when you show up, no club fees or anything like that. Monroe Table Tennis Club of NC http://monroerecreationaltabletennis.wordpress.com/ sponsored by Monroe Parks & Recreation in Monroe, NC.

Singing

§       Gaston School of the Arts is located at 825 Union Road, Gastonia NC. The Gaston School of the Arts Youth Chorale (GSOAYC) is a program open to singers in 7th through 12th grade. GSOAYC’s goal is to provide a developmental choral education to fit the needs of mature singers. Beginner through advanced choral students are welcome!There is a $50.00 per student per semester fee for participating in the Youth Chorale. This class is offered in both the Fall and Spring Semesters. http://gastonschoolarts.org/gsoa-youth-chorale/
§       Fort Mill Children's Choir A choir for 1st thru6th graders in Fort Mill & Tega Cay. We rehearse Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30. https://www.facebook.com/Fort-Mill-Childrens-Choir-115744248926551/
Music
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Music Lessons, Huntersville NC - Group Piano Lessons from Patton Music Studios at The Homeschool Room in Huntersville https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-homeschool-room huntersville/2016-fall-enrichment-class-details-group-piano lessons/1717851765140228
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Music Lessons, Matthews NC - Simply Music Piano Lessons from Patton Music Studios at The Homeschool Room in Matthews https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-homeschool-room matthews/2016-fall-enrichment-class-details-the-new-simply-music-piano curriculum-with-ji/10154178008934793
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Music Lessons, Huntersville NC - Karl Gunther Studios If you want to learn how to play guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, cello, string bass, or even learn about music recording, let me teach you. If you want to be in a band with other “students”, talk to me about joining an existing band, or forming your own! http://www.karlguntherstudios.com https://m.facebook.com/KarlGuntherStudios/
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Tri-County Concert Band https://www.facebook.com/tricountyconcertbandnc2016/ Jon E. Kirk Director of BandsE-mail: kirkje@rss.k12.nc. cell: 704-699-5088 home: 704-938-5256
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Homeschool Band, Orchestra, and Guitar for all levels and ages. http://piedmontmusicacademy.org/ piedmontmusicacademy.sc@gmail.com for further information
§       Cornelius Youth Orchestra (www.corneliusyouthorchestras.com/). This is a youth orchestra that meets on Tuesday evenings (6:30 to 8:30) at Bailey Middle School and is open to all skill levels and most instruments. They have on staff instructors and give public performance throughout the year. Their invitation is open to kids from Charlotte, Huntersville, Mooresville, Concord, etc., not just Cornelius. Our homeschooler played with them last year and had a great time. She'll be back again next year! Thanks, Jeff Osterchill, josterch@yahoo.com, (704)930-8597(cell)
§       Greater Cabarrus Homeschool Chorus is now accepting registration for the 2016-2017 school year. For more information or to request a registration packet, please contact the chorus at 704-785-0825 or at greatercabarruschorus@gmail.com. https://greatercabarrushomeschoolchorus.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/greatercabarrushomeschoolchorus/;
Dancing
§       Scottish Country Dancing - South and North Locations! You can register at any time! The 2016-2017 Charlotte Scottish Country Dance Society classes with Jack Pressley begin on September 8, 2016 Location: Fellowship Hall of Gilwood Presbyterian Church 2993 Odell School Rd, Concord, NC Time: Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Dates: September 8 through June 1. To register or more information: Phone: 704.814.9647 E-mail: JPres79334@aol.com or d.carter73@windstream.net https://www.facebook.com/Charlotte-Scottish Country-Dance-Society-Inc-784051988403237/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel or http://charlottescottishcountrydancesociety.blogspot.com/
§       Beginner and Advanced Social Dance and Dance Etiquette for Teens and Young Adults 12-21 years of age - Where: Garr Church, 7700 Wallace Road, Charlotte, NC (near intersection of Independence and WT Harris). For more information, please email Susan at swepstonfamily@gmail.com or call with questions at 704-344-5069.
§       In His Steps Dance was created for girls to ... Strengthen and/or begin a real walk with Christ,share God’s love and teachings within the community, promote a positive self image both inside and out and provide a safe place for girls to learn, share and grow. We offer weekly dance instruction along with spiritual development through biblically based devotions in each dance class. We welcome all skill levels and dance experience is not required. Performances and productions, community involvement, participation in dance competitions and producing conferences provide opportunities to share the love of Christ with our dancers. The ministry leadership, dance coaches and Junior dance coaches subscribe to a high standard of excellence and Christian values. The focus of this ministry will encompass the love of the performing arts along with Christian life lessons and an uplifting environment for girls. Girls in this age group (Pre-K through 12th grade) traditionally have a love of dance. Girls need a place to learn about Jesus and His teachings and feel Christ’s love in their daily lives. There are many battles and challenges these girls face daily. Our ministry is designed to help keep them focused on what God says is good and right in a safe place to share. Although there are occasional fundraisers, there is NEVER a charge or any fees to participate in or join In His Steps Donations are tax deductible and appreciated. Contributions are used to achieve our mission statement. http://www.ihsdance.com/
Cooking
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Cooking Classes for Homeschoolers at The City Kitch! They offer so many amazing classes for homeschoolers! Check out their site to see the current classes available: http://thecitykitch.com/events/cate...
