We wish to express our gratitude to The College at Saint Constantine for their generous sponsorship of the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference.
Archives of the 2021 Saint Kosmas Orthodox Education Conference
PHOTO GALLERY from the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference, Gold Canyon, Arizona
LECTURE ARCHIVES from the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
The 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference included the following 34 presentations. The Saint Kosmas Conference Archives are located at: saintkosmas.org/conference-archives-by-date. Audios, videos and transcripts will be posted to this website throughout the year.
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(Trenham) The Domestic Church and Education in the Writings of St. John Chrysostom (2021 Keynote)
(Tarpley) Modernity’s Vision for Education and Why We Should Be Concerned (2021 Keynote Part 1)
(Berge, Larsen) Including Art in Your Child’s Education
(Boitor) Last Child in the Woods: Outdoor Education as a Valuable Form of Science Instruction
(Carpenter) Conversing with the Past: The Study of History in an Orthodox Christian Context
(Carpenter, Tarpley) Why and How Christian Education Should Reintegrate English History and Philosophy into a Single Humanities Course
(Johnson) Homeschooling 101: Making a Good Beginning
(Johnson) Closing Out the Homeschool Year: Practical Tips for Record-Keeping, Grading, and Making Transcripts
(Katsiklis) Why and How to Include Byzantine Music in Your Child’s Education
(Lawler) Building a Solid Math Foundation
(Pierce) Bostock v. Clayton County: How the Supreme Court Ruling of June 2020 Impacts Churches, Private Education, and Homeschoolers
(Pierce) California Homeschool Legal/Legislative Update
(Pierce) Charter Schools: Opportunity or Hidden Stumbling Block?
(Pierce) COVID-19 and Parental Rights in California, A Legislative Update
(Pierce) Getting Your Family Involved in Homeschool Advocacy: What Can I Do?
(Pierce) Law for California Private Homeschoolers
(Tarpley) Introducing the Hybrid Model: Blending On-Campus Schooling with At-Home Study
(Tarpley) The Three Most Important Components of a Successful School
(Tarpley) Q&A with Classroom Educators and Administrators
(Taylor) Honing Your Craft: How Skilled Work Creates Balanced Teens
(Volmensky) Daily Life Through the Mystery of the Cross and Resurrection
(Wilkinson) Raising Pro-Life Teens: Equipping Your Kids for College and Beyond
5th HOMESCHOOL ALUMNI PANEL: Interviews with Orthodox Adults Who Were Homeschooled (Dumont, Hall, Larsen, Tarpley)
Panel Discussion on (1) Supporting Orthodox Education within the Local Community and (2) Breaking Down the “Homeschool Versus Orthodox School” Paradigm to Create Greater Unity within the Local Community (Frederick, Larsen, Tarpley, Trenham, Willmarth)
Panel Discussion: Counting the Blessings: Raising a Large Family in a Post-Christian World (Johnson, Larsen, Trenham)
Panel Discussion: Experiences with Homeschool Co-ops
Panel Discussion: Keep On Keeping On: Homeschooling Encouragement for the Long Haul (Johnson, Larsen, Taylor, Trenham)
Panel Discussion: Making High School at Home a Rich Experience (Davis, Larsen, Volmensky)
(Pierce) Talk with the Youth: Getting Your Group Ready for Action: Homeschool Advocacy for Teens
(Tarpley) Talk with the Youth: The Nature of Freedom within the Orthodox Christian Life
(Trenham) Talk with the Youth: Teens’ Responsibility Within the Home as a Member of the Domestic Church
(Wilkinson) Talk with the Youth: Sharing the Pro-Life Message in a Post-Christian World
2021 Arizona Conference — SPEAKERS
Keynote Speakers:
Click photo to visit speaker bio. Also, visit Talk Descriptions.
Additional Confirmed Speakers, Panelists, and Workshop Leaders:
Click photo to visit speaker bio. Also, visit Talk Descriptions.
