BaseCamp Live

Senior Thesis Perspective: Joyful Learning Jun 03, 2022

On this episode of BaseCamp Live, we hear a first-hand perspective from the high school classroom. The capstone project for every CCE student is their senior thesis. Senior Christina Burkhalter joins me to share the thesis she wrote, presented, and defended, titled: The Art of Classical Education as an Effort to Restore the Joy of Learning. She presents some of her thoughtful research and reflects on her first hand experiences of her own K-12 school journey. Her enthusiasm is contagious and a reminder to all of us parents and educators why this effort to raise up the next generation in classical Christian schools is so critical and fruitful.

Student Buy-In: So Why THIS School? May 18, 2022

I’ve said before that students in K-12 Classical Christian schools are often the most neglected population in our schools. What do I mean by that? School leaders put a lot of energy into educating parents, grandparents, donors, even alumni, but our own students often miss out on the vision casting and opportunities for buy-in to the model and the amazing education they are receiving every day. And parents with children who start out in Kindergarten usually don’t spend a lot of time over the subsequent years explaining why they are in a CCE school. So how do we better onboard older students who join a CCE education in the middle or high school years? Along the way, our students dutifully put on their uniforms and follow what is expected, but what if we took the time to give them a beautiful vision for their education and help them to “own it,” even love it. Josh Gibbs is back to talk about his newest publication that he directed specifically to prospective and current students to help them understand and lean in on the gift of a Classical Christian education.

Realities & Opportunities of Protecting Children May 04, 2022

Today we tackle a challenging topic - one not easy but one that has reached an epidemic level among all communities around the world, and even more so since Covid. Greg Love, founder of Ministry Safe, an organization that has partnered with many of our schools and churches already, joins us today. He walks us through the sobering reality of child sexual abuse. And just when we may be thinking: I don’t think I can handle any more bad news, he offers us encouragement for practical ways to approach this topic wisely. What is the balance between becoming overly fearful and falling into the ditch of casual indifference, assuming our children are immune? If you are leading a family or a school, really any organization with children, please join us for this important episode of BasecampLive.

Resource Links:

God, Tech, and the Next Generation Apr 22, 2022

Is it godly to be anti-tech? Recent studies indicate the average American teen is spending 7-9 hours a day in front of a screen. Even if our students are not consumed by media 7-9 hours a day, technology for us as adults and our children is an inevitable part of life. Too often our way of mitigating this influence is simply to implement an ever-increasing number and kind of filters and controls. While that is important, my guest today, Tony Reinke, provides a thoughtful and thorough examination of our relationship with technology and the underlying theology we should use to choose how to live the Christian life well in our digital age. Tony’s observations are both realistic and hopeful as he makes practical recommendations for how we live in the world of technology but keep from being of it! Join Davies Owens for the latest episode of BaseCamp Live.

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Tony Reinke is a journalist, teacher, and host of the Ask Pastor John podcast for Desiring God. He is the author of Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books and Competing Spectacles and 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You.

Renewing Our Imaginations Apr 12, 2022

Classical Christian folks celebrate high-level thinking, and rightly so, but as humans, we are ultimately driven by our hearts and imaginations. Reading great literature isn’t just for mental push-ups, it is to engage living stories with powerful influential narratives that shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. If we are ever going to compete with the world of screens, it is through great literature. And it is ultimately through the renewal of our stories and our imaginations that we gain the perspectives and encouragement we need to be more like Christ. Join Davies Owens for an engaging conversation with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson as she shares from her new book, The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints. Whether you are a classroom teacher, a parent, a person striving to reignite your faith and spiritual disciplines, or all of the above, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Modern Science Meets Ancient Practice Apr 05, 2022

There is no doubt that a Classical Christian Education is transformative in the life of a young person. But what makes this form of education really work? Yes, it comes from reading Great Books containing some of the most significant thought leaders in western civilization, and yes, following the Trivium is important. Most certainly, having students in a daily environment where moral and virtue formation take place is essential, but besides all of that, what are the actual teaching methods our schools can and should use, which by the way, completely differ from what is done in a typical modern school? In this episode, Jason Barney, illuminates teachers and parents on an ancient method called narration, which has been used for centuries in classrooms as well as around kitchen tables to build habits of awareness and prepare the next generation to think deeply. This ancient method of learning can even be helpful to us modern, on-the-go busy adults.

Key Links and Resources:

Seeking and Living in Cultural Harmony Mar 15, 2022

Today's news headlines are more troublesome than ever. Stress levels are higher, people are more contentious than ever, yet our hope and confidence in Christ gives us the grace to love ourselves and our neighbors well. Russ Gregg has served faithfully for two decades at Hope Academy in the heart of the inner city of Minneapolis. He believes our classical Christian schools have a unique opportunity to display the grace and mercy of God, as evidenced by the beauty of living cultural harmony despite our surroundings. In this episode, Russ Gregg shares ten guiding principles he developed to lead his teachers and parents through the recent challenging days that had a transformative impact on his school community and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Telos of Education Feb 24, 2022

Too many people today assume the primary goal of education is to get enough knowledge and training to get to a good college and get a job. Yet classical Christian educators and parents know those goals are too low; college and careers are a given. We are aiming for far more. But what exactly is our ultimate goal? Plato said knowledge without virtue is useless. So yes to wisdom and virtue, but can we err in the other direction with lofty philosophical skills but weak in real-world practical knowledge? David Diener helps us understand the real end game of CCE, its ultimate telos!

200th Episode w/ Keith McCurdy Feb 01, 2022

Four years ago I launched this podcast out of what began several years before as a Tuesday night parent education night at our school. And now this is episode 200!

What have we learned through the 8,000-plus minutes of discussions? Stay tuned as Keith McCurdy and I take a look back to celebrate God’s faithfulness through our many topics, discoveries, and amazing conversations. We will recap highlights and observations from those many episodes on how to raise up the next generation through the critical work being done in classical Christian schools in partnership with families and churches… and survey changes over the last four years in our schools and in our culture.

Life Without Fear Jan 25, 2022

We live in a therapeutic age where feelings and emotions dominate reason and confidence in truth. Almost anywhere you turn these days, researchers are telling us how folks are more anxious and consumed in fear than at any other point in recent history. Fears inhibit our students’ ability to learn and impact their physical, social, and spiritual health. And parents and teachers, well all of us, are vulnerable to fear and anxiety these days. But there is good news! On this episode, we welcome back Ben Bost to share practical wisdom on overcoming fear in both our personal lives and school communities.

The Lost Art of Discipling Children Jan 03, 2022

For centuries young parents raised their children in the same community as their extended family. Best practices for raising and disciplining children were both modeled and supported by the entire community. But today, the vast majority of young parents don’t live near their family and even when they do, they may not care to discipline their children the way they were disciplined growing up. Consequently, too many parents are using the “figure-it out-as-we-go method” as they YouTube and Google-Search their way to direction for the parenting years.

And as parents partner with schools, the lack of consistency in discipline can make raising the next generation even more challenging. My guest today shares, as a grandparent, a Biblical view of discipline for younger children that he shared with his own children as they were seeking advice.

RESOURCES

Habits of the Household Dec 16, 2021

Looking for a way out of the frazzle and rush of life? Whether you are an administrator, teacher, or parent, the practical wisdom from my guest today is just for you. Justin Whitmel Earley endured his own season of crisis and discovered the power of habits in a transformational way that fundamentally changed his family life by finding meaning and order in what can feel like the daily chaos of raising children. These same principles of habit are at work in every classical Christian school as we intentionally work to form what our children love with similarly impressive results.

EPISODE LINKS

Seeing the Long View Nov 26, 2021

“The days are long and the years are short,” as the saying goes. On any given day, the long scramble from the morning routine of getting our children off to school (finding uniforms, breakfasts, and sprints to the carpool line to a full afternoon of after-school activities, extensive homework) can leave one wondering is the effort worth it? Where is the fruit, especially during seasons of struggle? Kevin Clark joins us to share many of the insights from his book, The Liberal Arts Tradition, along to help remind us of the long lasting fruits of the K-12 classical Christian education journey. It is especially good to hear in these modern times where our form of education and raising up the next generation is increasingly counter-cultural.

IMPORTANT LINKS

livesturdy.com/special-events
societyforclassicallearning.org/equipping-workshops/
whatwilltheylearn.com
esischools.org
basecamplive.com

Only For Smart Kids? Nov 18, 2021

Is classical Christian education really for all children, of all abilities? In an age where the number of children with diagnosed needs seems to be spiking, how can schools effectively meet the needs of all children, especially when so many schools work with limited resources? We welcome back Leslie Collins whose last interview a few years ago stirred up a lot of conversation around what is possible for children with special needs. What practical steps can families and schools take to collaborate and ensure that truly no child is left behind? What are the implications for the rest of the classroom and learning objectives for the rest of the class when students of all abilities are included? Join us for this insightful conversation. Plus, learn about Leslie’s newly developed free resource for both schools and parents on this episode of Basecamp Live

SHOW NOTES

Leslie is offering listeners access to a free course using the Thinkific platform! Simply download the course from Thinkific, and she will update as needed. Please use the link below to gain access. Only an email address is needed to enroll and it’s completely free. https://covenant-academy-teacher-training.thinkific.com/

No Parent Left Behind…Partnering with Your School Oct 29, 2021

Parents play a vital role in the success of their children in school. Increasingly, classical Christian schools (CCE) go against the grain of many schools who actively encourage parents to disengage and let them outsource their children's education to the institution or even the government. But despite a growing culture expecting parents to drop and go, CCE schools stand in direct partnership with parents. Biblically, the school stands under the authority of the parent. But what does this mean practically? How do the home and school really collaborate? Interestingly, a growing number of parents are now choosing hybrid or collaborative schools which offer a blend of education at home and a traditional school setting. Regardless of whether a child is in a hybrid or a 5-day school, there are important and specific ways parents can and should partner as we stand together to raise the next generation.

LINKS

How to Be Unlucky: Reflections on the Pursuit of Virtue Oct 21, 2021

As parents and teachers, we want the next generation to love God and love the good. But for many young people who sit in K-12 classrooms, they wander into the land of the prodigal and question if what they have heard is little more than empty moralisms. But our job is to remain faithful. Are there ways to better guide and mentor the next generation? My guest today Josh Gibbs is a prodigal and has great wisdom to share from his book, appropriately titled How to Be Unlucky.

Hope for Today from Voices of Yesterday Oct 13, 2021

There is nothing new under the sun. That is good news..because the deepest questions of life and faith (who am I, why am I here, where am I going) have been asked throughout history, and in many cases asked better and in more articulate and winsome ways by those who came far before us -- those classic thinkers and writers we read and discuss in classical Christian schools. But in our modern, disposable, quick-to-reject-the-past-world, young people, and older as well, often ignore these well-thought-out questions, ultimately to our own demise. It’s hard to get the right answer if you don’t know the questions. No wonder so many people today wander around in various state of despair and uncertainty. Christ answers those critical questions, but do we get the questions right?

IMPORTANT LINKS

Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment Oct 06, 2021

What does the world need now? Discernment! It is far more than just gaining wisdom and doing the right thing. It is the key to living the abundant life Christ promises in a world that buries us each day in disparaging headlines and worrisome news. It is understandable many feel they should just bury their head in the sand, hiding hoping it will all just go away. But what we and the next generation in your home or classroom need now is the courage to move boldly and wisely into the world, offering lasting hope and restoration. Discernment is key to discovering all that is GOOD!

BIOGRAPHY

Hannah Anderson, winner of the 2018 Gospel Coalition Book Award for Christian Living, is the author of several books including Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul and All That’s Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment. She lives with her family in the haunting Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where she spends her days working beside her husband in rural ministry, caring for their three children, and scratching out odd moments to write. You can find more of her writing at sometimesalight.com, hear her on the weekly podcast Persuasion, or follow her on Twitter. It is our privilege to have her joining us virtually at our upcoming Arete Retreat, Oct. 20-23 in Fort Worth, TX.

IMPORTANT LINKS

The Current State of Classical Christian Education with Eric Cook Sep 21, 2021

There is a sizable migration underway of new families seeking to educate their children classically. Admissions lines are long in most classical Christian schools. Why is this happening now? What does it say about the broader culture? Needless to say, you are at the right place at the right time.

In this episode, Eric Cook, president of the Society for Classical Learning, and I discuss the many changes going on all around us in the world of education and how our schools are uniquely positioned for such a time as this, when the world more than ever needs a generation of students who love the good and are truly real-world ready.

BIOGRAPHY

President of the Society for Classical Learning, Eric is also the Head of School at Covenant Classical in Fort Worth, TX where he has served for 12 years. Prior to Covenant, Eric was the Head of Upper School at Faith Christian School in Roanoke, VA. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from Transylvania University, and a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. He has taught history, political science, psychology, and philosophy in public schools, and served as an assistant principal for several years. In 2006, Eric felt called to join the classical Christian school movement and became the Middle and Upper School Head at Faith Christian School in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition to his leadership roles, Eric has taught apologetics, theology, philosophy of religion, and served as thesis director. Eric and his wife, Liz, have six children.

LINKS

Got Questions? 100 Answers to Classical Christian Education Sep 17, 2021

Classical Christian Education is a new experience for many people, and whether you are new or have been around a classical school for years, there are many questions about why we do what we do. And since few parents or teachers today grew up in CCE schools, combined with the fact that there are more families than ever joining our schools, you are likely not alone if you have a question. My guest, Dr. Tim Dernlan, is back to share answers to 10 questions from the 100 he has identified and written about in his new book, "A Guide to Understanding Classical Christian Education: 100 Common Questions."

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Timothy Dernlan earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Education and Communication at Purdue University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Lehigh University, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies at Ashland University. He has experience teaching theater, math, rhetoric, physical education, personal finance, communication, leadership, and systematic theology in public, charter, private, Christian, and classical Christian schools and at the college level. His areas of focus are spiritual formation, classroom management, the effectiveness of classical Christian education, fundraising, the works of C.S. Lewis, physical education and the trivium, and leadership.

He served as Principal and then Headmaster at Tall Oaks Classical School before serving as Superintendent of Reach Christian Schools, a three-campus, Christian school district that educated over 1200 students at five different PK-12 schools. He then moved to southern Alabama to serve as Head of School at Bayshore Christian School in Fairhope, AL. Dernlan is a visionary leader and is passionate about advancing Christian community and culture through education. Also, Dr. Dernlan serves on the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) Board of Directors. and consults with schools specializing in strategic planning and financial stability.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Purchase - A Guide to Understanding Classical Christian Education: 100 Common Questions

Engaging the Gen Z Mind Sep 10, 2021

On this episode of BCL, It’s time to check in again with Brooke Hempell, senior VP at the Barna Group. As a research firm, Barna is tracking the latest trends and changes with Gen Z, the generational name for young people between 6-22 years old - essentially anyone from Kindergarten to college. While in some ways the world is growing smaller as people share mindsets from universal media and technology - generational differences are quite real, and we need to pay attention to them. Questions of identity, belonging, and purpose are big questions all people have wrestled with through time. Of course, the answer to these questions are answered ultimately in Christ, so we need to engage people where they are on this journey. How do we as parents, educators and influencers best support, guide and encourage this generation? Stay tuned….

LINKS

Email us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't Freak Out! Aug 31, 2021

What is going on in the world today? Just when we think we have seen it or heard it all, we are hit with another crazy curveball. A quick glance at the news often leaves us to say, "can you believe this?" Leaving our fears inflamed, yet we are called as Christ-followers to be faithful, confident, and to model well to our children and students how to live boldly, without fear or anxiety. Easier said than done. It seems much easier to just "freak out." Marriage and family counselor Keith McCurdy, a BaseCamp Live regular, is back to offer some wise and calming words, some fascinating new statistics, and some practical strategies for navigating whatever life throws at us.

