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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 catechesis into morning car rides by utilizing the New City Catechism.

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.

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.