What Do I Do If I Have To Cancel?

The Event Notice will contain information about canceling, including a cancellation deadline and contact information.

It is not okay to just not show up! Being a “No Show” reflects poorly on the Homeschool Adventures cooperative and on homeschoolers in general.

We all understand that children get sick and emergencies happen, but you must let the organizer know if you will be unable to attend. In those rare cases when an emergency is so dire that you are not able to contact the organizer before the event, please do so as soon as you are able. Most organizers prefer phone calls on the day of the event, but some will specify that an email is preferred or that you may use either email or phone. Please leave a message if the organizer is unable to answer the phone, as may be the case as the organizer is likely busy preparing for the event.

Do not under any circumstances contact the location to cancel your registration unless the organizer has very specifically instructed you to do so.

In most cases you will not receive a refund if you cancel after the cancellation deadline. Many locations have a minimum fee requirements and/or require the organizer to pay in advance. All locations will have set aside the staff and supplies for the registered number of participants. Check the event notice for refund information and contact the organizer for additional information if needed.

Many organizers will maintain Waiting Lists and so will want to handle finding a replacement for your family if you do need to cancel. In other cases, it is your responsibility to find your replacement. If that is the case, you should endeavor to do so even if your cancellation seems “last minute” to you, as is often the case with sick children. Many events are quite popular with limited space available and many families eager to have a chance to attend. Our members live all over the metropolitan area, so what is a long drive for you may be right next door for someone else. At a minimum, you should post the opening via the Yahoo Group. If you are able to transfer your registration, please let the organizer know.

Be aware that registration cancellations create extra work and may have financial consequences for our volunteer organizers. Organizers may need to reopen closed events, shuffle about pre-arranged sub-groupings, make new arrangements with the location, and/or pay a financial penalty for the change in attendance numbers. It also takes time to calculate, write and send payment instructions or registration confirmations and to maintain an accurate registration database. When you register for a Homeschool Adventure, your volunteer organizer invests precious personal time in your family. Respect that by honoring the commitment your registration represents.

While you do not need to divulge personal details when you cancel, most organizers appreciated being given a general reason for your cancellation such as “due to illness” or “due to a family emergency.”