Robotics
§       (*Enrichment Classes) Youth Robotics ~ Robodemia, LLC - Cornelius, NC Please check out the web page for current classes and workshops being offered. http://robodemia.com/
Book Clubs
§       Teen Booktalk - Huntersville, NC meets Sept - May at The Homeschool Room in Huntersville! Check out the events page at The Homeschool Room Huntersville for more information: https://www.facebook.com/The Homeschool-Room-Huntersville-1424399854485422/events?ref=page_internal
§       YA Gotta Read This! Teen Book Club - North County Library, Huntersville Teens: join us for fun YA book discussion and earn some free books! Teens will read books at home and write short book reviews for community service hours. Snacks provided. Get your read on! Meets Monthly ~ Registration Required ~ Contact Name:Teen Staff Contact Phone:704-416-6000
§       Teen Comic Book Club - CM Library Mint Hill, 6840 Matthews - Mint Hill Road. Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6pm to discuss your favorite comic books.
§       Mount Pleasant Library: Great homeschool reading group at the Mount Pleasant library every Tuesday @ 10. Ages 6-12...currently reading (just started 09/6/16) ...fun group with great activities and discussions.
Drawing Clubs
§       Teen Sketch Club - Huntersville, NC meets 4th Fridays of the Month: Sept. - May at The Homeschool Room in Huntersville! There are monthly themes, and some months we have guest artists. Check out the events page at The Homeschool Room Huntersville for more information: https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Homeschool-Room-Huntersville-1424399854485422/events/?ref=page_internal Check out their facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/269425643451090/?fref=ts
Writing Clubs
§       Homeschoolers Passionate About Writing (P.A.W.) ~ Got writers? This is a new Homeschool social group! "Homeschoolers Passionate About Writing". It is open to Homeschool students and their parents who would like to share their love of writing through posting inspirational memes, pictures, quotes...and perhaps some of their work. This is a family friendly environment with writers of all ages. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1561559297203652/
Gaming Clubs
§       Teen Game Day - Huntersville, NC 1st Fridays of the Month: Sept. - May from 3:00-4:30PM at The Homeschool Room in Huntersville! Check out the events page at The Homeschool Room Huntersville for more information: https://www.facebook.com/The-Homeschool-Room-Huntersville-1424399854485422/events?ref=page_internal
§       Cabarrus Homeschool Chess Club - Concord, NC We are a group of HomeSchoolers that enjoy getting together & letting our kids play Chess together. It is FREE to join our group we just ask that you have at least one (1) Chess Board with you so we always have enough boards to play on. Plus you will need one at home to practice on. https://www.facebook.com/cabarrushomeschoolchess/
§       Chess Players Club - Huntersville, NC Chess Anyone? We would like to introduce you to the Chess Players Club! Do you like to play chess? If so, grab your chess set and come join us at The Homeschool Room in Huntersville! The meetings are opened to experienced chess players (those who know how to play) looking for a group to play in where they can be challenged. Bring along your chess set! Currently instruction is not being offered. After a core group is established, we’ll explore inviting new players, when that time comes, we’ll post it! https://www.facebook.com/groups/169635263440404/?ref=bookmarks
§      Chess Club and Math Club ~ Indian Trail Shared by: lisarparnell.  Do you have a child that'd like to learn chess (or who already plays chess but wants to learn more) or a child who loves math? Chess and N2K (National Number Knockout) club will meet on Wednesday afternoons in Indian Trail? Fill out the form below for more information to be emailed to you.
