Contenders for the Faith

Our older sons used the handbook at home years ago. It was a nice way to find topics to research. It’s a great resource for boys handiwork.

We were part of Contenders/Keepers group maybe 12 years ago. It was fun! We liked learning new skills, although sometimes we took on projects that were bigger than we could really handle. I felt like there was a line between busywork and truly learning a skill…and I didn’t always do a great job walking that line. 

One thing — and it’s probably a bigger deal for those with girls — but I didn’t always want to follow the very traditional roles for boys vs girls. My girls were always really interested in the “boy” books…woodworking, whittling, building things, etc. And of course I want my boys to know how to cook and do at least some basic sewing/mending, etc. Obviously this isn’t an issue if you’re doing stuff on your own, but if you’re doing it with a group, sometimes it can be a bit of challenge if others are set on not stepping outside of those traditional roles/skills. But it was still a very positive experience, and got us trying new things!

I have the Contender’s book but haven’t used it yet with my little guy (5).  I did, however, use the Keeper’s program with my four girls for a couple of years with some other homeschool friends.  We did the badges, weekly meetings, service projects and finished one year with a camping trip.  Lots of fun!