In recent decades, classical education has experienced significant growth both in the U.S. and globally. This educational approach takes various forms, including traditional five-day programs, hybrid/collaborative models, and homeschooling. Alongside these formats, a flurry of terms like “classical Christian,” “Christian classical,” “classical liberal arts,” and “humanities education” have emerged. Understanding and distinguishing among these options can be complex for schools and parents alike. Today,  Dr. Chris Schlect, Director of the Classical and Christian Studies at New Saint Andrews College, joins us to help clarify these terms and explore their significance in shaping the next generation through our homes and schools. 

St. Augustine famously remarked that “to sing is to pray twice.” Music and arts play vital roles in our daily lives and are essential components of any classical Christian school or home. However, engaging meaningfully with traditional forms of music, as well as with worship through prayer and Scripture, can be challenging—especially if we don’t have good examples around us as adults and the idea of leading something we aren’t very good at can be intimidating. My guest today has done us a favor as schools and parents with a fresh vision and proven and practical ways to engage well in music and the arts in our homes and schools.

This episode focuses on an often overlooked topic: the image of God and how to apply it to daily life. Davies interviews Lauren McAfee, who shares her personal journey and discusses how her family’s involvement in the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case influenced her interest in the image of God. Next, Davies and Lauren dive into the fundamental insights of her book, featuring contributions from Christian scholars. The book explores applying the concept of the image of God to contemporary issues like women’s reproductive health, race, and technology. The book aims to deepen the theological and ethical understanding of the Imago Dei. Additionally, Lauren discusses the impact of understanding one’s identity as an image bearer on individual well-being and societal interactions, highlighting the increasing complexities of navigating this understanding amidst contemporary culture wars. Finally, Lauren and Davies explore practical strategies for integrating the concept of being image bearers into everyday life, illustrating how it can positively impact parenting approaches, educational practices, and interactions within diverse cultural settings.

On this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies and Josh Mulvihill talk about his newest book, 50 Things Every Child Needs Before Leaving Home. Imagine the day your child graduates. Are they ready? Do they have a faith in Christ that will endure? Are they ready to think well and have the critical thinking and hands-on life skills necessary to successfully negotiate the complexity of the modern world? These skills range from Josh’s list of 50 essential skills every child should acquire, ranging from cultivating Christ-like character to managing finances, handling personal care, cooking meals, and responding effectively to emergencies. In this episode, you’ll discover valuable insights on developing a unique plan for each child.

Ever told a child to go to their room and do their homework and study? It assumes they know how to study on their own. In this episode of BaseCamp Live Davies Owens and Susan Ison discuss the importance of study skills for students of all ages. They discuss the lack of direct instruction in study skills in schools, the significance of teaching techniques like note-taking and time management, and the impact of organization skills on student success. Susan also shares insights on the need for flexible approaches based on individual learning styles and the effectiveness of practical tools in improving study habits.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live Davies Owens and Mack Ogren explore the various stages of parenting. Mack has spent several decades working with JH Ranch, where he has worked with thousands of parents and students providing this helpful framework. They discuss the need for parents to transition from being primary caretakers to becoming consultants, offering age appropriate guidance and as children mature. Key insights involve nurturing deep connections with their children, casting a shared vision for a child to become mature and independent and along the journey learning to balance freedoms and responsibilities. By working intentionally through each stage of maturity parents can successfully guide their children to become confident and Christ centered independent young adults.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies and Dr. David Diener discuss how technology has changed education and why classical education is important for this cultural moment. Dr. Diener emphasizes that classical education plays a crucial role in fostering critical thinking and adaptability, essential skills for navigating the complexities of the modern age. In critiquing the profit-driven use of technology in education, he highlights the significance of purposeful and intentional technology integration to shape well-rounded individuals. This episode will undoubtedly disrupt the conventional approach of schools that promote dependency on technology and underscore the critical need to cultivate independent and analytical minds in this digital age.

In this BaseCamp Live conversation, Davies and Chris Swanson from Gutenberg College discuss how to foster independent thought in a society where cultural influences are inescapable, leading to a broader discussion on the shift from rationalism and logic to emotional and unarticulated assumptions in decision-making. Chris argues for the significance of liberal arts education in examining these underlying assumptions and the necessity of integrating spiritual knowledge to form well-rounded individuals.

Episode Four of the Live Sturdy Conversations Series, Keith and Davies discuss the impact of technology on parenting and education. They discuss the need for a clear understanding of children’s behavior and the challenges of implementing technology use due to widespread tech addiction. Keith supports technology but emphasizes the need to be discerning in its use, challenging myths about its role in education and entertainment. He proposes a balanced approach to managing technology use, including waiting until children are around sixteen before introducing personal technology like iPhones. Keith also suggests implementing restrictions, such as no technology in bedrooms and establishing tech curfews, and ‘No Tech Tuesdays’ to prioritize real-life interactions over technology. You do not want to miss this episode of BaseCamp Live!

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens engages in a thought-provoking conversation with bestselling author and scholar Nancy Pearcey about her latest book, The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Pearcey, a respected figure in evangelical circles, sheds light on modern masculinity’s cultural challenges and offers insights into how Christian principles can address these issues.