BaseCamp Live

In this episode of Basecamp Live, host Davies Owens discusses the growing trend of Classical Christian schools. He interviews Brian Polk, director of school improvement at SCL, who introduces a new survey conducted by researchers that provides quantifiable information on the state of the movement. The episode explores areas where these schools are thriving and areas where more support and resources are needed. Listeners will be encouraged to hear about the impact of Classical Christian education in their neighborhoods and around the world. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode, Kapic explores the theology behind seeing our human limitations as a gift rather than a deficiency. He lays out a path to holistic living with healthy self-understanding, life-giving relationships, and meaningful contributions to the world. He frees us from confusing our limitations with sin and instead invites us to rest in the joy and relief of knowing that God can use our limitations to foster freedom, joy, growth, and community. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, Keith McCurdy discusses the single biggest issue confronting children today and how parents and educators can address it wisely. Drawing from his experiences working with youth and families across the country, Keith provides unique observations and perspectives on this important issue. Join host Davies Owens as they explore ancient future education for raising the next generation. Don't miss this insightful conversation on positioning the next generation to truly flourish. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, Davies Owens has a conversation with his son Liam about his experience with classical Christian education and the issues facing his generation. Liam offers a candid perspective on the challenges of navigating an ever-changing culture and the importance of a timeless education that prepares young people to engage with it thoughtfully and compassionately. The episode offers valuable insights for parents and educators seeking to raise the next generation with wisdom and courage. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Join us for this episode of BaseCamp Live, where Davies Owens interviews Chris Hall, a teacher, author, and founder of Always Learning Education. Chris discusses the significance of the servile or common arts and their connection to the liberal arts, a distinction that classical educators often overlook. A life guided by classical principles involves more than just studying the great books; we must genuinely embody our virtues, which sometimes occurs through hands-on experiences.Drawing on the wisdom of Hugh of St. Victor, Matthew Crawford, and John Milton, Chris delves into practical applications of ancient knowledge. For example, he suggests inviting students to visit a real forge after reading about one in a novel. Furthermore, he poses the question of how education might differ if we could involve parents, grandparents, and even janitors in teaching about the importance of hands-on work. Lastly, explore the practical aspects of incorporating these educational practices at home through chores, cooking, and adventuring. Join Davies and Chris as they discuss the importance of engaging the hands, head, and heart in learning. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Dr. Chap Clark, a professor of practical theology and youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, offers an encouraging gospel-centered hope to help young people navigate the modern world. Drawing on his extensive experience, Dr. Clark emphasizes the importance of nurturing and healing, the use of different avatars, and engaging life faithfully with Jesus. He also stresses the significance of being present for children, recognizing the power of community, pursuing others with grace, and investing in relationships with kids. By following Jesus' teachings of love and connection, we can help young people find their identity, community, and faith in an ever-changing world. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this podcast, David Seibel, head of Coram Deo Academy, addresses the challenges faced by classical Christian schools and highlights the crucial role of collaborative leadership. Seibel asserts that these schools require a cohesive vision and a division of labor, involving parents, volunteers, administrators, board members, and business leaders in order to prevent mission drift. He emphasizes the need to understand a school's stage in its life cycle and adapt expectations accordingly. The conversation also explores the importance of training volunteers, engaging dads, and fostering a Christ-centered culture. Seibel encourages administrators to invest in their own development to stay ahead of challenges and underscores the significance of contextualizing classical education within a school's unique circumstances. Furthermore, David Seibel accentuates the value of cultivating a healthy school culture through open communication and inspiring teachers and administrators to share ideas and participate in problem-solving. The conversation touches upon the founders' dilemma and the necessity of institutional transfer from one generation to the next, ensuring the school's mission and values are preserved. Ultimately, Seibel's insights emphasize the vital aspects of adaptability, collaboration, and upholding core principles in the classical Christian school environment. Engage in this informative conversation and discover how these principles can impact the lives of students and the future of Christ's Kingdom. Listen and share today! Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this podcast, Andrew Zwerneman, the head and president of Cana Academy, discusses the importance of cultural formation in education. He advocates for a classical education that teaches students to appreciate the true, the good, and the beautiful, and to develop skills in reading, discussing, and writing. According to Zwerneman, education is a cultural shaping activity, and schools are one of the primary arenas where culture, attitudes, and faith are formed for good. Zwerneman stresses the importance of recognizing and reflecting on the tender things that keep us together as family, church, and community. He also emphasizes the importance of classical education and the humanities in shaping a holistic understanding of culture. Finally, Zwerneman believes that classical education has liberal purposes, which means freedom to think freely and to think in terms of what is true, good, and beautiful. He argues that the ideological forces that are around us want to divide us from one another, and the first thing they do is to divide us from our past and culture. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this thought-provoking episode, Savannah Kimberlin, the Associate Vice President of Church Engagement at Barna Group, delves into the challenges that Gen Z, parents, and educators are facing in today's society. With Gen Z growing up in a "pressure cooker" environment, there is immense internal and external pressure on them to be perfect, which has led to declining faith and mental health issues. However, Kimberlin highlights that despite these challenges, Gen Z is seeking truth and purpose, and Christian leaders can guide them in their spiritual journey by being honest and authentic with children, facilitating discussions, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and being patient. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this installment of Basecamp Live, Davies Owens engages in a discussion with Jason Barney on the art of effective motivation, both for our children and ourselves. The conventional "carrot and stick" approach often falls short in reaching the hearts of students, leaving us to ponder whether there are better alternatives. Jason delves into the intricate relationship between our children's emotions and their drive, and how various motivational techniques can have a long-lasting impact, either positive or negative. He places emphasis on the crucial role that parents and educators play in setting an example for the children, highlighting that children tend to emulate what they see rather than what they're told. The interview explores ways of instilling a culture of learning and wisdom, rather than solely focusing on external rewards such as grades. Join us as we explore proven strategies for purposeful and deliberate motivation of our youth. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

