field trip Archives - Page 2 of 2

Experiencing More Of Washington, D.C.

April 25, 2019

Seven miles of walking took the sixth graders to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the American History Museum, the Capitol Building, and the Library of Congress today.

Did you know that Woodrow Wilson’s portrait adorns the $100,000 bill printed in 1934? At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, students measured their height compared to that of a stack of $100 bills. Some totaled $1.7 million tall and others a meager $1.3 million. A proper determination of net worth, right?

The actual Star Spangled Banner that inspired Frances Scott Key lies reverently displayed in a dimly lit room at the American History Museum. Also in the museum, many of our sixth grade young ladies delighted in seeing the dresses each First Lady wore on Inauguration Day and learning how the First Lady contributes the work of the White House. There were even several students who were spotted giving televised presidential addresses behind that infamous podium!

At the Library of Congress we saw one of only three perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible printed entirely on vellum in the 15th century. Also on display is the complete library of Thomas Jefferson with books in Latin, French, Greek, Italian, and English. Word on the street is that some certain sixth grade teachers may have scored Library of Congress library cards!

At the Capitol building, sixth grade got into a nasty brawl! Punches thrown, teeth flying, blood spurting! Oh, wait. Sixth grade only did a mild reenactment of the brawl which actually occurred in 1858 amongst members of the House of Representatives over the issue of slavery in the very room where we stood, now the National Statuary Hall. Also in national statuary hall, we admired the courage and strength of Rosa Parks who is represented seated as on a Montgomery bus.

by Michelle Seneff, parent blogger

Museums and Making Memories

April 24, 2019

Greeted by the cool morning air, we began our day walking, waiting at crosswalks, catching the Yellow Circulator bus, then walking again to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately because the Court was in session, we were not permitted entrance into the actual courtroom, but we took in the grandeur and history of America’s “Temple of Justice” which was erected during the Great Depression and completed in 1935.

Above the Supreme Court building entrance the inscription reads, “Equal Justice Under Law.” Our next stop challenged precisely that ideal. To whom does equal justice under the law apply? At the African American Museum of History and Culture, our students traveled back in time to the 1400’s when the Atlantic slave trade began, walked through a Jim Crow era segregated rail car, and even learned about the Central Florida town of Eatonville, the first incorporated African-American city in the United States.

After a picnic lunch, we visited the Ford’s Theater to see with our very own eyes the presidential box in which Abraham Lincoln was shot by Confederate sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth. We heard the story of how that infamous day unfolded and how several days later, the great manhunt for Booth culminated in a shoot out and a barn on fire!

Each chaperone group strolled through Chinatown to choose their dinner fare, whether Indian cuisine, Peruvian food, or good ol’ burgers. Back at the hotel, our sixth graders enjoyed a little friendly competition around the game tables before heading off to bed.

Another day is done for our sixth grade Geneva Knights in Washington DC. A day full of history, curiosity, exploring, pondering, and waiting at crosswalks…

by Michelle Seneff, parent blogger

And the Cannoli Was Amazing

May 14, 2018

As our trip comes to a close, there is much to reflect on. The weather was near perfection, ranging from 50-72 degrees with no rain. We had great favor regarding the T (subway). Most of the time, as we were arriving to the platform, a train would pull right up! Every meal had a unique feel, from lobster rolls at the hostel to choosing a local ethnic experience.

Our students got very good at traveling on mass transit. We walked a sum of 32 miles, so our legs are strong (some a little sore), plus we could justify eating all the yummy food. Our kids get along…surprisingly well. Many relationships were deepened and horizons expanded.

We have new perspectives of beauty through art. We saw (and even touched) coins older than the time of Jesus. Our students have a greater sense of awareness regarding their surroundings and being alert on sidewalks. Only one wheelchair was used in only one museum, and only three train cards were misplaced.

When asked about my favorite part of the trip, it is hard to choose one. It definitely falls into the category of ‘the sum of the parts is greater than the whole’. Each individual activity, meal, conversation, or transportation experience was excellent, and every one added to the cumulative experience making for what Dr. Clark called ‘a touchstone memory’. Our capstone experience today was Mike’s Pastry…and the cannoli was amazing!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Faith Expressed Through History and Art

May 11, 2018

Boston is an amazing place to explore Christianity through history and art. We began our third day with the Harvard Museum of Natural History where we found way more than just bones of creatures from long ago. This museum has one of a kind specimens (think deer the size of a bunny), a skeleton of a water dinosaur longer than seven of our students lying head to toe, cases and cases of glass replicas of plants created to help researchers study plant life, and much, much more. These exhibits prompted questions by our students (Mr. Clark was our guide through these muddy waters) about evolution theories and other important topics.

