Basecamp Live

Unlock the secret strengths of a classical Christian education as it intersects with STEM, a narrative brought to life by my guest, Jim Dolas of Heritage Preparatory School. Prepare to be astounded by how this traditional educational model excels in fostering a profound understanding of math and sciences, proving that the humanities and technical fields are not worlds apart, but rather complementary forces. From Jim's remarkable shift from software engineering to the classroom, to Heritage Prep's forward-thinking pedagogy, we showcase how these students are equipped with not just knowledge but the wisdom to navigate a complex, scientific world.As we chat with Jim, we highlight the unexpected symphony between science and literature, and how a liberal arts education can infuse curiosity and agility in learning. Experience the ways in which Heritage Prep students engage with science through a lens that spans from philosophy to "The Hobbit," learning to measure the world around them with the elegance of a poet an

Have you ever wondered how to steer your child through the labyrinth of education to a fulfilling career? Join Davies Owens and Deborah Allen, as they unpack the art of nurturing K-12 students toward their unique callings and the thoughtful choices that shape their future. Amidst a landscape where the value of a college degree is hotly debated, they address parental concerns, the significance of gap years, and how tools like the Highlands Ability Battery can provide clarity and direction for those pivotal life decisions.As they navigate the pressures of an achievement-driven society, their conversation takes a heartfelt turn towards the identities of our children. They question the treacherous balance between accomplishments and authentic self-worth, probing the myth of certitude that haunts many parents and educators. The labyrinth of life demands a faithful, step-by-step approach, and we discuss the importance of fostering a whole-person lifestyle for our kids, ensuring they know their worth extends far bey

Discover the secrets to fostering wisdom and eloquence in the next generation as we engage with Dr. Robert Littlejohn, whose book "Wisdom and Eloquence" remains a cornerstone in educational leadership after 17 years. Prepare to be enlightened by Dr. Littlejohn's profound insights on how we can raise compassionate thinkers in a world that's rapidly changing. This thought-provoking episode peels back the layers on what it really takes to instill enduring values in our youth, blending the timeless with the contemporary to meet the challenges of our practical, fast-paced age. Through our conversation, you'll gain an appreciation for the nuances of ancient future education, and the crucial role it plays in shaping well-rounded individuals.  Amidst the evolving complexities of parenting and education in the digital era, we tackle pressing issues head-on. You'll learn the importance of parental presence in developing a child's spiritual and moral framework, and why partnering with educational institutions is key to

Unlock the secrets to nurturing articulate communicators in a tech-driven world with our latest Basecamp Live episode featuring Andrew Pudewa, the esteemed founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Together, we dissect the enduring necessity of eloquent writing and speech, even as our culture gravitates towards brevity. Our conversation explores 'ancient future education' and its pivotal role in fostering thoughtful, compassionate leaders of tomorrow. As we navigate the complexities of modern communication, Pudewa joins us to shed light on the challenges of internet safety, emphasizing the cultivation of a love for truth, goodness, and beauty as our strongest safeguard. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about classical Christian education's power to arm young minds. We delve into the transformative power of reading aloud to children and the timeless technique of memorization, drawing inspiration from the educational practices of luminaries like

Have you ever wondered how a verse or two of scripture could reshape your thoughts, perceptions, and even your life? Our special guest, Dr. Andy Davis, a pastor, author, and scripture enthusiast, makes a compelling case for the transformative power of scripture memorization in our recent chat. In a world plagued with distractions and uncertainties, he offers a lifeline - embracing the practice of memorizing God's word. His personal faith journey is a testament to this belief, with his discipleship deeply rooted in the word of God.Dr. Davis leaves no stone unturned as he addresses common hindrances that keep us from growing in our knowledge of the scriptures. His method of tackling scripture memorization, influenced by his own experiences, presents a clear and doable path for every Christian. He debunks the myth that scripture memorization is a daunting task and replaces it with the truth - it's a worthwhile investment. He shares an inspiring story of a man who began memorizing with one verse and eventually le

What happens when we take the time to truly reset the lives of our young ones, especially those grappling with behavioral and learning issues? Join us as we delve into an enriching conversation with the seasoned Keith McCurdy, who after visiting over 40 schools, discusses the shared aspiration of parents and school leaders to offer better guidance to children. We debunk the myth that emotions are the core of identity and shed light on the crucial impact of nurturing healthy, Christ-centered families.Are you curious about the effects of technology and social media on our attention, especially with teenagers? As we walk through this digital maze, McCurdy shares the importance of cultivating healthy habits like prioritizing sleep and regular meal times. As we continue, we spotlight the role parents play in establishing structure, guide their children, and the positive ripple effects it has on family functioning and academic performance.Our exploration doesn't stop there. We venture into the uncharted territory o

