Maine’s homeschoolers celebrate Memorial Day with unique WWII workshop

WATERBORO, Maine – Training, Education, and Accountability in Christian Homes (T.E.A.C.H.), a Waterboro-based group of York County families who home school their children, gathered at the South Waterboro Bible Chapel on Friday for a World War II workshop.

More than 75 students of all ages participated in the day-long event which featured interactive learning exhibits, musical performances, costume contests, and conversations with five WWII veterans.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” said Heidi H. Sampson, member of the Maine Board of Education and T.E.A.C.H. leader.

That quote, which is variously attributed to Benjamin Franklin and the Chinese philosopher Confucius, represents the spirit of the “total immersion” education Sampson said the WWII workshop embodied.

“As homeschoolers, we tend to think we have to duplicate what happens in traditional schools,” said Sampson. “But by looking for resources beyond books and computers we can provide our children with unique and lasting educational opportunities.”

The highlight of the workshop was a press conference with five veterans who served in various capacities throughout WWII. The students sat before a mock USO stage and were allowed to ask questions of the veterans regarding all aspects of life at war.

With the exception of Frank Hall, who served in the European theater and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the men related a common memory of sailing beneath the Golden Gate bridge, headed for Hawaii and beyond. The other common memory? Spam — and lots of it.

(Photo Credit: Jack Kindness)

S.E. Robinson
Maine Wire Reporter
srobinson@mainepolicy.org