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Field Trips
Because many of the most meaningful learning experiences take place beyond the classroom walls, The Epiphany School of Global Studies incorporates field trips that are an essential part of the educational process, especially in the Lower School. Experiential learning helps students build valuable connections between their course curriculum and the world around them. It also helps foster a spirit of responsibility and respect for their community and history.
In Middle School, each grade level travels on a "grade level experience." The distance of the destination increases from Grades 6 to 8, thus preparing for future 9th graders a solid foundation in group travel before their Costa Rica trip. The students begin to experience and understand the world almost as soon as they start school.
Grades 6-8 Experiences
In Grade 6, we travel to Jamestown and Williamsburg to see Native American and Colonial history firsthand.
In Grade 7, we travel to Charleston, spending the night aboard the USS Yorktown, just as the sailors did in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Grade 7 also visits Fort Sumter and enjoys the carriage rides through historic Charleston.
In Grade 8, we spend three days and two nights in Washington DC, surveying all of the museums and monuments, such as the Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Cemetery.
Retreats
Every fall, students in grades 6-12 participate in an off-campus grade level retreat. Each grade level travels to a camp where the students and their advisors bond in fellowship, faith, and fun. The camps typically provide fun and challenging outdoor activities, like sailing, low ropes, and team-building initiatives, and canoeing. The overnight retreats always feature evening programs that include camp songs, campfires, and skits.
Sixth Grade: Know Thyself
At a day retreat at Camp Don Lee in Oriental, NC, we discuss the importance of being true to oneself despite the challenges that middle school-aged children typically face.
Seventh Grade: Chart Your Course
At a day retreat at Camp Don Lee in Oriental, NC, the students learn the value of setting goals and of working toward them. We use a lot of nautical metaphors, which are appropriate for the setting, Camp Don Lee, located on the Neuse River.
Eighth Grade: Build Your Bridge
At this overnight retreat at Camp Don Lee in Oriental, NC, we discuss the importance of overcoming obstacles (physical, mental, and emotional). We imagine that we have a river of obstacles in front of ourselves, and we must construct a metaphorical bridge to the land of success.
Ninth Grade: Bear Your Gifts, Share your Light
At an overnight retreat at Camp Sea Gull/Seafarer in Arapahoe, NC, we teach that each one of us has some sort of gift or gifts, and it is important that, as a community, we recognize not only our own gifts but also encourage our friends to share their gifts to the world.
Tenth Grade: Step Up
At this overnight retreat at Camp Sea Gull/Seafarer in Arapahoe, NC, we begin our first part of a two-part leadership training retreat. The theme is “Step Up,” and our students and advisors examine types of leadership styles and determine the best course to “step up” and lead. We literally “step up” and climb a sixty-foot Alpine Tower!
Eleventh Grade: Lead with Why
We conclude our two-part leadership training with the eleventh grade retreat. For this retreat, we move far from the coastal region and deep in the heart of the Piedmont to Camp Chestnut Ridge. The theme is “Lead With Why,” derived from Simon Sinek’s powerful “Start With Why” concept. We examine our own leadership styles through the Myers-Brigg test and through hands-on team building activities.
Twelfth Grade: Finish Well, Finish Together
A highlight for our senior class is a retreat at the Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores. On this trip, we take time to reflect individually and as a group on our theme; “Finish Well, Finish Together.” This is a powerful and fun time together as a class. We play games, enjoy the beach, and spend time engaging with each other to reflect on our experiences thus far in school. Our goal is to grow closer as a class by understanding each other and also set a foundation for navigating graduation and our next steps as a senior class.