Tuesday, December 18, 2007

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Lowcountry Estuarium Tour

We did it! December 4, 2007 we went to the Lowcountry Estuarium in Port Royal for a great fieldtrip. There were five families present which made it a great number. The Lowcountry Estuarium is a learning center designed to provide hands-on learning about the coastal environments of our beautiful area, such as salt marshes, beaches, coastal waters, and estuaries. The tour began at the Estaurium building with a presentation that featured several tanks with creatures from the Port Royal Sound. After leaving the building we went down to The Sands to get a close look at the sound, along with the plant and animal life there. Most of us found great shells and a few shark teeth. Following the entire tour we went to the Port Royal Park for a lunch fellowship.

Facts about the Estaurium

An estuarium is similar to an aquarium. Aquariums usually have live specimens and exhibits that showcase freshwater or marine species. An estuarium exhibits terrestrial and aquatic specimens that live in brackish water and saltwater environments.

Estuaries are areas where fresh water from the land and salt water from the ocean meet and mix, such as in our coastal rivers. An estuary can be as small as a tidal creek or as large as a bay. Port Royal Sound and St. Helena Sound are estuaries located in Beaufort County.

As a learning center, the Lowcountry Estuarium showcases the unique and special organisms and habitats found in the Lowcountry. Some of the ecosystem exhibits include: Diamond back terrapin habitat - Habitat for several species of crabs - Game fish habitat - Food web interactions - Estuary awareness We learned to respect and take care of our unique ecosystem.

The Origin of Estuaries

Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:20-23, 28

Tuesday, November 13, 2007




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Fabulous Fall Fellowship

We had a fabulous fall fellowship Saturday, November 3rd. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event that featured a great meal of hamburgers and all the fixings, chili, baked beans and lots of chips and luscious desserts to round it off. The time of meeting and greeting, just getting to know a bit more about each other was super though there were a few interruptions by our goats who wanted to get in on the fun!



The kids, human kind, played and ran all about with tag and a host of other outdoor games. The teens had their own time of hanging out on the porch catching up on things and all that. The adults mixed and mingled keeping a watchful eye on the young ones and enjoyed great conversations.



Time came for the campfire and singing which was an even bigger hit this year than before because Neal Tisdale not only brought his guitar but his collection of praise and worship music, and a music stand. Ron Kramps and Byron also had a guitar and we brought an extra one from the house to make a grand total of 4 guitars and there were actually 5 guys who played, wow! Meagan and I play but we bowed out politely and sang instead. Marshmallows were roasted over the campfire, Belle our beagle came over for hugs and pats which abounded from the kids. Overall we had a wonderful time now only enjoying eachother's company but praising God through song!!! Oh what a time we had!!!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Family and Friends Fall Fellowship


The families of the Christian Homeschoolers of Beaufort (CHSB) are hosting our Fall Family and Friends Fellowship and would like very much for you to come and share in the fun of this event. We will share a meal together, play games, have a campfire, roast marshmallows, sing songs and you are welcome to share riddles, jokes, or even a short story. If this sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon and into the evening, then come out and join in the fellowship. CHSB will provide the meats and participating families bring a side dish, dessert or beverages. Please RSVP so we’ll know how much of the main dish we need to provide.

What to expect:
This event for the most part takes place outdoors. There will be activities for everyone!

Please bring:
A flashlight (if you want to play flashlight tag)
A folding chair for each family member
It’s a bit cool in the evenings so you may need a jacket, long sleeved T-shirt or a sweat shirt.
Just before dusk there may still be a few mosquitoes and or sand gnats “no-see-ums” so insect repellant may be needed.

See you soon!


Friday, October 5, 2007

South Carolina Archaeology Month Programs

2007 South Carolina Archaeology Month Programs

Share the Spirit of Discovery During
2007 South Carolina Archaeology Month


Following is a list of the calendar of events and programs presented
during the Sixteenth Annual South Carolina Archaeology Month
(Oct. 1-31, 2007). Archaeology Month events will be offered not
only in October but also in September through November. Events
and programs have been developed by dedicated professionals,
avocationalists, and organizations in order to bring our state’s
prehistoric and historic past to life for all ages. Through such public
outreach efforts, the archaeological community hopes to build
regional and local public support for the preservation of our Native
American, African, and European heritage.