Keith McCurdy has worked with families, children, parents, and individuals for over 30 years in the field of mental health, working with more than 15,000 individuals and families. He received his Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from James Madison University. He is currently the President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc., and is licensed in the state of Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

More Info: livesturdy.com

Captain Shapes Inexperienced Students for Meaningful Life Aug 24, 2021

Imagine being the captain of a billion-dollar US Navy ship with some 400 young sailors under your command. Lots of habits to form, discipline to instill, and curiosity and courage to awaken…talk about raising the next generation. My guest, Ralph Janikowsky, today shares many engaging stories of how to effectively shape character and form Biblical ethics on board his ship. Many of these same principles used in the Navy, he now follows in leading a K-12 classical Christian school. Whether you are commanding a warship at sea, a classroom at school, or a family at home, you won’t want to miss Ralph’s stories and insight.

BIOGRAPHY

Ralph is a graduate of distinction of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a Masters of Arts in Strategic Studies from the National War College, graduating as the top naval officer in his class.

Ralph has commanded a Spruance class destroyer and an Aegis cruiser, having been chosen as one of only twelve from a pool of over a thousand candidates. In that role, Ralph was responsible for over 400 sailors and a $1 billion ship. Ralph retired from sea life as a decorated captain, after serving as:

Chief Engineer of USS VIRGINIA (CGN 38)
Commanding Officer, USS HEWITT (DD 966) in Yokosuka, Japan. Earned Battle E, Golden Anchor, 7th Fleet ASW and ASUW awards
Commanding Officer, USS PRINCETON (CG 59) Earned Battle E, Golden Anchor, AW for Iraqi Freedom, and awarded PACFLEET Spokane Trophy
Director of Navy Program Analysis and Budgeting in the Pentagon
Surface Nuclear Officer Community Manager in both PERS 41 and 42. (Good title for an upper school dean…)

Transitioning from naval captain to classical Christian school administrator, Ralph served 10 years as the Upper School Principal of Rockbridge Academy in Maryland and is now in his seventh year as Headmaster of Westminster Academy in Memphis.

700 Years of Encouragement with Doug Henry Aug 17, 2021

Seven hundred years ago, Dante wrote what has been called the most significant single poem ever written. He lived in a world not unlike our own. Fraught with both difficulty of brutal politics, climate changes, crop failure, famine, and disease and filled with beauty, wisdom, hope, and a sacred path forward. Dr. Doug Henry, head of Baylor University’s Honors College, is part of a team from key Christian Universities who have partnered together to bring Dante’s works alive in a unique project called 100 Days of Dante. What can Dante communicate to us in this day and age? Does he still have anything to say to us or offer us? Is his message relevant or valuable to us? Can it still challenge us? Absolutely yes, and it is just what we need for ourselves, our families, and our schools today!

Learn more at 100 DAYS OF DANTE

BIOGRAPHY

Doug Henry is Dean of the Honors College. He holds a BA in religion from Oklahoma Baptist University and an MA and PhD in philosophy from Vanderbilt University. Dean Henry has taught students in all four of the Honors College programs in courses covering everything from Homer's Iliad to twenty-first-century great books such as Marilynne Robinson's Gilead and Cormac McCarthy's Road.

Co-editor of three books and author of over thirty refereed and invited articles, book chapters, and reviews, Dean Henry’s scholarly work addresses such varied writers as Plato, Boethius, John Bunyan, Iris Murdoch, Walker Percy, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI and diverse topics including allegory, divine hiddenness, doubt, ecumenism, freedom, hope, and love. His interest and understanding of American higher education, and especially church-related colleges and universities, is reflected in Faithful Learning and the Christian Scholarly Vocation (Eerdmans, 2003), Christianity and the Soul of the University: Faith as a Foundation for Intellectual Community (Baker Academic, 2005), and The Schooled Heart: Moral Formation in American Higher Education (Baylor University Press, 2007).

The former director of Baylor’s Institute for Faith and Learning (2001-08), he also served six years as the live-in master of Brooks Residential College at Baylor (2007-13) and co-director of a summer abroad program, Baylor in Turkey and Greece (2011-19), in which his students walked the dusty plains of Troy, sailed the wine-dark seas of the Aegean, stood atop the Areopagus, and marveled at Hagia Sophia. With Gretchen Van Dyke (University of Scranton), Dean Henry is a mentor for the Lilly Graduate Fellows Program, a national initiative supporting Ph.D. students interested in teaching in church-related higher-education.

At present, he is working on three book projects: Plato’s Euthyphro and the Character of Piety; Three Rival Versions of Education; and an as-yet untitled academic mystery novel.

Married to Michele L. Henry, professor of choral music education and director of the music education division at Baylor, he is the father of a fifteen-year-old son, Zachary. Dean Henry enjoys cycling, running, college football and basketball, reading, and traveling. He is deeply engaged in the local community, showing the usefulness of philosophy for life by developing a small pocket neighborhood, The Cloister at Cameron Park, and by backing Waco's new, community-based bookshop, the highly anticipated Fabled Bookshop & Cafe.

Is Education Valuable? with Steve Turley Aug 10, 2021

In this episode, Davies was back on the road at the summer ACCS conference with friend and thought leader Dr. Steve Turley. We explore how so much of what we are experiencing in modern culture is directly correlated to influences from K-12 education. Want to understand a culture, reverse engineer back to education and one will find a lot of the answers. But the reverse effect is also true - create the right education and change the culture.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Steve Turley is an internationally recognized scholar, speaker, and author. He has served on the faculty of several schools in the classical Christian world teaching theology, greek, and rhetoric and is a former professor of fine arts at Eastern University.

Turley is the author of over 20 books, including Classical vs. Modern Education: A Vision from C.S. Lewis. His research and writings have appeared in such journals as Christianity and Literature, First Things, Touchstone, and The Chesterton Review.

Turley's popular YouTube channel daily showcases his expertise in the rise of nationalism, populism, and traditionalism throughout the world. His videos, podcasts, and writings on civilization, society, culture, education, and the arts are widely renowned and are a part of his now full-time role at TurleyTalks.com!

He and his wife, Akiko, have four children and live in Newark, DE, where they together enjoy fishing, gardening, and watching Duck Dynasty marathons.

A Third Way Forward with Katharine Savage Aug 03, 2021

In this episode, I was back on the road again. Live in Dallas at the ACCS conference with head of school Katharine Savage. Serving in urban Philadelphia, Katharine shares practical wisdom on how to navigate an increasingly divided and emotionally frazzled community. Her discoveries of what she calls a “third way” forward are effective in leading a school, a family, and most definitely in raising up the next generation.

BIOGRAPHY

Katharine Savage is the founder and head of school at Philadelphia Classical School in Pennsylvania. She is also a representative member on the board for the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS).

Wisdom from the Ancients for Flourishing Today with Louis Markos Jul 27, 2021

If there is nothing new under the sun, then it makes sense to look to those who have gone before us for the answers to living boldly and confidently in a world that continues to unravel around us with so many young and old struggling to make wise choices. Dr. Louis Markos, a scholar at Houston Baptist University, brings to the wisdom of the ancient Greek and Roman teachers in an engaging way for us today. These thought leaders from centuries ago have a lot to say about living well and flourishing as we lead and guide the next generation to love God and love neighbors.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Louis Markos Professor of English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Baptist University. He speaks widely on ancient Greece and Rome, Lewis and Tolkien, and apologetics and classical education. His 22 books include From Achilles to Christ, On the Shoulders of Hobbits, Apologetics for the 21st Century, Worldview Guides to the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid, and two children’s novels, The Dreaming Stone and In the Shadow of Troy, in which his kids become part of Greek mythology and the epics of Homer. Dr. Markos has a new book out, Myth Made Fact! From Plato to Christ: How Platonic Thought Shaped Christian Faith.

LINKS

Classical Christian Education Is More Than We Realize with Clifford Humphrey Jul 22, 2021

Classical Christian Education is a fantastic form of education, yet it is often challenging for parents and educators to define well. In an effort to both explain it and live it out, we often latch onto narrow definitions and understandings, risking missing out on the big picture. Clifford Humphrey has thought deeply about these various definitions of classical Christian education. He has some helpful ways to avoid the ditches we can fall into, while also showing the power of classical Christian education to raise the next generation effectively. You will discover even more reasons to love and appreciate this form of education, taking the world by storm at this very moment in history.

BIOGRAPHY

Clifford Humphrey grew up in Gainesville, Georgia. His mother homeschooled him and his two brothers through middle school, at which point he attended a university model high school that his parents helped establish. He attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida and obtained a B.S. in psychology. He then spent three years in New York City, learning classical languages and the trade of woodworking. After New York, he taught at a classical Christian school in Pensacola, Florida for two years before moving to Hunan, China to teach English for a year. He then entered graduate school in politics, first at the University of Dallas and later at Hillsdale College where he recently completed his Ph.D.

LINKS

Thales College
Classical U

Hope for the Next Generation in an Age of Uncertainty, with John Stonestreet Jul 13, 2021

Today, it is easy to find the bad news. It blasts across our screens with a steady message of doom and gloom. As we raise the next generation, what hope do we have? Well, are you ready for some good news? John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and the daily voice of BreakPoint, reminds us of what to hope in today. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the culture, helping us understand the times we live and seeing the opportunities for us to be truly hopeful. John is a true fan of classical Christian education, seeing the many benefits lived out well in our ever-changing modern world.

BIOGRAPHY

John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education, and apologetics. John is the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He is also the voice of the Point, a daily one-minute feature on worldview, apologetics, and cultural issues. Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John has co-authored four books: A Practical Guide to Culture, Restoring All Things, Same-Sex Marriage, and Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO. Connect with John at BreakPoint.org, or follow him on Twitter (@jbstonestreet).

Classical Christian Education for All Students, with Heather Lloyd Jul 06, 2021

Classical Christian education is the fastest-growing segment among all types of Christian private schools. But are classical Christian schools for everyone? One in five students today are diagnosed with a special learning need. So, can classical Christian schools adapt and serve these students? We discuss this topic and more with Heather Lloyd on this episode of Basecamp Live.

BIOGRAPHY

Heather Lloyd brings over 20 years of teaching experience, including teaching her own five children. She has consulted with and started multiple schools and programs, including classical schools, colleges, and performing arts programs. She has also helped develop special needs programs that can be adapted to fit existing school models.

Discover more of Heather's work at Concordis Education Partners.

Wisdom Needed for the Good Life with Jonathan T. Pennington Jun 08, 2021

What does it mean to flourish as a human? It occurs through living intentionally and thoughtfully in particular ways. Neither virtue nor its eventual fruit, happiness, comes to us accidentally... Flourishing requires that we can confidently answer the big questions in life....why am I here? What does it mean to be human? What does Jesus on Sunday have to do with daily life during the weekday? Getting the big questions right ensures we have the wisdom and resilience to stand against the false narratives pervasive in our culture today. And classical Christian education is a vital part of that process as we form the next generation to have the wisdom needed to live the good life.

BIOGRAPHY

Jonathan T. Pennington is currently Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation and at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). He has also regularly served as a visiting professor at Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando), Southeastern Seminary, The Village Church Institute (Dallas), and The Institute of Biblical Studies in Orlando, FL, as well as Morling College (Melbourne, Australia). Spiritual formation pastor at his church.... 6 kids (25-16)

He is also on the preaching staff at Sojourn East and regularly speaks and teaches in churches all over the country.

He earned a B.A. in History as well as a Teaching Certificate from Northern Illinois University. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Chicago), where he also taught Greek for two years as an NT Fellow. During his time at TEDS he also served for five years as the Associate Pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris in northern Illinois.

He holds a PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (in St. Mary’s College), where he wrote a thesis entitled “Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew” under the supervision of Professors Richard Bauckham and Philip Esler. He attended St. Andrews as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar, and while there, he also served as a lecturer in Greek. Dr. Pennington is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Evangelical Theological Society, the Tyndale Fellowship (Cambridge), the Institute for Biblical Research, and the International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies. He has published a wide variety of books, articles, and Greek and Hebrew language tools. (For fuller information, see the Publications pages.) He is also the host and co-producer of the YouTube show Cars, Coffee, Theology.

Entitled or Grateful? Choices Before the Next Generation, with Keith McCurdy Jun 01, 2021

Selfish or selfless? Entitled or blessed? Increasingly, children are raised in a world revolving around them, creating attitudes of "I-deserve-it-because-I-exist." The world celebrates entitlement through everyday messages from social media and endless advertisements. Indulging children can seem the easiest path in the moment, but long-term, excessive indulgences lead to adults who are disillusioned, angry, quick to play the victim card, and dismissive of authority, both human and divine. Keith McCurdy is back to share practical and wise guidance on raising the next generation at home and in the classroom to live with gratitude and wisdom.

BIOGRAPHY

Keith McCurdy has worked with families, children, parents, and individuals for over 30 years in the field of mental health, working with more than 15,000 individuals and families. He received his Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from James Madison University. He is currently the President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc., and is licensed in the state of Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

More Info: livesturdy.com

Stuck in the Present, with David Moore May 25, 2021

Are you stuck in the present? Our culture is quick to dismiss anything perceived as old, even last year's cell phone model, much less the wisdom learned from history. And those of us raising the next generation with Classical Christian education are more often looking to the past for wisdom in a world that insists the present is all that matters. David Moore will inspire you to gain a new appreciation of history and learn practical ways to better navigate the daily bombardment of information from modern-day, forward-only thinkers.

BIOGRAPHY

David Moore graduated from both Dallas Theological Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has written three other books, including one of Preaching Magazine's best books of the year, and has interviewed 200 authors in both print and on the radio. A regular contributor to Christianity Today/Jesus Creed, Moore has also written for the Gospel Coalition, Huffington Post, Bibliotheca Sacra, Austin American-Statesman, Touchstone, Mere Orthodoxy, C. S. Lewis Institute's Heart & Mind, and Front Porch Republic. He lives in Austin with his wife, Doreen.

Purchase: Stuck in the Present by David Moore

Stanton Lanier on Music to Light the World May 18, 2021

Ready for some encouragement? Music moves us, awakens our souls, and brings light to the world. My guest today, Stanton Lanier, is a pianist, composer, orchestrator, and faithful believer. He was inspired at an early age by the great composers. Today, his music is loved and listened to by people worldwide - young and old alike. His scripture-inspired music is just what we need in this frazzling moment. Enjoy this conversation with Stanton Lanier and a sampling of his remarkable music. Be ready to be encouraged!

BIOGRAPHY

Stanton Lanier is a pianist, composer, orchestrator, and believer with a vision. He has released 150 plus tracks from 12 albums and singles, which are enjoyed by millions of listeners worldwide as “life soundtracks” for moments of God’s peace and inspiration. He recently earned his Professional Certificate in Composing and Orchestrating for Film and TV from the Berklee School of Music to expand his composing for media. Stanton is the founder of the non-profit Music to Light the World, which uses his music to offer hope and healing to cancer patients, orphans in Zambia, and others in need. He has performed in 27 U.S. states, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and his music touches five million lives annually across 140 countries through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube, Sirius XM. To learn more, visit www.stantonlanier.com.

