Vacation Liberty School - the antidote to socialism

Back in February this year Gallup conducted a poll that measured, among other things, how people felt about socialism. Though it scored the lowest of any of the terms polled (others included: small business, capitalism, free enterprise), it still received a positive score from more than a third of those surveyed ( 61%-Liberals, 39%-Moderates, 20%-Conservatives!) Those who have studied socialism in the countries where it has been tried, recognize the inevitable collapse of this system and its true goal, the permanent establishment of a ruling class and a working class. Those who haven’t, fall for socialism’s beguiling Utopian descriptions and uplifting tag line (From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.) They don’t recognize that it is just a step on the trail to full blown collectivism which is usually only achieved at the end of a gun. This could explain Gallup’s numbers. So how do we help those 20, 40, and 60% realize what’s at the end of the path they would like take?

Public education seems to be barreling down the same track, so don’t count on your kids’ school to enlighten them. Group projects, workforce training, and the ever growing list of regulations will stifle their individuality and push them towards making choices based on what’s best for the collective. A precedent of government bail-outs, entitlements and disregard for constitutional limits point to a future where there are no logical consequences and winners are not chosen by their effort but by their contacts to those who control the money.

A group of St. Louis mothers wants something more for their kids so they are taking matters into their own hands. The St. Louis As A Mom group will be hosting a Vacation Liberty School (VLS) this summer for kids entering grades 5-8. Modeled after a program started in Kentucky last year, the St. Louis VLS curriculum will, through instruction, performance, small group discussions and games designed to teach in a fun interactive way, take children on a week-long exploration of the founding principles of personal and economic freedom. Just as the American colonists discovered the principles of liberty through a variety of experiences and experiments involving societies and human nature, children will discover the principles for themselves by experiencing systems and situations that either do or don’t have the principles of liberty built into their structure. The entire week is staffed by dedicated volunteers including lifelong teachers, ministers, nurses, Boy and Girl Scout aides and, of course, moms.

Kids will play the Bubble Game where they will see personal motivation and free enterprise play out, with no coaching from the adults. They will literally find the balance between anarchy and tyranny. A member of the Black Robed Brigade will be there to speak about divine providence in the founding of America and the importance of defending the freedoms found here. And through it all the kids will earn VLS "money" that they will manage, save and spend. They will also feel the impact of inflation.

The mission of As a Mom is to support, encourage, inspire, mentor, educate, inform and mobilize principled mothers, grandmothers, daughters, & guardians – Moms – who actively fight for their children’s future. They proudly stand up for our nation’s Constitution by creating a sisterhood of Mommy Patriots both online and in person dedicated to the 9 Principles & 12 Values of” The9.12 Project”* To which they add this: Children are a gift from God and a sacred responsibility.

So if you are in the St. Louis county area and are looking for something for your emerging teen to do this summer, check out the VLS website. Another program is already being worked on for the St. Charles area. And if you think this sounds like something you’d like to bring to your area, contact STL VLS to receive a program package StLouisVLS@gmail.com or 636-203-5828.