ST. MARK’S MIDDLE SCHOOL
TRIPS
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A Guide for Parents: St. Mark’s Middle School Trips 2026-2027 Acdemic Year
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Why do we have trips? Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Costa Rica Payment
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WHY DO WE HAVE TRIPS ? School trips are a vital part of our educational experience as they bring learning to life. While classroom study builds foundational knowledge, trips offer students the chance to connect that knowledge to the real world. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, engaging in hands-on science, or deepening bonds through shared adventure, trips take abstract concepts off the page and make them tangible. They foster independence, curiosity, and a sense of wonder, while also strengthening community and collaboration. Quite simply, they turn rhetoric into reality—transforming what students learn into what they truly understand. St. Mark’s retreats are a meaningful part of our school experience, offering students a chance to step outside the classroom and grow in new and important ways. Retreats focus on building community, fostering deeper relationships, encouraging self-reflection, and developing leadership and collaboration skills. By creating space away from daily routines, retreats help students connect with one another, with nature, and with themselves, all within a supportive and guided environment. Each trip and retreat has been carefully designed to fit our bespoke learning program and are an important part of our curriculum.
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GRADE 6
RETREAT Thursday, August 27, 2026 At the start of each school year, we take our Grade 6 students to Tiger Tail Lake in Dania Beach for an engaging and purposeful team-building day. This experience is a cornerstone of how we welcome students into Middle School and introduce them to the culture and philosophy that guide everything we do. Throughout the day, students take part in a range of physical and mental challenges that require communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. Activities such as raftbuilding, the high ropes course, and the aqua course are not just fun—they are designed to promote trust, resilience, and collaboration. Whether they’re balancing on a high rope or working together to keep a raft afloat, students learn the value of supporting one another and stepping out of their comfort zones. By launching the year with this shared experience, we create a strong foundation of teamwork and mutual respect. It helps students bond quickly and sets the tone for the kind of inclusive, growth-minded community we are building in Middle School. This is more than a field trip—it’s the beginning of their journey together.
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GRADE 6
CIRCLE F RANCH LAKE WALES, FL Tuesday, March 30 - Wednesday, March 31, 2027 At Circle F Dude Ranch, students embark on an unforgettable educational adventure that blends outdoor learning, personal growth, and pure fun. Nestled on over 500 acres of rolling hills, pine forests, and lakes, Circle F provides a safe and enriching environment where children are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, connect with nature, and build meaningful relationships with their peers. During the trip, students participate in a wide range of structured activities designed to promote teamwork, resilience, and leadership. These include horseback riding, canoeing, archery, high ropes courses, hiking, and teambuilding challenges. Trained staff guide students through each experience with a focus on safety and skill-building, helping each child to discover their strengths and develop confidence in new environments. Beyond the activities, students benefit from a unique social-emotional experience. Living together in cabins encourages independence and responsibility, while communal meals and evening campfires foster a sense of community and belonging. Children return from Circle F not only with memories of adventure, but also with greater self-awareness, stronger friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. The Circle F trip is more than just a getaway—it's a formative experience that supports the development of character, cooperation, and curiosity, helping our students grow as learners and as people. 6 www.stmarkspbg.org
GRADE 7
RETREAT Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Our visit to Altitude Trampoline Park provides students with an opportunity to develop important social, emotional, and physical skills in a fun and engaging environment. Activities such as trampolining, dodgeball, obstacle courses, and team challenges encourage students to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another. These experiences help strengthen friendships, build trust, and develop teamwork, skills that are essential both in school and throughout life. Physical activity also promotes resilience, confidence, and well-being. Students are often challenged to try new things, step outside their comfort zones, and celebrate both individual and collective successes. These moments contribute to the growth mindset we strive to cultivate in our students. After our time at Altitude, students will enjoy beach games that continue to emphasize collaboration, sportsmanship, leadership, and healthy competition. Working in teams on the beach allows students to practice problem-solving, communication, and encouragement in an outdoor setting.
We'll conclude the day with a well-earned ice cream treat, giving students an opportunity to relax, celebrate their shared experiences, and strengthen the sense of community that makes our middle school so special. Days like these remind us that some of the most meaningful learning happens when students laugh together, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories with their peers. 7 www.stmarkspbg.org
GRADE 7
WASHINGTON, D.C. Wednesday, April 14 - Friday, April 16, 2027 We have partnered with Classroom Tours, a provider we have used for many years, to offer an exciting trip to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Our trip to Washington, D.C. is a powerful extension of our curriculum, designed to bring learning to life in a meaningful and memorable way. As the nation's capital, D.C. offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the foundations of American democracy, government, and citizenship—key components of our civics education. Through visits to landmarks such as the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the National Archives, and various memorials and museums, students gain a deeper understanding of how our government functions and why civic engagement matters. Standing where history was made helps students connect the abstract ideas studied in class to real places, people, and events. This experience also supports rich cross-curricular learning. While the primary focus is on civics and history, students also engage with literature, geography, and the arts. Reading the words of past leaders, observing national monuments through an artistic lens, or understanding the geography of a nation's capital all help foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections.
Ultimately, the trip empowers students to see themselves as active participants in the world around them. It helps them appreciate the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship and inspires curiosity, empathy, and a sense of place in the broader American story.
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GRADE 7
WASHINGTON, D.C. Wednesday, April 14 - Friday, April 16, 2027 Day 1
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Early Morning: Flight from DJT/FLL DC Late Morning: Arrive D.C. and visit American History Museum Lunch: At the History Museum Afternoon: Tour Arlington National Cemetery. First stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard. Walk to the JFK Memorial Gravesites. Visit African American History Museum and Jefferson Memorial Evening: Dinner, at the Ronald Regan building and souvenir shopping and check in to hotel Day 2 Early Morning: Breakfast at hotel and visit Washington National Cathedral via Embassy Row for a guided tour Late Morning: Group Photo at the Grant Memorial with the Capitol Building in the background. Access the Capitol Visitor Center Lunch: Lunch at the Capitol Café ( Money provided ) Afternoon: Guided Tour of the Capitol Building , House Gallery, Supreme Court building, Library of Congress Evening: Tour Korean, Lincoln, Vietnam Memorials, dinner at hotel. Evening Activity: D.C. After Dark! Includes a stop at the World War II Memorial Day 3 Early Morning: Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Visit the Jefferson Memorial .Tour the FDR and MLK Jr. Memorials Late Morning: Arrive at the White House for self guided tour. Depart for Natural History Museum Lunch : Have lunch and visit Natural History Museum Afternoon: Flight from D.C. DJT/FLL
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PLEASE NOTE: Some parts of the itinerary are all tentative, and cannot be confirmed until closer to departure date. 9 www.stmarkspbg.org
GRADE 8
RETREAT Thursday, September 3, 2026 At first glance, escape rooms and crazy golf might just seem like fun outings—but these activities offer much more than just entertainment. When students step into an escape room, they are challenged to work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and think critically under pressure. It’s a dynamic environment that builds resilience, creative problem-solving, and the ability to listen to others’ ideas—skills that are vital both in and out of the classroom. Crazy golf adds a layer of friendly competition, patience, and focus, encouraging students to celebrate one another’s successes and manage frustration positively. Together, these experiences foster team spirit, perseverance, and mutual respect. After all the action, we wind down with pizza and ice cream—time to reflect, chat, and simply enjoy each other’s company. These relaxed moments allow friendships to deepen and conversations to continue, helping students bond in meaningful ways. These trips aren’t just fun—they’re foundational. They give students a chance to grow socially and emotionally in a way that stays with them far beyond the day out.
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GRADE 8
BOSTON, MA Wednesday, May 5 - Friday, May 7, 2027 We have partnered with Classroom Tours, a provider we have used for many years, to offer an exciting trip to Boston — a city steeped in the foundations of American history. This trip is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the early formation of the United States while bringing to life themes explored in the classroom through literature and social studies. Boston provides a unique setting to explore the key events of the American Revolution. Students will walk the Freedom Trail, visit historic landmarks such as Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church, and the site of the Boston Massacre — all of which played pivotal roles in the fight for independence. These sites help bring to life the concepts and conflicts studied in our curriculum around the American colonies, revolution, and the founding principles of the nation.
Additionally, our literature studies include two books deeply connected to the region: one centered around Salem and the witch trials, and another that draws on the backdrop of the War of Independence. By visiting these historically significant places, students gain a deeper appreciation of how setting, history, and culture inform literature. They also come to see how fiction and nonfiction intersect, offering multiple perspectives on the same events. This trip embodies our commitment to crosscurricular learning — blending history, English, and U.S. History — and offers students a chance to experience firsthand the stories, struggles, and ideals that have shaped the nation. It is more than a field trip; it is an immersive educational experience that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a lifelong interest in the past and its relevance to the present.
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GRADE 8
BOSTON, MA Wednesday, May 5 - Friday, May 7, 2027 Day 1
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Early Morning: Flight from DJT/FLL BOS Late Morning: Arrive in Boston and transfer to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – Hands-on, interactive history experience where students recreate the famous protest Lunch: Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall – Explore food stalls and historic marketplace Afternoon: Freedom Trail Highlights Walking Tour Includes key sites like the Old State House, Paul Revere’s House, and Granary Burying Ground Evening: Dinner & Check-in at Hotel near Boston Night Activity: Ghosts & Gravestones Tour – Fun, engaging way to end the night with Boston’s haunted history Day 2 Morning: Breakfast at hotel & depart for Minutemen National Park & Lexington/Concord Minute Man National Historical Park – Visit the Bale Road and learn about the "shot heard ‘round the world" Late Morning: Transfer to Harvard University for a self-guided campus tour Lunch: Nearby in Harvard Square Afternoon: USS Constitution & Museum – Learn about the oldest commissioned warship afloat Late Afternoon: Massachusetts State House Tour – Learn about government in acon (subject to availability) Evening: Dinner near Fenway Park followed by a Historic Fenway Park Tour Night: Return to hotel Day 3 Morning: Breakfast at hotel & departure for Salem, MA Salem Witch Museum Learn about the 1692 Witch Trials Explore Salem’s historic district Late Morning: Depart for Plymouth, MA Plymouth Patuxet Museums – Explore the Pilgrim settlement and Wampanoag history Lunch: Nearby in Plymouth Afternoon: Return to Boston for airport transfer Evening: Flight from BOS DJT/FLL arrive home
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GRADE 8
COSTA RICA Sunday, January 10 - Friday, January 15, 2027 Middle School students have the opportunity to take part in a life-changing, servicelearning experience in Costa Rica with Pura Vida Missions in San Ramón. Rooted in our Episcopal identity and values of compassion, humility, and service, this mission trip combines cultural immersion with meaningful outreach. Students will teach English and Bible studies to underprivileged children, and engage in hands-on labor through a building project designed to make a lasting difference in the local community. In addition to our work, students will explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica—hiking to waterfalls, visiting volcanoes, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, and if we're lucky, spotting some of the country's iconic wildlife. To be considered, students must: Maintain A’s and B’s (1s and 2s) in all classes Demonstrate a history of service and involvement in the wider school community Submit a well-written, typed essay responding to the following: Why would you be an excellent participant for this service-learning experience in Costa Rica? How will you adapt to a foreign environment? What impact do you believe this trip will have on your life upon returning to the United States? How will you stay on top of your school work while abroad?
This trip is not just an adventure—it’s a chance to live our values, grow in faith, and become global citizens who understand the joy and responsibility of serving others.
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PAYMENTS To offer transparency and avoid any sudden requests for payment, we have outlined the following payment schedule. Detailed information and all letters can be found here. 6th Grade TigerTail - $155 per student- Payment on 8/21/26 Circle F - $650 per student 1st payment - $325 per student on 11/18/26 2nd payment - $325 per student on 1/15/27 Parent information meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after Middle School Chapel. 7th Grade Altitude - $60 per student - Payment on 8/21/26 Washington, D.C. - $2,600 per student 1st payment - $875 per student on 9/15/26 2nd payment - $875 per student on 11/15/26 3rd payment - $875 per student on 1/15/27 Parent information meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. 8th Grade Abacoa Escape Rooms and Golf - $130 per student - Payment on 8/21/26 Boston: $2,700 per student 1st payment - $900 per student on 9/15/26 2nd payment - $900 per student on 11/15/26 3rd payment - $900 per student on 1/15/27
Parent information meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after Middle School Chapel.
*Costa Rica - The trip will cost between $2,000 and $2,300 per student, depending on the number of students attending and the cost of airfare upon commitment. The deposit payment for airfare is due on 10/5/26. Final payment will be due by 12/14/26.
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THANK YOU
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St. Mark’s Episcopal Church & School 3395 Burns Road Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561.622.1504 | www.stmarkspbg.org