The art of questioning is a foundational pillar of education, serving as a vehicle for learning, guiding, and elevating both educators and learners alike. For those committed to the principles of Classical Christian Education, it is imperative to reflect upon the kinds of questions that parents, educators, and administrators ought to be posing to their pupils. In this regard, Scott McElvain, the co-founder of the esteemed Classical Thistle and Assistant Dean of the Lab School at the School of the Ozark in Point Lookout, MO, expounds upon the potency of questions in a stimulating conversation with Davies Owens. Moreover, the discussion illuminates how one might use St. Ignacius’ “Examen” method to create a sacred liturgy within the quotidian rhythms and rituals of daily life. Lastly, McElvain elucidates how one might incorporate thoughtful conversation into morning car rides. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian education goes beyond imparting knowledge in reading, writing, and arithmetic. It is not just limited to Christian education either, as it encompasses the formation of the human soul. The objective is to shape students who possess a love for the things that God loves. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only the curriculum and classrooms but also personal interactions and the culture we foster both at home and in school. It's crucial to consider how we can assist Generation Z in organizing their affections and loves, so they pursue what is true, good, and beautiful while engaging with the world's brokenness. This podcast episode covers essential topics that you don't want to miss. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

As a listener of BaseCamp Live, you likely recognize the significance of reading in shaping our minds, character, and habits. One of the fundamental pillars of any Classical Christian school is reading books that have withstood the test of time. However, in today's world, where screens dominate our daily lives, the act of picking up a book can feel less intuitive than it did just a few decades ago. This raises important questions: how can we motivate ourselves and our students to read, and how can schools and parents select books for their reading lists, given the limited time available? In this episode, Dr. David Diener returns with insights from C.S. Lewis to help us navigate these challenges. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected] Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What is happening in schools around the country and how have they changed over the past few decades? What dangerous challenges might we face in the near future? Join us for a fascinating conversation on the latest episode of BCL, as we welcome back Keith McCurdy, Christian counselor and CCE advocate. Keith will be answering your questions and sharing updates from the front lines of our school campuses, as he addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in raising the next generation. Educators and parents alike will benefit from Keith's insights, as he provides valuable guidance on how to navigate this important topic. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Latest statistics indicate that the average American spends more than seven hours a day looking at a screen with younger Gen Z individuals averaging more than nine hours. Classical Christian schools have the advantage of influencing students’ lives for an average of six hours every school day. As we raise up the next generation, how can we be wide eyed as to the ever-changing challenges of technology, while remaining proactive in guiding and instructing our children to be wise users of this ever-present modern reality. My guest today is one of the top tech observers and family advocates who is back to share updates of new trends and offer practical ways to parent and instruct students in a world of screens.Show NotesInstagram: instagram.com/protectyoungeyes Facebook: facebook.com/protectyoungeyes Website: protectyoungeyes.com Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Our schools exist to raise up the next generation to love the true, the good, and the beautiful and to form hearts and minds and shape affections. Parents contribute financially through the tuition they pay, often at great sacrifice. And yet in almost all cases for non-profit schools, they still need additional funds to reach all their goals from operations to building campaigns. Are there ways for our schools and parents to partner and raise the needed funds in such a way that is winsome, welcome and effective in ultimately creating donors who are joyful, grateful and engaged partners? My guest today is a parent and founder of a classical Christian school and one of the top fundraising experts in the country. You will not want to miss this episode as we explore how to approach fundraising as a mutual win for both parents and academic leadership. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

