Bridging the Gap Between Home Education and Community

BBHSC is a membership-based program that provides homeschooling families with a built-in community. Each week Busy Bears members gather for one or two fun-filled days of intentional social enrichment. These days feature both structured group activities and unstructured play opportunities for the children, with their caregivers present and fully involved at all times.

We are currently serving preschool-aged children (5 and under), look out for gatherings for older age groups in Spring 2026!

About Us

Busy Bears started in October 2024 as a free playgroup in an empty room at our local library. Since our start, the playgroup has grown to be so much more! Launching September 2025, BBHSC is proud to partner with the Elmira YWCA to offer a private, consistent, and safe space full of opportunities for homeschooling families to build community. Our mission is to provide homeschooling children with a consistent social group and community-building experiences similar to those traditionally found in public school- while still allowing them to stay closely connected to their home educator and maintain personalized, family led curriculum. Gatherings are weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-12pm (barring closures, we follow the ECSD calendar). Check out the Membership Levels and Information page to learn more about our membership levels and features!

BBHSC CORE VALUES

ENRICHMENT

It is assumed that core subjects are taught at home, so we focus solely on activities and experiences that go beyond the standard curriculum. We provide learners with resources to explore their interests, old and new, through hands-on experiences.

CONNECTION

We provide a welcoming space where homeschooling children can build friendships and connect through group experiences- while their caregivers engage with a community of like-minded home educators.

CONSISTENCY

When a child can anticipate their structured time and place for social interactions with peers, it gives them the security to feel confident in socializing. At BBHSC, your child has a consistent peer group to engage with weekly that will allow them to grow truer, deeper friendships.

SUPPORT

Fundamentally supporting families in their homeschooling journey starts with supporting the home educator. When surrounded by a supportive community, caregivers can put their best foot forward when providing their child with the individualized education they deserve. After all, "it takes a village," right?

Testimonials

“I’m so glad we found Busy Bears. We’ve been part of the group since February 2025, we’ve made some really great friends. my 2.5 year old daughter looks forward to and gets excited for her ‘school’ days and sports playgroups!”

-Sydney G.

“[Busy Bears] was the start of our homeschooling journey. I have a very shy kid, and Daisy and her group took us right in. Within the first couple of playgroups, my shy little one was busting out of her shell, and I’m so thankful! Daisy is kind, caring, creative, and all around a great mama. Thank you, Daisy!!”

-Alyssa H.

“Busy Bears was so welcoming and made my son and I feel like long-term members on day one. Daisy is such a kind, nurturing person and that reflects heavily in her groups. I really appreciate having a space where my son is encouraged to learn and grow at his own pace, and he enjoys going as much as I do!”

-Amanda J.

“Busy Bears was an amazing start to our homeschooling journey. It not only taught my daughter things like sharing and how to make new friends, but I also learned a lot from Daisy on how to be a great teacher.”

-Ali D.

Interested in Joining?

Community Without The Coordination