Membership
Family Membership Cost is $10.00/year (September till August). This goes to cover: membership directories (printing & mailing), website hosting, banking fees, office supplies, photocopying, resource library, gifts, cards, etc. As much as possible, our activities operate on a “break even” strategy, but if there is a miscalculation, our volunteers do not need to lose sleep, as the membership fees also function as a buffer.
All members and those who participate in ARCHE member organized activities must abide by our Philosophy and Etiquette policies. Please register for your membership by September 30th, so we know how many directories to print – and so that we can get the directory out to members (you!) as quickly as possible. People who register for a membership after the directory has already been printed and mailed out will not be in the directory, but will be included on the email list. Late registrations will only receive a directory if there are any left.
Member Directory
ARCHE publishes a directory of members each year. ARCHE is a cooperative movement, so the directory is a valuable resource in finding help, encouragement, social activities, or just connecting with some really neat families. ARCHE does not provide the directory or information with anyone who does not agree to also share their information with the rest of the membership. Only ARCHE members can be added to the directory, and ARCHE will only send a directory to ARCHE members.
We include a Business and Resource section at the back of the directory so that ARCHE members can connect with other ARCHE members for products and services. The business and resource directory is exclusively for members - the business must be owned or operated by an ARCHE member.
Philosophy
The Association of Regina Christian Home Educators (ARCHE) was established in the early 1990’s. The philosophy that was established for the group reads as this:
“ARCHE is a group of Christian families who have made a commitment to educate our children at home because of a conviction that it is God’s will for us. We are concerned for our children’s spiritual life, character development and social and academic welfare. We believe in building strong Christians who will be leaders in their generation."
It is our desire to encourage and support both current and possible future home schooling families through the sharing of activities and resources as well as through prayer and fellowship. Our ultimate goal is that God would be glorified through the ministry of ARCHE.”
As our group flourishes, we feel, it is important to look back at our roots and re-establish our focus. We are a support group, offering support and activities. We are an interdenominational group who operate under a Godly leadership. The leaders of the group are required to be professing born-again Evangelical Christians, who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour. Their position is to oversee the groups performance and to lead the group with prayer and Godly wisdom.
We are and will be sensitive to those whose beliefs are in other things or who practice other religions. Our stand, both in leadership and as a group is in Jesus Christ. Sharing our relationship with Him to our children and to others is a natural by-product of our faith. Biblical morals are the true foundation of our homes and of our group. We will not be persuaded otherwise. All things done will be to glorify our Lord.
We encourage people to establish smaller support groups. Fellowship is very important and not all activities are accessible or appropriate for you and your family. Finding others with common interests may be the direction you need at this particular time. We ask that you be open and sensitive to those who may be struggling or who need the fellowship but are new and unfamiliar with us.
Etiquette
As a group with varying styles of teaching and disciplining, we have found a need to establish a group etiquette. We appreciate everyone’s style but as a group we are held responsible. When out on field trips, or using another’s facilities we need to maintain a high standard of moral and respectable behavior. Please read thru so we can all be in union as we enjoy our various outings.
- Each family is responsible for their own children. If you, as a parent, are unable to attend please appoint another adult to be present.
- Children, including toddlers, should not be allowed to run in any facility, unless they have been given permission by the leader or the host.
- Children, including toddlers, should stay with their parents and not be allowed to wander. This is especially important on field trips. If your child is unable to co-operate, please be responsible and either carry the child or politely excuse yourself.
- Safety, manners, and our behavior need to be watched and checked. If we’re not, there’s others who are.
- The leaders of the group, field trip, or social event will be given the responsibility to ensure proper behavior. If need be, they have the right to approach members to correct or bring awareness to the groups etiquette.
- ARCHE will provide an area for children to socialize during family socials. Each facility will have different services but we ask that you watch your children and ask them to play within the designated area.
- Please supervise your children when they are using the washroom facilities.
- Adults, please be sensitive to the different events and keep conversations to a whisper or if possible, keep all focus on the event and visit afterwards.
- When registering for an event, please ensure prompt payment. You may lose your position if payment is not received. All organizers work on a volunteer basis and it is not their responsibility to ensure that your payment is on time. Their workload is big enough.
- Please try to be at least 10 min. early for scheduled events. Late comers will be allowed no more than 10 min. after the designated meeting time, before the group will proceed without them.
- If you have difficulty or a disagreement with a facility, or event please speak to the event leader and/or the group leader. Facilities are only being accessed, they are not responsible for the scheduling, payments, and programs offered. Our status with the community can be and has been jeopardized by complaints being directed to the facilities instead of the group leaders.
- Above all, please remember we are just a support group fulfilling the interests of our children. We do not claim to have all the answers and we do not have the expertise to provide all services. As people, willing to organize or offer a service and facilities become available, we try to access them.