Maryellen St. Cyr on How to Teach Well May 11, 2021

Classical Christian schools are on the rise, and most have impressive reading lists and ambitious goals of graduates, but how are teachers trained to teach? Most of us teach how we were taught, which can be a challenge when we didn't grow up in a classical Christian school environment. Today, my guest, Maryellen St Cyr, is back on BaseCamp Live to bring practical wisdom from her years of founding and leading the Ambleside Schools based on Charlotte Mason's approach to raising and educating children of all ages.

BIOGRAPHY

Maryellen St. Cyr, Director of Curriculum at Ambleside Schools International

A professional educator for more than 30 years, Maryellen St. Cyr has spent thousands of hours in the classroom and hundreds of hours observing other teachers. Possessing a passion for a congruent, life-giving method of education, she has become one of the foremost experts on the “common sense” education philosophy of 19th-century British educator, Charlotte Mason. Maryellen is a primary author of When Children Love to Learn and shares insights into education here.

Chris McKenna on Why Parental Controls Don't Work Apr 30, 2021

No parental control software can completely protect your child from online harm. And parental controls never replace the need for parents or teachers, for that matter. After over 1,100 presentations, testifying in front of Congress, and countless conversations, we welcome back Chris McKenna, who has discovered five traits common in families with kids who learn to use technology well. He calls it the Digital Trust Framework.

BIOGRAPHY

Chris McKenna, Founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, is a man with never-ending energy when it comes to fighting for the safety and protection of children. Chris practices his internet safety tips on his four exceptional children and is regularly featured on news, radio, podcasts, and most recently on Capitol Hill for his research. His 2019 US Senate Judiciary Committee testimony was the catalyst for draft legislation that could radically change online child protection laws and earned PYE the NCOSE Dignity Defense Alert Award in 2020. The PYE team has performed over 1,000 presentations at schools, churches, and nonprofits and was featured in the Childhood 2.0 movie. When not leading PYE, Chris is the Digital Marketing Manager for Covenant Eyes. Other loves include running, spreadsheets, and candy.

Instagram: instagram.com/protectyoungeyes

Facebook: facebook.com/protectyoungeyes

Website: protectyoungeyes.com

Jacob Hess on Arts, Stories and Liturgy That Awaken Us Apr 15, 2021

We are raising our families in an increasingly challenging cultural moment. And yet we know God calls us to worship and give thanks continually rather than fall into the patterns and thinking of the secular culture around us. How do we ensure our homes and classrooms have habits that form what God loves? How do we compete with the storytellers of our age who often become the loudest voices in the next generation’s heads and hearts? My guest today is a gifted artist whose new book demonstrates the power of story and the habits of daily living that awaken us to God’s power and presence during difficult times. Stay tuned for this episode...

BIOGRAPHY

Jacob grew up in Oregon and became a Christian at a young age. God has continued to display His faithfulness to Jacob throughout his life; a journey deeper and deeper into grace. Jacob received a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and moved to Seattle, Washington where he works as a minister in the local church.

Jacob’s years in school grew his passion for writing and reading, but he has always had a love for stories, whether they're told with pen and page or the rhyth,ms and rhymes of song. He agrees with J. R. R. Tolkien when he writes, “the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story, has always been boiling, and to it have continually been added new bits, dainty and undainty," (On-Fairy-Stories, p. 45). As humans we simply cannot seem to escape a need to tell stories, a desire to reach beyond ourselves and connect to the deeper truths of who we are and what it means to live a life of meaning.,

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The Buffalo Creek Boys School on Raising Boys: A Fresh Approach to Classical Christian Ed Apr 06, 2021

Modern education produces weak men. The truth is, boys mature at different ages, need different learning environments, and are wired by God uniquely in their distinct bodies and minds. The task before us is to raise up a generation of young men who are confident in their identity, disciplined and skilled in their thinking, and faithful in their commitment to Christ. Classical Christian education is a critical ingredient to reach this goal, but our schools have got to consider one size education doesn't fit all. Join me for this conversation with founders of the Buffalo Creek Boys School, Lee and Rebecca Taylor, and learn what they discovered in their unique school that can be applied to anyone raising the next generation of young men. The good news is a lot of what they have discovered applies to girls too!

BIOGRAPHY

Lee Taylor grew up all over the Southeast, as his father was transferred as a store manager for Sears, Roebuck and Co. He received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and earned a Juris Doctor degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He has been the principal of law firms in both Ellijay, Georgia, and Lexington, Virginia, enjoying a career of “teaching clients, judges, and juries about the law.” He discovered his passion for ceramic arts in college and has been a wood-fire potter ever since. He is a self-taught mandolin, harmonica and guitar player, and loves nothing better than a good cup of coffee while listening to some bluegrass music. Lee is a leather craftsman, horseman, and outdoorsman, and particularly loves camping and cooking over an open fire. He has great enthusiasm for science, grammar, the stars, and critters of all kinds, including snakes and raptors. Lee became a Christian at the age of 12 through the influence of his youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama. He believes that the most effective way to have an eternal impact on individuals, our community, and our nation is to raise a generation with the spiritual and academic mettle to set themselves apart as men of character.

Rebecca Taylor grew up in a family of eight in Nashville, Tennessee, McLean, Virginia, and Atlanta, Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and her middle school teaching certification from the University of Georgia.

She taught in public school for four years and ended up with her own “one room schoolhouse” when God called her to homeschool her four children for six years. In 2001, her family sold everything and spent a year on the road, homeschooling with America as their classroom. In Rockbridge County, Rebecca taught Weekday Religious Education (WRE) in the public schools and helped create and lead a homeschool co-op. In 2014, she also took her first of many mission trips to Africa to teach in classical Christian schools in Rafiki villages. Her passion is to teach sports, games, music, dancing, fiber arts, gardening, and core subjects from a Biblical worldview in an engaging way.

The opportunity to nurture the hearts of young boys as they learn and mature is a challenge and calling Rebecca is excited to heed.

Check out the Buffalo Creek Boys School

Cair Paravel Latin School on C.S. Lewis Bringing Their School Alive Mar 11, 2021

Perhaps no writer or thinker is more often quoted around classical Christian schools than famed Oxford and Cambridge professor C.S. Lewis. Most of our schools engage Lewis' writings through the K-12 journey, inevitably reading his Chronicles of Narnia series, but the Cair Paravel Latin School takes Lewis to an even higher level of engagement, and the fruit both enriches the educational experience and inspires the students. Join me for this intriguing conversation with two members of the their teaching staff. You will find even more to love about Lewis to not only apply in your school but also your home.

BIOGRAPHIES

Craig Congdon:

Born and raised in Topeka KS, I attended Cair Paravel Latin School from 1st-12th grade. Afterward, I attended John Brown University, majoring in Bible and Spanish, and then headed to Dallas Theological Seminary where I earned my Masters in Theology. After graduating, I returned to Topeka where I pastored a small church for 5 years while teaching part-time at CPLS. I now teach full-time as a rhetoric school teacher. While at CPLS I have taught, Bible, hermeneutics and theology, rhetoric, philosophy, Greek, Spanish, and even a dance elective. I also direct the HS dramas and coach the boy's volleyball team.

Christine Ewing:

Lover of Narnia and a Kansas girl through and through, I was raised in a small north central Kansas town. I attended Kansas State University where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. My husband and I moved to Topeka upon college graduation and have sent our children to Cair Paravel Latin School. We now have a daughter in her sophomore year in college, a daughter in her sophomore year in high school at CPLS, and a sixth grade daughter at CPLS. I teach grammar school art, an occasional high school independent study, and do visual arts marketing within the school.

Joshua R. Farris on The Most Important Questions to Get Right Mar 02, 2021

The big questions in life - who am I? what am I? why am I here? Every human throughout history has grappled with these questions. Get the answers right and you can live a virtuous, flourishing life. Yet today, too many students, and adults for that matter, are fumbling through life trying to find meaning and purpose. Knowing the right questions is a critical first step to finding lasting and sustaining life answers. Classical Christian schools are uniquely positioned to guide students along an educational journey to answer these life questions. Our guest, Dr. Joshua Farris, has written a compelling new book exploring these essential questions and offering a comprehensive vision of how our beliefs inform our understanding of what it means to be human. He points to several specific techniques used in upper school classical Christian classrooms that equip students to answer these questions confidently, helping us all form a comprehensive vision of the human person as an embodied soul.

BIOGRAPHY

Prior to being named Executive Director of Alpine Christian School in Alpine, TX, Dr. Farris was the Chester and Margaret Paluch Professor at Mundelein Seminary, University of Saint Mary of the Lake; a part-time Lecturer at Auburn University Montgomery; and an Assistant Professor of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. He was at Houston Baptist University from 2014-2019. There, he served in the Theology department, Great Texts department, the Honors College, the Philosophy department, and the Academy, where he developed over 14 courses as part of the Great Texts program. A prolific writer, Dr. Farris' most recent work is An Introduction to Theological Anthropology. He is also the author of The Soul of Theological Anthropology and the coeditor of several volumes, including Being Saved: Explorations in Human Salvation, New England Dogmatics: A Systematic Collection of Questions and Answers in Divinity by Maltby Gelston (1766-1865), Christian Physicalism?, and The Routledge Companion to Theological Anthropology.

Buy An Introduction to Theological Anthropology, here.

Keith McCurdy on Not Forgetting COVID Learning Feb 19, 2021

We have been living in a COVID world for over a year now, the impact it has made on how we live life, our attitudes, habits, and fears are extensive.

Are there specific things we can do in our homes and schools to help us get back to healthy living more quickly and parents and teachers? And, how are Christian and classically educated young people in a better position to not only survive but thrive in a COVID and the post-COVID world? It is good news!

Join me for this conversation with Keith McCurdy, who is back for this episode of BCL!

BIOGRAPHY

Keith McCurdy has worked with families, children, parents, and individuals for over 30 years in the field of mental health, working with more than 15,000 individuals and families. He received his Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from James Madison University. He is currently the President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc., and is licensed in the state of Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For more information, visit livesturdy.com

Dick Keyes on Teaching Truth in a Relativistic World Jan 19, 2021

The world is getting crazy. How do we raise a generation that refuses to compromise in matters of faith, especially in a world that rejects, even scorns, anyone who believes in absolute truth? Like walking a roofline, how do we balance being in the world but not of it? On one side, a person can easily compromise and blindly adopt the latest “correct thinking” and fall into the ditch of becoming a chameleon changing with their environment. On the other side of the roof, it is easy for a person to slide into isolation in a holy huddle, overly cautious and afraid of the world. A person is only surrounded by those who think and act like them.

Dick Keyes has spent five decades as part of Francis Schaeffer’s L’Abri Fellowship, helping people navigate this balance. Ultimately, he urges them to live confidently and boldly as followers of Christ using what Schaeffer called “True Truth,” which he describes as “the mark of the Christian a love lived out, despite the wild world around us." It’s for sure something we should strive for each day as classical Christian educators and parents but for sure not easy… join us for this conversation!

BIOGRAPHY

Dick Keyes is director emeritus of L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachusetts, where he has worked with his wife and family since 1979. He holds a B.A. in History from Harvard University and an M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

Dick has worked for L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and England, where he also served as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church in London for eight years. He has been an adjunct professor at Gordon Conwell Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary.

Dick Keyes (B.A. Harvard University, M. Div. Westminster Seminary) is the director of L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, MA. He is the author of Beyond Identity, True Heroism, and Chameleon Christianity and several book chapters in anthologies such as Finding God at Harvard and The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics. He has lectured widely on the Christian faith and modern culture in the United States, Europe, and Korea.

You can always download the English L'Abri Podcast. Check it out today!

R. Keith Loftin on Teaching Students What It Means To Be Human Dec 16, 2020

What does it mean to be human, to be civil, to have a confident purpose in life? Raising up a generation that will genuinely truly is the goal of any loving parent and teacher. How do we do it? Our guest today has written a new book that illuminates the power of a liberal arts education, which for centuries has formed Christ-followers who have gone into the broken world and made significant positive cultural changes. People who know who they are and whose they are, ready to endure whatever challenges unfold before them. Isn't that what the world needs right now? Listen in...

BIOGRAPHY

R. Keith Loftin is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, as well as the Associate Dean at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Scarborough College in Fort Worth, TX. In addition to the PhD, he holds an M.A. in Philosophy and an M.A. in Humanities. He is the editor of God & Morality: Four Views, co-author of Stand Firm: Defending the Beauty and Brilliance of the Gospel, and the author of numerous articles and reviews addressing topics both philosophical and theological.

Follow R. Keith Loftin on Twitter
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How Beauty Informs Truth and Goodness For Classical Christian Students ~ Nick Duncan Nov 10, 2020

Most classical Christian educators talk about truth and goodness. But when it comes to beauty it seems as though it’s not as critical or practical. At most, it’s an excuse to put some nice artwork on the wall. Yet, when properly understood, beauty can be an antidote to much of the rising anxiety so prevalent in our culture. Even more, it is the door to understand truth and goodness. If we want to raise a generation to love what God loves then we need to figure out where beauty fits in to everyday life. Nick Duncan, a former professional chef and the 10th Grade Humanities Instructor at the Ambrose School in Meridan, Idaho, shares some of his own discoveries about beauty that will transform your school and home.

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Biography

Nick Duncan received a BBA in Entrepreneurship Management from Boise State University in 2012 and an MDiv in Global Studies from Liberty University School of Divinity in 2016. He previously taught at the College of Western Idaho for four years. Most recently, he taught Greek I at The Ambrose School in 2017-2018 and currently is their 10th Grade Humanities. A major focus of study for him in Divinity school was how the New Testament authors, specifically Paul, were partially influenced by Greco-Roman philosophers, literature, and rhetoric. As such, he is able to teach his students about the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and literature from a biblical perspective. This works well for 10th Grade Humanities as the main question they focus on for the year is, “How did God prepare the world for the coming of the Christ?” They answer that question in every Greco-Roman work they cover. He is happily married to his wife Jorie, and they have two children: Grady and Ainsley.

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30 Poems To Memorize (Before It's Too Late) from The CiRCE Institute
The University of Dallas, Classical Education Graduate Program

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Beating Hollywood Through Storytelling And Capturing Students’ Hearts ~ Louis Markos Oct 21, 2020

We classical Christian folk frequently talk about forming virtue in young people. But if we’re not careful, we can bury students in our well-intended rules and academic expectations and never ultimately transform their hearts and what they love. In a world of digital screens with movies and stories all around, we’d better be even better story tellers if we want to be persuasive in forming what our children love. But how do we do it? One way is rediscovering the power of ancient myths. Louis Markos, author of the new book, Myth Made Fact, tells us how on today’s episode of BaseCamp Live.

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Biography

Louis Markos holds a BA in English and History from Colgate University and an MA and PhD in English from the University of Michigan. He is a Professor of English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Baptist University, where he teaches courses on British Romantic and Victorian Poetry and Prose, the Classics, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, and Art and Film. Dr. Markos holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities and lectures on Ancient Greece and Rome, the Early Church and Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Romanticism for HBU’s Honors College. He is the author of eighteen books, including From Achilles to Christ, On the Shoulders of Hobbits, Literature: A Student’s Guide, CSL: An Apologist for Education, three Canon Press Worldview Guides to the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid, & two children’s novels, The Dreaming Stone and In the Shadow of Troy, in which his kids become part of Greek Mythology and the Iliad and Odyssey. His son Alex teaches Latin at the Geneva School in Boerne, TX and his daughter Anastasia teaches music at Founders Classical Academy in Lewisville, TX.