By sponsoring an annual event like SC Archaeology Month,

the archaeological community of South Carolina intends to:
1) stimulate public pride in our state’s archaeological heritage,
2) increase public understanding of why archaeological research
is important,
3 heighten public awareness of how many archaeological resources
are lost each year in South Carolina,
4) educate the public about what they can do to help protect and

study the state’s archaeological resources, and
5) get more people involved in legitimate archaeological activities.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Fears That Fortified Charles Towne––Cannon Demonstration
Mar. 1-Nov. 30 (Every Third Sat.)
During the early years of the settlement, the Charles Towne

colonists faced several threats, especially from their primary
enemy and colonial rival, the Spanish. The Spanish fleet at
St. Augustine, Florida was within three days travel of the
fledgling English colony. Charles Towne, "here settled in the
very chaps of the Spaniard," was a direct challenge to the claim
of this disputed land. Following a review of Charles Towne's
fortifications and defenses, the program will culminate with the
Charles Towne Militia living history team's demonstration of
17th century artillery.Meet at the cannons in the fortified area
at 1 PM, 2 PM, and/or 3 PM. Bring water and insect repellent.
Contact the park for more information: Charles Towne Landing
State Historic Site, 1500 Old TowneRoad, Charleston, SC 29407,
(843) 852-4200, www.southcarolinaparks.com.

York County Cultural & Heritage Commission
Liberty or Death: Rebels & Loyalists in the Southern
Piedmont
Exhibition Opening Jun. 25, 2006-Dec. 31, 2007
This an interactive exhibition on the Revolutionary War in the

Carolina backcountry between 1780-1782 made possible by a
grant from the Watson-Brown Foundation. Free with museum
admission. Hours are from 10 AM-5 PM. For more information,
contact York County Cultural & Heritage Commission,
4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC,
(803) 329-2121 or visit:
www.chmuseums.org.

The Charleston Museum
Clothes to Dye For Tour
Nov. 1 (Thurs.)
Join the curator of Clothes to Dye For: Colorful Textiles from

the Charleston Museum Collection or Museum staff for a
guided tour of the exhibit. Learn about four centuries of
garments worn by Charlestonians and dyeing processes used
to achieve these rich shades and hues. These curator-led tours
of Clothes to Dye For are available the first Thursday of the
month throughout the exhibit run. No reservations are
necessary. Free with General Admission:
Free for Members, $10/adult, $5/child (age 3-12),
under age 3 free. Meet at the Museum at 11 AM.
For information contact:
The Charleston Museum (843) 722-2996,
rchesser@charlestonmuseum.org.

Archaeological Society of South Carolina, Inc.
Historic Brattonsville/Culture and Heritage Museums
20th Annual Archaeology Field Day: A Taste of Archaeology:
How Food HasInfluenced the Archaeological Record
Oct. 20 (Sat.) The 20th annual South Carolina Archaeology
Field Day will be held on October 20 at Historic Brattonsville.
This year's theme is on “Foodways.A Taste of Archaeology:
How Food Has Influenced the Archaeological Record." Visit
with archaeologists from around the state while they discuss
how Carolinians have been eating for the last 12,000 years!
Watch demonstrators interpret archaeological data to present
how Carolinians gathered, prepared, cooked, and served food
from the Lowcountry to the Piedmont.Learn about archaeology
and Low Country Foodways, Revolutionary War Camp Kitchen,
Kitchenware from the Blacksmith, 18th Century Scotts-Irish
Archaeology, Artifacts from Spanish Wells, 19th Century
Moonshine, Maritime Foodways, and Moravian Kitchenwares.
There will also be demonstrations on hot rock cooking,
friction fire, forests, and food, cooking with clay–– Aboriginal
clay pots, Catawba foodways,atlatl and blowgun hunting,
and archaeology of fishing. The public will also see actual
excavations of a country store. Kids will participate in a dig,
make bricks, turn rope, shuck and grind corn, and much more.
Eat with Charlotte Reporter and ExtremeBarbeque author
Dan Huntley. Have a puzzling artifact? Bring artifacts to have
them identified by a professional archaeologist. Tour
Historic Brattonsville’s property, and visit 18th and 19th
Century buildings belonging to the Bratton family. Discover
their history and learn about life in the Carolina Piedmont
from the 1750s to the 1850s.
Fee: $8/Adults, $6/Seniors, $3/Students,

Children under four are free.
Bus groups call ahead. Contact: Jody Steel,
Historic Brattonsville, (803) 329-2121, Ext. 183,
jsteele@chmuseums.org. If you would like to set up a
project display or participate in any, especially as a volunteer,
please contact Sean Taylor, Archaeology Field Day
Coordinator, (803) 734-3753. If you wish to make a donation,

please contact Nena Rice,Treasurer ASSC at the SC Institute of
Archaeology and Anthropology, 1321 Pendleton
Street, Columbia, SC 29208, (803) 777-8170, nrice@sc.edu,

and visit http://www.assc.net/ or www.cas.sc.edu/sciaa.

