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 hiking through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, exploring Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, tubing at the Ichetucknee Springs, kayaking at Ginnie Springs, and hiking and taking the famous glass-bottom boat tour at Silver Springs State Park. Students also complete a challenging ropes and zip line course at Camp Kulaqua. Camp Kulaqua is home base for the trip. Students take part in group devotions, sing around the campfire with s’mores, and do some stargazing.
Trip Information
- Dates: April 1–4, 2025
- Trip Leader: Ryan Sharp
- Cost: Approximately $500 Amount will be added to FACTS and billed in two equal installments in February and March.
- Informational Meeting: An informational meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 2, at 7:00 pm in the US daVinci Room.
Forms
Please click HERE to submit the Florida Eco-Adventure intent form.
This form will open on Monday, December 2, and must be submitted by Monday, December 16.
Please click HERE to submit the Florida Eco-Adventure medical form.
This form will open on Monday, February 24, and must be submitted by Monday, March 10.
Waiver Forms: Field trip excursion waiver forms will open on Monday, February 24, and must be submitted by Monday, March 10.
Packing List: Download the packing list HERE.