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Arizona Conference — SCHEDULE
“Educating Orthodox Christian Children in a Post-Christian World”
Day 1: Thursday, April 15, 2021
Day 2: Friday, April 16, 2021
Day 3: Saturday, April 17, 2021
POST-CONFERENCE EVENTS AND POINTS OF INTEREST
1:00 PM — Option to make a pilgrimage to one of the Arizona monasteries — Participating families relocate to Florence or Safford at this time for Great Vespers. It is the responsibility of each family to contact the monastery in advance (through the monastery website) if planning to visit the monastery following the conference. Hotels are available near both monasteries. Learn more at our page: “Post-Conference Events.”
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Saint Kosmas Conference — Campus Navigation
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference — LOCATION
We have secured over 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting room space at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort and approximately the same amount of outdoor meeting space as well. We will be utilizing the following venues at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort: Kiva Board Room, Kachina Room, Geronimo Room, Towne Hall Square Complex, The Ballroom, Towne Hall Pavilion, and Upper Towne Hall, as well as surrounding lawn areas. Visit the Gold Canyon Golf Resort's "Venue Location" page to learn more about these spacious venues being utilized for the 2021 Saint Kosmas Arizona Conference.
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Saint Kosmas Conference — CURRICULUM FAIR
The 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference Curriculum Fair will take place in the 4000 square foot Grand Ballroom of the Gold Canyon Golf Resort in Gold Canyon, Arizona from Thursday, April 15 through Saturday, April 17.
Exhibitor Set-Up: Thursday, April 15, 2021: 2:00-4:00 P.M.
Curriculum Fair Open to Registered Conference Attendees:
Thursday, April 15, 2021: 4:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Friday, April 16, 2021: 8:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Saturday, April 17, 2021: 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Exhibitor Take-Down: Saturday, April 17, 2021: 1:00-2:00 P.M.
To be an Exhibitor at the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference Curriculum Fair: Visit the Exhibitor Information & Registration Page.
Exhibitors
confirmed to be present at the
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
(as of March 17)
Companies participating in the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference as Exhibitors are also presented on the Teaching Resources page and will remain there for the 2021 calendar year.
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Arizona Conference — LODGING
Gold Canyon Golf Resort
Lodging at the Conference Venue
6100 South Kings Ranch Road
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
480-982-9090
gcgr.com
To view photos of the accommodations at the conference venue, visit GCGR Resort Rooms.
For information on amenities and policies about lodging at the conference venue, visit GCGR Resort Amenities.
Pricing Options for Accommodations at Gold Canyon Golf Resort:
Patio Casita — 1 King: $155 + resort fee + tax
Patio Casita — 2 Queens: $165 + resort fee + tax
Spa Casita — 1 King or 2 Queens: $205 + resort fee + tax
Guaranteed check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
To book lodging at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort, contact Nicole Walker: by phone (direct line) 480-671-5524 or email Nicole@gcgr.com.
Best Western: Gold Canyon Inn and Suites
1 Mile from the Conference Venue
8333 East Sunrise Sky Drive
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
phone: 480-671-6000
reservations: 866-759-3748
goldcanyoninn.com
Green Tree Inn & Suites
28 miles (32 minutes) from Conference Venue
12 miles (16 minutes) from St. Anthony's Monastery
240 West Highway 287
Florence, AZ 85232
520-868-8952
greentreeinn.com
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Arizona Conference — MEALS
Meals During the Conference, Included with Registration:
The conference registration includes a lenten (vegan) breakfast/snack basket for attendees to have in their hotel room., and three lenten (vegan) meals served at the conference location.
Breakfast Basket
Delivered to families at conference registration/check-in; to be kept in the family hotel room.
Friday Lunch (three menu options, all vegan)
Hummus Veggie Wrap: lemon hummus, grilled veggies
Quinoa Salad: red and yellow peppers, black olives, celery, tomato, shaved carrots, vegan vinaigrette
Mediterranean Bowl: chic peas, couscous, kalamata olives, tomato, white bean hummus
*All served with an apple.
Friday Dinner (three menu options, all vegan)
Sesame Ginger Soba Bowl: Soba noodles, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, sesame ginger scallion sauce
Apple & Couscous Salad: couscous, mandarin oranges, apple, celery, walnuts, citrus vinaigrette
Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower: on a bed of quinoa with soy beans and bean sprouts
*All served with an orange.
