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 Theyfosterindependence,curiosity,andasenseofwonder,whilealsostrengtheningcommunityand collaboration Quite simply, they turn rhetoric into reality transforming what students learn into what they trulyunderstand
St Mark’sretreatsareameaningfulpartofourschoolexperience,offeringstudentsachancetostepoutside theclassroomandgrowinnewandimportantways.Retreatsfocusonbuildingcommunity,fosteringdeeper relationships,encouragingself-reflection,anddevelopingleadershipandcollaborationskills.
Each trip and retreat has been carefully designed to fit our bespoke learning program and are an important partofourcurriculum.
Thursday,August28,2025
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 cultureandphilosophythatguideeverythingwedo
Throughout the day, students take part in a range of physical and mental challenges that require communication, cooperation, and problem-solving Activities such as raft-building, the high ropes course,andtheaquacoursearenotjustfun theyaredesignedto 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 outoftheircomfortzones
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-mindedcommunitywearebuildinginMiddleSchool.Thisis morethanafieldtrip—it’sthebeginningoftheirjourneytogether.
GRADE6
Tuesday,March31-Wednesday,April1,2026
At Circle F Dude Ranch, students embark on an unforgettable educational adventurethatblendsoutdoorlearning,personalgrowth,andpurefun Nestledon 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 horsebackriding,canoeing,archery,highropescourses,hiking,andteam-building challenges. Trained staff guide students through each experience with a focus on safetyandskill-building,helpingeachchildtodiscovertheirstrengthsanddevelop confidenceinnewenvironments.
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 forthenaturalworld
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 studentsgrowaslearnersandaspeople
Tuesday,September2,2025
Atthestartofeachschoolyear,wetakeourstudentstoProjectRockrock climbinginFortLauderdale,followedbyatripforicecreamonthebeachin Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.Thisisnotjustforfun,butwithpurpose.Rock climbingchallengesstudentsbothmentallyandphysically,encouraging themtostepoutsidetheircomfortzonesandrelyononeanotherforsupport andencouragement.It’sapowerfulwaytopromotetrust,resilience,and communicationasstudentscheereachotheronandovercomefears together
Thesharedexperienceofworkingthroughphysicalchallengesandthen relaxingovericecreamhelpstoforgefriendshipsandstrengthengroup bonds.Itallowsstudentstoseeeachother andtheirteachers ina differentlight,outsidetheclassroom,fosteringmutualrespectand camaraderie Thesesimplebutmeaningfulmomentslaythefoundation forastrong,collaborativelearningcommunitythatlastsallyear.
Through visits to landmarks such as the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the National Archives,andvariousmemorialsandmuseums,studentsgainadeeperunderstanding ofhowourgovernmentfunctionsandwhycivicengagementmatters Standingwhere history was made helps students connect the abstract ideas studied in class to real places,people,andevents
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,orunderstandingthegeographyofanation'scapitalallhelpfostercriticalthinking andinterdisciplinaryconnections
Middle School students have the opportunity to take part in a lifechanging, service-learning experience inCostaRicawithPuraVidaMissionsin 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 differenceinthelocalcommunity
