Summer 2000

Summer 2000

Woodworking apprentices

Family Fling 2000

August 9-12

Escondido, CA

By Christy Giannestras

The Summer 2000 Fling was a delightful compilation of classic ETSian activities.Contemplative discussions.Spirited dances.Dramatic reader's theaters.Beautiful music.Quality fellowship.All were alive and well during the busy four day gathering of Hinrichs students from across the nation.Though following closely in the strain of past events, this Fling was special and unique in more ways than one!

Wednesday, August 9th:The opening day of the Fling began at 8:00 a.m. with the first in a series of four lectures.A new addition to the list of activities, the lectures were presented by Great Books V students as a part of their graduate requirements.Each individual had to select a topic drawn from their year's reading, write a lengthy essay, study and prepare information on the subject, and give an oral presentation of their paper.At the end of each lecture period, time was given for open discussion and questioning.All of our lecturers this year delivered their essays in an eloquent manner worthy of the high standards imposed upon fifth year ETS pupils! On this first morning, Katie Peacock began with an interesting talk on "Modern Philosophy: A History of Ideological Anarchy".Following a short break, we were transported into the turbulent world of Sophocles' Antigone by a dramatic reader's theater.Along with a great supporting cast, Jared Cook and Elizabeth Meihaus starred in convincing portrayals of Creon and Antigone, respectively.Such pastimes work up an appetite for food and exercise, which is why 12:00-2:00 p.m. each day was devoted to casual dining and sporting activities on the Hinrichs' property.This period provided wonderful opportunities to become better acquainted with fellow students/parents and partake of good summer fun.After this break on Wednesday, we had the privilege of getting "up close and personal" with an actor from the Old Globe Theater in San Diego.Mr. Cox presented an excellent rendition of young Henry V, explaining scenes and characters as he went.Several students joined him in for selected portions, making it a most entertaining hour.Ensuing the overview of Henry V, Mr. Cox made time for a question/answer period.From start to finish, he artfully brought Shakespeare's play alive to us and generated much interest in the stage.As most know, an ETS gathering could not be complete without an arousal of the famous Antigone vs. Creon debate.Consequently, after Shakespeare, two groups faced one another to formally debate the issue: who was in the right?Both sides made admirable effort in arguing their case, and though some people may say a certain group performed better, our tutor declared "everyone wins!" this time. :)After the debate everyone went separate ways... some to the Great Books V dinner, others home, and still more to await the 7:00-9:00 dance practice.Though the writer was in the group who went home, all reports said these other events were quite exhilarating.Thus ends day one!

8:00- 9:30 Lecture - * -

"Modern Philosophy: A History of Ideological Anarchy "

10:00 - 12:00 Reader’s Theater - Sophocles' Antigone

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch – Potluck

1:00 - 2:00 Discussion of Henry V with Old Globe actors.

2:00- 4:30 Debate- Antigone vs. Creon

6:00 GBT V Dinner

7:00-9:00 Dance Practice - no dress code

Thursday, August 10th: The next set of activities began bright and early Thursday morning with Ivan Heitmann's lecture on "Adam Smith and Karl Marx".He addressed the weaknesses of Marxism and the benefits of our country's free enterprise system.After a short break, including some wonderful part hymn singing, we returned for the Phaedo reader's theater.This time, Mr. Hinrichs took center stage as our dearly beloved Socrates, philosophizing about love and the afterlife on his deathbed.Everyone enjoyed Mr. Hinrichs' delivery of Socrates, who often expects his arguments to be perfectly understandable to all audiences. :)The favorite break activities of the day were deep conversation, games of soccer, Frisbee, and football; and strolling around in small bevies.Still others chose picture-taking, music, or naps wherever there was room to lie down.We gathered together again at 2:00 for the All Student Great Books Tutorial on Plato's Phaedo.To open the "class", Mr. Hinrichs displayed his ancient coin collection.As we passed some beautiful coins around, he explained their types and history.It was fascinating to observe coinage which was circulated during the lives of many Great Books authors!After spending an hour discussing the ups and downs of Plato's thinking, we were dismissed early in order to prepare for the Swing, Waltz and Polka Night.Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the event was a highlight to the week.Even before it had officially begun, excited students danced to great rhythms while others swept brie cheese off the dance floor. :)Once the main crowd had arrived, Mr. Hinrichs called everyone together for introductions and etiquette instructions.To our great delight, Mr. H's family has been growing with the addition of Mrs. Christy Hinrichs and now Baby Hinrichs!Both are long hoped for, welcomed, and beloved members of the ETS "family".Introductions concluded, the young men's etiquette letter was reinstated and met with great enthusiasm.Several students interjected hilarious additions during the presentation, resulting in choruses of laughter.But enough of this... let the gaiety begin!For the next couple hours, all reveled in the delights of dance.Swing was no doubt the king of the night.May the young gentlemen be complimented on their behavior and dancing skills?We have some budding professionals in our midst!All fantastic events have their conclusion, and likewise our evening ended at 10:00 p.m. with praise to the Lord.Happy and tired, all parted until the next morning.