§       Pokemon League - Cornelius, NC Here’s a link to a coupon for new members https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-homeschool-gossip/pbkw-pokemon-league-coupon/263202434072612. This is not a homeschool only club, but many homeschoolers attend. Meets each Wednesday from 4:00-8:00PM at Parker, Banner, Kent & Wayne Comics & Games. You can contact the store for more details: PBKW 21500 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 892-4263 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1531229110425797/?fref=ts
§       Magic the Gathering Youth Tournaments - Cornelius, NC This is not a homeschool only club, but many homeschoolers attend. Meets each Friday from 6:30-10:00PM at Parker, Banner, Kent & Wayne Comics & Games. You can contact the store for more details: PBKW 21500 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 892-4263 https://www.facebook.com/groups/381414965379580/?fref=ts
§       Cabarrus Homeschool Gamers Club - Concord, NC We're working on putting together a club for kids and teens who like boards games, TCG's and video games that would meet during the day in Cabarrus County, NC. If you're interested, come join us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1227938640589889/
Public Speaking and Debate Clubs
§       Gavel Club @ The Homeschool Room - Huntersville 2016-2017 School Year for ages 13-18. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-homeschool-room-huntersville/2016-fall-enrichment-class-details-gavel-club-class-is-full-waiting-list-started/1715251425400262
§       Shanan Junior Varsity Speech Club This co-operative club is dedicated to the training of children ages 9-12 in the skill of public speaking. All home-schooled students are welcome whether they are novices or veterans. Students will be given the opportunity to compete with their speeches at the Christian Communicators of the Southeast tournaments (ww.CCofSE.com) or to present them to their fellow club members. Club meetings begin on September 7, 2016 and are held each Wednesday afternoon at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 8600 Potters Rd, Weddington, NC from 3:00-5:00. For cost, detailed information, and registration please contact Molly Faulkner (fourarrows4him@yahoo.com mailto:fourarrows4him@yahoo.com )
§       Shanan Public Forum 2016-2017 Debate Program We meet on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:45 at Spirit of Joy Lutheran in Weddington, NC Parent and student must commit to a minimum of four spring semester debate events. Weekly Parental involvement is essential to the success of this program. Parental tournament involvement is essential to the success of this program. (Other speech and debate classes are going on at the same time so the whole family can be involved. You may inquire about those, too.) If interested email shananspeechdebate@gmail.com Sample Public Forum Debate https://youtu.be/6PFc9Pogz94?t=1m2s
Service Clubs
§       Key Club: Calling all Rising 8th to 12th Graders! Start thinking Key Club for your 2016/2017 school year! Are you interested in joining an amazing group of teenagers excited about serving their community and working together to be the best leaders they can be? Have you wanted ways to get involved with other homeschoolers who really desire to make a difference in this world? The Matthews / South Charlotte Homeschool Key Club invites you to check us out! Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International http://sites.kiwanis.org/kiwanis/en/home.aspx. Key Club assists Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at 3:00pm. Monthly service projects are planned during these meetings along with team building and leadership activities. This is an open and inviting group excited to share the spirit of service through Key Club! Key Club is an addition you will be proud to have on your transcript! If you would like further information about how to join for next year, contact April Bradley at abradley18@outlook.com mailto:abradley18@outlook.com. To sign up to join Key Club, go to the following link: http://goo.gl/forms/f8MUmcoCfoDFVQli1 http://goo.gl/forms/f8MUmcoCfoDFVQli1
Honor Societies
§       Homeschool Honor Society Zeta Epsilon Chapter The Zeta Epsilon Chapter of the Eta Sigma Alpha National Homeschool Honor Society invites you to consider membership for the 2016-2017 school year: https://www.youtube.com/watch v=CtKmA8j1crA&feature=youtu.be Zeta Epsilon's threefold purpose for its members: 1) to spur academic excellence thru leadership roles & monthly speakers 2) to provide opportunities for community service 3) to foster fellowship with other members at social activities Zeta Epsilon's meetings are first Fridays from 3-5pm [August thru April] University Hills Baptist Church 1500 Suther Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213 http://charlottehomeschoolhonorsociety.weebly.com/
§       Chi Sigma Mu Homeschool Honor Society of NC - Alpha Chapter is now accepting new members for the 2016-2017 school year. (Formerly, Lambda Alpha Honor Society) Membership is open to 9-12 grade homeschool students who have a 3.5 GPA or minimum test score requirements. Chi Sigma Mu stands for Christ, Service, & Merit. Once a month we choose to serve organizations, such as, Ambassadors to the Nations, Operation Christmas Child, White Oak Nursing Facility, and Common Thrift Store. Our parliamentary style monthly meetings focus on preparing students for the years after high school. Students have the opportunity to run for officer positions each spring for the following academic year. Chi Sigma, also, sponsors a service organization. Students from ages 13 and older are allowed to attend meetings and take part in the monthly service projects. We would love for you to join us for the 2016-2017 school year! Email us at chisigmamuhs@gmail.com If you would like information on starting a chapter in your area, please send us an email.
Theater
§       Charlotte Christian Theatre Company meets at Crossway Community Church in Charlotte www.charlottechristiantheatre.com.
Other Special Interest Clubs
§       Anime Club North County Regional Library - Huntersville, NC Meets various days throughout the month at the North County Library. Contact the library or check The Homeschool Gossip Google Calendar for meeting dates. Library Information: 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078. (704) 416-6000
§       Teen Geek Club North County Regional Library - Huntersville, NC Meets various days throughout the month at the North County Library. Contact the library or check The Homeschool Gossip Google Calendar for meeting dates. Library Information: 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078. (704) 416-6000
§       ZOO Club ~ NC Zoo Education SchoolPrograms Zoo Club activities are designed for students in grades K-8. Home Schoolgroups may become a part of Zoo Club by registering a group of no fewer than 15and no more than 40 students. The group will be involved in the followingprogram activities throughout the school year: http://www.nczoo.org/subpages.aspx?pageID=12635&CNM=Schools&CID=213&subCatID=252&contentPage=true&desc=false&selfID=12848&listingID=4390
* Special Interest Enrichment Classes
While these are not clubs, they are classes. They are listed here to help those find opportunities to pursue their passions when clubs aren’t available.

Great gift idea for homeschoolers!

Do you shop at Amazon.com? Help support The Homeschool Gossip by using our Affiliate link: