Along the lines of the Upper School Class Trips, which incorporate experiential learning, D-E Middle School (MS) students take an annual overnight trip the last week in September to several destinations in the Tri-state and surrounding areas.

“Research and experience tell us that off-campus, hands-on experiences where students go away together to cooperate over a period of days significantly adds to their middle-school years’ experience,” explained 7th Grade Dean James Aitken, who spearheads the MS trips. “These trips serve to set the stage for the school year, promoting community bonds, roots and foundations for the class as they start the school year.”

In the 6th grade, students visited YMCA Camp Mason, in Hardwick Township, NJ. The theme was “Stepping In,” as this marks the first overnight trip experience for D-E students. During these trips, MS faculty chaperones establish norms for communication, collaboration, and cooperation that are foundational for our community and academic group work throughout the year.

“[These experiences] are jam-packed with all kinds of activities and students really are immersed in the location they visit.”

It’s also a time for sixth graders to experience the outdoors and some activities that are new and exciting. This year, they participated in team problem-solving challenges, a ropes course, canoeing, candle-making, and more.

For seventh graders, who are in a year of growth and change, their trip’s theme was “Stepping Up,” an opportunity to gain independence by traveling in smaller groups and making their own activity choices.

This year’s cohort visited the Delaware Water Gap Region in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Over the course of two days, students visited the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Sterling Hill Mining Museum, and the FLG X Adventure Ropes Course. They also enjoyed bowling and arcade time in the evening. On the final day of the trip, students either participated in a waterfall hike or rafting experience. 

Our eighth graders, whose trip theme was “Stepping Out,” gained an increased level of autonomy and leadership skills. These student-led experiences, known as the SEEK trips, are organized by a committee of student leaders who select four locations for their peers to choose from.

This year’s trips took place in Washington, D.C.; Cape Cod, Mass.; Lake Placid, NY; and Newport, RI. Each destination includes a ropes course as well as a service component. For instance, students this year worked with Feed RI, which provides meals for local communities.

“Our overnight trips are a point of pride for the Middle School—and they often create some of our students’ favorite memories.”

“The 8th Grade SEEK trips… are always one of the highlights of the students’ 8th grade year,” noted 8th Grade Dean Alison Miller. “The trips are jam-packed with all kinds of activities and students really are immersed in the location they visit.”

Eighth grader Julia I. ’30, who was on the SEEK planning committee, selected Cape Cod for her trip. She recalled the fun of the bus trip, testing herself on the ropes course, biking around town, and going to the beach. “[My friend] Josie and I walked along the shore with a teacher chaperone,” said Julia. “Ms. Cacciato found the most gorgeous clam shell and gifted it to me, which I now treasure.”

Classmate Ken E. ’30, who traveled to D.C., said one of the highlights of his SEEK trip was the ropes course because “it was physically challenging… and it revolved around teamwork and collaboration with my peers.”

In addition to visiting landmarks such as Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Monument, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and Folger Shakespeare Library, Ken said he enjoyed being able to independently walk around Union Station and National Harbor to get meals with friends. He also enjoyed bonding time with faculty, including Science Teacher Ms. Hyo Kim, who joined him and his friends in a game of “Mafia.”

“Our overnight trips are a point of pride for the Middle School—and they often create some of our students’ favorite memories,” remarked Dean Aitken.

Julia concluded, “Overall, my trip to Cape Cod consisted of countless fun, memorable, and bonding moments that ultimately helped me build new relationships and view my individuality through a new lens.”