8th Grade Florida Eco-Adventure
Each spring, the eighth grade class heads up to the Gainesville area to explore the ecosystems and wildlife of Central Florida. The Central Florida ecosystem is unique with its mixture of wildlife, sinkholes, and natural springs, and we are fortunate to be able to explore it. This trip is the second of three consecutive class field trips that help our students experience and appreciate the diversity and beauty of living in Florida. This trip also serves as a capstone event to their dialectic education, and some of the planned experiences help prepare them to be servant leaders in the rhetoric school the following year.
The adventures during the week include taking a guided glass-bottom boat tour and kayaking excursion at the historic Silver Springs State Park. Students also complete a challenging ropes/zipline course and visit the wildlife rescue center at Camp Kulaqua. They hike at several interesting state parks: O’Leno State Park, River Rise State Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. A highlight of the trip is tubing down the Ichetucknee River. Each night students take part in group devotions and worship, night hikes, stargazing, and group games. On the last evening, they sit around the campfire and make s’mores. Chaperone and student accommodations include cabins at Camp Kulaqua.
Trip Information
- Dates: March 24–27, 2026
- Trip Leader: Ryan Sharp
- Informational Meeting: Monday, December 1, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the upper school daVinci room
- Cost: $475 Amount will be added to FACTS accounts and billed in two equal installments in February and March.
- Packing List: Download the packing list HERE.
Intent & Medical Forms
- The Intent Form is due by Monday, December 15, 2025.
- The Medical Waiver is due by Monday, March 2, 2026.
Trip Excursion Waivers
All are due by Monday, March 2, 2026. Please complete all three forms listed below if your child is going on the trip. Printed waivers can be emailed to Anne Classe or drop off at the upper school reception desk by the due date.
- Silver Springs Kayaking Waiver (Online form)
- Tower of Faith Ropes/Zipline Waiver (print, sign, and return)
- Ichetucknee Springs Waiver (print, sign, and return)
