How Enrichment Activities Make Our Co-Op Even Better

Homeschooling gives families an incredible amount of freedom—but it can also mean you’re constantly asking, “How do I expose my kids to more of the world without burning myself out planning everything?”

That’s one reason we love building enrichment into RHSA. Enrichment activities give our students real-world learning beyond their regular classes, while also strengthening something every homeschool family needs: community.

Enrichment isn’t “extra”—it’s part of our goal!

When kids get to meet people who are living out a skill, a trade, a service role, or a passion, something changes. Learning becomes more concrete. Curiosity expands. Kids start to imagine themselves in the world a little more confidently.

And for parents, enrichment creates a shared experience that makes community feel natural—because you’re not just showing up and leaving. You’re learning together, talking afterward, and building relationships over time. 

What enrichment looks like at RHSA

A big part of what makes RHSA special is that enrichment is intentionally woven into our community rhythm. Sometimes it’s a presentation during our community lunch hour, sometimes it’s hands-on, sometimes it’s a day that gives kids exposure to a new skill or perspective.

We also love that enrichment can highlight the best of our local community—small businesses, service professionals, and people doing meaningful work—so our kids learn and our families become more connected to the place we live.

A few enrichment experiences our families have loved

Here are a few examples of guest speakers and enrichment days we’ve hosted:

• Amanda Shulz, Blackland Bees — A real life look into the butterfly life cycle and what it takes to build and sustain a local passion-driven business.

• Courtney Cates: Vision Testing Day — Complimentary vision screenings for children (a practical, high-impact service that supports learning and well-being).

• PATH Counseling and Wellness — A meaningful conversation with teens over lunch about healthy communication skills, building strong relationships, and brain development.

• Mick Dickerson: Firefighter Presentation — A hands-on look at public service, safety, and the real life of a firefighter (and homeschool dad, at that!)

• Rena Lum Hee, Owner of Lum Hee’s Yummies / Hands-On Activity — Cookie decorating plus a story of starting a bakery business from home—local, tangible, and inspiring.

These kinds of experiences expand learning beyond books and worksheets. They help kids connect academics to real life: science, health, communication, entrepreneurship, civic service, and practical life skills.

Why families value this so much

It brings learning to life

Kids remember what they experience. Seeing a uniform, touching equipment, asking questions, observing a skill, hearing a story—this is the kind of learning that sticks.

It broadens their view of what’s possible

Enrichment helps kids see the variety of ways adults contribute to the world: through service, creativity, science, trades, business ownership, and helping professions. That kind of exposure builds confidence and curiosity.

It supports parents, too

Many homeschooling parents are carrying a lot—curriculum decisions, daily rhythms, sibling needs, and the emotional weight of “doing it right.” Enrichment days offer:

• fresh ideas without extra planning

• reminders that you’re not doing this alone

• opportunities to learn alongside your kids

A community that invests in its kids

One of the most meaningful parts of enrichment days is that it shows our kids we value their being connected to our greater community!

And it goes both ways—these events also help families become more aware of the great people, services, and businesses right here in our community. We are so grateful for the collaboration of our community resources and the encouragement they also pour into our children’s learning!

Want to be part of RHSA?

If you’re a homeschool family looking for teacher-led classes plus a rich community experience, enrichment is one of the ways RHSA supports both learning and connection.

If you’re curious about joining, explore our co-op and see what a week with RHSA could look like for your family.

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