The questions (yes, more questions) led to several great discussions. While they could (and probably do) have these types of discussions at school, somehow the fact that so much time, energy and expense was given over so many years to express Christian themes give perspective and make it real. At the art exhibit they experienced pieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne. Between all of the museums we have seen so far, the students have noticed a strong focus on Christianity and themes of faith. There are so many different ways to depict Mary and baby Jesus, but all of them cumulatively in one trip express the importance of the subject to artists of many different centuries.

Speaking of Harvard, our Harvard graduate chaperone gave us the inside scoop – the iconic statue with ‘Veritas’ (truth) written on the side is known by Harvard students as the statue of lies. In case you like trivia: the year is off by two, the statue is of a stand-in student, and the name listed is not actually the founder, he is really the first benefactor.

Trinity Church was beautiful…and filled with faith based art. The students had plenty of time to view and explore the church, then we were off to see the city from 50 floors up. The view was a highlight for many students, especially because you could walk all the way around and see the city from every angle. Talk about perspective. It was just beautiful, with buildings old and new, a smattering of sailboats, beautiful bridges and wonderful teenagers!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Light In The Darkness

May 10, 2018

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.”

John 1:5

Our day started at the Ford Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated. Both the students and chaperones were surprised by how much they enjoyed their time there. We had a highly knowledgeable and entertaining park ranger who treated us to retelling the story and aftermath of Lincoln’s death in a way that felt like a performance, highlighting the history, drama, and surprising details of how Lincoln’s death effected all those involved. The ranger finished by encouraging our students to be lights of their generation, shining in the darkest hours.

Following our time in the theatre, we crossed the street to see the museum, where a spectacular three-story tower of books greeted us. It was amazing to think that many books had been written about Abraham Lincoln, but it really only contained less than half the books written about him.

Leaving the museum, we stopped for an open-air lunch where the students enjoyed spending time together. It’s amazing to see our children still entertained by simple things in life like looking for a four-leaf clover. The day had been mostly overcast up until this point, but after a few raindrops fell, we left the green space with the sun shining.

Then we walked to the recently opened National Museum of African American History, which was new to all of us. Reading and listening to the stories told throughout the museum of horrible atrocities of slavery, segregation, and oppression led to some profound questions and discussions. It’s one thing to read about this subject and another thing to hear first-hand accounts.

We began three levels down, in a dimly lit area, and as we moved up through history, the museum became a bright celebration of culture and achievement, literally moving from darkness into light.

We can’t wait for what our last day in D.C. will hold!

by parent bloggers, Chris Lemieux and AnnMarie Hoyt

Morning Colors, So Many Questions and Andy Grammer

May 10, 2018

Not much beats a beautiful morning ferry ride to a private tour of the USS Constitution. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect when the tour guide told us to cover our ears. Turns out, we were in for an unexpected privilege…we had arrived in time for the 8 am morning “Colors”. The canon was shot, (photo anthems played and servicemen honored. Silence ensued until we got the “All Clear”.

All of our tour guides have been educational and entertaining. Also very patient. We have so many questions! Our crew has an amazing ability to pick up on an interesting fact and explore it to the limits of the tour guide’s either knowledge, patience level, or time.

At the end of each section of a tour, about 20 questions are asked, each leading to another interesting fact…then another question! Speaking of questions, when the tour guide on the ship asked if anyone in our group knew what Kedging was, I think he was genuinely surprised that one of our crew could explain the act of dropping anchor, then pulling toward it to be able to move a sailboat without wind.

It was an extremely full day including visits to the Bunker Hill Monument, lunch in the park, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, then capping it all off with Andy Grammer in concert with the Boston Pops.

You might think with the travel schedule these kids have been keeping that they would be sleepy in an orchestra concert. Not so! Andy Grammer brought the house down on opening night of the 133^rd season of the Boston Pops. The kids were singing and dancing right along with the music, making for a very fun ending to a big day.