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Find out more about the CLT Exam
30 Poems To Memorize (Before It's Too Late) from The CiRCE Institute

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Aiming Higher: Education Fit to Save Civilization (More Than Ever Series) ~ Jared Squires Oct 15, 2020

What could be more important than excellent reading, writing, and arithmetic skills? More than ever, we need a generation of students who are cultivated to love what God loves, to think deeply, and to be real world ready. All of that sounds amazing and makes for good open house talks but is there longterm evidence that it actually works? Our guest today, Head of School Jared Squires, has completed a doctoral dissertation that specifically researches the longterm outcomes and impact of classical Christian education on graduates. More than ever, civilization depends on parents and teachers who recognize the power of paideia in our schools. Listen in and get equipped!

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Biography

Jared Squires has been blessed to be a part of the classical, Christian, University-Model school movement for the past 20 years as a co-founder of Kingdom Prep, trustee, and headmaster. He and his wife, Dana, first learned of the classical, Christian, University-Model school movement in the fall of 1999 when his daughter, who is now 27, was in the first grade. At that moment in his life, the Lord began prompting him in a number of areas regarding what His plans were for his children’s education, as well as His plans for a career. After working “part-time” (evenings & weekends) in education for eight years, he left his career as a healthcare executive in August 2008 to pursue his life’s calling full-time as a school administrator. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in finance, a master’s degree in business, and a doctorate degree in education. He has been impacted dramatically by the formation and continued development of Kingdom Prep. He is extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve on a daily basis in the many varied capacities at a classical Christian school.

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Sponsors

Find out more about the CLT Exam
30 Poems To Memorize (Before It's Too Late) from The CiRCE Institute

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How Classical Christian Trains Graduates to Stand Strong ~ Matthew Breazeale Oct 06, 2020

Culture is always downstream of education. We are reaping today the fruits of what has been taught or not taught in schools. At BCL, we’re big fans of classical Christian education precisely because it gives students what they need to be real world ready rather than sheltering them. Our guest today, Matthew Breazeale of Trinity Academy, completed a doctoral dissertation exploring the reasons why CCE graduates can and do stand strong in their faith and in their life decisions that go the distance.

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Biography:

Matthew Breazeale has 10+ years of educational experience with with 6+ years of administrative/leadership experience. He has served as a teacher (part of Teach For America) as well as an assistant principal within the public school system. He also has experience serving at an independent school as a division head and interim head of school. As interim, he served 7 months to finish an academic and fiscal year while also preparing for the next; this required managing a ~$4.4 million budget and overseeing enrollment growth from 383 to 405. As Head of Lower School at Trinity Academy in Raleigh, NC, he directly oversees a staff of 25-30 and student enrollment of around 200.

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Sponsors:

Find out more about the CLT Exam
30 Poems To Memorize (Before It's Too Late) from The CiRCE Institute

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Staying Off The Merry Go Round As Society Reopens & Speeds Up ~ Keith McCurdy Sep 25, 2020

What have we learned from living through the pandemic? Sure, there have been challenges, but also some wonderful discoveries of taking time with family, slowing down, and sharing activities that had been lost in the frenetic shuffle of life. Now, as society reopens, hopefully sooner rather than later, are we going to jump back on the treadmill? In this encouraging episode, Keith McCurdy offers us wisdom on how to protect and embrace the positive new habits and traditions that we started in our marriages, with our children, at school, and in our faith.

Forming Human Souls In Chaotic Times With Classical Christian Education ~ Chris Schlect Sep 14, 2020

How does reading Homer benefit students in a world gone amok? Shouldn’t we focus less on doing the hard thing and more on the practical needs that stem from living through a pandemic? Chris Schlect, Fellow of History at New Saint Andrews College, reminds us that classical classical Christian education is needed now more than ever. Like the early Christians, parents and teachers must look beyond the practical and press in during these difficult times. According to Schlect, reading Homer is how we build the world and teaching kids to face adversity is how the kingdom of God advances. Turns out that aiming for the “timeless” will get you to the practical every time. Tune in today to hear how!

Teaching Kids To Roll With The Changes… As School Reopens ~ Keith McCurdy Sep 04, 2020

Which age groups are having the toughest time as school reopens this side of the pandemic? Keith McCurdy is back to address what all students are most worried about and how should parents and teachers respond. In this timely episode, Keith suggests strategies to help kids lean in, understand their new environments, and roll with the changes as they return to school. Listen in to help students of all ages navigate this new world.

How To Keep Your Classical Christian School From Running Off The Rails ~ Kathleen Kitchin Jul 03, 2020

What anchors a school? This is the million-dollar question author Kathleen Kitchin asks of existing classical Christian Schools. Her new book, First Things First: Keeping Your Classical Christian School On Track, reveals the principles and patterns of success she discovered in her research. In this podcast, teachers, staff, and parents will learn how a school can become the educational "alma mater" - that’s Latin for “nourishing mother” - that our graduates will look back on with gratitude and fondness. Learn how to shore up those practices to help your classical Christian school stay on track...or get your school back on track!

Managing Expectations For Our Children…In Uncertain Times ~ Josh Dyson Jun 22, 2020

Culture often pressures us to believe that results and outcomes matter more than everything else. This attitude can bleed into the classical Christian school realm and affect our parenting. Josh Dyson, Head of the Classical School of Wichita, urges us to consider Augustine who did not receive the gospel during his formative years. Only years later did his conversion come together with his classically trained mind…and the results were explosive! Listen in to hear how can parents can better manage their expectations and wait on God's prefect timing.

Best Practices For Redeeming The Time With Kids and Grandkids At Home ~ Laurie Detweiler May 28, 2020

Do you have an abundance of Amazon boxes lately? Laurie Detweiler, the Executive Vice President of Veritas Press, offers some creative ideas for you and the special kids in your life. With just a little bit of time and some imagination, parents and grandparents can reinforce skills and history lessons at home. Invite kids to connect anytime via Zoom! Read online together in a different way! Every generation can enrich children of all ages no matter how busy or how much distance is between them. Listen in for some fabulous ideas from an educator who is living this out.

The Blurring Between School and Home… The New Continuum ~ Marlin Detweiler May 20, 2020

The Pandemic has challenged our idea that we have only two choices: homeschool or brick and mortar. The blurring of the lines means more choices. But what is the parent’s responsibility and what is the school’s, especially when every family is different with varying needs? Marlin Detweiler, Executive Director of Veritas Press, encourages parents to figure out where they are on the new continuum...and yet keep their authority whether or not there is a crisis. Listen in to hear his predictions for what the future holds for classical Christian education after the Pandemic.

How To Build Classical Christian Virtues In The School and Home ~ Dr. Timothy Dernlan May 12, 2020

How do we build virtue? Our guests today, Dr. Timothy Dernlan and two special students, share practical applications for teaching virtue that sticks and works. They discuss the methods they’ve used to foster virtue and guard against vice. Dernlan’s new book is Classical Christian Virtues: Contemplating the Good Life.

Going The Distance! PART 4: Building A Pandemic-Proof Marriage ~ Keith McCurdy May 01, 2020

Someone once said, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” But Keith McCurdy believes it’s the marriage, not mama, that we need to be concerned about. In fact, McCurdy shows how a family’s greatest tool to navigate the Pandemic is marriage. But what if your relationship isn’t as strong as it could be? And this shutdown has added extra burdens? McCurdy’s positive and practical steps can help. This last episode of our Going the Distance series will encourage you if you are already feeling supported...or help you reset and come out of this Pandemic stronger than ever. Listen in!

Going The Distance! PART 3 of 4: Young Adults...There And Back Again ~ Keith McCurdy Apr 23, 2020

High school seniors’ graduation plans have been highjacked and many college kids are back home due to the Pandemic. So how do we maximize this gift of being together 24/7 while respecting each other’s significant differences? Counselor Keith McCurdy addresses these specific age groups in Part 3 of our Going the Distance Series. Learn how parents can help these little birdies who want to fly the nest…but are temporarily "there and back again.”

Going The Distance! PART 2 of 4: Teachers Save The Day ~ Keith McCurdy Apr 13, 2020

Teachers are having to turn their teaching methods upside down by going online during this Covid-19 Pandemic. But how do teachers save the day for students without losing their own minds? Many are frustrated with the new platform, feeling self-doubt and missing their students. And what is appropriate and inappropriate when connecting online? Speaking directly to classical Christian teachers, counselor Keith McCurdy points teachers away from unhealthy mechanisms and toward a freedom to engage in something that’s a little more clunky right now. Listen in!

Going The Distance! PART 1 of 4: Grammar School Kids At Home ~ Keith McCurdy Apr 08, 2020

Are you losing your mind or loving these extended days at home? Either way, you don’t want to miss this episode! Our four part series, Going the Distance, begins today. In light of the quarantine we are currently experiencing due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, our resident counselor Keith McCurdy offers practical advice to parents of grammar school-aged kids. Learn how to better avoid chaos, partner with your child’s school, entertain grammar school kids (or not!), and reclaim this unique time. Touching on stories he’s seen in the lives of his own clients who are struggling in these areas, McCurdy helps us redeem these days in quarantine with little ones.

Making the Most of Your Child’s Digital Education In Quarantine ~ Joelle Hodge Mar 31, 2020

Good news during a pandemic…everyone gets a front room seat in a recorded session of digital school! We might as well look on the bright side and make the best of these changing educational platforms during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. Today, Joelle Hodge, who is the Director of the Scholé Academy and an online distance educational expert, helps parents and teachers see how distance learning can be more than cramming facts and regurgitating information. Listen in today to hear how this is an opportunity reconnect with children in a new way using the classical Christian model!

Surviving The Pandemic At Home with Kids: 5 Tips To Avoid Chaos ~ Keith McCurdy Mar 21, 2020

As schools lock their doors and families stay home together, parents are asking urgent questions: How do we survive in this world turned upside down due to Covid-19? How do we make the most of it? And how do we help our children not fear what is going on? Counselor Keith McCurdy shares his top five tips for thriving - not just just surviving - during our new reality of being together 24/7. Redeem the time! Find out how on today’s episode! Your family will be stronger for it!

The Power of Rhetoric: What you say and who you are? ~ Chris Maiocca Mar 14, 2020

Politicians and advocates appeal to hearts and minds, but are their ideas and ethics worth following? Students in Classical Christian Schools learn that Rhetoric is more than a tool to get your way…and that speech must emanate from the heart. In this episode, Chris Maiocca shares practical tips to teach students this worthy “life skill". As the Instructor of Scripture, Classical Rhetoric, and Senior Thesis at The Ambrose School in Boise, ID, he explains how Rhetoric is so much more than just "public speaking”. Teachers and parents, listen in to learn how to bolster your Rhetoric program in your Classical Christian school...or even at home. In fact, you can create an engaging little Athens for children wherever you go. Get ready to be persuaded!

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda… Getting Rid of Parenting Regrets ~ Keith McCurdy Mar 03, 2020

Parents, have you ever bemoaned, “I should…”, “I would...” or “I could have...”? Did you fall for trendy parenting advice that was proven invalid? Ever lost your temper? Mix in the high standards of the classical Christian model and we can set ourselves up for disappointment. Most parents - and teachers, too - wish they could could go back in time and change some of their decisions. But don't beat yourself up. In today’s episode, Keith McCurdy helps us replace regret and guilt with grace and confidence. Thankfully, it is never too late to influence your children…even when they’re grown.

Groundbreaking Study Reveals 7 Life Outcomes of K-12 Alumni ~ David Goodwin Feb 25, 2020

You have to see it - and hear it - to believe it! David Goodwin, our special guest and President of the Association of Classical Christian Schools, shares the newly published results of the highly regarded Cardus Educational study. Cardus, a top research firm commissioned by the ACCS, measured the influence of Classical Christian Schools on graduates up to twenty-five years later. Cardus worked with Notre Dame’s Sociology Department to conduct a highly scientific, unbiased, and first of its kind study. Released this month for the first time ever, this 89-page comparative study evaluates a broad spectrum of behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and life outcomes of alumni ages 24-42. Compared with five other types of schools (public, private, Catholic, evangelical Christian, and homeschool), Classical Christian (ACCS) schools produce alumni who stand out as having an influence in the real world. Listen in to hear some of the fascinating results!

Grown-Ups Look Back At Classical Christian Education ~ Brett Jones and Erin Meyers Feb 18, 2020

In today's episode, two adult siblings, Erin Meyers and Brett Jones, reflect on their experience with classical Christian education and its impact on their lives today. While Erin attended public school and Brett attended Faith Christian School in Roanoke,Va. they both see the value that CCE has for real world living. They discuss everything from diversity and freedom of thought to how to read statistics and building a framework of faith. Parents, teachers, and administrators, here are two real world examples of how classical Christian is making a significant difference in the lives of alumni.

Start Spreading The News... Classical Christian Ed Thrives in NYC Feb 10, 2020

NYC is not an easy place to run a school. With 900+ private K-12 schools in a city of 8.6 million, the competition is fierce. Yet for the last 24 years, The Geneva School of Manhattan has been serving in the heart of the city as a classical Christian school. Rim Hinckley shares how her vision became a reality and how God provided. She also looks to the future and shares why adding a high school at The Geneva School is so important for NYC. Parents, teachers, and administrators, listen in to learn how anything is possible despite the challenges around you and how children educated classically in a Christian environment stand out...even in NYC!

Top Concerns Parents Have About Classical Christian Schools ~ Peter Baur Jan 27, 2020

Can you list the top barriers that current or prospective parents have when considering CCE? One Head of School found out by hiring a marketing firm and letting a focus group identify their concerns. Peter Baur, Head of School at Faith Christian School in VA, shares the results and how to respond. Their concerns are valid, but they don’t always know the whole story…listen in today!

How The Medievals Help Us Raise The Next Generation ~ David Goodwin Jan 21, 2020

How do kings, knights and warlords fit with today’s egalitarian values and prepare students for the modern world? Do order and hierarchy have any place? According to David Goodwin, Medieval history teaches children that the world is endowed with a God-given order. Even C.S. Lewis knew this and filled his books with Medieval meaning. Listen in to hear how studying this astounding time period can capture the imagination and heart for Christ.

Classical Conversations Is Growing Like Wildfire…125,000+ Homeschoolers ~Robert Bortins Dec 10, 2019

One of the fastest growing segments in Classical Christian Education is homeschooling. Robert Bortins, the Chief Officer of Classical Conversations, shares how the company his mother founded in 1997 is meeting the needs of 120,000 worldwide and 50,000 families…allowing families to educate children in ways that glorify God and best meet their children’s needs. An excellent reminder about how a classical education is a wise choice no matter how you choose to educate.

Helping Teens Answer "Who am I?” ~ John Murray Dec 02, 2019

How do images affect teens? John Murray is the author of the recent book, In Whose Image? Image-bearers of God vs. The Image-makers of Our Time. In this fascinating interview, Murray shares classroom research, his interview with Charlton Heston, and four ways that images affect us. Learn practical ways to talk about image and identity in the classroom and around the table. It's no surprise that the Socratic method is one of the most helpful tools to help teens!

Meet Classical Hall of Fame Member, Mortimer Adler Nov 18, 2019

If Classical Christian educators promoted a Hall of Fame, Mortimer Adler would surely make the list. Dr. Robert Woods, author of the newly released Mortimer Adler's The Paideia Way of Classical Education, introduces us to the man often called the “Father of Classical education.” Find out what Adler's Great Books approach means practically for teachers, students and learners today, both in the classroom or the homeschool environment. Ultimately, following the Great Books model promotes a culture of conversation that is priceless and timeless.

