Patton's With Passion: Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gathering

We are home! This week, we attended the Unschoolers Winter Water park Gathering at Kalahari Indoor Water park in Sandusky, Ohio.

We are homeschoolers, not unschoolers, but were still invited to attend. Our local friends and home schoolers gave us the oppurtunity to rent part of their large suite, and share the space with them.

It was FANTASTIC! First I'd like to point out how WONDERFUL all the participants were. NEVER have I seen such a large group of well behaved, confident, secure, outgoing, helpful and sincere kids. Ever. Each corner we turned, there was a child approaching us. In the elevator they would ask where we are from, how we like the park, how old the kids are, etc. At the water park area, a 16? year old boy picked Rylan up after he tripped. Near the wave pool, an 8? year old girl told us where to get Rylan a life vest- without us asking. Our "suitemates" had their door decorated with Steelers decorations, and had teenagers come knock at the door and talk football. I had a teen girl offer to go fill our water bottle while I was supervising 4 kids at the indoor play structure. I did not see one argurment or any bullying. And we were with 100's of kids day and night. All siblings were so sweet with eachother. Even at 10pm, there were older kids roaming the halls with their little siblings. I'll admit the lack of parental supervision was a little unnerving at first, (kids of all ages out by themselves) but they all were perfectly capable of taking care of eachother. It was really a huge eye opening experience.

There was SO much for the kids to do. If you have time, check out the website in the link at the top of this post. We are sure we'd ike to return next winter. There were many activities scheduled for the kids AND the adults. Art and craft rooms, dress up areas, play areas, button making, scrapbooking, etc.

I was able to attend 2 conference sessions. I really enjoyed them and got some insight on new-to-me parenting ideas. Some I agree with, much I did not, but it was still an interesting experience. A lot to think about and learn.

Rylan getting ready to brave the wave pool, and not happy about having to wear a life vest

Rylan body boarding! The first day Brayden tried too, butI didn't have my camera

This is where the boys would have spent the entire 3 days if it were up to them.
Basketball in the water. There were 12 hoops. And a waterfall.
(Rylan is to the bottom right jumping off the stairs)

Because we shared a full kitchen suite, we only had to go out to eat once. This place was amazing! They had coloring contests, limbo, danicing, juggling and more. The entire staff was wonderful, as in above and beyond wonderful. and FUN!

And the food was wonderful, too! This was our appetizer: spinach, artichoke and blue crab dip.

And dessert......
Yes, I went all out, I let the kids drink juice AND have chocolate.....don't faint, it was vacation....see, I can loosen up ;)

After our dinner, we went for a round of put- put golf.

Then it was off to the Talent Show!
This was my favorite part of the vacation. SO many talented kids!
This picture shows a dance routine of disabled kids. The ones in wheelcharis are in the back, and this boy on front stage used crutches as stilts!