Saturday Lunch (three menu options, all vegan)
Quinoa Salad: roasted cubed sweet potato, quinoa, chopped kale, maple vinaigrette
Broccoli, Cashew & Long Grain Rice Bowl: with Tamara, ginger, and sesame dressing
Roasted Vegetable Bowl: on a bed of couscous
*All served with a banana.
Meals on Thursday (Pre-Conference):
THURSDAY LUNCH — PICNIC AT cANYON lAKE
Homeschool Family Meet & Greet at Canyon Lake: This is a “bring-your-own” picnic event. There is a Basha’s grocery store just a couple of miles from the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. All Canyon Lake picnic attendees must stop at Basha’s to purchase an entrance/parking pass into the Canyon Lake public land area. While at Basha’s grocery store for the parking pass, families can pick up food items for their picnic lunch. Also, bring bottled water. We will arrange for one or two “host families” to be on-site at Canyon Lake early, claim picnic tables for the group, and have disposable picnic supplies (plates, napkins, cutlery) available. For more information about the Canyon Lake Homeschool Family Meet & Greet, visit “Pre-Conference Events.”
THURSDAY Dinner
Choose from among the variety of local food options. Conference attendees can begin checking in and browsing curriculum fair as early as 4:00 PM. This gives families a three hour window to settle in and get dinner before conference presentations begin at 7:00 PM.
Meals on the Weekend (Post-Conference):
Saturday Dinner & Sunday Lunch
Monastery Pilgrimage: For families who desire to make a pilgrimage to one of the monasteries, it is the responsibility of each individual family to contact the monastery to ask a blessing and to confirm the details of your visit, so that the monastic community knows who and how many will be attending the meals that follow the services. For more information about contacting the monasteries, visit “Post-Conference Events.”
Restaurants & Food Service within 3 miles of Conference Venue:
On Kings Ranch Road:
GCGR: Kokopellis (at conference venue)
GCGR: Bar and Grille (at conference venue)
GCGR: The Ledge (at conference venue)
Gold Stallion Restaurant (“next door” to conference venue)
Waffle On Inn (at junction of Kings Ranch Road & Hwy. 60)
Great Wall Chinese (at junction of Kings Ranch Road & Hwy. 60)
At Superstition Mountain Drive & Hwy. 60 junction:
Starbucks (inside Basha’s)
Subway (phone: 480-288-6810)
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Saint Kosmas Conference — PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
2021 Byzantine Chant Workshops
Download the audio resources here!
Instructor: Dimitrios Katsiklis
Session 3: Friday, April 16 (children, age 5-9)
Session 4: Friday, April 16 (youth, age 10+)
The children enrolled the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference Children’s Program will have the opportunity to spend several sessions with Dimitrios Katsiklis learning two hymns of our church in in byzantine chant, in the English language: (1) To Thee, the Champion Leader and (2) The Great Commanding Chief of the Bodiless Powers, which is the 1st kathisma of the Matins of the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn. The children will perform these hymns for the parents and attendees at the Closing Program of the conference. Audio files of these hymns, in the form they will be taught, are available here, providing a way for the children to listen and become familiar with the music ahead of time, before arriving at the conference. For more information, visit the Byzantine Chant Workshop page, Dimitri’s page on Saint Kosmas, or visit the Conference Schedule page.
2021 Desert Trail Hike
Expedition Leaders: Mihai and Alexandra Boitor
Session 3: Friday, April 16 (youth, age 10+)
Session 4: Friday, April 16 (children, age 5-9)
We are thrilled to have Alexandra and her husband, Mihai, joining us at the Arizona conference as they will be leading an all-new children’s program adventure: hiking the trails on the desert slope behind the resort. Alexandra is a professional outdoor educators with much experience teaching children about the natural world and leading outdoor expeditions. Age-appropriate adaptations of this hike will be available for children ages 5 through 18 who are registered for the conference. For more information, visit Alexandra’s page on Saint Kosmas or visit the Conference Schedule page.
2021 Archery
Archery event leaders: Mihai & Alexandra Boitor
Session 6: Friday, April 16 (Boys, age 10+)
Session 7: Friday, April 16 (Girls, age 10+)
Session 10: Saturday, April 17 (GIRLS, age 5-9)
Session 11: Saturday, April 17 (BOYS, age 5-9)
We are excited to be bringing back this favorite event of the Saint Kosmas Children’s Program! With the benefit of several skilled instructors, we will offer separate sessions for girls and boys, and for the various ages and skill levels.
