Calendar

Please email the HHL contact: heritagehomelearners1987@gmail.com for
the home school support group meeting location. It is in Surrey (northwest) – particularly
accessible to residents of Surrey, North Delta, and New Westminster.

Paid membership ($30 annually) is required for notification / reminders of ‘meetings’ and ‘park days’. Contact us if interested, we are generous with ‘guest’ invitation.


Scroll down for:

Summer Park Days

Meetings

Snack Schedule

HHL Park or Games Days – HHL Field Trips

General Homeschool Activity / Events in lower mainland


HERITAGE HOME LEARNERS

2025 Summer Park Days:

11:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Bring your own lunch. Unstructured.

Twice a month – alternating Saturday and Tuesday

Summer Park days will be cancelled with rain. The Summer Park Days (especially the Saturday choices) are intended for complete family attendance – including the Dads – an excellent opportunity for them to give and receive support as homeschool dads.

Reminder email with details sent one-week-prior AND day-of message will be sent to the HHL mailing list to confirm or cancel all Park Days.

JUNE 24, Tuesday, Fleetwood Park (15802 – 80 Avenue, Surrey). See: https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/fleetwood-park

July 8, Tuesday, Blackie Spit (3136 McBride Avenue, Surrey). See: https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/blackie-spit-park  Park at Blackie Spit and meet at the grassy area with picnic tables or look for us on the sandy beach, preferably under the small trees

JULY 26, Saturday, Redwood Park (17900 – 20 Avenue, Surrey).  See:   https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/redwood-park  Meet at the playground (near parking lot entrance).

AUG 9, Saturday, Annieville Park, 9150 112 Street, N Delta   https://www.delta.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/park-and-amenity-search/annieville-lions-park

AUG 19, Tuesday, Centennial beach, (12th Avenue and Boundary Bay Road in Tsawwassen, Delta). See:  https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/facility/centennial-beach .    You can get there by taking Highway 99 south from Vancouver, and turning off south at the Tsawwassen/B.C. Ferry exit (Highway 17). Turn left on 56th Avenue and then left again on 12th Avenue.

ALSO:

New West Homeschool Family Summer Park Days,

Organized by:  Pacific Schole (a Charlotte Mason inspired co-op)

Wednesday summer park days.

Note times:  transition to mornings (~10am), but please come and go as is convenient for you!  Invitations are weather dependent. 

This is an open group, so feel free to invite other moms.  

* June 4 (1-3pm): Minnekhada (Quarry Rd entrance)

* June 11 (1-3pm): Barnet Beach

* June 18 (~10am): Cariboo Park

* June 25: Hume Park

* July 2: Cariboo Park

* July 9: Hume Park

* July 16: La Farge (playground area)

* July 23: Cariboo Park

* July 30: Hume Park

* August 6: Cariboo Park

* August 13: Hume Park 

* August 20: Sasamat (White Pine Beach – paid parking)

Dates:  every Wednesday

Time: 10:00 ish until whenever you and your family need/want to leave.
Details:  All dates are weather dependent, there will NOT be an official “cancelled” email.  All families will use their own discretion, and attend / dress for the weather.  These parks have water (wading or spray park) options.  Bring your own coffee, snacks, and a lunch. Plus, once the summer is in full swing, towels and swimsuits!

Contact the HHL support group (heritagehomelearners1987@gmail.com) for the facilitator (Eliesje H) of these events.  Signal group link or text reminder available on request.

HERITAGE HOME LEARNERS

2025 – 2026 Calendar of Meetings

Meeting schedule the 3rd * Monday of every month 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

(Sept to June)

*altered when needed for: the statutory holidays and June.

Note:  week prior and day of email reminders are sent to the HHL email list.                            Meetings will be cancelled in case of snow – confirmed by email.

Sharing and prayer are an important part of our meetings, meaningful support is our goal.

SEPTEMBER 15 – “Meet and Greet”:  Welcome new inquiring moms and new / existing members.  Update on each other and what are your plans for the new year.  Bring curriculum as desired.  A group discussion (shared task to facilitate discussion).