Raising The Well-Traveled Child ~ Tom Velasco and Bill Miller Nov 12, 2019

Rome, Florence, Paris and London…have you considered that travel should be a significant part of your child’s classical christian education? In fact, many schools send their seniors to Europe as the capstone of their secondary education. Some schools travel to Washington, DC or other historical sites in the U.S. According to Bill Miller and Tom Velasco, Instructors of Humanities at the Ambrose School, traveling outside of your hometown complements what happens in the classroom. So what’s the return of investment of these trips? Is it worth the added expense and time? What about safety? Listen in to find out how your family or school can - and should -raise well-traveled children!

Teens Keeping Faith… How 10% Stay The Course ~ Brooke Hempell Nov 05, 2019

The not so good news...Barna reports that only 10% of young adults ages 18-29 report keeping their faith in the face of a resistant culture. The good news…their “resilient faith" is very strong. So how do young adults from Christian homes or who attended church as teens maintain their faith - if at all? Brooke Hempell, Barna’s Senior Vice President, shares how this new study measures faith and the three trends that will help equip teens who will soon step into that space where faith meets world.

The ROI of Classical Christian Education…It Works! ~ Jean Kim Oct 29, 2019

Classical Christian education offers some of the highest ROI, or return on investment, for the amount of tuition, time and effort parents spend. Jean Kim of The Cambridge School tells story after story of how the classical Christian school model uniquely adds value to your child’s educational experience. And the value is priceless. Why so high? She explains how on this inspiring podcast.

How To Stimulate Curiosity… Inside and Outside The Classroom ~ Harlan Gilliam Oct 22, 2019

According to Harlan Gilliam, the Science and Nature Center coordinator at Regents School in Austin, natural curiosity in our children makes education possible. In fact, it's up to the child, and not the teacher, to learn. And real learning happens in the heart, not just the mind. So how do parents and teachers build on a child's natural curiosity? Get some practical tips, as well enjoy hearing how Dorothy Sayers and Charlotte Mason complement one another. Harlan Gilliam will inspire you to take your students outside and really connect with God’s creation.

Why Christians Should Read The Pagan Classics ~ Louis Markos Oct 16, 2019

Why would we want our classical Christian students to read books filled with pagan myths, fantasy worlds with darkness, and stories that might be R rated if they were made into a movie? Why not just read Christian books? Louis Markos points out that the pagan writers actually had great wisdom and asked life’s questions better than most. In fact, even our Founding Fathers, who were either Christians or at least strong theists, looked back to these people (pagans) because they found wisdom in them. Find out how the pagan classics offer us insight for living today and why we should pay attention!

A Classical Life Hack: Commonplacing ~ Chris Browne Oct 08, 2019

If you are like the average person, you easily forget what you’ve just read. But not if you “commonplace". Commonplacing is a practice of antiquity that was particularly popular in the Renaissance and the nineteenth century. And many classical schools are reviving the practice and reaping the benefits. Chris Browne, Humanities Instructor at the Ambrose School, explains how to record and categorize ideas, scripture and quotes in a commonplace book at school or at home. Special guests, high school students Kristen Stanciu and Rivers Nordquist, stop by to offer their experience and the value of commonplacing in their educational journey. The beauty is that anyone can - and should - commonplace!

The Drawbacks of Educational Technology ~ Martin Cothran Sep 30, 2019

How do we know when we've overstepped technology in the classical educational environment? Don’t we need to raise "real world" ready kids? Martin Cothran argues that today’s schools - and parents - are actually raising “Windows" ready kids, to the detriment of their ability to focus. Listen in to hear about the latest technological trends in education and how to respond in the classroom and the home.

The Two Most Important Scientific Discoveries To Teach Students ~ Dr. Mark Phillips Sep 23, 2019

Dr. Mark Phillips has been on a lifelong journey to the science classroom. From Vanderbilt to Oxford, from comedy clubs with Steve Martin to Classical Christian Education, he has pursued God’s calling. Listen in to hear him describe the two scientific discoveries that he believes should be taught to every student in classical Christian schools. You also don’t want to miss his amazing conversion story!

Latest Trends of College Entrance Tests: SAT, ACT and CLT ~ Jeremy Tate Sep 18, 2019

Jeremy Tate explains how the Classic Learning Test (CLT) counters the SAT and ACT as a better resource to assess your student for college, and well as new tests for the high school and middle school years. Standardized tests are a necessary hoop to jump through on the way to college but have changed since their beginnings. Colleges are having to adapt to the changing landscape and more and more are recognizing the CLT as a valuable tool. Listen in to hear how your child can benefit!

Surviving and Thriving The Middle School Years ~ Nathan Jordan Sep 10, 2019

Adolescence can be one of the most difficult and challenging seasons of our lives, whether you are a middle schooler, a parent, or teacher of middle schoolers. And sometimes all three collide. But with a measure of grace and some practical tips in your pocket, those in-between years can be redeemed, treasured and used for good. Nathan Jordan is a longtime educator of middle schoolers. He reminds us that our children's fluctuating emotions are actually developmentally normal! So take a deep breath and listen in…

How God Wires The Brain For Stories ~ Aaron Ames Sep 03, 2019

Alexander the Great considered stories his most prized possession and Jesus deemed stories worthy of the secrets of the Kingdom of God. Storytelling is more than something we do around a campfire… it is what drives how we learn and engage the world. But when the average American spends upwards to 84 hours a week in front of a screen, how can educators and parents combat this? Aaron Ames shares the science behind our two brain hemispheres as well as what you can do as a parent or teacher to capture the imagination…through storytelling.

How Persecuted Schools Inspire and Motivate Us ~ "John Smith" (from China) Aug 26, 2019

The headlines tell stories of persecution of Christians in China. As we pray for them, how do we help our students in the United States and elsewhere meet and overcome the challenges right where they are in the classical Christian classroom and in the world? Our guest today, “John Smith”, speaking under his alias name, shares stories from the field and how the lessons in China can inspire parents, teachers and students. You will be encouraged by John Smith’s faith and vision for us regardless of what part of the world you are in…

Embracing Learning Differences in Classical Christian Schools Aug 16, 2019

How do children with learning challenges fare in classical Christian schools? And how should CCE schools respond to the special needs of children and families? Leslie Collins has worked within special education for years, both in public and private schools, and her response may surprise you. Learn about the framework and infrastructure that she recommends for CCE schools to meet these needs and how all children benefit when their peers may learn differently. It’s not easy but it is possible!

Don’t miss today’s special BCL Backside where Davies, Kelly and Leslie discuss meeting the needs of children who have been adopted and how Leslie's eyes were opened to their special needs.

Humanities and Sciences Go Together... Like Bow Ties and Jackets ~ Mitch Stokes Aug 13, 2019

One of the critical issues of our time is the disconnect between the humanities and sciences in both secondary schools and in higher education. Lack of crossover hurts both, says Dr. Mitch Stokes, Senior Fellow of Philosophy at New St. Andrews, engineer, and author. In fact, most people don’t realize that western thought and civilization grew up around people responding to the math and sciences! Dr. Stokes gives practical advice to administrators and teachers from the top down who want to understand and pass on both of these disciplines to students. Sometimes opening your eyes is the first step to realizing what goes together…like bow ties and jackets.

Going Deep in the New School Year ~ George Grant Aug 07, 2019

Have you heard the wise saying, “You cannot teach what you do not have”? Yet, in this busy world, we often get distracted and end up running on fumes as we respond to the urgent more than the important. George Grant encourages parents and educators to heed the moments, delight in what we teach and pass that mindset on to our children and students. Most importantly, he shares his own method for putting “first things first” which involves his Keystones Scripture memory system based on the example of the great 19th century theologian Thomas Chalmers.

Practical Parenting... So Kids Stay Grounded In A Spinning World — Keith McCurdy Jul 30, 2019

Today, more voices than ever give us parenting advice…yet we have a poverty of wisdom when it comes to parenting the way God designed. In this interview, Keith McCurdy highlights the most common parenting struggles and current cultural and psychological dynamics he sees in his counseling practice. He points us back to to the order God put in place so that kids can function best in this challenging world. Every family will benefit from the practical and timeless advice he offers.

Arguing with Grandma: Using Logic Wisely — Brian Daigle Jul 23, 2019

Classically-educated teens are trained to argue logically…but do they also know how use the gift of logic wisely and appropriately? If not, then we are raising mechanistic citizens who only want to win arguments and slay dragons. Brian Daigle, author of Street-fighting Logic, shares practical advice from his book that shows educators, parents and kids how to maturely apply the tools of logic. Often not included in logic curriculum, these methods are a gamechanger for rounding out the logic and rhetoric stages. Children are going to argue, so teach them how to argue well!

Igniting A Passion for Math in Students — Bill Carey Jul 18, 2019

Good news, parents and teachers...according to Bill Carey, every student is a math person. But today's schools often rob students of their natural curiosity and they end up experiencing math as something incoherent and frustrating. Carey shares the fascinating and somewhat shocking history of mathematics and encourages educators to shape the curriculum in a way that ignites the mathematical curiosity of students. Listen in for practical advice for the classroom and some genuinely good mathematical word problems to spark interest. Be encouraged when some students declare from the get-go that they are not math people. Get equipped to change their minds!

How to Raise Physically Literate Children ~ Jenny Crockett Jul 09, 2019

Did Aristotle do pushups? Or was he a couch potato who only did mental calisthenics? Jenny Crockett says that the Greeks highly valued physical exercise and spent more than 50% of their time on physical activity. Unlike those mental and physical giants, modern students lag far behind and often sacrifice form for speed. Crockett challenges schools and parents to raise children who are “physically literate." Packed full of practical advice, helpful links and inspiration, this episode will give you a framework for making physical education intentional in your school and home.

Grades 101: The History of Grades and How They Undermine Students ~ Dr. Brian Williams Jul 02, 2019

Is the current system of grading undermining students today and their long-term formation? Dr. Williams, a college dean at Eastern University, offers a fascinating history lesson about the origin of grades (hint: it’s a late modern invention) and challenges teachers and parents to consider separating true assessment from number and letter grades. Lots of practical advice in this episode about how to actually do this in our world today. Listen in to this fascinating discussion!

Former Muslim Presents the Gospel Truth to a Confused Culture ~ Abdu Murray Jun 25, 2019

In 2016, the Oxford English Dictionary named “post-truth” as their word of the year. In 2019, Westerners are quite possibly even more confused about what is real and what is not. In today’s episode, host Davies Owens asks Abdu Murray about his new book, Saving Truth: Finding Meaning and Clarity in a Post-Truth World. Murray shares his faith journey to Christianity, defines what it means to live in a post-truth culture, and encourages Christians, especially college students, to respond with integrity to the arguments swirling around them.

Mozart, Mötley Crüe and Math… Shaping Students’ Affections In A World Gone Mad ~ Dr. Steve Turley Jun 18, 2019

Echoing C.S. Lewis’ arguments in The Abolition of Man, Dr. Steve Turley cautions that modernity robs us of our humanity and leads to an abolition of sanity with regard to what is true, good and beautiful. Educators should urge students to consider their divine purpose over and against the mechanistic messages that culture throws at them. When given truth, time, and classical tools, students are better equipped to navigate a world falling apart. They begin to see that everything from rock music to math to Mozart reflects a theology and they learn how to order their affections. Help the next generation take back sanity today!

ENCORE: Tech Monsters In Our Kids’ Pockets…What Parents Can Do To Protect Kids ~ Chris McKenna Jun 11, 2019

ENCORE: This critical episode was originally aired in March of this year. The battle continues...What are technology’s latest sneaky maneuvers to get to our kids? How do parents combat the bad while accepting the good? Like Cyclops, the one-eyed giant who battled Odysseus, technology is the stranger in our midst attempting to get a grip on our children’s hearts, minds, and souls. Tune in to learn about the latest technology dangers online, the lack of helpful ratings in apps designed for children, and what you can do to protect your kids.

ENCORE: How A Low View of the Body Leads to Dehumanization in the Culture - Nancy Pearcey Jun 04, 2019

Today's episode originally aired in June of 2018 and is more relevant than ever before. Nancy Pearcey has been called "America’s preeminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual." Her book Total Truth was a best seller along with the book she authored with Chuck Colson: How Now Shall We Live. In this interview she talks about her latest book, Love Thy Body, which asks the hard questions about life and sexuality that we hear in many of the conversations and debates in the broader culture. It is an excellent resource for anyone raising the next generation… Listen in….

Tackling the Five Biggest Temptations Within Classical Christian Schools ~ Brian Douglas May 29, 2019

The bad news…temptations exist even in the classical Christian world. The good news…uncovering these temptations means parents and educators are more informed and can think wisely about the challenges they and their students might encounter. Having served as a classical Christian educator, Brian Douglas critiques from within, shares the struggles he fought and how to best overcome wrong thinking and practices in the classroom. Listen in as he tackles five of the biggest temptations that parents and educators face when raising the next generation in a classical environment.

Raising Kids In A Society Fixated On Competition and Performance ~ Ben Bost May 21, 2019

Isn’t competition as American as apple pie and Chevrolet? Yes, but all too often, modern society’s fixation with competition, performance and metrics erodes our children’s identity and the Christian faith we are trying to build. Even worse, well-intentioned parents are often the worst culprits! Ben Bost shares compelling research about the harm that our competitive society inflicts on kids today…and how parents and classical Christian schools can offer children stability in an unstable world.

Finding Balance In A Non-stop Digital Age ~ Tony Reinke May 14, 2019

Author Tony Reinke’s newest book, Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age, addresses the tension between seeing as God sees versus what we see all around us… anything from Facebook to Twitter, from Netflix to a kiss cam. This constant media barrage means that what is not explicitly sinful still pulls our gaze away from the greatest spectacle of all - Jesus. In this interview, Tony Reinke shares how to find balance, spiritually thrive again and even how to pray for your children in this important area!

The House Program: The Heartbeat of Classical Christian Schools - Jordan Tucker May 07, 2019

Far and away, what area of a classical Christian school most influences a school culture? Our guests today share the stunning answer…a thriving House Program! As Jordan Tucker, a House Governor for six years, says, the House Program is "the heartbeat of our school.” While students don’t wear funny robes or hats like in the movies, they are unified in ways that make the House experience one-of-a-kind and transformative for both the school body and the wider community. If you don’t have a House Program, you will want one after hearing this episode. Listen in to hear why House is “the best way to drive culture in our community” and how you can start a House Program today at your school!

Thinking Fast On Your Feet - Mock Trial Delivers - David Goodwin Apr 30, 2019

Have you ever wondered what Mock Trial is all about? Today’s episode will explain how this intellectual sport works and how it combines some of the best parts of a classical education. Two students and their coach share stories, lessons learned and why Mock Trial has been one of the best decisions they ever made…and why more students should consider joining. Every school should start a Mock Trial Team if they don’t have one already. Learn how on this episode!

May the Story Force Be With You ~ Matt Bianco and Brian Phillips Apr 24, 2019

Neuroscience reveals that not only are we wired for stories, but our brains are activated up to 5x’s more when we hear a good tale. If true, then parents should maximize storytelling and not just leave it to teachers! But how? Matt Bianco and Brian Phillips identify the roadblocks, offer advice and walk us through their newest book filled with fairytales and templates to guide parents and kids in conversation. May the story force be with you, parents!

Looking Over Galileo’s Shoulder In the Classical Christian Classroom ~ Ravi Jain Apr 18, 2019

Parents and teachers often ask, “How do you teach science and math classically?” Today’s guest, Ravi Jain, is probably the most knowledgable person to answer this question. As a science teacher and co-author of The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education, he offers theory and practical advice that every listener can incorporate right away in the classroom and lab. As a result, classical Christian students follow in the steps of the greatest scientists who ever lived.

