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Botetourt Home School Group at Troutville Park is a support group for the 15 home school families involved.

Two years ago Rachel Thomas, a home school mom, decided while she took a walk, that Botetourt home schoolers like herself needed a support system. Fast forward to Thursday, Oct. 16, and a group that has 55 children, many of whom gathered for a play date at Troutville Park, has become a reality.

Julie Thomas and her family have moved to Botetourt in the past few years. The family built a home near Eagle Rock that she calls a work in progress. Her son Neils, 12, awaits some of the older boys and girls arrival at the park. They have formed a nice group of friends in that age group, she noted.

Savannah Thomas, not related but the daughter of Rachel Thomas said, "I like to come out here because I get to see my friends." There are 15 families in the group that match up to 55 kids.

They use 4H, Parks and Recreation events and offerings and the county libraries to supplement the opportunities for the children. They go on field trips together as well. Click here for photos of those outings. The group meets monthly on the first Thursday at the Fincastle Library Community room. Click here for more information

According to Virginia Department of Education, 149 kids were home schooled in Botetourt last year. The majority of them are at the elementary level and the numbers dwindle by the time students reach high school age.

To counter the high school drop, the group has become part of Classical Conversations. Six families drive to Roanoke now to engage in the History, Geography, Writing and Latin program. They hope to have one of the groups in the county before too long, said Delores Wood.