About the Blazing Trails Adventure Clubs
Blazing Trails Adventure Clubs were launched in 2009 by Christelle Hagen, a homeschooling mom, to draw club members closer to God through history and nature studies, and to help like-minded area families to connect and become friends. We believe that parents are the best educators of their children, whenever possible. We also believe that combining efforts with other families adds to all of our enjoyment, learning, and fun! So come join us!
View our blog to learn more about what we've done!
Sarah Albright, B.A., history guide
Sarah is a 2009 graduate of the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) with double majors in International Relations and Catholic Studies and a minor in History. Sarah and her husband, David, were married shortly after her college graduation. She has experience with leading outdoor adventures through camps, tutoring experience with elementary, middle school and high school students, and has taught swimming lessons. Sarah is a dynamic young woman who is in love with her faith and eager to present the beauty of the Truth to children and help them to explore the beauty of God's world! Sarah did a fabulous job guiding the Time Travelers History Club in 2009-2010. This year, she will guide the Beginner Level children (grade 2) in the expanded Time Travelers History Club. The children respond well to Sarah and she is a big favorite!!
Christelle Hagen, B.A., CCE, founder, program planner, art history guide
Christelle is the founder of the Blazing Trails Adventure Clubs. Christelle graduated with honors in 1995 from Carleton College with a degree in History with a Medieval Studies concentration. Christelle has taught children of all ages: babies, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary through middle school in a variety of enviroments: as a young woman, she designed a curriculum and taught French to elementary school students and taught large and small groups in camps. Since then, she has taught all subjects to elementary and middle school students: both her own, as well as other families' children. The Hagens have been homeschooling since 2003. Christelle is eager to help history "come alive" for her children and other students! Christelle's husband, Christopher, is co-owner of Loome Theological Booksellers in Stillwater, MN, and the couple were married in 1997. They were joyfully received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil of 1999. The couple love books, "Hagen Adventures" in nature, and have been blessed with four children. In 2009-2010, Christelle guided the SAND Club. In 2010-2011, Christelle will guide the preschool and early elementary age children (who are too young for the New World Discoverers Book Club) in a study of medieval art and artists with hands-on art projects and medieval music experiences. She is also the behind the scenes planner for the SAND Club and the Time Travelers Clubs.
(Photo to come!) Mary Kratz, home educator, history guide
Mary is the newest addition to the Blazing Trails Adventure Clubs! Mary is a vibrant, dynamic and energetic woman whom we are blessed to welcome into our clubs! Mary has extensive experience as a home educator, and has already graduated two students! In 2010-2011, she will be guiding the Grammar Level children (grades 3 and up) in the Time Travelers Club and she will also guide the New World Discoverers Book Club. Mary has a dozen chickens and lots of children too. She and her husband, Bill, are happily married and dream of the day when they can move out onto the land they have purchased near Perch Lake.