DO NOT MISS THIS EXCITING ANNUAL EVENT!
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
The Frontier Rifleman
Oct. 20 (Sat.)
Perhaps no other figure from the American Revolution has been more

romanticized than the frontier rifleman. And, while the reality may not
live up to the legend, the frontier rifleman did prove to be an invaluable
asset to the Patriot cause, particularly at places like the Battle of
Musgrove's Mill. Visit us at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site to learn about
the lifestyle, arms, equipment, and function of the frontier rifleman during
the American Revolution. Fee: $2/adults (age 16-64); $1.25/seniors
(SC Residents 65 and older); Children under 15 free. Meet at the
Visitor’s Center from 1-4 PM. Contact Musgrove Mill State Historic Site,
398 State Park Road, Clinton, SC 29325, (803) 734-1700 or toll-free
(866) 224-9339, Parks (803) 734-0156, www.southcarolinaparks.com.


Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
Beyond the Gravestone
Oct. 20 (Sat.)
Have you ever strolled through a cemetery and looked at old

gravestones? Many are decorated with designs, quotes, or engravings
that had special meaning for the deceased or their loved ones. Take a
walk with us throughthe Beech Island Cemetery where Governor
Hammond and many of his descendants are buried. Learn about
gravestone motifs and the movement to protect, preserve, and document
cemetery history. Special instructions and alternatives to the traditional
gravestone rubbings will be discussed so that you may capture interesting
designs without damaging these fragile markers. Meet at the plantation
from 4-5 PM. Free with Park Admission.
Meet at the plantation from 10 AM-1 PM. Contact: Redcliffe Plantation
State Historic Site, (803) 827-1473, www.southcarolinaparks.com.

Kings Mountain State Park
Farm Festival at the Farm
Oct. 27 (Sat.)
Hayrides, storytellers, a blacksmith in the forge, re-enactors, and

pumpkins come together to celebrate Halloween and the fall harvest
at the Living History Farm. Pumpkins will be given away to visitors
until the field is empty. Night tours will be given by re-enactors for the
not so faint at heart, while a bonfire provides light and warmth for those
looking for a little less adventure. Meet at the Living History Farm from
10 AM-5 PM. Visitor Information (803) 734-1700 or toll-free
(866) 224-9339,Parks (803) 734-0156, www.southcarolinaparks.com.

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Battle of Blackstock’s Anniversary Celebration
Nov. 17 (Sat.)
On November 20, 1780, General Thomas Sumter and his men fought

Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton and a small, but well trained force
of British soldiers at theBlackstock's Plantation in modern-day Union
County. On Saturday, November 17, 2007, Musgrove Mill State Historic
Site will be presenting the Battle of Blackstock's Anniversary Celebration.
The event will feature an interpretive talk on the Battle of Blackstock's
and its significance, a Ranger-led tour of the battlefield, a period firing
salute, and commemorations by the Daughters of the American Revolution
and the Sons of the American Revolution. The event will be held at
1 PM at Blackstock Battlefield Historic Site. For more information
and directions to Blackstock Battlefield HistoricSite, contact
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site at
(864) 938-0100, www.southcarolinaparks.com.


Local Events

Beaufort County Library

Why Does Beaufort County Library Celebrate Archaeology Month?
Beaufort County is rich in archaeological sites and studies.
Archaeology looks at human artifacts and remains, including
structures made by humans, in order to help us understand how our ancestors lived, worked, what they ate, and how they interacted with other humans and the environment.

In cooperation with Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Beaufort County School District, the County Historic Preservationist, and EMBARQ, the Library has posted online articles about
Fort Frederick
(http://beaufortcountylibrary.org/rooms/documents/html/FortFrederick.htm)

Fort Fremont
(http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/rooms/documents/html/fremont.htm)

Altamaha
(http://beaufortcountylibrary.org/rooms/documents/html/altamaha.htm)

Lowcountry South Carolina Indians (Pathfinder to Materials)
(http://beaufortcountylibrary.org/rooms/documents/html/LowcountrySouthCarolinaIndians.htm)

• Beaufort District Librarian Grace Cordial's September 30 Beaufort Gazette Column about the Archaeology Month Celebration





Broadway Comes To Town

Three members of CHSB will debut in the musical production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat this weekend. Byron, Peter and Sarah Jones are members of the cast that has worked extremely hard since August on the songs, dance and dialogue of this wonderful musical. All that work will be showcased this Friday and Saturday and the Baptist Church of Beaufort. Shows are Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. For all of the details, click on the poster.


Friday, September 28, 2007

Estuarium Day at the Library

The Children and Young Adult Department of the Beaufort County Library hosted Estuary Day, Wednesday, September 26 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Mr Bob Bender, curator of the Lowcountry Estuarium in Port Royal shared information about the Estuary in the Port Royal Sound, the St. Helena Sound and the many creatures and plants found in it.
The presentation featured numerous slides, demonstrations, personal stories and animals in their own aquariums. Estuaries are areas where fresh water from the land and salt water from the ocean meet and mix, such as in our coastal rivers. An estuary can be as small as a tidal creek or as large as a bay. Port Royal Sound and St. Helena Sound are estuaries located in Beaufort County.
The Children and Young Adult Services Director, Maria Benac, had a lovely spread of snacks and beverages for all in attendance. There were homeschoolers, high school students from Beaufort High and the winner of the Estuarium's poster contest, a student at Mossy Oaks Elementary.
Our special thanks to "Ms. Maria" and the library for inviting Mr. Bender and to Mr. Bender for the most informative presentation.
Bob Bender, Curator demonstrates how Welks eat oysters and other bi-vales

Teachers and students mingling after the Estaurium presentation.

