It seems that education has become a can of worms and a sore spot for many in society today. Common core is being questioned at every turn and many feel public education has become a state-run religion. Every time you turn on the news you hear of parents who are frustrated with the education system because 6-year-old Johnny was sent home for chewing his sandwich into the shape of a gun and a 5-year-old girl was sexually harassed by a 6-year-old boy because he kissed her on the cheek.
The list of absurdities in the public education system has become an unbearable three-ring circus that seems to focus on “social problems” instead teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, and everything that goes in between. It may surprise some that there are helpful options for getting your child the education you desire. All hope isn’t lost when there are organizations such as Box Elder Vanguard. This schooling organization blends old-fashioned educational values, patriotism and the golden rule. One unusual method that might surprise some is the students are the teachers.
“This isn’t just reading a book and coming to a class,” Leah, 13, said, “You get to study, apply and teach what you learn. We get to use our talents in the class and share them with the others. It’s not just sharing what you learn from a text book.” Students ages 12-18 are combined in sort of an old-time school room, but instead of an old school marm teaching the students and smacking knuckles with rulers, the adult is a mentor who keeps the students on track, helps create discussions and provides guidance when needed.
“I like Vanguard because it’s challenging and I like to challenge myself and grow and be stronger. It’s nice that we all have many of the same standards and beliefs.” Kae, 14, claimed. “It’s a safe environment where you can share your feelings and opinions without being ridiculed. We all share instead of just one or two people giving out their side of the story. It’s nice to get everyone else’s opinion. We actually are the ones doing the work and we teach the lessons. Our mentors give a subject for the month and a list of choices and we come in and share what we have found and teach the group about it.”
“We’re encouraged to use religion—where in public school it isn’t allowed,” 15-year-old Adam, stated, “We’re allowed to learn our history and other lessons with an eye towards God. You have more freedom of religion and can share your beliefs and testimony in this environment. This kind of schooling might be more work than you’re used to, but I believe you’ll get more out of it.” He went on to explain there are three levels of inspirements: apprentice, journeyman and master. If you want to be a master you also have to complete the other 2 levels as well. Each level is approximately 5-8 hours’ worth of studying and preparation outside of class. Adam feels it’s more fun and challenging because the students have to look for things that interest them. “We have game night and activities so it’s more of a social classroom,” Adam said, “Discussions are often part of the class because we love talking about the things were interested in.”
The students have been studying Viking history and culture recently. In this once-a-week class they are given “inspirements,” which is a list of books and other items to study and write about. They do these inspirements throughout the week at home, which provides opportunities for the kids to create their own projects to work on and then bring in the following week to share with the others. The other once-a-week class is called "Youth Experiencing Shakespeare." In this class they study Shakespeare’s works in depth and will learn how to present a play by year’s end.
One of the annual activities for all Vanguard groups is a Jane Austen Ball to be held 28 March 2014, in Farmington where families dress in era costumes and dance the dances of that time in history. They also have dinner and activities as well. There will be 300 people in attendance.
The Vanguard organization is for youths ages 12-18. There are other organizations within the group for the younger children to prepare them for their progression into Vanguard once they turn 12 years of age. These are Young American Stateswomen Association for girls ages 10-11, Knights of Freedom for boys ages 8-11, who also participate in a Lego Robotics program and Liberty Girls for ages 6-9. They also have a music class put on by one of the mothers, as well as a unit study class, culture club and an interactive math and science project class. They even participate in physical activities together like dodge ball, kick ball and capture the flag.
Tammy Ward, a parent, got the idea to start the BEV group when she took her daughter to another Vanguard group in Kaysville last year and was impressed with the organization. The distance was hard to continue so she started a group in Box Elder County with the help of a volunteer mentor from the other group. “People can go to www.boxeldervanguard.weebly.com and see at a glance exactly what we do,” said Tammy. “There are 5 groups in Utah so far.” She said that other families can start their own groups with the help of a volunteer.
Tammy is also putting on a Winter Homeschool Conference for all denominations. To get information and register go to www.winterhomeschoolconference.com on the internet. Tickets are $55 for adults, $45 for spouses and $35 for youth. The event will be held 25 January 2014, at Weber State University in the Shepherd Union Building from 9am – 6pm. Featured speakers are world renowned in the homeschool community: Glenn J. Kimber, Nicholeen Peck, Sasha Takis and Diann Jeppsen. The Vanguard youth will be doing a bake sale and silent auction fundraiser at the conference. Information about Vanguard will be available there as well.
