BaseCamp Live

In this episode of Base Camp Live, host Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Brian Polk, a seasoned classical educator and director at the College of the Ozarks, to discuss the vital topic of training and certifying teachers and schools in the classical Christian education movement. Together, they explore how schools can ensure both academic rigor and faith formation through accreditation and teacher development programs. Dr. Polk highlights the growing collaboration among classical Christian schools and organizations to uphold high standards of education, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship, professional development, and accreditation tailored to this unique model. Whether you're a parent curious about your school's approach or a school leader seeking resources, this episode provides valuable insights into the thriving movement of classical Christian education.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of Base Camp Live, host Davies Owens speaks with Kevin Goodnight, author of Dad Voted: Dads Devoted to Discovering Their Duty, Direction, and Destiny, about the vital role fathers play in shaping their children’s hearts, minds, and faith. Kevin shares insights from his personal journey and offers practical strategies for dads to engage more intentionally at home—through small daily actions, modeling faith and love, and creating trust-filled relationships. With a focus on spiritual leadership, Kevin emphasizes the profound impact fathers have on their children’s lifelong faith and character development, offering encouragement and resources for dads to step confidently into their God-given calling.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Emily Harrison to explore the challenge of managing screen time in today's tech-saturated world. Emily, a mother and advocate for reducing screen time, shares practical tips for guiding children through their screen-filled environments, whether at home or in school. Drawing from her experience as a ScreenStrong ambassador and classical Christian educator, Emily provides insights on how to approach technology with wisdom and balance in a way that nurtures both faith and family.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

How can students make wise choices when faced with tough decisions? When life offers multiple paths, how do they know which one to take? Do they have the personal convictions to guide them, regardless of the situation or consequences? Personal convictions reflect our deepest values and faith commitments. As we raise the next generation, it’s our responsibility to help them develop these deeply held beliefs. Especially as they approach high school, how can we prepare them to make sound decisions, both at home and in the classroom? Join us as we explore this important topic with expert Tami Peterson, founder of Life Architects Coaching on this important episode of BaseCamp Live.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Curriculum—it’s something most parents rarely think about, unless you’re involved in homeschooling or collaborative learning. Even then, you might follow a classical approach without much thought. But curriculum is the software that powers classroom learning, and for those of us who didn’t experience classical education, it can seem quite different from what we remember.

Where did the traditional history and English classes go? What’s all this talk about an integrated curriculum? And most importantly, will this truly prepare our children for the challenges of the modern world?

Join us as we explore these questions and more on today’s episode of BaseCamp Live!

Special Thank You to our Sponsors:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In today’s episode, we’re exploring a transformative concept championed by Keith McCurdy: the shift from raising children as consumers to nurturing them as contributors. In a world that often prioritizes “me first,” this mindset asks a different question: “How can I help?”

But how does this philosophy play out in real life? The Classical School of Wichita put it to the test, and the results are inspiring. Their school culture has been transformed as students have taken ownership—not just of their learning, but of their entire community. From leading projects to supporting each other, these students have become active contributors.

Join us as we delve into their journey with Classical School of Wichita teachers Grant Bickell and Evan Adams who share practical ways you can encourage your own children to become contributors, both at home and in school. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—right here on BCL!

Special Thanks to our sponsors!
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Education is about more than college admissions and job prospects—it’s about the formation of the human soul and cultivating in our children a love for the true, the good, and the beautiful. Yet, we still need reliable ways to measure learning. If grades and test performance aren’t the focus, how do we realistically assess academic progress? As even colleges move away from traditional standardized tests, finding appropriate and reliable methods for evaluation is more important than ever. In this episode, we explore some of the best tools for measuring progress both in the classroom and at home with Soren Schwab, the VP of Partnerships at the Classic Learning Test. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Learn more about the great work of the CLT at https://www.cltexam.com

Special Thanks to our Partners:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gutenberg College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching 

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

There is no shortage of opinions and ‘right ways’ when it comes to parenting, with many claiming a Biblical perspective. Navigating these varying views—from authoritarian to permissive—can be challenging. The good news is that Keith McCurdy is back to discuss several trending parenting styles, including the latest approach known as ‘gentle parenting.’ While this method is often presented as a grace-filled and easy way to parent, it can have unintended consequences. In this episode, we’ll explore proven best practices as we partner with homes and schools to raise the next generation.

Special thanks to our amazing sponsors who continue to make this show possible!
Please check out and support our partners:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gutenberg College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

 

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Southern writer Flannery O’Connor once said, “A good man is hard to find,” and that statement seems more true today than ever. With increasing temptations and fewer strong role models, raising the next generation of good men has become one of our most important—and challenging—tasks.

However, there is hope. Classical Christian schools provide a unique environment where boys can grow into the men we desperately need, despite stereotypes that suggest classical education might be too gentle. In these schools, boys are shaped into men of character, strength, and virtue.

Join us as we address the modern crisis facing young men and explore how parents and educators can guide them on their journey to becoming truly good men. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Special thanks to our amazing sponsors who continue to make this show possible!
Please check out and support our partners:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gutenberg College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s fair to question the value of students reading long-form books, which are at the heart of a liberal arts classical education. With so much content readily accessible, why do we still turn to these age-old texts, especially when the basic stories and facts are just a click away? Are these classic works still the best way to ground the next generation in God’s timeless truths while equipping them to navigate the complexities of the modern age?

Join us for a fascinating and enlightening discussion on the enduring relevance of these books in shaping wise and well-rounded individuals. The hosts of the Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast, A.J. Hanenburg and Graeme Donaldson, stop by to share their wisdom about bringing these timeless books to life for their students.

Listen to Classical Stuff You Should Know at: https://www.classicalstuff.net/

Special thanks to our amazing sponsors who continue to make this show possible!Please check out and support our partners:Wilson Hill Academy
Americas Christian Credit Union
Classic Learning Test
Gutenberg College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching

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]

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.