Ohio School Differentiates Itself by Switching to Classical Christian ~ Toledo Christian Schools Apr 09, 2019

A growing number of Christian schools are differentiating themselves by shifting to classical Christian education. One example is Toledo Christian Schools in Toledo, Ohio. BaseCamp Live host, Davies Owens, visited Toledo Christian on a “BaseCamp Live RoadShow” to hear firsthand from three teachers about the transition. Listen in to learn about their journey as a community that wants to go back to what Christian education lost in the last few decades…the classical foundation.

The Closing of the Scientific Mind… But Not In Classical Christian Schools ~ Dr. Tim Anstine Apr 02, 2019

The last three decades have revealed amazing scientific discoveries. Yet, Chemistry tends to get a bad rap from American students and parents. Why? Looking back to the model of classical universities, Dr. Tim Anstine points out how the original scientists taught science. The great news is that today’s classical Christian schools follow this same model - so your children won’t have to be so bored anymore!

Best of Both Worlds… A New Educational Model Gets 5 Thumbs Up ~ Melody Tracy and Mandi Moore Mar 26, 2019

Is it possible to blend the flexibility of home life with the advantages and curriculum of the classical classroom? Yes! Parents and educators are excited about a new hybrid model that provides the best of both worlds. Listen in to hear about the latest option that parents, students and teachers give a five thumbs up!

Tech Monsters In Our Kids’ Pockets…What Parents Can Do To Protect Kids ~ Chris McKenna Mar 19, 2019

What are technology’s latest sneaky maneuvers to get to our kids? How do parents combat the bad while accepting the good? Like Cyclops, the one-eyed giant who battled Odysseus, technology is the stranger in our midst attempting to get a grip on our children’s hearts, minds, and souls. Tune in to learn about the latest technology dangers online, the lack of helpful ratings in apps designed for children, and what you can do to protect your children.

Prepared for A Real Job?…A Data Analyst Weighs In On Liberal Arts Degrees ~ Rob Sentz Mar 13, 2019

For juniors and seniors at classical Christian schools, one of their most pressing questions is, “Where am I going to college?” And not far behind, “Should I continue in the liberal arts or focus on a different path?” Rob Sentz, Chief Innovation Officer at Emsi, a labor analytics company, reports on a recent in-depth study of liberal arts graduates and their job outcomes in the real world. Based on the data, he offers sound advice to parents and students considering the many options. When it comes to future employment, leaning into a liberal arts education has some advantages that you may not have thought about!

Successful Young People Share These Qualities With 550 World Leaders - Michael Lindsay Mar 05, 2019

What can 550 elite world leaders teach us about raising the next generation? Michael Lindsay distills lessons he learned in his 10-year one-of-a-kind study and 2014 best seller, The View From The Top, and he communicates how to apply these strategies for today’s young people. As a college president, Lindsay knows what it takes to develop young “platinum leaders” that are led by virtue and faith, as well as their own struggles. Be prepared to be inspired by their stories!

The Ripple Effect: How Inner City Classical Christian Schools Spread Hope - Russ Gregg Feb 26, 2019

How can a Classical Christian School exemplify loving your neighbor as yourself? Head of School, Russ Gregg, shares how starting Hope Academy in his inner city neighborhood was ultimately a matter of justice and a matter of love. And the results have had a rippling effect throughout his community and beyond. God truly does provide!

Step Boldly into Your Child’s Emotional World - Keith McCurdy Feb 20, 2019

Emotions are the leading indicator of how young people see themselves today. But when parents and educators dismiss emotions altogether as unreliable and even dangerous, fireworks can ignite. Should we step into the emotional world of a child? And how? In this episode, Counselor Keith McCurdy offers parents and teachers sound advice about shaping your children’s perceptions so that emotions are put in their proper place.

Away with Widgets! How Classical Christian Schools Shape Persons, not Placeholders - Dr. Roy Atwood Feb 12, 2019

The classical model served civilization for almost 1,000 years and produced extraordinary minds and developments in our history globally. Today, pragmatism and the desire to prepare students for jobs often seems to rule educational institutions. Indeed, today’s schools often create students who are more like widgets! This approach often leads parents to ask the wrong questions when evaluating schools. Dr. Roy Atwood helps parents think about the right questions to ask so that your student experiences the best of what education has to offer. Enjoy!

Evidence That Classical Christian Schools Excel at Spiritual Formation - Dr. Tim Dernlan Feb 05, 2019

Are all schools created equal when it comes to spiritually forming kids? Our guest today spent years researching this question and has hard data to prove a difference … stay tuned….

Why Rewards Are Not Such A CrackerJack Idea for Students - Chris Stevens Jan 30, 2019

Did the Founding Fathers have prize boxes? Probably not, and neither should our students. Our guest, Headmaster Chris Stevens, tells us why extrinsic reward systems are a form of student management that do not build souls. We are what we love, and if we are in the business of building affections, then parents and teachers need to re-evaluate why rewards are not all they are cracked up to be. Tune in...

How to Relate to Young People In a “Feel Good” Age - Sean McDowell Jan 22, 2019

The book Evidence That Demands A Verdict celebrates 45 years since it was first published! That means it is older than most parents of current classical christian students! But is a book that boasts such a title still relevant in this new age where feelings rule? Do logical arguments and evidence even work anymore to convince people that Christianity is worth taking seriously? Dr. Sean McDowell offers classical Christian schools and parents practical advice about how to relate more intentionally, especially to young people who indulge their feelings and often believe that traditional values are mean, insensitive and bigoted. Dr. McDowell explains that there are definitely better ways to relate than just offering the evidence to believe - but we still need to do that, too! Tune in to find out how!

Have your cake and eat it too! Don't choose between Christian and college prep - Christy Vaughan Jan 12, 2019

Can we have our cake and eat it too? Parents often worry that a Christian school may produce students who are strong spiritually but not academically. They sometimes feel forced to choose between a moral education and one that will help their child get into college. What if there was a type of Christian education that helps students far outperform not just their public school counterparts but students at other Christian schools as well?

When Christy Vaughan’s own grandchildren completely changed after beginning to attend a classical Christian school, she wanted to know more about this method of teaching and what difference it could make on a standardized test like the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). The PSAT is not only prep for the SAT, but high scorers can qualify for a prestigious National Merit Scholarship. She compared scores of regular Christian schools and classical Christian schools.

She discovered a glaring difference. Why?

It's Not Too Late for us Old Folks! - David Moore Dec 28, 2018

What if you could go back and get the education your children are having now? It’s not too late! There's still time for you and me to grow and learn in much the same way our kids in a classical Christian school are. Many parents think that it's too late, that they're too old, they can't focus enough, etc. David Moore says IT'S NOT TRUE! He has yet to meet someone who can't grow and learn right along with their kids. For a start, don't be afraid to be curious! Nobody knows it all so don't be embarrassed to ask questions, even if you feel like you should already know the answers.

What else can you do? David has some great suggestions to get you going in a new life of joyful discovery. Listen in...

Be sure to keep listening to hear the BACKSIDE where we continue our conversation with Mr. Moore beyond our usual half hour.

Those Funny Words We Use...What Do We Mean By "Classical?" - Ty Fischer Dec 20, 2018

What in the world does “classical” even mean? Most people today imagine something out of date, old and not relevant for the modern world. Head of School Ty Fischer joins us today to tell his unbelievable story of how he was hired as Head of School at 25 years of age (you've got to hear it!) and gives us some practical ways to explain and really appreciate this important word...Listen in...

Think making kids memorize is oppressive? Speech Meet will change your mind - Carl Warmouth Dec 11, 2018

Decades ago now, memorization largely disappeared from the American classroom. What happened? Progressive educators had decided that memorization was just rote learning at best and at worst was oppressive and harmful to the creative mind of a child. Many classical Christian schools have revived memorization during the grammar stage when children’s minds are especially adept at absorbing large amounts of information. But why? Could we indeed be harming the creative mind, or might we actually be stoking the fires of creativity by filling students with beautiful words and amazing facts? Children will memorize whatever is in front of them, whether it be inspiring poetry or commercial jingles. Speech Meet is a great example of how memorization can impact a student’s life both now and in the future. Listen in...

Those Funny Words We Use...What exactly is "Virtue”? - Keith Buhler Dec 03, 2018

Classical folks like to use fancy words that are often misunderstood. Some of our words may sound a little goofy in our contemporary culture, but are important to understanding the character traits we are trying to form in our children.

The word “virtue” is often tossed about but what does it really mean? The answer has a lot to do with the way we raise and educate our children. It involves both parents and teachers and is crucial to forming things like justice and hope in the next generation. Listen in...

C.S. Lewis: Would Narnia & Lord of the Rings exist without The Inklings? - Diana Glyer Nov 19, 2018

CS Lewis left an indelible mark on culture. On this anniversary of Lewis’s death in 1963, we enlist the help of Lewis expert, Diana Glyer, to explore the evidence that Tolkien and Lewis’s influence on each other led to some of the finest literature ever published. Can classical Christian schools be the type of community that spurs us on to greater things? Can a classroom be a version of the Eagle and Child pub giving us an opportunity to grapple with other thinkers on why ideas matter and finding out not just what we believe, but why we believe it? Listen in…

There's An Educational Awakening Going On - Gordon Pennington Nov 16, 2018

There’s an educational awakening going on. It’s not a new movement but it’s gaining momentum. It’s creating a national conversation that more and more people are getting in on because it's becoming clear that we are fighting for the last vestiges of western civilization. We're learning that if life is subject to a grand social experiment in human engineering, then there will be risks and losses and decay. So what is it we would rebuild? And how? And would we base it on the best ideas, the most proven, the most successful ideas?

Bored with Everything? Awaken the Fire of Curiosity - Grant Horner Nov 09, 2018

"When you taste well prepared sushi, a McDonalds fish filet just isn’t so great." That’s what our guest today, Grant Horner, says when he talks about moving from being bored to having the fire of curiosity awakened in us…Listen in...

An Unexpected Journey into Classical Christian Education - Keith Nix Nov 02, 2018

Ever feel like you walked in late to the movie when it comes to understanding this CCE thing? Does it seem like everyone else is getting it and you are playing catch up? My guest today, Mr. Keith Nix, like many of us went from being a public school veteran, completely unaware of CCE, to one of the leaders in the movement. You will want to hear his story.

The Latest From Barna That Impacts Your Family - Brooke Hempell Oct 26, 2018

The world is changing, spinning… what are the cultural forces at work and the trends that are impacting your children and schools today? Every type of media your child consumes is educational. How can you be intentional about every hour of your child's time and help them navigate the confusion in our culture today? Our guest Brooke Hempell is a senior vice president of Barna Group, studying the intersection of faith and culture. Join us as we discuss the trends they are seeing among Gen Z and how parents can influence their child's response to these trends.

Image Bearers: Becoming who you were made to be - Peter Baur Oct 10, 2018

There seems to be an epidemic today of young people who don’t know who they are. They grasp for affirmation and value through their performance or a social media like. Our guest today says that classical Christian schools are uniquely positioned to light a fire of hope, purpose, and meaning in our students as they discover what it really means to be made in the image of God. Listen in as I interview Peter at the Society for Classical Learning conference.

Is Old 'Bad' and New 'Good' or the Other Way Around? - Chris Perrin Oct 01, 2018

Oh ye classical people, why do you cling to your old ways? With your ancient books and Latin drills… What's wrong with modern forms of education? Are we just like the old couple that thinks everything good in the world stopped happening 50 years ago? All fair questions. When classical meets contemporary, what do we have to keep and what can we just throw out? Listen now to what Chris Perrin has to say about how to evaluate old vs. new.

Worldview isn’t Enough - Peter Vande Brake Sep 19, 2018

It has been said that, “the purpose of education is not thinking; it is acting. It is not just knowing what to do; it is doing it.” This means that worldview training, getting the right answers to the big questions in life, is in and of itself not enough since we are more likely to be directed by our longings and loves than our thoughts. We are tackling this topic and more with my guest Dr. Peter Vande Brake on this episode of BaseCamp Live.

Wimpy or Worn Out? Finding the balance - Keith McCurdy Sep 05, 2018

Classical Christian kids are asked to give a lot of their time and mental energy to school and life in general. Parents can make the mistake of being too sympathetic (“oh, so sorry for your hard day at school…”) and risk making our kids soft, or we can fail to understand the real pressures and risk burning them out. Ultimately, life satisfaction is tied to our children’s ability to know they are valuable, are capable, and have a place to belong in this world. How we direct them with their work and responsibilities can make a real difference in how they answer those questions positively.

A Fresh Perspective from Africa on this “Classical Christian School Thing” - Karen Elliott Sep 04, 2018

It is easy at times to get discouraged when we look at American culture and the state of education in most American schools. Can classical Christian education really be a transformative education that can deeply shape the affections and minds of our children? Sometimes it takes stepping out of our own familiar surroundings to see what God is doing globally with classical Christian education to appreciate the impact that is possible. The same education that is transforming students in America to love the good, true and beautiful is now radically transforming boys and girls in more than 10 countries in Africa, who are now standing for Biblical truth and looking forward to a life of healthy opportunities. Karen Elliot, Executive Director of the Rafiki Foundation, shares some compelling stories and will give you an even greater appreciation and understanding of this powerful form of education whether in American suburbia or an African small town.

You Are What You Sing - Jarrod Richey Aug 22, 2018

Classical folks make a big deal out of singing and knowing how to play music. Is there more to it than just wanting us to be well rounded? Even for those who can’t carry a tune and only know pop songs, it is important to raise a generation to know and experience music that has stood the test of time over the centuries. The reasons why may surprise you.

Wisdom from Alistair Begg on Raising the Next Generation Aug 18, 2018

Alistair Begg has been a familiar voice around the world as a Bible teacher on Truth for Life. On this episode he shares his story of growing up in a Scottish school and then gives us insights on how to raise the next generation to not grow weary…

Education is not Neutral Oatmeal - Doug Wilson Aug 09, 2018

Oatmeal is bland stuff. It only tastes good when it has been flavored with lots of brown sugar! But education is not oatmeal; it isn’t neutral. You can’t just sprinkle some Christ on top of any form of education and make it effective. Join us for this episode as Doug Wilson, who is often credited with the rediscovery of classical Christian education 40 years ago, explains his vision for education...

Some Things Don’t Change. Raising A Generation with Truth - John MacArthur Jul 30, 2018

Dr. MacArthur has been a pastor-teacher for more than five decades. His radio show 'Grace to You' airs on more than 1,000 stations per day and is downloaded more than 2 million times per month. And he is unashamedly confident that despite the constant changes around us in pop culture and technology, God’s Truth doesn’t change. He has recently put initiatives in place to help equip a new generation of teachers in classical Christian schools. Join us as Dr MacArthur shares practical wisdom on how to raise a generation to follow boldly after Christ on this episode of BaseCamp Live.

Great Books...Great to Whom? Why It Matters - Louis Markos Jul 17, 2018

We often hear a lot about the importance of reading the Great Books, but who decided what is a Great Book? Captain Underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid are continuing to break sales records; are they the next Great Books? The answer matters, and you may be surprised why… Stay tuned as we hear from Dr. Louis Markos on this important topic.

Sports Gone Mad: How to Reclaim Balance For Our Children - Ken Sugarman Jul 04, 2018

Sports teams that go year round or travel most weekends appear to be the trend…but how is this affecting children and how can we navigate the pitfalls of an athletic industry gone mad?

Today’s guest, Ken Sugarman, walks us through the problem and shares what he sees after 15 years of collegiate coaching and as a father raising two athletic sons. The landscape is strewn with burned out youth, pushy parents and more injuries than ever before. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Coach Sugarman encourages parents in practical ways how to affirm their little athletes while not letting sports control the life of the family or our hearts.

