Waitts Lake Teachers' Camp
Waitts Lake Bible Camp
The camp is located near picturesque Waitts Lake about an hour north of Spokane, Wa. The camp is situated on a hundred acres of partially wooded foothills.
Brother Aaron Destine supervises actual teaching practice in daily classroom simulations. Each attendee has the privilege of teaching in front of a small group of their peers and receiving constructive feedback as well as abundant encouragement.
The LTR track is for first and second grade teachers with an emphasis on teaching foundational reading skills. Brother Lyndon Hartman shares lectures and manages the study groups in this track. This is for new lower grade teachers or veteran teachers who would like a refresher and some new ideas.
Track one is for first to third year teachers. It consists of four parts: Philosophy of Teaching, Preparing to Teach, Managing the Classroom, and Interpersonal Relationships. Brother Jonathan Erb shares lectures and manages the study groups for those in this track. While it is intended for inexperienced teachers, the concepts taught apply to all teachers; so veteran teachers are also welcome to take this track.
Track two is intended for moderately experienced teachers who have already completed track one. Brother Jonathan Erb shares lectures and manages the study groups for this track. The material consists of a deep dive into the timeless book "The Seven Laws of Teaching." This challenging track aims to develop the art of teaching in those who are already leading classrooms.
Track three is intended to for veteran teachers with ten or more years of experience. Brother Jonah Avina shares lectures and manages the study groups in this track. The material consists of a laid back study of the book "The Seven Laws of the Learner." This track aims to allow long term teachers to unwind together and find fresh inspiration from each other.
Training Opportunities
Classroom simulations
Our vision is a teacher camp/retreat atmosphere that facilitates both a good bit of work and a good bit of rejuvenation. This event will contain significant amounts of active work: studying the craft of teaching through book learning and having hands-on classroom simulations.
This segment uses CLE teacher training material. LTR uses CLE first grade material to teach the techniques necessary to opening young minds to the wonders of reading. Level one is about foundational aspects of teaching: philosophy of Christian education, preparing to teach, managing the classroom, and interpersonal relationships. Level two is a deep dive into the teaching / learning process using “The Seven Laws of Teaching” by John Milton Gregory, first published in the 1880’s. Both levels require significant amounts of reading and pencil work, including quizzes and tests. Both tracks will be done in small study-group format. A CLE issued certificate of completion is available to those who finish the required material, which requires additional individual study outside of the camp week. Level three is a discussion based study of Bruce Wilkerson's "The Seven Laws of the Learner."
This segment of the event has two parts: first, class preparation and second, actual teaching the lesson. Teaching preparation will be done in study groups, according to a template. Then teachers will teach the lesson to the other attendees, and constructive feedback will follow. First grade teachers will have their own classroom simulation sessions. The other attendees will practice with their own study groups.
A schedule similar to a youth Bible School will be given and followed closely. There will be heavy lifting unlike the more passive-type venues, where most of the work is auditory only. But there will also be features such as time out in the afternoon for hikes or dorm time or simply socializing. Camp fire stories and story time after lunch, as well as singing times will round out this event.
Short answer - the attendees. Long answer: the attendees, whom are just about to take up the responsibilities of managing a classroom full of children. Also, camp administrators will be giving guidelines for rules of conduct. An older couple will provide pastoral oversight and will be on campus for the entire event.
It is for those who are committed to teach, who are committed to self-management of their own behavior, and for those who are committed to expend significant time and energy studying the craft of teaching and reaping the benefits of that. Spouses and families are welcome too - call to discuss this or any other questions.
Teachers who are…
1. Committed to teach at a specific school.
2. Committed to self-management.
3. Committed to studying the craft of teaching.
will be hosting this event?
Jonathan Erb - CLE Teacher Training (Levels 1 & 2) through lectures and
group study
Lyndon Hartman - LTR (teaching first grade) track
Aaron Derstine - daily Classroom Simulations in three grade levels
Lyndon Hartman - chapel times
Lyndon Hartman - separate “Straight Talk” sessions about our
personal lives interacting with school
Jonah Avina - story time beside a campfire each evening
Jonah and Eileen - administrator, moderator, camp hosts, dean of men
Abigail Miller - matron of women
Lewis and Unice Wengerd - camp cooks
Tuition is $695 per attendee.
This includes…
CLE teacher training books
lodging at the camp
meals
experienced instructors
upbuilding fellowship
This is not a sponsored event - it must carry its own weight financially. The enrollment fee covers lodging expenses, two meals a day and snacks between meals, CLE training materials, and sustainably reimbursing the camp staff.
Frequently Asked Questions