Business: Registration and Annual Membership fee ($30) – register or re-register.  Update your info – especially curriculum choices, for print directory.

Assess meeting topics for this season – especially Creation Science in April – needs may have changed.

Planning for Field Trips, Activity (Park Days), online classes provided by our members.

OCTOBER 20 –”Preventing burnout”.  Alumni lead or a group discussion – shared task to facilitate discussion. Print Directory available.

NOVEMBER 17 – “Teaching Methods and Learning Styles.”.  Speaker from Abbotsford or alumni lead presentation / discussion.  Jessica to investigate. 

DECEMBER 8* – “Annual Christmas Social – Sharing, praise and prayer with Alumni”.  Appetizer Pot luck at the church. Starter question if needed? (Renee to invite). A group discussion (shared task to facilitate discussion).

FEBRUARY 9 (to avoid BC Family Day) – “Tech safety, AI ”.  Kelvin P to present and lead group discussion.

MARCH 16 – “Strengthening marriages.   Alumni lead, speaker, or a group discussion – shared task to facilitate discussion.  Everyone to consider a possible resource person inside or outside of HHL membership.

Opportunity for selling second hand materials. Note: Second hand sale in often in Abbotsford between April – June. A lot of second-hand book selling happens on Facebook these days. There are a few Facebook groups in our area a person can join to see materials people have posted and make arrangements to pick them up at the person’s home. Some people also post on Craigslist. Exercise caution when purchasing any online / digital based curriculum / resources – password protected usually only available from the vendor – it will not be transferable for second hand purchaser! 

APRIL 17 (or possibly 24– note Friday, starting time 7:00 PM. Creation Science Association of BC (https://creationbc.org/) presentation for local homeschool community (8th annual). Topic: to be announced.  With resource tables. Invite our families, and other homeschool groups. (RV to contact and invite homeschool groups in broader community).

MAY 11 – ‘Summer learning / homeschool / life / rest (also for mom) (so you don’t lose progress / mastery for children’. A group discussion (shared task to facilitate discussion).

JUNE 8 * – “Planning meeting for next season” (Planning calendars provided). Meetings and discussion topics, Summer Park Days, next season Park Days.

Attendees are the Administration Team for next season.

Bring your ideas for topics / speakers for next season.

Come with feedback from the past year – What were your favorite speakers / topics? What were the most helpful meetings? What meeting blessed you the most, and which one(s) disappointed you. Review, assess and identify possible alternatives and solutions.

Feedback about administration and format of the group.

Business: Registration and Annual Membership fee ($30) – register or re-register (update info for print directory distributed in Oct). Pre-payment in June allows you to borrow library materials over the summer.

Annual treasurer’s report.

As needed volunteers for position holders – see ‘contacts’ tab on HHL website: https://heritagehomelearners.com/index.php/contact/.   Banking changes require formal minutes to be compiled for bank – minutes to be approved and signed.

General notes:

The ‘Snack’ volunteer may open and close with prayer (or ask someone else to do this. Moderation of the meeting – all attendees will be responsible to help facilitate the discussion. The HHL member that confirms the speaker is to provide a week-prior reminder, introduce and conclude the meeting, and send a thank you to the speaker within a week post- meeting.

Avoid Nov to Feb for speakers or invites to other homeschool groups due to possible winter conditions for travelling.

Regarding meeting topics, flexibility will be exercised to accommodate, ie. special opportunities / speakers / unique needs / topics of members. Please communicate your ideas and recommendations via the HHL email. Also, consider: to have a meeting for the Dads.

Consider ‘End of the Year Dinner / talent / science project / displays’ evening for families and invited guests (grand parents etc).  Note:  This type of event requires a huge amount of planning / prep / clean-up.

Snack Schedule

for evening meetings (schedule to be completed at Sept meeting)

Sept. – Renée

Oct. –

Nov. –

Dec. – appy potluck – everyone.

