The Training Ground

Rebecca (Becky) Mancini,

Former 6-8th grade schoolteacher, specializing in Social Studies, Bible, Drama, and Writing. B.A. Political Science, with Honors, Florida State University. 22 years teaching and curriculum-development experience since graduation (and 8 years of weekly teaching of Bible and Dance prior to college graduation—- always loved working with kids & teens from impoverished migrant camps to elite private schools!).  Home educator since 1992.  Some of classes she has instructed at The Training Ground include:  Drama Improv Workshops, Shakespearean plays:  Julius Caesar and the Merchant of Venice, Writing Workshops, Informal Logic, Geometry, Teen Bible Study and Christian Worldview, Old Testament Survey, World Geography, Model Design, Landmarks in U.S. History, Innovations, Mapmakers, and the following Sr. High Literature courses:  MacBeth, Tale of Two Cities, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Henry V.

R. Charles (Chuck) Mancini,

Business executive experienced in finance, management, and technology, teaching youth and adult Sunday school, and teaching high school Junior Achievement. B.S. Economics, Florida State University. M.B.A. Duke University.  Chuck has taught numerous Junior Achievement (Econ/Business) courses at The Training Ground, as well as Personal Finance and “Man in Demand” Christian character and leadership course.  Chuck hosts a number of special events for teens, parent volunteers, or instructors during the school years.

Chuck and Becky both came to know Christ as young children. Chuck grew up overseas and loves to travel. Becky grew up doing a lot of travel, as well, and moving frequently (as a Coast Guard kid). The two met and married in Florida and later moved to North Carolina for graduate school. After 4 years in northern Virginia, their family of four moved to Rochester in 1994. The Mancinis enjoyed a short assignment (2 years) in London, England, turning their boys into travelers, too!  Some of their favorite adventures include:  Skiing in the Rockies, a photo-safari to Kenya, travels in continental Europe and the Alps, and a recent trip to beautiful Scotland.  The Mancinis especially enjoy reading C.S. Lewis, books on church history, theology, apologetics, and western civilization.  On Sunday evenings or during travel, the family loves to listen to gospel-centered sermons from All Souls, London, and Redeemer Presbyterian, NYC.

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The Mancinis have two sons: Chet graduated from Wheaton College (a Christian college in the Chicago area) with a B.S. in Computer Science and is now employed as a programmer with First Trust investment firm in Wheaton, IL.  Chet has been accepted into Cornell University’s Computer Science Graduate program for 2011-2012 where he will study for his MEng.  His interests are downhill skiing, hiking, sailing, photography, computers, theology, and history/current events.  Nathan will return to Grove City College in western PA as a Sophomore for 2010-2011.  He is a Business Marketing major, and his hobbies include downhill skiing, hiking, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, communications and film-making.  Nathan has won some national and collegiate awards for his creative film “shorts”. Both boys enjoy leading or participating in Bible Studies, and both have been very instrumental in planning/instructing some courses at the TG—Chet has taught Computer Science classes for several summers, and Nathan has directed the TG Puppet Troupe for six years and co-taught Informal Logic.

Becky and Chuck credit Chet and Nathan for giving the TG club such a positive atmosphere from the start as they hosted (and attended) literally over a thousand activities and relished the opportunities!  But GOD be praised for His regular provision for the center, the camaraderie of terrific teens from so many wonderful local homeschool families, and the eagerness of outstanding parents and professionals who dedicate themselves to weekly instruction of life skills for our students.  Without Christ we can do nothing, but with God all things are possible.