82 - Catholicism, Critical Thinking, and the Foundation Every Homeschool Needs.

In this episode, we chat with Leslie Dirnberger—homeschooling expert, president of Aspire Education, and author of “School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots.” When given the best growing conditions, children come up with some profound thoughts that become lifelong memories for the proud parent who was there when they first thought them. We dive into the joys of outdoor learning, and why “neurodiverse” might just mean “normal.” Expect wisdom, laughs, and a few “grampy questions”.  Published August 17, 2025BooksThe Book of Virtues by William BennettReferenced as a recommended book for teaching virtues and used in daily lessons.School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots (eBook by Leslie Dirnberger)https://www.amazon.com/School-National-Parks-Secret-Spots-ebook/dp/B0BGBLXLJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BPVALWQ6IOA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p7BBat1zf4f8JDTPn-q7odXbYyllajYZMEHdrBRKUTNrA3mFn_qXZ3bsWZEjF1tEahyhfJnw-IDjn7op0F_ZHqfatESch97_O3QjTHjDS5LOsJsFKLxtr0uT4aq6u6era5vSmYEkko9ovywSbBs774XZS_GZ21OIdI6VlIn23Z4c49PEeio0ikq2lzJsFGKpU_dJWQY83WNudruOHm_YhR3oz0hpcF5iKhBNt18L7t8.WG4L1YZABioI-aqQetNBUAEZu-D6uWAqEpo276jEXFg&dib_tag=se&keywords=school+in+our+national+parks&qid=1755283502&sprefix=school+in+our+national+park%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1Mentioned as a resource written by the guest, focused on outdoor education and homeschooling.OrganizationsAspire Educationhttps://www.aspireeducation.us/Leslie Dirnberger is the president and founder. The organization focuses on empowering families in education.Catholic Heart Work Camphttps://heartworkcamp.com/Referenced as a service/mission trip organization for youth.FPEA (Florida Parent-Educators Association)Mentioned as a homeschool convention in Florida.Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!https://maevejemison.com/Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1