Jan. –

Feb. –

Mar. –

Apr. – Not required due to Creation Science presentation.

May –

Jun. – Renée.

HERITAGE HOME LEARNERS

2025 – 2026 Season

Park / Board Games Days:

12:30 to 2:30 PM

Twice Monthly 2nd and 4th Tuesday (note some months have 5 Tuesdays!)

Indoor location (for board games) if the weather is rainy.

Reminder with location details sent the week prior.  Final reminder and confirmation of park or games day location sent on the day-of the Park Day.

Park locations are tentative and subject to change as per weather and convenience of the group – please pay close attention to the email reminders!

Board Game Day.  Bring your own games.  Craft supplies can also be brought.  Creation Sci video in separate room for those interested.  Intend to be involved with the children.  No food on location please, to reduce clean-up responsibilities!

2025

Tuesday, Sept 9). Cloverdale Athletic Park (6330 168 St, Surrey BC). Meet at the playground.  See:  https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/cloverdale-athletic-park

Tuesday, Sept 23. Bear Creek Park (13750 – 88 Avenue, Surrey). See: https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/bear-creek-park  We meet at the main playground (parking lot just off 88 Ave).

Tuesday, Oct 14. Tynehead Park (beginning our attempts to see the Salmon Homecoming). (16689 96 Ave, Surrey). See:   https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/tynehead-regional-park  OR https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/tynehead-regional-park OR Indoor Swimming at Guildford Recreation Centre.  See: https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/recreation-facilities/guildford-recreation-centre

Tuesday, Oct 28  Indoor Swimming at Guildford Recreation Centre.  See:   https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/recreation-facilities/guildford-recreation-centre OR second try if needed for Tynehead Park (Salmon homecoming) See:   https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/tynehead-regional-park  OR https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/tynehead-regional-park

Tuesday, Nov 11  Skip – individual families deal with Remembrance Day acknowledgement. 

Tuesday, Nov 25.  North Delta Community Park.  See:  https://www.delta.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/park-and-amenity-search/north-delta-community-park

Tuesday, Dec 9 Skating at Coquitlam Poirier Recreation Center – Toonie Skates, (630 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, See:   https://coquitlam.ca/439/Poirier-Community-Centre

2026

Tuesday, Jan 13 Indoor Craft and Board Games. Michelle B contact and supplies.

Tuesday, Jan 27 Indoor Swimming at Guildford Recreation Centre.  See:   https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/recreation-facilities/guildford-recreation-centre

Tuesday, Feb 10 Hawthorne Park (10513 – 144 Street, Surrey BC) See: https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/hawthorne-rotary-park   

Tuesday, Feb 24  Skating at Coquitlam Poirier Recreation Centre -Toonie Skates, (630 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, See:   https://coquitlam.ca/439/Poirier-Community-Centre

Tuesday, March 10 Green Timbers Urban Forest Park (14400 Block of 100 Avenue).  See:  https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/green-timbers-urban-forest-park  Meet in the 100 Ave ‘main’ parking lot on the south side of the road (just east of the 144 St intersection).

Tuesday, March 24 Fleetwood Park (15802 – 80 Avenue, Surrey). See: https://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2113.aspx

Tuesday, April 14 Reifel Bird Sanctuary (5191 Robertson Road, Delta – it takes about 40+ minutes to travel there from Newton – plan your timing / car pool.  See:  https://www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com/.  Each vehicle must preregister 3 days in advance  https://www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com/planning.html .  We visit as individual families, not as a group (or potential tour fees).  Must arrive before 11 for entrance.  Bring a lunch, plan on a few hours of walking.  Adults $8, Children (2-14) $6.  Parking free.

Tuesday, April 28 Cloverdale Athletic Park (6330 168 St, Surrey BC). Meet at the playground.  See:  https://www.surrey.ca/parks-recreation/parks/cloverdale-athletic-park

Tuesday, May 12 Terra Nova Park, Richmond.  See:  https://www.richmond.ca/parks-recreation/parks/parksearch/park.aspx?ID=116 .

