Home Swap = Family Fun
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supportive husband. I am the founder of www.HELMtravel.com, the first (as far as my research
shows) home exchange program strictly for homeschooling/home educated families.
For many years our family has exchanged homes with other families through out our nation. It is
actually hard for me to imagine traveling any other way as it is free, access to a full kitchen,
laundry facility and a yard to play in has given our family a change to really enjoy ourselves.
We've stayed in many places including a 1950's 2 bedroom/1bath home to "the castle" a 4 story
home 5000+ sf with breathtaking views. No matter where we went we made memories that would
last a life time.
Some of these locations were across the country, some were only an hour away. It didn't matter
though, it gave us time together, time to explore and time to learn. It gave us a chance to
experience destinations that otherwise may have gone by unnoticed or would otherwise be
unobtainable due to the cost of lodging.
The only drawback to our old way of arranging our exchanges was the time and effort it took to
arrange an exchange as many were with families that were tied to the traditional school
schedule.I just knew there had to be another way.
It was during a trip, while we were lost in Washington, DC, that our oldest son gave me the
inspiration to find that better alternative.
"Mom, why can't all our lessons be this much fun?"
The "fun" was a day spent at the National Air and Space Museum. He was floating on a
cloud and couldn't get enough. What was also equally wonderful is that my animal loving son
was chatting away about the great time he had and our daughter had a monkey strapped
around her waist "just like the one in space." It was this moment that made me realize that all the
effort was worth it.
Then it came to me, it would be much easier if there were a group of families that all were home
educating their children. We could pool our resources and with a common ground
(homeschooling) it would much easier to make contact and arrange for hosting and exchanging
opportunities.
H.E.L.M. Travel would allow travel opportunities not just for our family but for many
homeschooling families that would now be able to enjoy traveling with their family.
While our children haven't cared for the 12 hour drives in the car, we've made the best of with
books on tape/CD, games and the occasional geography lesson.
I personally run this site and it's dedicated to the families that want a similar experience for their
children, whether it is our Nation's Capital, the Wild West, or a day at the beach. There is
always an adventure waiting.
Come Experience, Educated and Enjoy what home exchange/family hosting can offer your family!
Lara Chartier
Homeschooling Mother of 3
Founder of www.HELMtravel.com
shows) home exchange program strictly for homeschooling/home educated families.
For many years our family has exchanged homes with other families through out our nation. It is
actually hard for me to imagine traveling any other way as it is free, access to a full kitchen,
laundry facility and a yard to play in has given our family a change to really enjoy ourselves.
We've stayed in many places including a 1950's 2 bedroom/1bath home to "the castle" a 4 story
home 5000+ sf with breathtaking views. No matter where we went we made memories that would
last a life time.
Some of these locations were across the country, some were only an hour away. It didn't matter
though, it gave us time together, time to explore and time to learn. It gave us a chance to
experience destinations that otherwise may have gone by unnoticed or would otherwise be
unobtainable due to the cost of lodging.
The only drawback to our old way of arranging our exchanges was the time and effort it took to
arrange an exchange as many were with families that were tied to the traditional school
schedule.I just knew there had to be another way.
It was during a trip, while we were lost in Washington, DC, that our oldest son gave me the
inspiration to find that better alternative.
"Mom, why can't all our lessons be this much fun?"
The "fun" was a day spent at the National Air and Space Museum. He was floating on a
cloud and couldn't get enough. What was also equally wonderful is that my animal loving son
was chatting away about the great time he had and our daughter had a monkey strapped
around her waist "just like the one in space." It was this moment that made me realize that all the
effort was worth it.
Then it came to me, it would be much easier if there were a group of families that all were home
educating their children. We could pool our resources and with a common ground
(homeschooling) it would much easier to make contact and arrange for hosting and exchanging
opportunities.
H.E.L.M. Travel would allow travel opportunities not just for our family but for many
homeschooling families that would now be able to enjoy traveling with their family.
While our children haven't cared for the 12 hour drives in the car, we've made the best of with
books on tape/CD, games and the occasional geography lesson.
I personally run this site and it's dedicated to the families that want a similar experience for their
children, whether it is our Nation's Capital, the Wild West, or a day at the beach. There is
always an adventure waiting.
Come Experience, Educated and Enjoy what home exchange/family hosting can offer your family!
Lara Chartier
Homeschooling Mother of 3
Founder of www.HELMtravel.com
| Jamestown Settlement in Virginia. |
| Taking a break at the Washington Monument. |
| A day at the Beach! |
| H.E.L.M. Travel Home Exchange & Family Hosting Service |