I was recently visiting with a friend…
regarding what has become for many…
the big “C” word.
We were talking about students…
that had worked really hard…
but either weren’t accepted…
to the schools of their choice…
didn’t have the funding necessary to pursue their acceptance…
and other variables concerning college.
Perhaps you are reading with preschoolers playing nearby.
Perhaps you’re close to sending your child off to a college or university.
Perhaps you are unknowingly out of the loop…
because you are basing your point of reference…
on “the good old days” when you…
were darkening some institution’s hallowed halls.
It’s a shocking realization from many a standpoint, for sure…
two of which would be financially and circumstantially.
Wherever you stand (or in this case possibly sit reading this)…
know that there are qualified, viable, visionary options.
Indulge me for moment, dear readers.
This also serves as a “back-to-school-book-report”…
on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.”
(Or at least a portion thereof!)
Monticello, Utah…
located in San Juan County…
sits at an elevation…
of over 7,000 feet.
It’s entire population…
is 2,000 people.
Located in the Four Corners region…
of the Southwest United States…
it is a literal outdoor museum!
It is one hour from Moab.
With lots of dirt…
that is very red and clay-like.
Yes, I focus on the deeper issues of life.
The town is truly Mayberry.
In fact, I’m pretty sure Andy and Opie run the police department.
One evening…
I requested that the Hero Hubby…
fire up the engine…
and take us on a tour.
I highly doubt…
that the engine was barely above warm!
Sporting no theater and no bowling alley…
this was definitely my personal definition of camping…
despite the fact that I rarely frequent…
either of the above mentioned recreational locales.
There are, however, great things happening here.
It is the home of Monticello College…
which is a Liberal Arts institution.
Perhaps you don’t plan on getting a Liberal Arts education…
but rather desire to major in one of the sciences.
Are you aware…
that a true Liberal Arts education…
not only perpetuates freedom…
but it also has the potential to shorten…
your educational tenure in other fields?
Dr. Brooks and a portion of his staff…
hosted a Families for America week…
in which we experienced both age appropriate…
as well as family activities and studies.
The children’s program was simply amazing!
Indian Drum Dancing…
Solar Ovens that produced S’mores…
Crafts…
Simulations…
Practicing a form of government…
complete with group representation…
the list goes on and on.
Sons #4 and #5 couldn’t wait to go back each day.
Many dry camped.
We, however, roughed it in a local hotel…
while bolstering the economy…
while…
Son #2…
a student mentor…
and family activity mentor…
for a Shakespearean evening…
pitched a tent.
Older youth…
experienced many opportunities…
to learn through navigation skills…
simulations…
and even a hands-on chemistry lesson…
involving soap making.
Sunrise Solitude…
afforded these same kids…
the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature…
personal introspection…
and observations with Dr. Shanon Brooks.
Some of the adult offerings…
included…
“Why a Liberal Arts Education”…
“Fairy Tales: The Rest of the Story, It’s Not What You Think”…
“Economics 101″…
“Why We Read Austen”…
and a view of the Old Testament…
with my dad as the lecturing mentor.
Because many stages of Monticello College still involve ground breaking…
and because the ability to practice sustainability and agrarian skills…
are believed to be a part of a well-rounded education…
we also were afforded the opportunity to assist…
with building a barn…
and mapping out other buildings.
The food was incredible and prepared by women…
dedicated to days filled with nothing but preparation and serving.
It was a fabulous week…
supporting an incredible vision.
Are you aware…
that there are currently…
several hundred people enrolled…
in off-campus studies through Monticello College…
and that in April of 2013…
the first on-campus students will be attending?
Here’s an even more incredible fact:
Tuition, room and board…
at this stellar institution…
is currently $7500.00!
For real.
Another opportunity in which to further your education…
is currently offered through the Leadership Parenting series.
Definitely a vision and opportunities…
worthy of focus!
For further information go to www.monticellocollege.org.
All photos courtesy of my dear friend, Joelle Mancuso.
Looks like an amazing experience! The photos are really great and make it easy to imagine being there
[Reply]
Teri Reply:
August 21st, 2012 at 3:25 pm
It was a TON of fun! Definitely worth considering! XO, ;0)
[Reply]
I too was privileged to attend the Monticello College family retreat as well as the georgics seminar the following week. I can’t say enough about what a wonderful experience both weeks were. And the food was exceptionally good. (A camping experience doesn’t always feature good food.) There were also hot-water showers. The dates for next year’s family retreat are July 15 – 19, 2013 — and the same cooks are returning again so the food will be delicious.
[Reply]
Teri Reply:
August 21st, 2012 at 3:25 pm
So appreciate all that you have done and continue to do to cast a vision and be a part of Monticello and Liberal Arts education. XO, ;0)
[Reply]
This was such an AWESOME!!! week!!! Thank you for posting this and bringing back the best memories of the summer! 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. Our marriage improved a great deal since attending the Family Retreat. Which, of course, means that our family has improved substantially as well. 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. I could go on about this life changing experience. So as not to take up all of the comment space I will summarize with: Every class that we attended has had positive impact on our lives; this 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 it every year!
[Reply]
Teri Reply:
August 21st, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Such a grand time, wasn’t it?! XO, ;0)
[Reply]
I forgot until just recently. While there my 10yo daughter asked how old she had to be to attend Monticello College. She was disappointed to find out that she had to wait a few years.
[Reply]