Wesley Dickinson: “Practicum Plus: Home Education and the Classical Model”

About the Topic: Family Celebration Week 1 will encourage and equip homeschool parents with the tools for classical, Christian home-centered education and help parent-teachers gain confidence for the upcoming school year.  During this week we will explore the tools of learning and practice them together. The skills acquired are sure to enrich your family’s educational experience!

During this week-long family adventure at Spring Canyon, homeschool families will enjoy family worship time, delicious family style meals prepared by a professional chef in the dining room, very comfortable lodging, parent practicum sessions, Biblically-based youth and teen programs, and combined family time, which can include optional adventures like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot springs relaxing, or guided fly fishing.  Family-centric activities pack the evenings, such as a talent show, a bonfire complete with s’mores, and a western barn dance.  Another highlight of the week is parent date night, where dad and mom get to escape to town for dinner while the staff take care of your children.

While parents spend time together in practicum sessions, students participate in a fully staffed youth program.  Your students will enjoy vacation Bible school: Colorado mountain style!  In addition to age-scaled Bible studies, younger students have the opportunity to kayak, rock climb, fish, hike, take local field trips, and shoot arrows at the archery range, while teenagers can spend time with other teens and certified Spring Canyon staff kayaking, rock climbing, completing the high ropes course, cooperating on the team challenge course, and enjoying an overnight camping adventure.

About the Speaker: Wesley Dickinson is a rare homeschool parent, because he’s a stay-at-home, homeschool dad.  Moreover, he directs a Classical Conversations Foundations and Essentials community of almost 30 families near Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska, where his two daughters attend.  His educational background, outside of homeschooling, includes a bachelors degree and a masters degree in civil engineering with teaching experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  He and his wife, Mindy, will celebrate their 13th anniversary this year.  She is patient, and his daughters are adventurous.  Wesley also enjoys spending time in the woods, drinking strong coffee, studying Latin, reading old books, and cooking as often as possible.