Have you ever felt a gnawing sense of loneliness, even when surrounded by others? Or found yourself drifting into isolation, despite our hyper-connected digital world? Join us as we venture into this seemingly paradoxical terrain with returning guest and author, Justin Whitmel Earley. Through his thought-provoking books, "Habits of the Household" and "Made for People: Why We Drift Into Loneliness and How to Fight for a Life of Friendship", Justin navigates and enlightens us on this universal human journey.The conversation does not stop at identifying the issue but extends into exploring tangible solutions. We delve into the power of community, friendship, and the intentional moments that make our connections truly meaningful. We’ll also hear from Justin on his unique observations about the rules of engagement in healthy friendships. With vivid stories and real-life examples, this episode invites you to explore the art of deep connection and equips you with the insights to ward off loneliness. Be prepared to c

Unlock the secrets of classical Christian education with our enlightening conversation with Eliot Grasso, accomplished Irish musician and vice president and tutor at Gutenberg College. Prepare to challenge your notions about the efficiency of education as we trail-blaze beyond the modern world's relentless pursuit of immediate results. Grasp the profound benefits of an inefficient education that strikes a harmonious balance between ambition and service, shaping individuals into thoughtful contributors to society.Surround yourself with the wisdom of Eliot's unique teaching experience at Gutenberg College. Together, we dissect the significance of a slower, deeper learning approach that enables a thorough exploration and understanding of the subject matter. We shine a spotlight on the tension between wanting to be a winner and desiring to serve others, drawing intriguing parallels to our motivations in education.Close out your day with a fascinating dive into the world of classical education and its standout ben

Ever wondered how to foster a genuine love for reading in a world dominated by screens? On this episode of Basecamp Live, we're joined by Holly Doden, a beacon in the world of classical Christian education, who shares her enthralling journey from public school to where she is today. Holly's enlightening insights on creating habits that lead to a love of reading will leave you inspired and armed with practical techniques to help raise a generation that cherishes truth, beauty, and goodness.Our conversation takes us on a captivating exploration of the profound power of stories and their potential to shape our worldviews. Recalling Heidi White's stirring talk, we reflect on how engaging with stories can truly transform us. We delve into the concept of a morning basket, an inventive way to jumpstart the day with beauty and meaningful literature. This discussion promises an intellectual feast, sure to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in you.As parents, our role in nurturing lifelong readers is vital, and in

Join us for an enlightening journey with Dave Mathwin, a seasoned educator with 26 years of experience. Dave, the Dean of Students and Upper School History teacher at Ad Fontes Academy, shares his unique insights on transforming awkward moments in the classroom into catalysts for student growth. We delve deep into his pedagogical approach, the essence of his website – The Stick in the Mud, and his latest book which explores this intriguing concept in detail.We invite you to be part of our conversation as we traverse the fine line between order and renewal. Dave generously shares his invaluable wisdom about managing classroom dynamics and how stepping away from rigid structures can open new avenues for learning. We explore the power of silence, its potential to refocus attention and guide discussions, and the surprising ways redemption can be discovered in discomfort.In the concluding part of our discussion, Dave delves into the beauty of educational chaos. We shed light on the integral role of struggles in th

Unravel the profound secrets of nurturing a mature and responsible young generation in our enlightening conversation with Christian counselor, Keith McCurdy. This podcast is set to equip you with valuable insights and solutions to tackle the challenges parents and teachers face daily, especially during stressful times. Together, we delve into how we can provide ample resources, training, and coaching to aid parents in raising their children in a healthier and more balanced way.We initiate a tough yet crucial discourse about the tension between school and church, and the predicament families face as they navigate uncharted territories in their search for guidance. The discussion further ventures into the unhealthy goals imposed on parents and the rising levels of anxiety and depression in children, despite access to numerous resources, services, and opportunities. We redefine parenting goals, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and setting norms and standards for our children.The podcast culmin

Unlock the secrets to cultivating an impactful school and home culture that leaves a lasting impression on the next generation. Join us in our enlightening conversation with Dr. David Stanton, the Headmaster of Oakdale Academy. Fueled by his military background and his passion for classical Christian education, Dr. Stanton shares his guidance on shaping an engaging and healthy culture in both schools and homes.Engage with us as we navigate the importance of creating a sense of belonging and excellence, highlighting how to foster partnerships between families and schools, and the role of leadership in sculpting the cultural framework. We also touch on the critical place of prayer in cultivating a nourishing culture at school and home.Our exchange with Dr. David Stanton further reveals how schools can guide parents, the significance of peer mentorship, and the vital role fathers play in bolstering a culture of support. We shed light on the concept of parent partnerships, aligning parental values with those of t

Get ready to uncover the profound influence of friendship on classical Christian education with our guest, Dr. Chris Perrin. Embark on this enlightening journey as we dissect the types of friendships defined by Aristotle and their implications within educational communities. We'll also shed light on how teachers can use curriculums to instill virtue and demonstrate intellectual virtues to their students.Learning doesn't stop at the classroom walls! We'll also address how parents can contribute to the classical Christian school experience by engaging in meaningful relationships with other parents and becoming integral parts of the school community. We'll hear from Dr. Perrin, who offers practical advice on the same. Amidst this, we'll also touch upon the significance of rest, recreation, and interacting with people of varying ages in the spirit of fellowship and community.Venture further down the rabbit hole with us as we discuss the power of prudence and the importance of learning from the wisdom of the ages.

