Character Trips Set Tone for Overcoming Challenges
Students mastered new skills, strengthened friendships, and overcame challenges with grit and enthusiasm during this year’s Upper School fall character trips. Whether it was whitewater rafting with classmates or braving the icy ocean waters of Maine in an open sailboat, students returned home with new perspectives about themselves and others—all reinforcing the fundamentals of Principia School’s character education program.
The fall trips kick off the school year with a week of outdoor expeditions that offer unique learning experiences for each class. This year, freshmen went whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River in Oregon; sophomores hiked and participated in rigorous outdoor activities in Colorado; juniors sailed the coast of Hurricane Island in Maine; and seniors embarked on a leadership retreat to Northern Michigan. Students returned from their adventures with triumphant stories of resiliency, courage, camaraderie, and spiritual growth.
One freshman who went on the rafting trip recalled being apprehensive about a group swim in the rapids. “Fearful thoughts stop us from being free,” said Shawn. “I’m afraid of the water, but I was so grateful for an article that our chaperones gave us to work with. I was able to get over my hesitation and fear and pushed myself to try the rapids swim. After the experience, I gained so much confidence and had lots of fun.”
During the trips, students are encouraged to work together to find solutions to difficult issues through creative thinking and collaboration. The result is personal growth, newfound confidence, and learning what it takes to thrive as a team.
“We put students in safe but challenging situations where they push themselves to exceed personal limits,” Upper School Trips Coordinator Lisa Johnson shared. “The joy, accomplishment, and confidence they feel after pushing past boundaries shows them they are capable of much more than they think they are, which helps them in the classroom and beyond.”
Character education is best implemented through authentic and engaging learning opportunities—experiences that students describe as “getting your hands dirty,” “being brave enough to ask for help and selflessly supporting others,” and “pushing past obstacles with joy because you know you can do it.”
Principia’s fall character trips are made possible through generous donor contributions. Learn more about experiential learning and educational travel at Principia Giving.