Three Terrific Trips - Learning Beyond the Walls of Shore
A Note from Amber Bock and Oliver Hay
One of the most powerful aspects of the Shore experience is the opportunity for learning beyond the walls of Shore, and the last week of April, Upper School trips were shining examples of that in action. Whether in the heart of Washington, D.C., the vibrant streets and swamps of New Orleans, or the beautiful outdoor setting of the Hulbert Outdoor Center, Upper School students immersed themselves in new environments, took on challenges, and deepened their connections with each other and with the world around them.
Our Grade 8 students in New Orleans experienced a rich blend of culture, service, and community connection. Students named visiting StudioBE, where they explored the large-scale paintings of Brandan BMike Odums, and reflected on the intersection of art and social justice, as one of their highlights. Another powerful experience was learning about Hurricane Katrina at The Presbytère Museum. Students rolled up their sleeves to volunteer with Common Ground Relief, contributing to their effort to plant over 5,000 trees a year by working in their nursery. Throughout the trip, Grade 8 enjoyed eating local fare, including jambalaya, shrimp étouffée, and a crawfish boil for dinners and snacking on calas and beignets. Finally, students were captivated by the alligators swimming around their floating cabins and the ones they observed during a boat tour through the Honey Island Swamp, where students also learned about the swamp’s history and natural inhabitants. View the New Orleans trip photo album here.
For our Grade 7 students, the trip to Washington, D.C. was filled with meaningful learning and memorable moments. Highlights included impactful visits to the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where students engaged thoughtfully with history and stories that continue to shape our world. Riding the Metro and urban hiking were truly the anchors of the trip, with students walking over thirty-five miles through the city’s landmarks and monuments, a challenge they embraced with enthusiasm and pride. Tours of the United States Capitol and the Library of Congress offered glimpses into the nation’s government and history, volunteering at the Capital Area Food Bank enabled students to prepare grocery boxes for hundreds of food-insecure families, while quality time spent with teacher mentors and new friend groups helped strengthen their bonds as a class. View the Washington, D.C. trip photo album here.
Grade 6 students embraced the outdoors and teamwork at the Hulbert Outdoor Center, in Fairlee, Vermont, where they challenged themselves on the high ropes course, and enjoyed archery, games, group challenges, and the collaboration of canoeing. Additionally, students bonded during family-style meals and time together in cabins each night. Across all three trips, students returned home with new perspectives, deeper friendships, and lasting memories, displaying the transformative power of learning beyond the classroom. View the Hulbert trip photo album here.
Traveling with our amazing students and colleagues was a highlight for both of us, and we thank Amanda Berg, Jennifer Boyum, Manny Brito, Katie Hinkle, Doug Lucey, Cam McNall, Sabrina Portes, Sarah Sklarsky, Gwen Sneeden, Katie Sullivan, and Evan Wallace, who traveled with Upper School students. Finally, we are excited for students to embark on future overnight trips, including the upcoming Grade 5 trip to Maine with Kieve Wavus Education.
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One of the most powerful aspects of the Shore experience is the opportunity for learning beyond the walls of Shore, and the last week of April, Upper School trips were shining examples of that in action. Whether in the heart of Washington, D.C., the vibrant streets and swamps of New Orleans, or the beautiful outdoor setting of the Hulbert Outdoor Center, Upper School students immersed themselves in new environments, took on challenges, and deepened their connections with each other and with the world around them.
Our Grade 8 students in New Orleans experienced a rich blend of culture, service, and community connection. Students named visiting StudioBE, where they explored the large-scale paintings of Brandan BMike Odums, and reflected on the intersection of art and social justice, as one of their highlights. Another powerful experience was learning about Hurricane Katrina at The Presbytère Museum. Students rolled up their sleeves to volunteer with Common Ground Relief, contributing to their effort to plant over 5,000 trees a year by working in their nursery. Throughout the trip, Grade 8 enjoyed eating local fare, including jambalaya, shrimp étouffée, and a crawfish boil for dinners and snacking on calas and beignets. Finally, students were captivated by the alligators swimming around their floating cabins and the ones they observed during a boat tour through the Honey Island Swamp, where students also learned about the swamp’s history and natural inhabitants. View the New Orleans trip photo album here.
For our Grade 7 students, the trip to Washington, D.C. was filled with meaningful learning and memorable moments. Highlights included impactful visits to the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where students engaged thoughtfully with history and stories that continue to shape our world. Riding the Metro and urban hiking were truly the anchors of the trip, with students walking over thirty-five miles through the city’s landmarks and monuments, a challenge they embraced with enthusiasm and pride. Tours of the United States Capitol and the Library of Congress offered glimpses into the nation’s government and history, volunteering at the Capital Area Food Bank enabled students to prepare grocery boxes for hundreds of food-insecure families, while quality time spent with teacher mentors and new friend groups helped strengthen their bonds as a class. View the Washington, D.C. trip photo album here.
Grade 6 students embraced the outdoors and teamwork at the Hulbert Outdoor Center, in Fairlee, Vermont, where they challenged themselves on the high ropes course, and enjoyed archery, games, group challenges, and the collaboration of canoeing. Additionally, students bonded during family-style meals and time together in cabins each night. Across all three trips, students returned home with new perspectives, deeper friendships, and lasting memories, displaying the transformative power of learning beyond the classroom. View the Hulbert trip photo album here.
Traveling with our amazing students and colleagues was a highlight for both of us, and we thank Amanda Berg, Jennifer Boyum, Manny Brito, Katie Hinkle, Doug Lucey, Cam McNall, Sabrina Portes, Sarah Sklarsky, Gwen Sneeden, Katie Sullivan, and Evan Wallace, who traveled with Upper School students. Finally, we are excited for students to embark on future overnight trips, including the upcoming Grade 5 trip to Maine with Kieve Wavus Education.
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New Orleans - Grade 8
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Washington, D.C. - Grade 7
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Hulbert Outdoor Center - Grade 6
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Shore Country Day School’s mission is to provide an education that inspires a love of learning and encourages children to embrace academic challenge. We seek to build character, cultivate creativity, and value diversity as we help our children become healthy, compassionate citizens of the world.
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