8:00- 9:30 Lecture – * -

"Adam Smith and Karl Marx"

10:00 - 12:00 Reader’s Theater – Plato's Phaedo

12:00 - 2:00 Lunch – Potluck

2:00- 4:00 All-Student Great Books Tutorial

7:00 – 10:00 Swing, Waltz and Polka Night

Friday, August 11th: Slightly more blurry-eyed than usual, we gathered at 8:00 a.m. for the third Great Books V lecture.Becky Perry woke everyone up with a fascinating talk entitled "Sovereignty in the Marketplace: An Essay on Economic Philosophy".After stretching our legs briefly, all congregated back into Mr. H's schoolroom in anticipation of the most exciting reader's theater of the week-- Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.Taming is a general favorite among ETS students with its witty dialogue and shocking characters.Katie Peacock played a most shrewish Kate, Jared Cook was the man-in-charge Petruchio, and Tucker La Prade was a hilarious Christopher Sly.The entire cast received large rounds of applause for a 2 1/2 hour distinguished and lively performance.Bravo!Everyone was quite eager for lunch break and took full advantage of the culinary and relaxation opportunities.In consequence of the heat, leftover ice was also utilized in rather entertaining cool down sessions. :)Tired from all the fun, many welcomed the next activity: watching La Vita e Bella, better known as Life is Beautiful.This is a tale of a devoted husband and father who sacrifices his own comfort to keep hope and joy alive for his family during WWII.Following the viewing, Mr. Hinrichs discussed with us the various examples of symbolism in the film.Left with only a couple hours before the Ball, all hurried out until returning at 7:00 p.m. The Ball has been an ETS tradition for a few years now, and undoubtedly the jewel of events.Complete with beautiful formal attire, old fashioned dances, live music, and the best of manners, everyone enjoys this experience.In the history of ETS-affiliated balls, each one has something unique and special, and this was no exception.For one, our hosts Mr. and Mrs. Hinrichs came dressed in authentic German costume to the delight and amusement of their students.The opening dance, the Grand March, was conducted for the first time on the Hinrichs' upper lawn, providing the necessary room for the large-scale dance.We also learned a few new twirls, including the Spanish Waltz and the Grand Box.Everyone had a wonderful time.There is always energy for dancing, especially when in the midst of friends and fellow students under a gorgeous starlit sky.All too soon we were called together to sing the closing hymns of the night.A harmony of voices rose to the tunes of "Abide with Me", "Fairest Lord Jesus", and the Doxology to bid goodnight to the third special day.

8:00- 9:30 Lecture – B*

"Sovereignty in the Marketplace
An Essay on Economic Philosophy"

10:00 - 12:00 Reader’s Theater – Shakespeare

12:00 - 2:00 Lunch – Potluck

2:00- 4:30 Film - La Vita e Bella

7:00 – 10:00 Ball – Folk dancing

Saturday, August 12th: To the gratefulness of all participating, Saturday's events began at 10:00 a.m. instead of 8:00!Matt Jackson concluded the series of lectures with an informative discussion of "The Future of Democratic Nations".For break on this last day, our group had a hymn sing.What a glorious thing it is when fellow believers unite hearts and voices together in God's praise!After exercising voice, many thought it apropos to exercise limbs in a big game of soccer led by Mr. H.While they braved the heat, others prepared food, played music, and discussed serious philosophical issues.Subsequent to the last potluck meal, we had the special privilege of gathering at Mr. and Mrs. Hinrichs senior's house for the Music and Poetry Recital.They have a lovely room and piano for the occasion, and we were grateful to use them.Thank you for opening your home to us! Many shared their musical talent and delighted the audience with classical, sacred, and jazz pieces.Others presented inspirational selections of poetry and quotations.It was a fair ending to an incredible event.For, indeed, it was now time to say good-bye for most of the families.(Others met later for the Old Globe Theater production of Henry V...)To conclude, we sang the favorite "Dona Nobis Pacem", prayed together, and said our bittersweet farewells.

The Summer 2000 Family Fling was a special and unforgettable event.Each ETS activity, this not least, provides excellent opportunities for homeschoolers to gain knowledge, build relationships, and have fun.The Lord has so richly blessed these endeavors!If you have not attended a Fling before, please join us next time to make memories which will last a lifetime.

Until then,
Christy Giannestras
Soli Deo Gloria

10:00 11:30 Lecture – *

"The Future of Democratic Nations "