Not long ago, homeschooling was an oddity. Parents searched diligently for good curriculum and opportunities for their kids to participate in community activities.   Though it is far from mainstream, homeschooling is much more readily accepted as a valid form of education today. Choosing good curriculum is still hard, but because so much quality material is available. Homeschoolers, especially those in more populated areas, now have many opportunities to participate in sports and academic organizations. 

One of the moms in our local homeschool group founded a homeschool Junior Beta Club, and it has been so good for our kids! We’ve spend hours in service, leadership training, and academic competition. I asked my friend Becky to share her experience and how to start a homeschool Beta Club.

Becky writes:

As a homeschooling mom of three, one of the major concerns I had when we started the homeschool journey, was will my children have the same opportunities ( ie. sports, clubs, scholarships, etc.) as public school children. The truth is they won’t unless you the parent, advocate for them.

As my kiddos started to get older, and entered into junior high, I was presented with an opportunity to help charter a homeschool chapter of the National Junior Beta Club. I was super excited because as a once “public school kid” myself, I was in Beta, and earned scholarships for college through the organization. I also also felt a level of apprehension because I had no idea where to begin.

It honestly is not a difficult process, but I will caution you. It takes a high level of commitment, so I recommend having other dependable people enter into the process with you.  

So what is Beta?

In a nutshell, Beta is an organization that strives to serve others through service projects, volunteering, and giving back to the community; all while maintaining good academic scores.

Can you see this Moma’s happy hands waving?!!!  These opportunities present many teachable moments, and help instill having a servant’s heart. Love, love, love!!

The National Beta motto is “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.”  

Are you thinking yes, where do I sign?  Here is what I recommend (because I basically had to figure the process out on my own).

How to Start a Homeschool Beta Club

First, I would go to Betaclub.org and visit the Q&A section of the website. Do your research.  

Second, if it still feels like an opportunity you want for your child, start and open a forum with other parents you think would like the same for their kids. Gauge their response and level of commitment. Beta usually requires at least 5 members to a found chapter.

Third, Once you see the need and want is there, reach out to the National Beta Organization via email on their website. They will gladly help you every step of the way. They are very responsive, and practically held my hand through phone and email.

Finally, after you register your homeschool Beta Club with its charter members, begin meeting, elect officers, and plan leadership and service activities!

There are no fees to found a chapter, but each member is required to pay a small membership fee each year. (New members usually pay $30. Half goes to the National Beta Organization and half to the local Beta Club. Members receive an official certificate and Beta pin.)

 I am so thankful this opportunity was presented to me. I would have never have considered it on my own. Don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations that usually are school orientated. You never know what the answer will be unless you ask.

The Four Pillars of Beta: Achievement, Character, Leadership, Service

Becky is thankful for the opportunity and I am thankful she put in the work necessary to get our homeschool Beta club up and running! She started a Junior Beta Club for Grades 4-8. Our fellow homeschool mom, Lynn, began a Senior Beta Club for Grades 9-12. Through Beta our Kids are growing in achievement, character, leadership, and service.

Each state conducts an annual Beta Convention where members can participate in a wide variety of competitions. The top five winners in each competition are eligible to compete in National Beta Convention.

This year at least four homeschool Beta Clubs were represented at the Mississippi Beta Junior or Senior Conventions. Our little Junior Beta Club won fourth in service, third in Robotics, and second in Marketing and Communication! Our Senior Beta Club of 8 active members won first place in Service! 

We are excited for our kids and proud to see homeschooling represented well before the convention and especially before a few naysayers who questioned our participation.

When our homeschooled kids grow up, I want them to remember the fun experiences, but especially the character qualities they learned in Beta.

Do you think  a homeschool Beta Club would benefit your kids? Go for it! Start planning now to begin your club in the next school year!

If you’d like to know more about our Beta experience, please ask your questions in the comments below.