"Rightly ordered affections" is what classical Christian education is all about, and that includes our response to sports and modeling it for our kids. Be encouraged by this timely conversation today with Ken Sugarman, a coach in the trenches.

How A Low View of the Body Leads to Dehumanization in the Culture - Nancy Pearcey Jun 26, 2018

My guest today, Nancy Pearcey, has been called America’s preeminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual. Her book Total Truth was a best seller along with the book she authored with Chuck Colson: How Now Shall We Live. In this interview she talks about her latest book, Love Thy Body, which asks the hard questions about life and sexuality that we hear in many of the conversations and debates in the broader culture. It is an excellent resource for anyone raising the next generation… Stay tuned….

20 Years Ago He Found only 6 Christian Colleges Faithful and Today…. - Robert Benne Jun 18, 2018

20 years ago Robert Benne searched far and wide to find historic Christian colleges and universities that had remained committed to their founding Christian vision and mission. At that time he found six schools and today he is hard pressed to find any. But there is hope and ways to choose wisely, so stay tuned for this episode as we hear from Robert Benne - respected author, speaker and founding director of the Roanoke College Center for Religion and Society…

Preparing for and Surviving in College - An Insider’s View - Austin Gentry Jun 03, 2018

Colleges are increasingly challenging places for Christians. Austin Gentry is a 20-something millennial who has written a new book for surviving college. As this generation is increasingly exiting the church as they enter college, students from Christian schools are not immune. In our interview, he shares some stories of what he is seeing on respected university campuses today and how he is helping a generation to rediscover the truth of the Gospel. His book, 10 Things Every Christian Should Know for College, is a practical guide to life in college that has good insights even for those whose children are not college aged.

Former Tommy Hilfiger Marketing Director Discovers Classical Christian Education (Part 1) May 24, 2018

Gordon Pennington is one of the best cultural translators out there. His life reads like a fascinating adventure novel. In his marketing days in New York as the head of marketing for Tommy Hilfiger, he was courted by MTV and jet setting with celebrities and stars including David Lee Roth, Prince Albert and Johnny Depp. Gordon has served in places of media influence and understands how culture shifts. As a Christian, he now works tirelessly as a visionary and cultural liaison to governments, corporations, non profits and ministries in all parts of the globe. His life is a rich tapestry but he always points to the transformative discovery he made when visiting a middle school classroom at a classical Christian school...

THE BACKSIDE: Gordon Pennington, Former Tommy Hilfiger Marketing Director (Part 2) May 24, 2018

Gordon Pennington is one of the best cultural translators out there. His life reads like a fascinating adventure novel. In his marketing days in New York as the head of marketing for Tommy Hilfiger, he was courted by MTV and jet setting with celebrities and stars including David Lee Roth, Prince Albert and Johnny Depp. Gordon has served in places of media influence and understands how culture shifts. As a Christian, he now works tirelessly as a visionary and cultural liaison to governments, corporations, non profits and ministries in all parts of the globe. His life is a rich tapestry but he always points to the transformative discovery he made when visiting a middle school classroom at a classical Christian school...

Meet the Cultural Translators - David Eaton May 21, 2018

Meet the Cultural Translators - David Eaton by BaseCamp Live

A Busy Father's Guide to Supporting the Next Generation - Eric Reed May 07, 2018

The school is only as successful as the home in raising the next generation. In many traditional and busy homes, mom manages “the school stuff” while dad is fully engaged in work. However, a father’s involvement is important, especially in classical Christian school homes. Which best practices can fathers add to their parenting without adding guilt or stress to their already full lives? Our guest today, Eric Reed, leads a men’s ministry with an international impact and has spent several decades working to help strengthen marriages and families. He knows the struggles firsthand as his own children are involved in classical Christian education. We encourage dads to listen - and moms, too!

Portrait of A Graduate: A Thirteen Year Proposition Apr 28, 2018

Setting goals is challenging, even more so when it is a 13 year goal. When a child starts in kindergarten, what do we really want for them when they finally graduate more than a decade later? My guest today is a father, Head of School and leader of a national association supporting classical Christian schools. His insights are helpful as we consider what goals we should realistically hold onto… Listen in.

THE BACKSIDE: 5 Graduates, 5 Colleges, 1 Year Later (PART 2) Apr 20, 2018

Keep listening to our conversation with five Classical Christian graduates after one year in college.

5 Graduates, 5 Colleges, 1 Year Later - Thoughts on K-12 (PART 1) Apr 20, 2018

People often ask, how do classical Christian graduates really do out in the real world? In this episode we answer that question, and many more, from the perspectives of 5 recent graduates who represent very different college environments: MIT, a state school, classical Christian colleges and a historically Christian college. Did their K-12 education prepare them socially, academically, spiritually?

Raising Kids Who Love Christ - Making the Worlds of Home, Church and School Connect - Chap Bettis Apr 12, 2018

Raising Kids Who Love Christ - Making the Worlds of Home, Church and School Connect - Chap Bettis by BaseCamp Live

THE BACKSIDE: Education is 99% Habits - Maryellen St. Cyr Apr 07, 2018

Keep listening to our conversation about training habits of learning and what Charlotte Mason discovered 100 years ago that still works today. Maryellen St. Cyr of Ambleside Schools and David Goodwin, president of the ACCS, join us.

Education is 99% Habits and 1% Knowledge - Maryellen St. Cyr Apr 06, 2018

We are fond of saying in classical Christian school circles that "education is more than information, it is formation"… but what does formation really look like in a practical way? Maryellen St. Cyr of Ambleside Schools explains how Charlotte Mason answers that question and more… stay tuned.

When Grades Rule Your Life - Laura Schlect Mar 29, 2018

The pursuit of grades is the all consuming end game for many students and parents today. Grades are the currency that our culture trades in and ultimately determine when a good education has been achieved. And in our culture, everyone deserves an “A”, or so we are encouraged to believe. Self esteem and personal values are quickly tied to one’s grades and in all of the madness, establishing a lifelong love of learning is often the first thing to be lost. How do we keep the balance and make sure that grades don’t rule our lives? Listen in to find out.

Prom vs. Protocol - Afraid of Putting on Dancing Shoes? Prom A Better Way - Dell Cook Mar 22, 2018

It’s called the night that you will remember for the rest of your life… high school prom… yet for most of us, prom and other junior high and high school dances were anything but positive experiences. It doesn’t have to be this way! Join us for this episode of BaseCamp LIVE as we hear of ways schools are creating compelling, positive dances and events that your children will love….

THE BACKSIDE: Brooke Hempell of Barna Research discusses raising Gen Z Mar 19, 2018

Join Brooke and Davies as they continue their discussion on raising Gen Z kids and what parents can do to help them navigate an often dark and confusing world.

What do parents of engaged Christian teens do differently? - Brooke Hempell Mar 19, 2018

Barna’s VP of Research, Brooke Hempell, reveals the latest research on Gen Z’ers that shows a specific habit and rhythm among parents of engaged Christian teens that will encourage you to do the same.

Listen in and learn the behavioral traits that seem to be helping Christian parents raise teens who stay engaged with their faith, even in the face of a confusing and dark world.

Our world is more WONDER-filled than you realize! - Dr. Gordon Wilson Mar 08, 2018

A riotous nature documentary reveals stunning secrets that will inspire, delight, and transform! Did you know there are 1,068 different kinds of water bugs? All with unique created traits... The natural world cries out displaying the handiwork of the Creator – a fact which is often lost on a digital generation who are not outdoors nearly enough. Can a nature documentary with a Christian worldview jumpstart your family’s adventure into the astounding world all around us? What better way to understand God’s creative character then to start observing all the incredible creatures that he molded and sculpted with incredible detail and forethought. Join me as Dr. Gordon Wilson talks about ways to get out and marvel at what God has made in what is being called a "boisterous nature documentary" in theaters this month.

A view from Canada: Progressive Education and what's coming next for America - Scott Masson Feb 28, 2018

What will our culture look like in 10 years? In this world of rapid change, do Europe and Canada foreshadow what is coming to the USA? My guest today is on the front lines as a professor, pastor, educator and parent in progressive Canada. You will likely be shocked at some of the latest political and cultural changes, but there is good news and some lessons learned for us as we raise up the next generation.

We invite you to listen in...

How do we form a human soul? What Charlotte Mason knew about the art of education - Bill St. Cyr Feb 19, 2018

How do we make education a joyful discovery? Is it knowledge alone or do relationships have something to do with it? What kind of relationship does your child have with history, with their siblings, with math, with their teacher? If relationships are important, how do we shape the affections of what our children love? Perhaps the environment we create, and what we celebrate or criticize can have a huge impact. Learn more about what Charlotte Mason knew about children and how they learn as we welcome Bill St. Cyr, founder of Ambleside Schools. Listen in...

Finding Time in a World on the Run - Dick Keyes Feb 08, 2018

More than 50 years ago Francis and Edith Schaeffer were led to open their home in Switzerland as a place for folks to retreat to in order to work through issues of life and faith. They named it L’Abri Fellowship. My guest today has served people for 30 years at the Boston branch of L’Abri and has practical suggestions for ways we can be restored as folks consumed in raising the next generation, even if we can’t make our way to Switzerland!

THE BACKSIDE (part 2): Q&A on '91% of Americans Agree With This..' - Jim Mhoon and Scott Yenor Jan 31, 2018

91% of Americans agree that "the best way to find yourself is to look inside yourself." New research from Barna Group reveals the degree to which Americans pledge allegiance to the "morality of self-fulfillment." What does this mean for raising the next generation? This track is part 2 of a live audience Q&A with Jim Mhoon and Scott Yenor. Listen to Part 1 first (91% of Americans Agree With This; Do You? Does Your Child?)

PART 1: 91% of Americans Agree With This; Do You? Does Your Child? - Jim Mhoon and Scott Yenor Jan 31, 2018

91% of Americans agree that "the best way to find yourself is to look inside yourself." New research from Barna Group reveals the degree to which Americans pledge allegiance to the "morality of self-fulfillment." What does this mean for raising the next generation?

THE BACKSIDE: Part 2 Why classical Christian high schools are so important - Matt Skinner Jan 18, 2018

THE BACKSIDE: Part 2 Why classical Christian high schools are so important - Matt Skinner by BaseCamp Live

Elementary Is Not Enough - How A Classical High School BEST Prepares Kids For College - Matt Skinner Jan 18, 2018

Elementary Is Not Enough - How A Classical High School BEST Prepares Kids For College - Matt Skinner by BaseCamp Live

The Scary Trend Skyrocketing In Today’s Teens - Keith McCurdy Jan 11, 2018

The Scary Trend Skyrocketing In Today’s Teens - Keith McCurdy by BaseCamp Live

THE BACKSIDE: More with Scott Anderson of Desiring God Jan 05, 2018

Davies, Scott, and David continue their conversation about training our children to love what God loves.

Scott Anderson of Desiring God: What Our Kids Love Most Jan 04, 2018

Parenting at it’s most basic level is guiding the next generation to love what God loves. Pastor John Piper has built his ministry around the transformative idea that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.

Scott Anderson, CEO of Piper’s Desiring God Ministries, inspires parents in the practical ways to desire God and make one’s greatest love, ambition and satisfaction be in Jesus – not easy to do in a world that is constantly offering alternatives. We are joined in the studio with David Goodwin, president of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, a frequent guest on the show. We invite you to listen in...

Helping Teens Find Purpose in an Age of Anxiety and Depression - Tom Velasco Dec 15, 2017

What is the one core life ingredient that every person must have? Without it teenagers can become susceptible to depression, anxiety and even suicide. But with it, a person is more likely to live in confidence, despite the challenges around him or her. And in particular, how does a school environment add to or take away from this ingredient? What is it? Purpose - and the reason why may surprise you.

Why Future Engineers Desperately Need a Liberal Arts Education - David Cutbirth Dec 07, 2017

There is a lot of fear today that children are not getting enough science and technology training, especially in a K-12 classical Christian school.

The race for technical skill training is in many ways undercutting the type of education that is really needed to be a success in the scientific and engineering industries. As the demand for more K-12 STEM education continues culturally, it is time to ask: is this really the best way to prepare tomorrow’s scientists, computer programmers and engineers? My guest today is a founder and president of a top engineering firm and he has some words of encouragement to those raising the next generation in a high tech world. What does this leader in a high tech industry really want in an employee?

Star Wars Does Battle Against the Me Generation - Sean McDowell Nov 29, 2017

Sean McDowell - It is all about ME! Discover the greatest you! Just Do It! Be true to yourself! Countless slogans define our culture and whisper to our children...yet we are called to give up ourselves, take up our cross and follow after Jesus. Our guest and national speaker and author Sean McDowell provides insight into how to help the next generation love what is true, good, and beautiful more than oneself. And who would guess that the Star Wars stories are a creative springboard to have those conversations with young people about why living for something bigger than yourself is the best way to live.

Classically Schooled Graduates Retell Journey 25 Years Later Nov 17, 2017

If you could fast forward 25 years into the future and interview your kids about their education, what would they say? My guests today graduated from one of the first classical Christian schools in the country and their observations and reflections now, more than two decades later, are an encouragement to anyone raising the next generation. Stay tuned...

Two Ways to Evaluate a School (Whether Online or Brick and Mortar)- Chris Schlect Nov 08, 2017

In this episode of Basecamp LIVE we examine the growing trend of online education. There are lots of advantages to learning outside a traditional classroom, but are there limits to this form of education that may not be obvious at first. My guest Dr. Chris Schlect is a master teacher and educator who gives us two tools to evaluate not only online education but any classroom and teaching environment. Stay tuned...

We Don’t Need No SAT Test! There’s a Better Way to Test for College Entrance - Jeremy Tate Nov 01, 2017

For decades the SAT has served as THE doorway that all students have to successfully pass through if they have any hopes of being accepted by reputable colleges. But today the test has been dramatically changed to the point that it is generally not demonstrating the true academic ability of students, especially those in classical Christian schools. Given the 'dumbing down' of the test, many students are now getting the highest scores possible and colleges are quickly finding the SAT to be less of an indicator of ability. Enter Jeremy Tate, a former college admissions, test prep consultant, and counselor who was so alarmed by the changing SAT that he crafted the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a means of restoring the foundations of Western education. And best of all… colleges are welcoming students who submit this new test with their applications!

1 Million Dead in 100 Days - Education as a Killing Machine Oct 26, 2017

How is it possible that in a 100 day period a group of people, who had lived in community, killed 1.1 million of their neighbors? What could explain this unimaginable act of Genocide that devastated the country of Rwanda in 1994? Education. Because education without virtue is dangerous. But in stark contrast schools infused with Truth, Goodness and Beauty can be powerful agents of grace and hope. Stay tuned to hear the incredible story of God’s restoring a nation through a unique classical Christian education model that is as effective in Rwanda as it is in urban or suburban America today…

THE BACKSIDE: More on Gen Z with Barna research VP Brooke Hempell Oct 17, 2017

Continue the conversation with Brooke and Davies as they look at the characteristics of Gen Z and how both culture and parenting style has influenced the way they think.

Under 18: Barna Researcher Shares the Latest Findings on Gen Z Oct 17, 2017

In this episode I’m interviewing Brooke Hempell, VP of Research for the Barna Group. Their latest work investigates Gen Z, the current K-12 generation whose unique approach to the world presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Listen now to gain practical insights on raising and supporting the Gen Z generation.

THE BACKSIDE: More On 'Why Classical Education May Not Be For You' - Monica Whatley Oct 13, 2017

Continue the conversation with Monica and Davies as they look at how countercultural a classical Christian education is to our modern world...

