9th Grade Everglades Trip
Each Spring, the ninth grade class heads down to Everglades National Park for a week of tent camping on the bay under the stars, while exploring the unique ecosystems and wildlife of South Florida. The Everglades, sometimes called the “River of Grass,” is the only ecosystem of its kind in America and includes the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. We are fortunate to be able to study it up close. The students get to see in person what they have studied in their biology classes, making this an invaluable educational lesson. The adventures they have together during the week make this a wonderful time for building relationships and community together.
The trip adventures include alligator and crocodile spotting; bird watching; hiking through tropical hardwood forests, sawgrass, and hammocks; canoeing through mangroves; and snorkeling along the coral reef at Key Largo. At the campsite, they cook together, have devotions, and sing around the campfire while stargazing.
This is a wonderful excursion away from the daily routines and technology in which to marvel at God’s creativity through the creation of the great outdoors.
Trip Information
- Dates: March 2–6, 2026
- Trip Leader: Robbie Andreasen
- Cost: $550 Amount will be added to FACTS and billed in two equal installments in January and February.
- Informational Meeting: An informational meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 pm in the US daVinci Room.
Intent Form: The trip intent form opens at 7 pm on Tuesday, November 4. Please submit by Thursday, November 20.
Medical Form: The trip medical form opens on Monday, January 19. Please submit by Friday, February 6.
Packing List: Download the packing list here.