2021 Art Workshops
Instructor: Presv. Martha Berge
Session 2: Thursday, April 15 — T-shirt painting
Session 5: Friday, April 16 — Air-Dry clay sculpture
Session 6: Friday, April 16 — Weaving Projects
Session 7: Friday, April 16 — Craft Stations
2021 Craft Workshops
Workshop Leader: Alexandra Boitor
Session 9: Friday, April 16 — Shrinking Plastic Key-chain Project
Session 11: Friday, April 16 — Bookmarks and Friend Contact Books
2021 Talks with the Youth
We are privileged to have Fr. Josiah Trenham, Dr. Mark Tarpley, Nathan Pierce, and Emily Wilkinson speak with the youth at 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference on topics pertinent to our culture today.
“A Teen’s Responsibility within the Home as a Member of the Domestic Church”
Fr. Josiah Trenham
“The Nature of Freedom within the Orthodox Christian Life”
Dr. Mark Tarpley
“Sharing the Pro-Life Message in a Post-Christian World”
Emily Wilkinson, Orthodox Christians for Life
“Getting Your Group Ready for Action”
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
This is a workshop on teen advocacy and group action, including topics such as “How to Write Letters and Position Papers to Your Legislator.” Mr. Pierce will address homeschool advocacy, but also general group advocacy strategies and approaches that can be utilized on any issues affecting the Christian family. Teens can have an impact in the culture today!
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Saint Kosmas Arizona Conference — PRE-CONFERENCE EVENT
Homeschool Family Meet & Greet
“Bring-your-own” Picnic Lunch
Canyon Lake
Acacia Recreation Site
Thursday, April 15, 2021
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Please RSVP!
WHERE: Acacia Recreation Site
WHEN: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
HOST FAMILY / EVENT CONTACT: John and Miriam Cosby (contact: miriam@saintkosmas.org)
RSVP: Click Here
HOW TO PURCHASE THE PARKING PASS (RECREATION PASS): (2 options)
Purchase at Basha’s Supermarket in Gold Canyon (at the Customer Service Desk)
OR Purchase here through Saint Kosmas Conferences. — We will pick up your parking pass for you, and Miriam Cosby will have the parking pass for you when you arrive at the CANYO LAKE Acacia Recreation Area.
PARKING PASS (RECREATION DAILY pASS) is Required:
This event requires the Tonto National Forest Pass for all parked cars and watercrafts. If you have a National Park Pass, you do not need the Tonto National Forest Pass. (Read more here.) The Tonto National Forest Pass can be purchased at Basha’s Supermarket (just a couple of miles from the conference venue) or you can purchase it through Saint Kosmas Conferences ahead of time and pick it up from event contact, Miriam Cosby, when you arrive on location. There is not a way to purchase the parking passes upon arrival at the lake. You will not need the pass in your possession to enter into the Tonto National Forest, but it is expected to be on the dash of your car while parked at the CANYON LAKE Acacia Recreation Area.
FOOD:
This is a “bring-your-own” picnic event. Families can pick up picnic foods from Basha’s Supermarket (less than three miles from the conference venue), or bring along fast food or take-out from a local restaurant close to the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. For more information about food options visit "2021 Arizona Conference: MEALS" and scroll down to the list of restaurants at the bottom of the page.
CANYON LAKE INFORMATION:
WEATHER:
Weather.com: Canyon Lake Temps (select “April 2021”)
Items that you may want to bring:
The local Orthodox homeschool community made a “dry-run” up to the Canyon Lake Acacia Recreation Site in February of this year to check it out in preparation for this “Pre-Conference Event”. The moms assembled this list of suggested items to bring:
Full picnic lunch including paper goods
Plenty of water (with electrolytes)
Sun hats
Sunscreen
Bathing suits & towels
Change of clothes, including socks
Close-toed shoes for walking and sandals/crocs
Picnic Blanket
Sand Toys
Bug repellent
First aid family travel kit
Photos of the Picnic Location:
These photos were taken at the Acacia Recreation Site in March 2021 by someone on the Saint Kosmas Conference planning team, so as to give you a current picture of what the site looks like.