Why Classical Education May Not Be For You - Monica Whatley Oct 13, 2017

There are a lot of reasons to love classical Christian education, but is it really best for every family and child? Are there some folks who would actually do better with something else? Monica Whatley, author of Shaping Hearts and Minds, shares nine reasons why it is NOT for everyone.

I’ve Got 50 Bible Versions on My Phone — Why Memorize It? - Karen Moore Oct 05, 2017

On this episode of BaseCamp Live I’m talking with Karen Moore about a realistic question in today's world… Since most of us carry the Bible on our smartphones with multiple translations and commentaries all at our fingertips, why should our children make the effort to actually memorize Scripture?

Karen offers practical insights you won’t want to miss that will directly impact you and your family.. Listen now…

How Would You Try to Change the Culture of an Entire Country? Sep 27, 2017

How do you reach the hearts and minds of children in a country where education is viewed as a practicality and nothing else? Greg Wilson and Lisa Irving talk about their time in Vietnam teaching and training in the country's first-ever classical Christian school. You will be surprised at what story fascinated the children there.

Do Classical Christian Schools Create Perfectionist Parents and Students? Sep 21, 2017

We live in a world that celebrates mediocrity and egalitarianism, where no one can judge anyone, and anyone’s truth is as good as anyone else's. A classical Christian school that proclaims Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and expects excellence in all aspects of life is at risk of attracting parents and students who fall prey to perfectionism and miss out on grace. My guests, Ambrose Upper school dean Chris Browne and 15 year admissions director Susan Herrick, explore this tension and share steps to keep striving for excellence and grace in balance.

Why I Chose a Classical Christian School after 15 years working in public and charter schools Sep 13, 2017

My guest today spent 15 years in public and charter school classrooms and administration. When it came time to pick a school for his own children he had a unique perspective that few parents have. You don’t want to miss today’s episode as shares the questions that he and his wife asked, and that all parents should be asking about their child’s school.

Haphazard or Intentional: Raising the Next Generation with Purpose - Luke Davis Sep 07, 2017

My guest today, Luke Davis, moved across the country because of a vision he has for raising up his children and running his school. His story is a good reminder for all of us, regardless of where we are living.

Anxiety Free Learning and Living - Chris Perrin Aug 31, 2017

Frazzled and frantic are good words to describe modern life and frankly, modern education. But it hasn’t always been this way! There was a time when education was a process of joyful discovery, with plenty of time to reflect, even savor, what one was learning -- something we all could use more of in our hyper-paced world. Our guest Chris Perrin is leading the charge to regain a bit of sanity in how we, and our children, live and learn… Stay tuned...

What is on my kid's phone? - Chris McKenna Aug 25, 2017

Today younger and younger aged children carry with them a one-eyed Cyclops screen monster, called a “smart phone” that can immediately connect a young person not only to their parents and positive resources, but in the swipe of a finger to some of the darkest and most addicting dangers ever presented in the history of the world to young people. There is good news, and some simple steps, you can take to help you and your child navigate the smart phone world. Our guest today is Chris McKenna….

What You Need to Know About School Accreditation and Certification - David Goodwin Aug 18, 2017

How can you be sure that the school your child is attending is accredited and up to standards? And what about teachers - are they qualified and certified by some external agency to ensure a consistent excellent teaching environment for your child? Guest David Goodwin clears up the confusion surrounding accreditation and certification, and shares what parents need to know.

Four Years That Stick With You for Life - Ben Merkle Aug 12, 2017

What questions should you be considering when evaluating colleges today? What are some of the myths and realities surrounding degrees and careers and where those lead? What kinds of skills should they learn that will really stick with them and push them toward leadership positions? College president Ben Merkle helps answer these questions for you and your family on this episode of BaseCamp Live.

K-12 and then to college- who made this up? Does it even make sense? Aug 02, 2017

Have you ever wondered why we do school as K-12? Why not 2-14? And college is 13th grade? Who made up all these rules and are they even right for your kids? Stay tuned for a thought provoking conversation on the topic...

"I was robbed" - George Grant Jul 26, 2017

Imagine being in graduate school and discovering a large portion of what you learned in high school and college was factually and historically wrong… and that you had been denied critical knowledge that would literally change how you see the world and want to raise your children. That is the story of my guest today, George Grant. What he found redirected his vision of what he wanted for his children, and is helpful for anyone raising up the next generation.

My Ugly is Your Pretty: Beauty Matters - Steve Turley Jul 19, 2017

The word “beauty" has gotten a bad rap these days. Modern folks generally toss it aside as an irrelevant and impractical thing, relegated to something soft and impractical, best for little girls having tea parties. Even the phrase “Truth, Goodness and Beauty” rank orders beauty as a distant third. Steve Turley defends beauty as essential to how we and our children rightly see God and the world around them. He insists we must recover these transcendent values in order to prevent the dehumanizing tendency in modern education and renew the cultivation of virtue in our students.

Living and Learning in the Belly of the Beast - Greg Thornbury Jul 10, 2017

Living and learning in the midst of the New York City is both exhilarating and profoundly challenging as the culture hits with full force. College President Greg Thornbury’s vision for his school and for students today is essential for anyone raising the next generation, no matter where you live.

Raising Real Women: Wonder Woman or Laura Ingalls? - Bekah Merkle Jun 29, 2017

It isn’t easy to raise a girl today with so many competing voices in our culture, not to mention in our Christian circles. If you are involved in raising a girl today, you don’t want to miss this interview with Bekah Merkle.

Why Uniforms? - Rod Gilbert Jun 22, 2017

We’ve all wondered at some point…why do students have to wear uniforms? Does having to conform somehow damage their individuality, or does it actually enhance it? Yes, requiring uniforms does make life easier on school mornings, but is there more to it than that? What if the simple act of wearing a uniform leads to greater personality development, better leadership skills, and the joy of being a part of something bigger than themselves? Explore these ideas with us as Davies interviews Rod Gilbert, Headmaster for Regents School of Austin.

Latin? What no one told you... - Tim Griffith Jun 14, 2017

Calculus, computer programming, robotics, STEM classes are all assumed to be the “right choice” for being ready for the jobs of tomorrow. But Latin? That isn’t even a science! And wouldn’t Spanish or Mandarin Chinese be better for a language? Tim Griffith will surprise you with some of the reasons why Latin is essential for any student or adult today to be real world ready.

Marine Commander Who Fought in Benghazi is After Your Kids - Colonel George Bristol Jun 01, 2017

Tough as nails Colonel George Bristol has spent 38 years in intense combat missions as a United States Marine in Force Reconnaissance and Special Ops in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, the Balkans, and most recently in Benghazi. He has had a career of training up young soldiers to lead courageously into unmentionable dark corners of the world. A year ago he retired and set aside invitations with some of the top civilian and military organizations to join a small effort to raise kids to be respectful, responsible, resilient… what he learned and is doing now can impact your kids as well.

Is Education Brainwashing? - Ben Brandon May 24, 2017

Propaganda is dangerous stuff. Terrorists and dictators use it but so do marketers, and even schools and universities. It is effective because it most often is subtle. Like fish in water, everyone from media and politicians to educational institutions are immersed in a culture with certain assumptions. Ben Brandon teaches in a K-12 classical Christian school as well as at a state university getting a bird's eye view of what students today are hearing and thinking. His effort to counter the cultural propaganda of the day is compelling and practical for those raising the next generation.

16,000 Hours Later - Two Seniors Survived to Tell the Tale May 17, 2017

Across the nation more than 7,000 high school students drop out of school each day, but for those who do make it to graduation day, what is the result of more than 16,000 hours of school since Kindergarten? Students spend more time in school than in any other activity. Is it worth it? Hear from two soon-to-be graduates of a 23-year old classical Christian school on their experiences and perspectives. No two students are alike, but their discoveries are inspirational to anyone raising the next generation.

Mad Scientists! (It's Bigger than STEM) May 10, 2017

In April 2017, the March for Science rally in 600 cities around the world touted science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity. In a world of technology and the pressure to stay competitive with Asian schools and businesses there is an increasing pressure on teaching science well. But is all science education the same? Is there a point where it is best to put down the science textbooks and actually become a better scientist, technologist and engineer in today’s competitive market?

The Princeton Graduate Unhinged by a 5-Year Old - Howe Whitman May 04, 2017

Howe Whitman was a young dad with a five-year old. He had a prestigious Princeton diploma on the wall and had earned an MBA from The Wharton School (which US News and World Report ranks as the top business program in the country). The world was at his door and he had the education that most parents would envy for their child. What his son said to him at that early age redirected his life and forced him to rethink his life’s purpose and acknowledge the shortcomings of his own Ivy League education. Twelve years later, Howe is leading an organization in the shadow of Princeton University that is radically impacting the next generation of students whose heads and hearts are being shaped dramatically. Hear Howe’s story...

The 'Teacup Generation': is your child at risk? May 01, 2017

They quit sports teams when the pressure is on, too much homework leads to tears, a power outage and no internet are anxiety producing. Later in life they are prone to bounce from job to job and marriage to marriage and will likely end up in parents' basements... welcome to the “Tea Cup Generation.” What does it take to build 'grit' into young people today? This grit is needed to endure the unpleasant and difficult in order to be people of commitment and tenacity. We will discuss how to help students do hard things and to stand confidently in their faith and identity.

What I Learned in a Vietnam Prison about Raising the Next Generation - Bruce Flanagan Apr 25, 2017

Bruce Flanagan spent four months in a prion in Hanoi after his humanitarian and ministry work nearly cost him his life. A few years later he was back as a businessman and gained influence and friends with leaders as high up as the prime minister. Five years ago, after he adopted two children he seriously had to rethink what he was doing and how he could best impact the next generation. His perspective on America and his recommendations for parents today is compelling and inspiring.

Why Your Child Needs A Classical Christian High School Apr 11, 2017

Why Your Child Needs A Classical Christian High School by BaseCamp Live

Part 3: Who Wears The Pants? Kids Or Parents? - Jim Mhoon Apr 11, 2017

Does this describe you? Summer is coming - are you dreading it? Are your kids complaining all the time? Are you conflicted about being too strict or too loving? Is it easier just to give in rather than get your kids to do what you want? We've brought in family counselor Jim Mhoon to help us understand what is going on here! We'll also be discussing the New York bestseller "The Collapse of Parenting" by Dr. Leonard Sax. Sax has documented the dramatic decline in the achievement and psychological health of American children, and argues that rising levels of obesity, depression, and anxiety can all be traced to parents letting their kids call the shots. Part 3 of 3. Episode 11

Part 2: Who Wears The Pants? Kids or Parents? - Jim Mhoon Apr 11, 2017

Does this describe you? Summer is coming - are you dreading it? Are your kids complaining all the time? Are you conflicted about being too strict or too loving? Is it easier just to give in rather than get your kids to do what you want? We've brought in family counselor Jim Mhoon to help us understand what is going on here! We'll also be discussing the New York bestseller "The Collapse of Parenting" by Dr. Leonard Sax. Sax has documented the dramatic decline in the achievement and psychological health of American children, and argues that rising levels of obesity, depression, and anxiety can all be traced to parents letting their kids call the shots. Part 2 of 3. Episode 10

Part 1: Who Wears The Pants? Kids or Parents? - Jim Mhoon Apr 11, 2017

Does this describe you? Summer is coming - are you dreading it? Are your kids complaining all the time? Are you conflicted about being too strict or too loving? Is it easier just to give in rather than get your kids to do what you want? We've brought in family counselor Jim Mhoon to help us understand what is going on here! We'll also be discussing the New York bestseller "The Collapse of Parenting" by Dr. Leonard Sax. Sax has documented the dramatic decline in the achievement and psychological health of American children, and argues that rising levels of obesity, depression, and anxiety can all be traced to parents letting their kids call the shots. Part 1 of 3. Episode 9

West vs. East in an Age of Celebrated Multiculturalism - Tom Velasco Apr 10, 2017

London embodies the ancient and the modern in its skyline from St Paul’s Cathedral to the new jagged Shard skyscraper. It is equally diverse in the people and beliefs, but London was for centuries leading western thought. How are our loves for God and the world best formed through an understanding of the great writers, thinkers, scientist and theologians from the west more than any other cultural tradition? There is a difference and it matters to forming what young people love today.

EPISODE 8: Live from London, England, with with 12th grade teacher and pastor Tom Velasco

Art? Get a real job! - Tom Velasco Apr 10, 2017

Why does art play such a critical role in the formation of flourishing humans? Is art just a hobby or an occupation for a few "talented" people? Tom and Davies explore the power of art to shape the next generation as art shapes our soul and our understanding of the nature and person of God. Live at the world’s largest art museum the Louvre which houses more than 400,000 works of art spanning more than five miles of wall space!

Live from the Louvre in Paris with 12th grade teacher and pastor Tom Velasco

Why Study Ancient Stuff and Old Dead White Guys? - Tom Velasco Apr 10, 2017

Out with the old, in with the new. We live in a world that celebrates the new and is often dismissive or even suspicious of “old ways.” Join Tom and Davies as they trek through ancient Rome with students and see how the ancient world has much to teach students preparing for an increasingly complex, technology saturated 21st century world.

Live from Rome, Italy, with with 12th grade teacher and pastor Tom Velasco

Kids & Money: Wisdom on Raising Kids in the Material World - Brian Wiley Mar 21, 2017

Jesus spoke about money more than any other topic. Hear practical tips for raising up the next generation to have a healthy Biblical understanding of the role of money and to avoid the temptations of the daily message around most students that their highest value is to produce and consume.

With Brian Wiley, radio host of Idaho’s Money

80% of college students will walk away from Jesus - or NOT! - Josh McDowell Mar 21, 2017

Few people have the perspective and wisdom of Josh McDowell when it comes to encouraging young people to have a deep and abiding faith in Christ that can endure for a lifetime. Today’s students face a unique set of challenges and Josh speaks to practical ways today's parents can encourage their children to flourish and gain a deep and lasting faith.

EPISODE 4: With national speaker Josh McDowell reflecting on 50 years of working with students

Do Classical Christian Schools Make Wimpy Boys? - Carl Warmouth Mar 21, 2017

Boys are made to someday become Godly men, fully alive and bold yet filled with depth of faith and character. Something about uniforms, manners and character development causes some to assume that classical Christian schools will not make real men. Will such an environment create soft, wimpy boys? Hear real life stories of how boys at Ambrose have been able to balance being young men of integrity and character, while enjoying the bold and fully red-blooded American life!

EPISODE 3: With Grammar School Dean Carl Warmouth

Going the Distance... 5 Kids = 65 Years in a classical Christian School - Bruce & Val MacMahon Mar 21, 2017

13 years is a long journey from Kindergarten to 12th grade, but the vision they bought into at an Open House two decades ago kept them inspired. 5 children at 13 years each equals 65 cumulative years! Parents today can be easily swayed by social media and parking lot grumblings or enamored with offerings of other schools. How and why did the MacMahons go the distance? Was it worth it? Listen and find out.

EPISODE 2: With Ambrose parents Bruce and Val MacMahon

THE LAUNCH: Why You Need BaseCamp Live & Why We Don’t Need No Education - David Goodwin Mar 21, 2017

This first episode explains the why this podcast came into existence and how it will encourage and equip parents and those involved in raising up the next generation to flourish as Christ followers. Join David and Davies as they share their own stories of having a radical rediscovery of the entire purpose of education. This caused them to individually make a dramatic life and job change to join the work going on in classical Christian schools to cultivate the affections and shape what our children love.

With ACCS president David Goodwin

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