There is no doubt classical Christian students are “real world ready” - academically and generally prepared to make wise decisions in a wobbly world. But even the best educated classic Christian students are teenagers who are still discovering how God has uniquely called, equipped and gifted them in their lives. Their big decision moving forward is how to make good choices about college, their major and ultimately their vocation in leading lives that glorify God through their gifts. My guest today has worked with thousands of Christian students in helping them discover their hard wired aptitudes and skills and guiding them, their parents, and their schools to discern these many decisions that have to be made for life after 12th grade graduation. Join us for this episode of Basecamp Live as our guest discusses how we can help guide our students in a life well-lived.Show NotesACCU - https://americaschristiancu.com/personal/Life Architects - https://www.lifearchitectscoaching.com/ Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Imagine classical Christian classrooms with students who are engaged in a deep and lively discussion with fellow students who are located all over the world? Imagine being a small school with a renowned master teacher who instructs a class but who isn’t located in your school building. Long before Covid made online education a reality for many, Bob and Nancy Donaldson launched Wilson Hill Academy and have been positively impacting countless students with a rich online classical Christian education. Few folks have the perspective of both the shortcomings and advantages of a digitally delivered education in our classical Christian space. Whether you are a parent or educator, join us for this episode of BCL as you will hear fresh thoughts and perspectives on this always lively topic!Their full story: https://www.wilsonhillacademy.com/2022/04/get-to-know-our-founders-nancy-bob-donaldson/ Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Those of us in the good old USA know CCE schools are on the rise, but the amazing story of what God is doing around the world is equally inspirational. Faithful school leaders and teachers are planting schools all across the globe. And students, regardless of their surrounding culture, are experiencing transformed minds, hearts and souls impacting the next generations of students and their extended families. Regardless of where on the planet you are listening from, you will be encouraged by the stories from my guests today – a conversation live from East Asia. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

When we think of the influential Oxford professor, CS Lewis, writer of such classical literature as the Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, we think of the mature and articulate scholar. But what would he have been like as a boy and as a teenager trying to find himself? Who influenced him? What educational experiences shaped his thinking? Or even - what did he like to eat? My guest Dr Hal Poe is one of the world’s leading experts on Lewis, who brings to light this season in Lewis' life with discoveries that will impact our homes and schools today. Key Links and Resources:His newest book in 2022 - https://www.uu.edu/news/release.cfm?ID=2848 Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

CCE schools are the best educational environment for raising boys to men. It isn’t uncommon to hear a parent, maybe even an educator, asserting that classical Christian education is ideal for those grammar school days, but really boys are not so cut out for our seemingly sedate classrooms. Keith McCurdy is back to help us understand the unique way God has wired boys and how we can optimize their natural tendencies in the classroom and at home. For sure, the world needs more confident, courageous, self-sacrificing, and humble men. Classical Christian education, in partnership with home and church, is the way to raise up this next generation. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Each year thousands of students graduate from classical Christian schools and head off into college and the work world. How well do they do academically, socially, and spiritually? What cultural challenges are facing them that are new and different? Hearing their perspectives and experiences as they take their K-12 education through the challenges of higher education and careers, family and life is inspiring and invaluable. In this episode, our panel of alumni offer wisdom and advice to students, especially those who are entering the middle school years, wanting to understand more about classical Christian education. Our panel then shares a word of encouragement and recommendations to parents as well as to school heads and administrators. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

We hear the word “science” a lot these days. We are told to “trust the science,” as the modern world increasingly elevates science to an almost religious status. Yet for so many students, science class is anything but fascinating, often reduced to the base level of memorized periodic tables and static experiments. Classical Christian schools have a unique opportunity to help rightly order science as a tool for discovery and inquiry, as it was historically understood by educators and leaders for centuries. Science done well, inevitably exposes the intricate world around us, reflecting the divine, and motivating a person, who is willing to look, to see the fingerprints of God in the created world. How can our schools and parents leverage science as this extraordinary tool to awaken wonder and discovery in a world that is seeking answers? Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

