BaseCamp Live

What does it mean to be a woman today? Our culture has turned this into a debate, but for many young women—especially in Christian homes and schools—the real struggle comes in sorting through competing voices, conflicting priorities, and a lack of clear role models.In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies sits down with his daughter, Hannah Owens, founder of The Swish Magazine. Drawing from her own classical Christian upbringing, Hannah shares how she came face-to-face with the confusion around womanhood in her Gen Z college years and why she’s now committed to recovering a vision of classical femininity—the preservation and reflection of truth, goodness, and beauty in womanhood.Together they discuss:Why Gen Z women often prioritize career over marriage and family—and what that reveals about cultural messaging.The gap between “pioneer bonnets” and modern feminism—and why girls need something more rooted and hopeful in between.How role models, from Princess Catherine to contemporary Christian entrepreneurs, can embody duty, beauty, and service.Practical ways parents and schools can guide daughters toward confident, Christ-centered womanhood.From family photo walls to auditing media habits, Hannah offers tangible steps to help reframe femininity not as performance, but as calling. This is a conversation for parents, educators, and young women alike who long to celebrate the true, good, and beautiful in a culture that has lost its way.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What role do the arts really play in a classical Christian education? For many of us, “art class” growing up felt like a filler - something fun, but hardly central to learning. Music, theater, and visual art were often seen as side activities, not essential to shaping minds and hearts. But as guest Jarrod Richey reminds us, that view couldn’t be further from the historic Christian tradition.Jarrod - music teacher at Geneva Academy, author of Bach to the Future and editor of Raise the Song - makes the case that the creative arts are not extras but vital ways we reflect our Creator and form our children’s affections. He explains why hymn-singing, music literacy, and participatory art are as essential to discipleship as books and doctrine, helping students love what is true, good, and beautiful in tangible ways.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why the church historically led the way in the arts—and why we need to reclaim that vision todayHow hymns carry theology, unity, and gratitude across generationsWhy music literacy is a core skill, not an optional enrichmentPractical ways families and schools can weave rich music and art into daily lifeThe arts aren’t just about self-expression - they are about imaging God and passing on the faith. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about recovering beauty in education, worship, and the home.Resources Mentioned:Raise the SongBach to the FutureSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