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Saint Kosmas Arizona Conference — POST-CONFERENCE EVENTS & Points of Interest
Join a Group Pilgrimage to one of the Arizona Monasteries following the conclusion of the conference.
RELOCATE TO FLORENCE OR SAFFORD FOR WEEKEND SERVICES - HOTELS AVAILABLE NEAR BOTH MONASTERIES
These pilgrimages are not officially part of the conference, however, we will be providing monastery links, local hotel recommendations, maps, and the weekend service times on this website as a courtesy. It is the responsibility of each family to contact the monastery directly (through the monastery website) if planning to visit the monastery following the conference.
Visit the Grand Canyon
SPRING IS AN IDEAL TIME TO VISIT THE SOUTH RIM.
Is a visit to the Grand Canyon on your Homeschool Bucket List? The week following the conference is a good opportunity for this educational family field trip.
The Grand Canyon National Park links, weather, and general information will be provided on this website as a courtesy. It is the responsibility of each family to make their own arrangements if they intend to visit the Grand Canyon.
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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2021 Arizona Conference — TALK DESCRIPTIONS
Fr. Josiah Trenham
The Domestic Church and Education in the Writings of St. John Chrysostom
Part 1:
Why Christian Education Always Starts in the Home Within the Life of the Church
Fr. Josiah Trenham
St. John Chrysostom, perhaps more than any other Church Father, emphasized the importance of the kath’imas (Christian/spiritual) education in the Christian home. The kath’imas education was distinct from the exothen (pagan/secular) education of his time and cannot be reduced to a set curriculum, selected spiritual readings, or Church programs. Rather, the kath’imas education is “the ecclesiastical ethos of the Christian home” as “maintained by a fervent and continual link with the Church." "The blessing of the household is contingent upon faithful participation in the prayers of the Church,” writes Fr. Josiah in his work Marriage and Virginity According to St. John Chrysostom. The kath’imas education, then, is fueled through the spiritual life of the home within the context of the liturgical, ascetical, and sacramental life of the Church. Join Fr. Josiah for this very important topic in which he will guide us through the teaching of St. John Chrysostom in how we should order our homes on the basis of a domestic typicon that nurtures the kath’imas education in pursuit of holiness within the home.
Part 2:
Realizing St. John Chrysostom's Vision for Christian Education in a Post-Christian World
Fr. Josiah Trenham
St. John Chrysostom offers us a beautiful teaching on the kath’imas (Christian/spiritual) and exothen (pagan/secular) within the context of a pre-modern world in which Christ was historically anticipated by the culture. However, today, we live in a post-Christian world in which our culture is established out of a rejection of Christ. How, then, should we manifest the teaching of St. John Chrysostom in our time with respect to educating our children? What does it look like practically to educate our children in the fullest sense as Christians in our own time? Join Fr. Josiah for his second talk in which he brings the teaching of St. John Chrysostom to bear within the context of a post-Christian culture.
Dr. Mark Tarpley
Modernity’s Vision for Education and Why We Should Be Concerned
Dr. Mark Tarpley
The rise of modernity ushered in a new vision for education, and consequently, a new vision for humanity. Such a vision permeates the educational landscape of America today. Understanding the historical roots and subsequent establishment of modern education reveals what is now taken for granted by educators today. As Orthodox Christians responsible for educating our children, it is vital that we see clearly the hidden assumptions of modern education, how they stand in contrast to Orthodox education, and how these hidden assumptions play out practically in the schooling of our children. Join Dr. Tarpley as he unveils the hidden assumptions of modern education and how they can lead our children down a path contrary to the Orthodox faith.
Don’t Be Caught Unaware: Why Post-Modernity is More Influential in the Formation of Our Children Than We Think
Dr. Mark Tarpley
Orthodox Christians understand that Postmodernity stands in opposition to our faith. But do we realize how postmodernity is forming our children today, particularly in the education space? One only has to listen to how our youth speak to begin to get a sense of its impact. As parents and educators, we must not think simply because we are Orthodox Christians that we are somehow immune to the rise of postmodernity. We should not be caught unaware.