Tuesday, May 26  Deer Lake Park, Burnaby.  See:  https://www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/deer-lake-park .  Intention to see the blooming rhododendrons

Tuesday, June 9 Richmond Nature Park.  See:    https://www.richmond.ca/parks-recreation/parks/aboutrnp.htm .

Tuesday, June 23  Annieville Park, (9150 112 Street, North Delta). See: https://www.delta.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/park-and-amenity-search/annieville-lions-park

Park options (key words: playground, trails and washrooms). We also choose parks not connected to schools.  Locations with a field trip focus – need adequate parking or convenient transit, and please consider entrance fees.

Other considerations –Fitness place – use of gym?  Especially for wet winter weather!

HHL Field Trips

If you are interested in a location – please organize. 

Options:  VSO in Nov or Feb.  Surrey Museum.  GVZoo, Planetarium, Science World – best done with a DL school for reasonable admission prices).  Also swimming / skating (public hours) – possible at another city.

General Homeschool Activity / Events in lower mainland

Sept – Not going back to school picnics ?

Swimming Fall sessions (10 sessions at Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex) and skating (?) registration starting in August.   www.surrey.ca click on ‘culture and rec’, ‘activities search and register’.

Check Sungod pool for Delta lessons.

Oct. – Bird migration, Salmon ‘homecoming’ begins

Life Chain Sunday is 1st Sunday in October from 2-3 PM. For Surrey, usually takes place on King George between 104 and Holland Park. September is when details and location are confirmed.  Link: https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/life-chain

Nov. – Remembrance Day events at local cenotaphs – usually start at 10:30 – check

          newspaper for info.

Reg begins for SSLC swim for the Jan sessions.

Light display at Bear Creek Park in surrey (1 week?). Evening. Often requires

registration, but is free.

Dec. – Various Christmas events – church and cities.

Jan. – Swimming session (winter) begins (SSLC) (see Sept)

Mission Central SERVE (formerly Missions Fest Vancouver) – Vancouver (last weekend in Jan)  https://conference.missioncentral.ca/ , 2025 in Chilliwack.

Feb. – Family Day – check www.surrey.ca , click on ‘culture and rec’, and ‘events’ –

           often free  swim/skate in select locations (usually very busy!).

Mar. – Reg for SSLC swim for the April Spring sessions

Apr. – Swimming session begins (SSLC)

Surrey Environmental Extravaganza events – Apr to June) many free family events (local nature).  Check www.surrey.ca , click on ‘culture and rec’, ‘parks’, ‘programs and events in parks’, ‘public programs’, ‘environmental extravaganza’

‘Used book’ sales begin (Abbotsford) Also check Facebook and other internet sites.

May – B C Homelearners Conference?.  May also be a conference in the BC interior – Kamloops?

March for Life, Victoria , 1st Thursday in May (?) Info for this will come out in the spring.  Link from this past year if you want to learn more. https://m4lvictoria.ca/

Surrey Children’s Festival (end of May) See city of Surrey website:

Jun. –    TLA Track and Field Sports Day ? 

Homeschool / Family Sports Day events may also be organized by other support groups (Langley Home Educators Association. contact: lheagroup@gmail.com , New Life Homeschool support group, Burnaby. http://newlifehomeschool.com/ . Richmond (South Delta Home Learners) group – please pass info of these events to HHL.  Usually requires registration prior to the event.

School’s Done Picnics?

Prayer Sunday for the Persecuted Church ‘One With Them’ by Open Doors.  Hebrews 13:3:  “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering”.  https://onewiththem.ca/

Note: TLA field trips throughout the year.

Some field trips are open for non-TLA families, provided there is space. Field trips are posted on the website and families are welcome to check this out regularly. Contact TLA for availability, details and payment. https://schoolathome.ca/events/ home page,- our community, – events and field trips

TLA and other school field trip opportunities will be ‘forwarded’ to the HHL email list if we are informed.  Please send info to the Heritage Home Learners email (heritagehomelearners1987@gmail.com).