There are a number of key ingredients that make classical Christian education work, most importantly, the role parents play in their child’s education during the hours at home. One of the growing forms of classical Christian schools is the hybrid or collaborative schools model, a form of schooling that instructs children at school a few days of the week and partners with parents to continue the prescribed teaching at home on the other days. If you aren’t familiar with this model, you will be intrigued, as there are many new and growing collaborative schools and quite a number of 5-day-a-week schools now adding a hybrid option. My guest panel today not only provides some first-hand history and overview of hybrid schools, but they share best practices in managing home life that ensure continuity between home and school, in all kinds of settings. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

K-12 education isn’t the end of most students’ educational journey. College, or 13th grade as I like to call, it looms in the distance. Most of our CCE graduates head off to a wide range of college experiences from distinctly classical Christian colleges to state run universities and everything in between. My guest today looked around at the current range of options and was determined to do something different: something classical and yet entrepreneurial. Not only will you want to hear about his new Hildegard College but his analysis of the current college landscape is helpful to any of us in the K-12 space regardless if we are inquiring educators or parents with students trying to make the big college decision. Stay tuned for this episode of BaseCamp Live. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Who doesn’t like a good success story? Classical Christian Education is on the rise and the impact is far reaching across the USA and around the world. The growth of start-up schools, 5 day a week brick and mortar schools, hybrid/collaborative and homeschools, not to mention schools in almost every setting from rural countryside to inner city. My guest today is part of a team serving under-resourced youth in our nation’s cities. The Spreading Hope Network has been an inspiring force in helping to launch numerous urban schools. In this episode of BCL, you will be inspired by their vision and accomplishments in reaching the next generation no matter where you live. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian education is growing around the world and the influx of new students comes with a range of distinct learning styles and even learning abilities. Dyslexia, it turns out, impacts more than 20% of students and more than 30 million adults. Yet this different way of processing words and sounds impacts students’ experiences throughout our schools, especially in the liberal arts. There are ways to work through these challenges. Sometimes those who are dyslexic are actually better thinkers and contributors to classrooms and society with notable examples like Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci and over half of NASA’s employees. So how do we help welcome these students and add to the richness of our classical Christian Schools? Leslie Collins is back to help us sort through these questions on this episode of BCL. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In the world of classical Chrisitian education, if there is one enemy that has the ability to undermine our work in shaping habits and affections, it is the one-eyed cyclop - the digital screen. We live in a tech world and are blessed in many ways because of it, but the all-pervasive screen voices flood into the eyes and minds of so many of our students, and us, for hours a day. Short of all heading off to Amish country, what can we do to be in the digital world, but not of it? My guest today begins with a thoughtful exploration of God’s command for us as humans to have dominion over the earth, which includes technology. How do we make informed choices based on our faith and theology in a way that practically impacts our lives as adults and for the sake of our children? Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What is a healthy school? There are many ways to answer this question because schools are complex organizations. Healthy schools have the right curriculum and well-trained teachers but also have to be guided by capable leaders and boards. If you were to have in front of you, a dashboard monitoring all the key indicators of a healthy school and what should be attended to, what gauges would you want to have? We will talk about these key indicators in this conversation with Walter Kearns who helps schools answer these important questions of what it means to be healthy. Whether you are a parent wanting to know the right questions to ask when choosing a school or a school leader wanting to be sure you have all your bases covered, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian educators aren’t just interested in the old stuff for nostalgia sake or to hide from the crazy modern world (although it may be tempting at times), we hold on the great writers and thinkers going all the way back to the greeks and romans because generations because they have stood the test of time as they point to what is true, lasting, permanent. Not to mention great thinkers like Plutarch back in the first century wrote biographies retelling the great stories of Roman and Greece that became deeply embedded in the minds of so many great leaders from Beethoven to Harry Truman. We live in a world of the temporary, the disposable and the flippant and so many are desperate for depth. Join us for this episode where we are reminded again of why we believe the ancients have so much to offer to us frazzled moderns. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

I have in a computer file a recording of a television advertisement from the 1940s eagerly pitching Lucky Strike cigarettes. The most curious part is that the promotion is being made by a doctor in a white coat actively smoking while touting the benefits of smoking! Seems laughable, if not totally outrageous, by today’s standards. On this episode, I interview recent high school graduate Mary Blake Fletcher who winsomely argues that today's eager embrace of screen-based technology is just as addictive and risk-filled as cigarettes, yet seemingly endorsed without hesitation by the culture’s best and brightest. Her senior thesis was so well written and presented that she received a standing ovation in a ballroom filled with more than 1400 people. You don’t want to miss my interview with her and this profound perspective from one of our own students! Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

