What does classical Christian education actually mean? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens continues the ongoing series on classical Christian education with guest Lindsey Ralls, Upper School Head at Summit Christian Academy. Together, they explore a practical framework for understanding the heart behind classical Christian education, not simply as a method or curriculum model, but as a vision for forming flourishing human beings.

Lindsey shares how Summit Christian Academy developed a one-page framework to help parents, teachers, and students better understand the deeper purpose of classical Christian education. The conversation moves beyond the familiar language of the trivium and great books into topics like virtue, paideia, ordered affections, truth, goodness, beauty, and the intentional formation of students.

Davies and Lindsey also discuss how the classical movement has matured over the last 30 years, shifting from an emphasis on educational stages and methodology toward a richer focus on formation and discipleship. They unpack several key principles that shape Summit’s approach, including formation over information, imitation over innovation, the givenness of the universe, and helping students distinguish between truth and reality.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why classical Christian education is about formation, not just information
• How schools can intentionally cultivate virtue and ordered affections
• The difference between truth and reality in today’s culture
• Why imitation and apprenticeship still matter in education
• Practical ways parents and teachers can create meaningful conversations

This episode offers practical encouragement for educators and parents alike, especially those seeking to cultivate thoughtful conversations, wise affections, and a deeper understanding of what it means to raise children to love what is true, good, and beautiful.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

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.com

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

How do we move students from simply talking about truth, goodness, and beauty to actually living those ideals out in everyday life?

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Sharon Carlson for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to develop an “operational theology” , a faith that shapes not just beliefs, but daily decisions, relationships, failures, and future plans. Sharon draws from decades of experience in classical Christian education, student formation, counseling, and college advising to explore how schools and parents can help students connect theology to real life.

Together, they discuss:

• Why students often struggle to apply Christian truth in practical decisions
• What “the good life” actually means from a biblical perspective
• How parents and schools can respond redemptively when students fail
• Why discipline moments can become discipleship opportunities
• The difference between knowing Christian virtues and becoming more like Christ
• How theology helps students navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and major life decisions
• Why “the best next step” matters more than fear of making the “wrong” decision

Sharon also shares insights from mentoring students through college and career decisions, helping them understand that God’s will is ultimately about being conformed to the character of Christ, not simply finding the perfect school, job, or path.

🎧 Tune in for a rich conversation about spiritual formation, discipleship, and helping the next generation move beyond slogans into deeply lived faith.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

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.com

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

Anxiety is everywhere today, but what if it doesn’t always tell us the truth? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens welcomes back Keith McCurdy for another conversation in the Live Sturdy series. Together, they unpack why anxiety has become so common in students and parents, how overcommitment and fear-based decision making fuel the problem, and what schools and families can do to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and hope in a fragile age.

Keith shares practical insight from years of counseling families, students, and school leaders. From sports overload to perfectionism to the pressure-filled culture surrounding today’s kids, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on helping children grow stronger instead of more fragile.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why anxiety often doesn’t tell us the truth
• The difference between helping and rescuing children
• How over-scheduled families unintentionally fuel stress
• Why students need encouragement, truth, and healthy boundaries
• Practical ways schools can respond to anxious students with wisdom and patience
• How parents can create more margin, harmony, and stability at home

Join us as we discuss what it means to raise children who can live sturdy, even in an anxious world.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

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.com

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