Introducing the Hybrid Model of Education
Dr. Mark Tarpley
The model of education you choose is a significant decision for both the founding of a school and for the schooling of children. As much as educators emphasize curriculum and philosophy of education, models are also very powerful in forming the educational experience of a child. Too often, an either/or is presented between homeschooling/co-ops and five-day-a-week models. There are other model options that exist, and the growing interest in hybrid model schools continues to increase in the United States. Hybrid model schools consist of a school community similar to a five-day-a-week school; however, students attend the school two or three days a week and complete extension assignments at home on the other days. This session is designed for both educators and parents who are interested in exploring alternative models in education. We invite you to join Dr. Mark Tarpley, who has extensive experience as an administrator in the hybrid model, as he discusses the option of the hybrid model of education.
The Three Most Important Components of a Successful School
Dr. Mark Tarpley
There is no doubt that schools are complex systems, and there are many moving parts that must operate properly for a school to function well. However, the most important components of a school are too often overlooked, resulting in unanticipated and even unrecognized challenges. What are these three components - mission and vision, board governance, and the formal understanding of the relationship between the responsibility of the school and the responsibility of the parents. These three components set in place the critical foundation upon which a school flourishes. Join Dr. Mark Tarpley as he discusses these three foundational components to every successful school.
Bede Carpenter
Conversing with the Past: The Study of History in an Orthodox Christian Context
BEDE CARPENTER
When asked why the human past should be studied, most people will revert to an often repeated but misquoted claim that "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Others however, will quote Henry Ford who famously said, “History is tradition. We don’t want tradition. The only history worth [knowing] is the history we make today.” Is history simply some repetitive cycle which we must learn from in an attempt to prevent certain errors? Or, should it be cast aside in favor of all that is “new” and “novel?” What becomes clear from these quotes is that why we study history, and consequently, how we go about the study of history is not perhaps so readily apparent today. In fact, there is tremendous confusion surrounding this question that silently leaves its imprints in curriculums that shape and form our children in ways we are unaware. At its worst, much of the study of history in education today has been reduced to bodies of disconnected information to be learned across broad swaths of history that involve little to no value judgments made in relationship to historical cultures and movements. Equally problematic for Orthodox Christians, much of what we use in educating our children is drawn from Western educational resources that promote movements that are oppositional to our faith such as Scholasticism, the Renaissance, etc. Therefore, a proper understanding of why and how we study history as well as understanding its value, is crucial. Join Bede Carpenter as he explores the questions of why and how Orthodox Christians should approach the study of history.
Why and How Christian Education Should Reintegrate English, History, and Philosophy into a Single Humanities Course
BEDE CARPENTER & DR. MARK TARPLEY
Nathan Pierce
California Homeschool Legal/Legislative Update
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
Fresh from the battlefront, Nathan will update you on major current legislative battles to protect our private home education and parental rights! You will learn how vigilance is maintained despite the many threats against our precious freedoms, and hear how Family Protection Ministries has worked this year to build relationships with legislators and staff inside the Capitol. As time permits, this perspective will broaden to an even larger battlefront of the underlying worldviews and trends of our culture’s war against the God-ordained family.
COVID-19 and Parental Rights in California, A Legislative Update
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
Family Protection Ministry liaison, Nathan Pierce, will offer an update on what legal and legislative changes have taken place in California related to parental rights since COVID began. Though this update is specific to California, the legislative attempts to take rights from parents in California will likely soon follow in other states. This will be a short presentation, followed by a question and answer session with Nathan Pierce.
Bostock v. Clayton County: How it Impacts Churches, Private Education, and Homeschoolers (Understanding the Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling of June 15, 2020)
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
Bostock v. Clayton County was a landmark United States Supreme Court civil rights case in which the Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Family Protection Ministry liaison, Nathan Pierce, will explain the ruling, and offer a brief analysis of how this impacts churches, private schools, and homeschoolers. This will be a short presentation, followed by a question and answer session with Nathan Pierce.
Getting Your Family Involved in Advocacy: What Can I Do? (Including How to Write Letters and Position Papers to Your Legislator)
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
Ever wonder how you could make a difference in the fight to keep our homeschool freedoms? Personal face-to-face meetings between a legislator and a homeschool family can be the most effective advocacy tool we have. Nathan will discuss inviting legislators to your homeschool science fair, taking a field trip to visit your legislator in their local district office, and even lining up your teens to potentially intern at a legislators office. This workshop will also give you clear steps in crafting letters to your legislator so that you can get your point across effectively. When needed, FPM will ask you to write your California Legislators in the Senate and Assembly on specific bills. The opinions of citizens in their own districts are important to legislators, as many believe that your one letter represents the view of 100 others who did not take the time to express their position. In a time when it can be tempting to be isolated and just “do our thing” Nathan will challenge you to engage in the battle for our freedoms while we still can.
