Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How well do I need to know the text?
A: You do not need to have expert knowledge of this text. Reading it through carefully once or twice is sufficient.
Our mentors will help you navigate the text for insights and good questions. We understand that most high school students are not familiar with
reading Plato.
Q: Is everyone at the conference a Christian?
A: Yes, all students, staff and faculty are Christians. Different faith traditions and denominations are represented, however.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: The dress for the week is casual, except for the banquet (see the What to Bring list). Wear clothes
appropriate for Southern California summer weather (usually sunny and between 75 and 100 degrees). Dress modestly. Both guys and girls
should avoid revealing clothing. We expect you to be appropriate and mature in these types of decisions and we will treat you like mature
young adults.
Q: Can I bring my cell phone or other electronics?
A: We don’t prohibit you from bringing cell phones, ipods, etc., but they aren’t allowed during scheduled
activities and you won’t need them at any point during the week. We encourage you to leave electronic equipment at home, as it can distract
you from one of the best parts of Wheatstone Academy: the people! Laptops are permitted, although they certainly aren’t needed. We will
be providing you with a course notebook.
Q: How can my parents reach me?
A: Phone numbers for the conference directors, the Wheatstone Academy office, and the university are included in the materials sent to the student once they register.
Parents are encouraged to stay informed and involved on our blog that is updated daily during the conference.
Q: Is there down time in the conference schedule?
A: While there is an hour most days for solitude and reflection, there is no “free time” built into the schedule.
The conference program is carefully designed to stimulate growth in students, which results in a challenging and rewarding week.
Q: Can I earn college credit?
A: Wheatstone Academy is pursuing this option with our hosting universities, and will make this information available soon.
Q: What is Wheatstone Academy’s safety policy?
A: The Wheatstone Academy staff is available to students 24/7, and provides constant supervision during and in-between
scheduled events. Students are not permitted to leave the campus apart from scheduled activities, and are expected to attend all sessions. At
night, students are not permitted outside of the dorm building. In addition, the hosting university's campus safety services are at Wheatstone Academy's disposal during the week.
Q: What if my student has special medical needs?
A: Prior to attending the conference, all students are required to complete a medical history form, where parents
can outline any special medical needs or medications. If your student requires any special attention, Wheatstone Academy staff will follow up with you prior
to the conference to clarify our role in caring for your student. Unless otherwise directed, we allow students to manage their own medications.
Q: How do you hire your staff and faculty?
A: There are two critical criteria for working at Wheatstone Academy. First and foremost is Christian commitment –
that is, a passion for the person of Jesus Christ and the Truth of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Second, there must be a clear display of
academic excellence. Every staff member is an upper level college or graduate student, well-trained in the art of dialogue and student ministry.
Q: Is Bible study a part of the Wheatstone Academy conference?
A: The Bible pervades all we do at Wheatstone Academy. Most of our students have read the Bible all their life, but don't
know how to apply it when they come to topics outside "religious" ones. By picking a great text outside of Scripture and then guiding students in
applying Scriptural principles to it, we are helping them with a task they will perform the rest of their lives. Failure to integrate the reading of
Scripture ("Bible camp") with so called secular subjects leads to an inability to have a consistent Biblical worldview as the student moves out into
an increasingly secular culture.
Q:Since I'm flying from out of town, how early can I arrive for the summer conference, and how late can I depart?
A:
We are not able to check-in students, or provide airport transportation or housing, until the day the conference begins. Ideally, students flying to the conference should arrive at the nearest airport 1 to 3 hours prior to the designated check-in time. Similarly, we are not able to extend housing or supervision past the final event of the conference week. Transportation to the airport on the last day of the conference will be available immediately following the final event. Contact Judy Hedgren to coordinate your flight information and to arrange for a ride from the airport by Wheatstone staff.
judy@wheatstoneacademy.com
866.960.1027
Q:What are the nearest airports to the summer conferences?
A:
Los Angeles
Preferred Airport: Santa Ana/John Wayne Orange County Airport
Alternate Airport: Los Angeles International Airport
Houston
Preferred Airport: George Bush International Airport
Alternate Airport: William P. Hobby Airport
View additional Housing FAQs.