Two CHSB members observing the creatures on display.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

First Meeting for 2007-08 School Year



The September meeting of the Christian Homeschoolers of Beaufort was Monday the 24th at the Beaufort County Library Paul Siegmund Meeting Room. Our guest speaker for the evening Rachel Ward, is the administrator for Homeward Education Association, a third-option association located in Sumter, SC. Rachel covered several homeschool topics, shared her experience as a homeschool mom and opened the floor for questions. A variety of questions and concerns were raised including preparing for college, testing, and record keeping (grades, transcripts).


Information about upcoming changes to expect, requirements for high school students, qualifications for scholarships, news from the SC Commission on Education, and the importance of legal assistance groups like HSLDA, statewide accountability groups and local support groups.


We were pleased to meet several homeschool families who are new to the area, others who are interested in joing CHSB and those who specifically came to hear Rachel Ward. It was a lovely evening filled with great fellowship and we look forward to having more of like kind during the school year.

S.C. Homeschool Option Three

Option Three:
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school under the membership auspices of an association for homes schools with no fewer than fifty members.

Attendance: 180 days per year

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED

Record Keeping: Maintain evidence of regular instruction including a written record of subjects taught, activities in which the student and parent engage, and a portfolio of the child's work, with a semiannual progress report

Testing: None

Contact: HEA (803) 496-4511 or visit www.homewarded.com

S.C. Homeschool Option Two

Option Two:
Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school under the membership of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)

Attendance: 180 days per year

Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED

Record Keeping: Periodic progress reports

Testing: None

Contact: SCAIHS(803) 407-2155or visit www.scaihs.org to request an application

S.C. Homeschool Option One

Option One:

Legal Option: Establish and operate a home school as approved by the local school board

Attendance: 180 days per year, 4 1/2 hours per day

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED or a baccalaureate degree
Record Keeping: Maintain evidence of regular instruction including a written record of subjects taught, activities in which the student and parent engage, a portfolio of the child's work, and a record of academic evaluations, with a semiannual progress report

Testing: Participate in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program

SC Homeschool Options

CHSB strongly encourages families to select one of the legal options outlined in South Carolina Home Schooling Statutes. There are currently three options from which to choose. However, compulsory school age* and required subjects** apply to all home educators regardless of which option they select.

South Carolina Law Compulsory School Age: "five years of age before September first until...seventeenth birthday or graduation from high school"; five-year-olds may be excused from kindergarten with submission of written notice to the school district.

South Carolina Law Required Subjects: Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies; Also composition and literature in grades 7-12

Homeschool Resources

Looking for Curriculum?
A Beka Book
800-873-5323
www.abeka.org
The Always Incomplete Catalog
(941) 676-6311
www.lifetimeonline.com
Bob Jones University Press
1-800-845-5731
www.bjup.com
Christian Book Distributors
1-800-247-4784
www.christianbook.com
Christian Liberty Press
(847) 259-4444
www.homeschooling.org
Doorposts
(503) 357-4749
www.doorposts.net
Education Plus
(864) 609-5411
www.edplus.com
The Elijah Company
1-888-2-ELIJAH
www.elijahco.com
Foundation for American Education
1-800-352-3223
www.face.net
Greenleaf Press
www.greenleafpress.com
God's World Book Club
1-888-492-2307
www.gwbc.com
Heart of Wisdom
(703) 897-8890
www.heartofwisdom.com
Home Training Tools
1-800-860-6272
www.hometrainingtools.com
R.O.C.K. Solid
1-800-705-3452
www.rocksolidinc.com
Rod and Staff
(606) 522-4348
Sonlight
(303) 730-6292
www.sonlight.com
The Sycamore Tree
(949) 650-4466
www.sycamoretree.com
Veritas Press
1-800-922-5082
www.veritaspress.com
Whole Heart Ministries
1-800-311-2146
www.wholeheart.org

What We Believe

WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe the Bible is the word of God written without error. We believe that the Bible is our sole authority which reveals God, the fall of man, the way to salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, and God's Plan and purpose for the ages.

We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that salvation is by grace. The conditions for salvation are confession and belief in Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, but died a substitutionary death on Calvary for the world, being made sin for us. He arose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and is now our advocate and High Priest at the right hand of the Father.

We believe that men are justified by faith alone, and are accounted righteous before God only through the merit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.