(for the YOUTH) Getting Your Group Ready for Action
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
Ever wonder how your group could make a difference? Or perhaps if it could make a difference? A plan is vital when preparing for any battle. Legislative battles are no different. Nathan will talk about what types of things your group can do to make a difference for the cause of homeschool freedom. Coming up with a plan and figuring out how to implement it (and who is going to help) can be a struggle, so that’s what we’ll be doing! We will discuss inviting legislators to your homeschool science fair, taking a field trip to visit your legislator in their local district office, and even lining up teens in your group to potentially intern at a legislator’s office.
Charter Schools – Opportunity or Hidden Stumbling Block?
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
You probably know homeschooling families who have left the fold of Private Homeschooling for the perceived advantages of joining a charter school. Some church leaders are encouraging families to look into charter schools as a viable and beneficial option for educating their children at home. Perhaps you yourself have even wondered if it wouldn’t be a solution to some of the challenges you’re facing. So, what are some of the important issues Christian parents should consider before making any decision to enroll their children in a charter school? What place can God’s Word have in a charter school? What is legally required and forbidden of charter schools? You may be surprised at the answer!
Law for California Private Homeschoolers
Nathan Pierce, Family Protection Ministries
Are you a new or potential homeschooling parent? Perhaps you’re a leader working with new homeschoolers. Here is the place to get a foundation of understanding of the legalities of homeschooling. We know the Education Code addresses compulsory education, but what does it actually say and how do we as private homeschoolers make sure we meet compulsory education law? What is the difference between public and private education school programs, anyway? And what is a private school affidavit and how do you file it? Any remaining questions? You may ask those at the Q & A session at the end of this helpful session.
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
Will you offer live-streaming of this conference or an option to attend 'virtually'?
The hallmark of our conferences is bringing people together to create a space for engaging discussion and meaningful fellowship in service to the growth of Orthodox education. We do not live-stream this conference or offer “virtual” attendance.
Will recordings of the conference be made available to the public following the conference?
We will record and post a selection of the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference presentations on the Saint Kosmas website. These selected presentations will be posted over the course of the year as either transcripts or digital media. One speaker that will not be recorded this year is Nathan Pierce, Director of Operations and Legislative Liaison for Family Protection Ministries of California. Also, the “Talks with the Youth” are never recorded. The only way to gain access to the presentations of Mr. Pierce or the “Talks with the Youth” is to be physically present.
Will there be childcare for the youngest ages?
YES! We have added childcare options for children ages 6 months and up. The pricing page and the online registration form have been updated. Families who registered early with toddlers at no charge (with no childcare) will receive the childcare option at no additional cost. Toddler childcare will be available at both North and South Campus, so that parents can check on their youngest children easily during sessions. Parents also have the option to keep their toddler-age child with them in seminars as long as the child can be reasonably quiet. For a full break-down of the pricing options related to food and childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, please visit the pricing page.
What jurisdiction are you affiliated with?
Saint Kosmas Orthodox Christian Education Association is an independent non-profit organization, not affiliated with or attached to any particular jurisdiction. Likewise, the 2021 Saint Kosmas Arizona Conference is not affiliated with any particular jurisdiction. There will not be any church services held at the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference, but families can participate in the liturgical cycle of the Church during their stay in Arizona by visiting local Phoenix-area churches and monasteries of various jurisdictions. Links to service schedules for local Phoenix-area parishes and monasteries will be provided on this website for the dates that encompass the conference and the weekend of the conference conclusion. Our speaker line-up this year includes Orthodox Christians born in Romania, Ukraine, Greece, and America reflecting how truly pan-Orthodox is our conference. Please visit our home page, saintkosmas.org, to learn more about us.
What is the deadline to register?
General registration will be open until March 31, or until we reach maximum capacity, whichever comes first. Registration will NOT be extended into April for any reason.