One of the biggest decisions parents make is where their children go to school. With classrooms shaping faith, wisdom, and character, the stakes couldn’t be higher.In this episode of BaseCamp Live with Davies Owens, President of the Stanley M. Herzog Foundation Darrell Jones, shares how one man’s vision has grown into a nationwide movement for Christ-centered education. From his years as a pastor to leading one of the most influential organizations in the space, Darrell offers a front-row look at what’s changing in public education, why families and pastors are seeking new options, and how the Herzog Foundation is stepping in with practical support.Discover:Why the “yellow bus” may look the same but is headed to a very different destination than a generation agoHow the Herzog Foundation Institute is equipping schools with free training and resourcesThe role of parents, pastors, and schools in raising up salt-and-light disciplesWhy the rapid growth of Christian education is more than a trend - it’s a movement🎧 Join us as we explore how the Herzog Foundation is helping families and schools build the next generation with wisdom and faith. Resources Mentioned:Schedule an introduction with Champion Group Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What does it take to raise boys into men in today’s culture? Fr. Mark Perkins, chaplain and assistant headmaster at St. Dunstan’s Academy, joins Davies Owens to discuss the urgent challenges facing boys and the bold vision behind launching a farm, trades, and classics boys’ boarding school in the Anglican tradition. Drawing on personal experience as a teacher, minister, and father, Fr. Mark highlights why so many boys are disengaging from schools, church, and even family life - and what we can do about it. From the importance of rites of passage, to the value of single-sex education, to the power of farming and trades as apprenticeships into manhood, this conversation offers parents and school leaders practical insights for re-embodying learning and lengthening the runway into adulthood. You’ll also hear about The Joshua Program, a new vocational discernment gap-year track for young men ages 17–20.🎧 Tune in to discover:Why boys today struggle with school, work, and even forming familiesHow rites of passage and mentorship shape healthy masculinityThe four pillars of St. Dunstan’s Academy: Christian formation, classical academics, farming life, and tradesPractical steps for parents and schools to cultivate responsibility, resilience, and communityResources Mentioned:https://mereorthodoxy.com/common-arts-that-matterSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens welcomes Chuck Evans - longtime leader in classical Christian education and co-author of Wisdom and Eloquence. Nearly 20 years after the book’s original release, Chuck reflects on why he and Robert Littlejohn rewrote the new parent edition, and why the balance between protecting and preparing children matters more than ever.Chuck challenges the tendency toward “escapist” schooling, reminding parents that while protection has its place, our ultimate goal is preparation - raising wise, eloquent, Christ-centered young people who can engage culture with courage, persuasion, and hope. From the dangers of over-censorship to the importance of modeling faith at home, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical advice for families and educators alike.Tune in to hear:Why rhetoric—not coercion—is the cultural tool our kids need mostThe danger of turning schools into “protectatories” rather than preparatoriesHow parents model either fear or faith in everyday lifePractical encouragement for both parents and teachers on raising confident, persuasive disciplesResources Mentioned:Wisdom and Eloquence (Parent Edition) – Classical Academic PressSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Does Latin Still Matter? Why Parents Should Care About This “Dead” LanguageLatin is often dismissed as outdated or impractical - especially in an age of Google Translate and global languages like Spanish or Mandarin. So why do classical Christian schools keep it at the center of their curriculum? In this episode, host Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Chad Kim - author, pastor, and long-time Latin teacher - to unpack the surprising relevance of Latin today.Together they explore:Why Latin is more than a “dead language” and remains the bedrock of Western civilizationHow learning Latin strengthens logic, attention, and critical thinkingThe way Latin opens doors to Scripture, church history, and the Great BooksWhy wrestling with Latin builds the discipline and fortitude our distracted culture desperately needsHow Dr. Kim’s new curriculum brings joy, depth, and even prayer into Latin study🎧 If you’ve ever wondered why your child’s school requires Latin - or if it’s really worth the effort - this conversation will give you a fresh, thought-provoking perspective.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Uniforms in schools often stir up debate—are they too rigid, or do they actually cultivate something deeper? In this conversation, host Davies Owens is joined by Joanna Haralson, founder of Uniformee, to explore the real impact of uniforms in classical Christian schools.Uniforms aren’t just about matching outfits. They shape daily habits, reduce distractions, and help students focus on what matters most - learning and growing in virtue. From the practical benefits to the deeper cultural and spiritual significance, this episode unpacks why what students wear really does matter.🎧 Tune in to discover:Why uniforms can be a powerful tool for unity and orderHow clothing choices affect a child’s sense of identity and focusPractical ways schools and parents can rethink uniforms as formation, not just dress code Listen in to rethink uniforms - not as a restriction, but as a tool for shaping hearts and minds.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian education is a generational journey - and in this BaseCamp Live episode, we get a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of how a love for the true, good, and beautiful is passed from parent to child. Dr. Louis Markos, professor, author, and longtime advocate for the great books, is joined by his son Alex, now a humanities teacher, to share how formative family habits, road-trip literature, and a Christian worldview shaped Alex’s path from public school to a deep embrace of the classics.Together, they explore why Christians should read pagan literature, the difference between formation and information, and how ancient texts can lead students toward truth and scripture. With memorable stories - from Marcus Aurelius-inspired dance moves to processing grief through The Iliad - this conversation offers both encouragement and practical ideas for parents and educators seeking to form thoughtful, faithful young people.🎧 Tune in to discover:How classical education forms hearts and minds across generationsWhy reading pagan literature can prepare students to receive the gospelWays families can naturally instill a love for great booksThe difference between simply learning information and being formed in virtueReal-life classroom moments where ancient texts shaped faith and characterSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What happens when the tests no longer reflect the education? In this episode, Davies Owens sits down with Sarah Novlan, Chief Academic Officer at Hill Country Christian School and a doctoral candidate studying the Harkness Seminar model, to explore why the once-revered AP program is falling short in today’s classical Christian schools. Together, they unpack the misalignment between AP coursework and the mission of classical education, the challenges of teaching to a test, and the dumbing down of rigor and content, especially in the humanities. Sarah shares her own journey from AP instructor to advocate for better assessments and introduces CLT’s new Enduring Courses, an emerging alternative that honors intellectual virtue, great books, and oral expression. If you’ve ever wondered whether AP or dual credit is still the right path - or what better options may be on the horizon - this conversation is a must.🎧 Join us to discover:Why more classical schools are rethinking AP coursesHow assessments shape teaching and missionWhat makes CLT’s Enduring Courses a game-changing alternativeSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

How do we know if our students are truly being formed - not just informed? In this powerful episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens is joined by educator and researcher Katherine Schultz to explore one of the most pressing questions in Christian education: how do we assess and support the formation of a child’s beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes?Katherine introduces her groundbreaking tool, the 3D Worldview Survey, which helps parents and schools evaluate students in all three dimensions - head, heart, and hands - to spark meaningful discipleship and spiritual growth. This isn’t a spiritual report card—it’s a catalyst for real conversation and next steps.🎧 Tune in to discover:Why so few students (and even pastors) hold a consistent biblical worldviewWhat schools and parents can do to bridge the gap between belief and behaviorHow the 3DWS can be used to shape school culture and mentor students more effectivelyDon’t just hope your students are growing—know how to help them take the next step.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife 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 info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.