Fall trips, both overnight and full-day outings, are a rite of passage for D-E’s Middle School and Upper School students. These trips provide opportunities for student bonding, experiential learning, and, in some instances, community service.

This year, 7th graders went on an overnight trip to Philadelphia, where they visited the Philadelphia Zoo (the oldest zoo in the United States), historical sites, and museums. 

“In the Historic District, students went to the interactive National Constitution Center to learn all about the nation’s foundational legal document,” said 7th Grade Dean Mr. Matthew Schade. “This included a professional stage show known as Freedom Rising.

At Reading Terminal Market, students marveled at the numerous food options, including local favorites like the Philly cheesesteak. Other highlights included a historical ghost tour, running up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, learning about space and the human body at the Franklin Institute, and stopping by Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences during its final weekend of operation.

Eighth graders, meanwhile, took overnight SEEK trips with a service bent to Boston, Cape Cod, and Burlington, Vermont. “These trips empower the students to learn by experience and allow them to develop perspective and connections that add immeasurably to the classroom experience,” said Ms. Ali Miller, 8th Grade Dean. “Eighth grade is a time of increased opportunity, autonomy and leadership… To reflect this philosophy, the 8th grade overnight trip consists of theme-based options that students both help design and choose from.”

In Boston, students attended a Red Sox game at Fenway Park; walked the Freedom Trail; and visited sites including the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the New England Aquarium, Harvard University, and Quincy Market. They also volunteered at the Red Cross.

Students on the Cape Cod trip kayaked on Lawrence Pond, biked on the Shining Sea Bikeway, had lunch in the village of Woods Hole, shopped in Hyannis, and visited the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The volunteer opportunity was at FeedRI’s Hope Market.

In Burglington, students visited the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, enjoyed free time at the Church Street Marketplace, and went hiking and rafting at the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks. For the service component, students assisted with trail maintenance at the Ethan Allen Homestead.

Freshmen in the Upper School traditionally take an overnight trip to Camp Mason in Hardwick Township with the aim of getting to know one another better through a series of team-building outdoor activities. One of these is the Giant Swing, in which students take turns leaping toward the ground while their classmates help secure them. There was also a treetop ropes course called Grapevines. Another favorite activity was the campfire at night.

Class of 2030 Dean Ms. Petra van’t Slot said one of her personal highlights was when she went to gather the 9th graders to head to the campfire and found a group of them captivated by two students giving “very dramatic and lively performances of campfire stories.”

“Another huge highlight is how Camp Mason really has our peer mentors shine,” added Ms. van’t Slot. “Their leadership and the ways in which they intentionally interact and mentor the 9th graders is incredibly inspiring.”

The fall class trip for 10th graders was a “‘choose your adventure’ experience among four New York City museums—The Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MoMA, and the Tenement Museum,” said Class of 2029 Dean Dr. Brian Merry. After spending the morning at their chosen museum, all students convened at the Sheep Meadow in Central Park for lunch. “The 10th graders had a great day of bonding and learning,” said Dr. Merry. 

In honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 11th graders visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. “Although students had varying levels of personal connection to the event, they all agreed that the time in the museum was deeply meaningful and, for some, even emotional,” remarked Mr. Dylan Bryant, Dean of the Class of 2028.

After the museum, students headed to Pier 16 for a Circle Line sightseeing cruise, where they enjoyed time together on the boat, saw the Statue of Liberty as a class, and learned a bit of New York City history.

Beyond the classroom, D-E’s grade-level fall trips bring learning to life, strengthen friendships, and create memories that last!