School safety is a critical issue that affects us all, and no one understands that better than John Niehls, Head of School at Coventry Christian Schools. Following the tragic Sandy Hook incident, John was propelled into the world of school security, gaining valuable insights on how to create an environment that is both welcoming and safe. He believes in the importance of being proactive and draws on his experience with other Christian non-profits to champion the cause of school security.We dive into the nitty-gritty of school security as John underscores the value of comprehensive site assessments. This involves looking beyond physical measures and getting experts involved in creating a foolproof system. The conversation takes an interesting turn as we discuss transitioning from rigid to dynamic response protocols and the importance of equipping and training staff. John stresses on the necessity of having equipment like portable panic button systems, tourniquets, and stop the bleed kits on hand.As we wrap up,

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Hal Poe, an esteemed scholar who has delved deep into the life and faith of C.S. Lewis. The conversion of Lewis, a towering figure in the English-speaking world, serves as the centerpiece of our discussion today. We embark on an exploration of his spiritual journey, a voyage that saw him transition from agnosticism to belief, a transformation beautifully detailed in his seminal work 'Mere Christianity'. Together, we also dissect his three-part biography, paying particular attention to the pivotal middle years where his faith truly took root.Our discussion takes a turn down the lanes of Lewis's childhood, where the seeds of his eventual conversion were sown. We argue that his early church-going habits, coupled with his deep-dive into Latin and classical literature, played a formidable role in his spiritual development. We also take a moment to reflect on the profound influence of his teacher Kirk Patrick, a staunch materialist, and the overwhelming grief he experienced with t

Heather Lloyd, an education expert with over two decades of experience under her belt, graces us with her presence and in-depth knowledge in our latest conversation. We confront the controversial topic of grading in the realm of classical Christian education, questioning whether it truly measures academic mastery or if we should be focusing on instilling wisdom and virtue in our students. Navigating the murky waters of grading, we discuss its historical context and its influence on education shaped by our culture. We attempt to dissect if an overemphasis on grades might be causing more harm than good and how parents and teachers should deal with them. As we delve further into the subject, Heather provides invaluable insights into the role of grades in education, helping us understand how they can be an effective tool in assessing not just academic growth, but also character development. We also explore how the coaching philosophy can transform a classroom into a space for collaboration, discovery, and safety.

We're diving into the future of Artificial Intelligence with Josh McCroskey, the insightful Head of School at Ad Fontes Academy. McCroskey shares his extensive knowledge about the rise of AI, its potential impacts on our homes, schools, and its ethical implications. From pattern recognition to usage in social media and digital technologies, the rise of AI is undeniable. But as we embrace this new technology, how do we uphold the values of classical Christian education? We explore this precarious intersection, discussing the challenges in distinguishing between AI-generated work and a student's original effort. We stress the importance of open dialogue with students, helping them understand AI while ensuring they effectively express their knowledge. In the concluding part of our conversation, we explore AI's wide-ranging capabilities. We delve into its potential uses, from administrative tasks to generating creative content. We even touch upon AI's potential to create a debt-free higher education system. As we

In this episode, Davies Owens interviews Dr. Bill Miller about the significance of senior trips for classical Christian students, focusing on the value of bringing learning to life and experiencing different cultures. Dr. Miller emphasizes character and virtue development through the challenges faced during these trips, preparing students for the post-Christian world they are about to enter.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, host Davies Owens is joined by Savannah Kimberlin from the Barna Group to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges facing the church today. They explore the importance of collaboration between the church, school, and home in raising the next generation. They also delve into the role of classical Christian schools in supporting this partnership. Tune in to gain insights on how to be better collaborative partners in shaping the future.

Welcome to another episode of BaseCamp Live, where Davies Owens and Allison Buras dissect the labyrinth of interactions between parents and schools. This long-term partnership, they stress, plays a pivotal role in raising the next generation. A successful collaborative approach requires not just open communication, but also a healthy balance of expectation management and trust-building. Discover compelling stories that highlight examples of effective collaboration in action. Whether it’s addressing misconduct through open dialogue or the innovative concept of a Parent Council, each story paints a vivid picture of the value of working collaboratively. The conversation also navigates through the importance of Parent-Teacher Conferences and tips to make the most out of these brief yet crucial interactions. All these elements combine to underline the key message: the journey of parenting and education, while complex, is a rewarding venture with countless opportunities for growth and learning.