For the past 40+ years the Barna Group has been leading the way in researching the latest trends impacting our churches, schools, and homes. In this unique episode, you’ll get to hear from David Kinnaman, CEO of the Barna group, directly. During the short interview, we cover topics ranging from the latest research on Gen Z (essentially, our K-12 aged students) to the state of the church today and ways our schools can better partner with them, to wisdom he shares for parents raising children in our ever-swirling and changing world. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Our schools obviously exist in the midst of the surrounding culture. The daily bombardment of media techno intrusion can ravage the affections and loves of our students. So it is imperative as parents and educators that we wisely understand the context in which we run our schools and families. The good news is that at the same time and in the same moment, we have at our disposal, one of the most significant antidotes to the lure of the culture, a way to form our students through classical Christian education under God’s sustaining presence.My good friend, Gordon Pennington, joins us again. He is one of the best cultural translators out there with a fascinating background as head of marketing for Tommy Hilfiger and other major brands, and knows well the power of the media to shape and persuade. He gets the fragmented world in which we live, and he sees the significant opportunity before us as parents and educators to raise up the next generation to stand strong and serve well. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

There are no shortages of antidotal stories that demonstrate the impact CCE is having in the lives of students in K-12 and beyond. A few years ago a highly publicized study, Good Soil: A Comparative View, showcased impressive results. We discussed this study at length two years ago on BCL episode 145. But just this summer, Brad Doplloff, as part of a PhD program with the support of the folks at the Barna Group, set out to measure the ingredients that enable CCE graduates to go the distance in their lives and faith. Brad’s insights continue to illuminate the unique, proven, and measurable impact CCE is having on the next generation. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian schools believe the Greeks understood something critical about human nature and how to raise up a fully formed human being. They missed out on the Christian answers but got the questions right. Their view of the ultimate end, or telos of an education, still rings true today. Ask a modern parent on the street corner what they want out of their child’s education and you are likely to hear something along the lines of to just “be happy, moral and get a good job” But the Greeks wanted more for their children, and so should we! Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Counselor, Keith McCurdy, is back on this episode. He joined me onstage at this summer’s SCL conference, and we decided we should share that interview, where we discuss the truth of the mental health crisis, with all of you on the podcast. Keith’s wisdom on how to interpret what we are hearing, in terms of the statistics and reports that so often fill our news feeds, is invaluable. He puts it all in perspective, along with some sage advice. We also discuss ways we as parents and educators can be sure we are healthy and connected in meaningful community and relationships as an antidote to rising rates of isolation and ever-present screens and technology. How can we be agents of restoration and healing in our homes and schools while the culture continues to polarize and divide? There is good news! We covered a lot of ground. You don’t want to miss this episode of BCL. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

His book review says it all – “In a world of 280-character social media posts, we desperately need to cultivate again our holy imaginations through good reading, especially with our children.” In The Sanctus Chronicles: The Plague of Tradium, author Dustin Leimgruber writes a new inspirational work of fiction in the tradition of Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Dustin joins me in this episode for a conversation on his new book and a discussion on the essential need for reading and writing new works to captivate and form us as adults and the next generation by offering an appealing, soul-forming alternative to the digital distractions in our midst. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

One of the reasons we love classical Christian education is because it fully restores the way just about everyone in the west was educated up until 100 years ago. At the turn of the century, significant changes took place that led to where we are today, not only in education but even further downstream in our culture. ACCS president David Goodwin joins us to share from his new book: Battle for the American Mind, which topped the New York Times bestsellers list after just a month on the market. He winsomely explains a number of pivotal moments that forever changed American schools, which all parents and educators need to be aware of, and that will honestly inspire you to be even more grateful and engaged in this amazing generation-shaping process we call Classical Christian Education. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian education is a powerful antidote to the all-pervasive and alluring secular culture that daily pulls and shapes what our children love. The effectiveness of our schools is not only the content of our Great Books curriculum and training the mind with skills of logic and rhetoric, but our ability to form habits, loves, and what our children value and pursue. But we also have to recognize that much of the formation happens not in the classrooms but in the hallways. Our guest, Jordan Tucker, is an expert in developing an effective house program that is one of the most profound culture-shaping forces in our schools, impacting not only classrooms but hallways and even homes. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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:Ministry SafeArticle 11 - False Alligations (3.27.21)Article 11 - False Alligations (April 2021) Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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.---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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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:A Classical Guide to NarrationThe Joy of LearningEducational Renaissance Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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! Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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.RESOURCESHow to Properly Discipline ChildrenGod's Word on Loving by Spanking Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.