BaseCamp Live

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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... 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 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…. 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.

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. 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 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. 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.

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... 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 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. 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 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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’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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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 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? 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.

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... 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Why Your Child Needs A Classical Christian High School by 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.