Sorry, I got lost in the “overtime vortex,” and suddenly realized that my last blog was June 20th.
Wow, the last thing I remember was making my last road trip of the spring and shifting my mind to the Monticello College Retreat prep.
So let me bring you up to speed, lots of pics this blog. The Monticello College Retreat was a screaming success.
With over 100 participants, this was a mammoth task to pull off.
As the campus is under construction, all the families in attendance had to find their own accommodations, many choosing to camp onsite.
This retreat is family oriented; meaning it is all about building families, promoting families, learning as families and having lots of fun as families.
We had all of our meals together as a group, but the mornings and afternoons were divided into age groups of 6-12 , 13-18 and adults.
After dinner classes were for the whole family. We experienced Shakespeare, learned Hebrew and practiced some awesome dance moves!
The youth enjoyed science classes patterned after the discoveries of Galileo and the chemistry of soap making.
The little ones learned tons and had a great time spending an afternoon with the campus farm animals.
The adults attended college level classes, engaging in discussions and lectures covering topics such as, Liberal Arts, History of Economics, the Origins of Conservatives and Liberals, the Old Testament, and authors including Belloc, Austin, and Card.
Part of the Monticello College culture is service and participants enthusiastically joined in on the construction of the barn in an old-fashioned barn raising.
There was plenty of time for hikes and simulations and some families just took time to get to know each other.
Our staff was wonderful: Jayne Frost – Director, Cheri Beals – Head Cook, Polly Hartvigson – Gourmet Cook, Kitchen Helpers – Lark Millius, Sariah Mitchell, Annalise Hartvigson, Hunter Hartvigson, and Velinda Mitchell.
Other Retreat staff included, Eve Hatton, A.J. and Robbie Hogge, Pete Otrtiz, Dan Brooks, Eric George, and several members of the MC faculty and board of directors.
The children’s program was master-minded and executed beautifully by Elizabeth George, Jason Luerssen, Julia George, and Amanda Vance.
A number of our full time students were on hand to help make this the event of the year, including Preston Helms who wowed us with an inspiring evening of Shakespeare.
Most families said that they would “for sure” be back next year. So many said that they would bring friends that we are planning two events for next year.
Teri Helms of Tommymom.com said, “this was a great time, we have got to come back.” The Sorensen’s, a ranching family from Nevada, said their kids were not very excited to come, but after a week of camping, good food, and lots of great fun, they had a wonderful time.
The Severn’s from Aliso Viejo, CA (profesional ballroom dancers) promised to bring their family back next year, and to teach dancing classes.
Art and Gale from Sacramento, CA posted their thoughts on another blog and said, “This was such an AWESOME!!! week!!! Everybody is excited to return. My husband included.
“My youngest son is counting off the time until he sees his older brother again by how many Monticello College trips are between now and then. My husband has continued the fire of love of learning that he started at the Monticello Family retreat.
“My kids even enjoyed the introduction to Hebrew. My husband has always been pushing the kids to go to his favorite 4-year university. Now he tells them Monticello College.
“Every class that we attended has had positive impact on our lives; this was a wonderful family bonding experience, it was great being with other families that share our same values and yet we are from different religious backgrounds; we will repeat this event for years to come!”
The future of America is in her families. Monticello College is doing all it can to protect and support the development of American families. See you next year!
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