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 the learning journey and their potential to lead to grace and growth. We discuss the value of embracing a bit of disorder in our lives and the profound impact it can have on shaping the learners of tomorrow. So, don’t miss out on this insightful discussion.

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 culminates with a profound exploration of the concept of maturity and its correlation with struggle. We discuss the significance of understanding right from wrong, and the fragility and value of emotions in fostering maturity. Delving into practical ways of nurturing these components in children and teaching them to lead a righteous life even when it is challenging, we stress the importance of a slow approach, self-discovery, and the use of empathy and authority in guiding them. Brace yourselves for an essential conversation on raising the next generation.

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 the school, and the influence of prayer in preserving culture. Join us in this enriching dialogue about fostering a robust school culture that strengthens community bonds and propels the future generation towards success.

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. Our conversation concludes with a thoughtful examination of the number of true friends one can have in life and the features of a meaningful friendship. We’d love to have your perspective, so don’t forget to take our survey on the Base Camp Live website and share your thoughts about our podcast and resources. Tune in for an enlightening ride!

School safety is a critical issue that affects us all, and no one understands that better than John Niehls, Head of School at Coventry Christians 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, the conversation shifts to the importance of fostering relationships with local law enforcement. John shares his thoughts on the vital role of an armed security presence on campus, and how to navigate the financial considerations that come with it. We also reflect on the five-year journey of the podcast and encourage listeners to join us in spreading the words of BaseCamp Live. This episode is a deep dive into school security, a topic that is close to our hearts and minds. As we navigate the intricacies of balancing an open, welcoming environment with the need for safety, we hope to spark a broader conversation on ensuring our children are safe.

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 the loss of his mother at a tender age.

Closing our conversation, we marvel at the profound impact of literature on Lewis’s faith. His scholarship in courtly tradition, gallantry, and chivalry, as gleaned from the pages of classical literature, led him to perceive the Christian story in a fresh light, paving the way for his conversion. In a world increasingly convinced of the alleged conflict between faith and science, we analyze Lewis’s counter-argument using his essays and books, such as The Abolition of Man and That Hideous Strength. As we wrap up, we ponder on what Lewis might have to say about our modern era and how his voice continues to resonate with relevance today. Join us for this enlightening journey into the life and faith of C.S. Lewis.

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. This approach, often dubbed ‘soft grading’ allows students to learn and practice before being put under the scanner of test grades. Lastly, we touch upon the impact of grades on college admissions and discuss ways to translate the academic performance of students into a ‘resume’ that accurately reflects their mastery over the subject. This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone invested in the education of our future generations. Tune in to this compelling conversation – you won’t want to miss it!

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 keep AI on our radar, we invite you to join us as we navigate its potential impacts on our lives and education. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

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.