Exhibitor registration will be open until March 31, or until space in the exhibition hall is sold out, whichever comes first. Some exhibitor package components have an earlier deadline (such as the black and white ad in the program), so to take advantage of the full package, exhibitors should register by March 1. For more information about exhibitor deadlines, view the Exhibitor Information page.
What is the possibility that the conference will be canceled due to COVID?
Based on the history of the Arizona governor's response to COVID during 2020, we do not anticipate any state mandates that would cause the resort to be closed or even limited in function. However, we have taken the following measures to be able to observe any possible COVID protocols that may potentially be required by the state, county, or Church at the time of the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference in April to ensure our ability to hold the conference:
We have secured over 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting room space at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort and approximately the same amount of outdoor meeting space. This amount of space will easily allow us to accommodate social distancing protocols if required at the time of our conference. We will be utilizing the following venues at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort: Kiva Board Room, Kachina Room, Geronimo Room, Towne Hall Square Complex, The Ballroom, Towne Hall Pavilion, and Upper Towne Hall, as well as surrounding lawn areas. Visit the Gold Canyon Golf Resort's "Venue Location" page to learn more about these spacious venues being utilized for the 2021 Saint Kosmas Arizona Conference.
We have arranged for all meals to be served in individual boxed containers and served outdoors. Outdoor dining will take place in the Towne Hall Pavilion and the lawn areas of the Towne Hall Square complex. This will allow us to follow the strictest food service protocols if required, and will also be very practical for families with children. To view the outdoor dining locations, visit the resort's "Venue Location" page.
For more information, visit the Saint Kosmas Conference COVID policy page and the Gold Canyon Golf Resort COVID policy page.
How many attendees do you expect? What has been the response thus far?
We opened online registration on January 1, and in the first month, we received registrations from 12 states and met the contracted minimum headcount needed to make this conference happen. Thus far, we have general registrations from Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. Numbers are difficult to predict at this point as we will have registration open another 60 days or until we reach maximum capacity.
In the registration form, there is a survey question that asks, “What is the primary reason you are attending the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference?” and 90% of registrants thus far have responded, “to connect with other Orthodox Christians.” We are very excited about this year’s lecture content, speaker line-up, new location, and exhibitors committed to being present at the curriculum fair. However, more than all of that, we are thankful to have the opportunity to bring people together for engaging discussion and meaningful fellowship in service to the growth of Orthodox education. We hope you will join us at the 2021 Saint Kosmas Orthodox Education Conference!
2021 Saint Kosmas Conference
HOME PAGE — SCHEDULE — SPEAKERS
2021 Arizona Conference Lecture Track for NEW HOMESCHOOLERS
2021 Arizona Conference Lecture Track for VETERAN HOMESCHOOLERS
2021 Arizona Conference Lecture Track for CLASSROOM EDUCATORS
2021 Arizona Conference Lecture Track for COMMUNITY LEADERS
High-Quality BLACK CANVAS TOTE promoting Orthodox Education — Order yours today! — Supplies are limited!
Our 2021 Black Canvas Tote is available for purchase regardless of whether or not you are attending the conference!
Order today! These will sell out!
ABOUT THE PRODUCT: This is a high-quality black canvas tote, made in the USA, printed with white ink, displaying the logo image of the 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference as well as the logo image of this year’s premier conference sponsor: The College at Saint Constantine.
ABOUT DELIVERY: If the buyer is registered for the conference, the tote can be picked up at conference check in. If the buyer is NOT registered for conference, the tote will be shipped to the buyer on April 20, 2021 via USPS.
TOTES FOR REGISTERED ATTENDEES OF THE CONFERENCE: Each family (or household unit) registered for the conference will receive one complimentary 2021 Saint Kosmas Conference BLACK CANVAS TOTE. If you would like to purchase additional totes for your family, you may do so at the link below. Order today! These will sell out! You can pick up your purchase of additional totes at the conference check in. Any totes not picked up at the conference will be shipped on April 20, 2021 via USPS.
TOTES FOR THOSE NOT REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE: If you have NOT registered for the conference, but would like one of the totes, we’d love to send you one! Order today! Quantities are limited. Your tote will be shipped on April 20, 2021 via USPS.