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Beauty, Structure, and Function

May 9, 2018

We started our day bright and early, not knowing what to expect.

We would never have anticipated that the actual structures built to house our government would be so thoughtfully planned. Those who built our government intentionally incorporated so many symbolic, artistic, yet functional components.

In the rotunda of the Capital Building, the story of our nation is told through art. Given its beauty, it’s hard to believe that so many people actually go to work there. Laws are still being passed, and in fact, the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, walked through the room during our tour. Another group saw news crews prepping for interviews with lawmakers.

The Library of Congress is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings we had seen. The art was absolutely stunning and the architecture and mosaics had an absolute wow factor. We are still in awe of it. It seems almost odd to think that it is still a functioning library, with over 20 reading rooms. In fact, Mrs. Brodrecht went to get a Library of Congress library card while we were there, and we later found out that one of our chaperones already had one.

The Supreme Court building was filled with symbolism, including a depiction of Moses. Students were able to enter the courtroom where cases have been heard since the 1930’s. We were surprised to see how small the actual courtroom is in relation to the grandeur of the building.

We ended our day at the National Archives. This building houses some of the most important documents ever written. Students were excited to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They saw the Emancipation Proclamation and also the Magna Carta, which even though it was written in the 1500’s is still relevant and important today.

Thanks to what they had learned at Geneva in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, our students already understood the context and significance of the documents and were happy to see the real deal.

It was a great day.

15,000 Steps

May 9, 2018

It all started bright and early at Orlando International Airport with 65 excited students, chaperones, and teachers.

Friends were excited to find out who was in their group for the week. Parents said their goodbyes. Teachers did a little last minute boarding pass shuffling to make sure students were all seated together. Flight attendants did their best to fit all of our carry-ons into the overhead bins.

Once we arrived at our destination, we realized that the teachers hadn’t been exaggerating when they’d said there would be a lot of walking.

After navigating the METRO, we walked to our hotel to drop off our bags. Then we headed in the direction of the National Mall and walked around the Washington Monument. We went to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial, then stopped by the Lincoln Memorial, made our way by the Vietnam Memorial, and finished at the World War II Memorial.

The springtime weather was beautiful and perfect for a day of walking. Flowers were in bloom. Dandelions dotted the lawn, and dried cherry blossoms were on the pathways throughout the memorials. Students enjoyed their time moving between the memorials laughing, playing games, taking pictures, and spending time together with friends.

We ended our day quietly, settling into our hotel, with everyone looking forward to tomorrow. It was a great first day in D.C!

Eighth Grade Dominoes and Finding Beauty

May 8, 2018

And the Eighth Graders fall like dominoes! No, they are not sick. Yes, we all made it to Boston and are safe. The falling came in during our first subway ride. The plane trip, no problem; bus ride, seamless (even with much luggage); but when we were safely tucked away in that first subway car and it lurched forward…each surprised student tipped back just far enough to tip the person behind them. It all happened very fast, the chain reaction of unprepared Floridian teens continued in just a few seconds all the way to the end until the last of our group was gently supported by the local seated at the back of the subway car who saw it all coming.

Springtime in Boston is full of beauty. Today our crew enjoyed lots of public transportation, an amazing lunch, a tour of the New State House and several open green spaces. A highlight of the day was an hour at Garden Park.

While it’s a big city, the contrast of the tall, modern buildings and shorter, older brick buildings provides such beautiful scenery. The foliage is in full bloom, dogwoods displaying their blossoms, tulips lining the park, monuments and statues everywhere we turned, even the cemeteries are beautiful.

The most beauty, though, was displayed in the relationships that shone through the day. Friends shared a bag, taking turns carrying it. Girls walked arm in arm across the busy streets. A kick line may or may not have erupted in the midst of the beautiful park. What a joy it is to witness such sweet beautiful students caring for each other in their newly expanded world!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

War and Peace, the colonial version

April 28, 2018

On our final touring day of the trip, we visited one of the most significant sites, Yorktown. As any Geneva 5th grader could tell you, October 19, 1781 marks the end of the Revolutionary War, despite the Treaty of Paris not being signed until 1783. Today we got to experience life in camp as a soldier and to walk the actual battlefield where our nation’s freedom was won.

We learned that the space on our bus isn’t nearly as cramped as the space in a Private’s tent, and that sharing a bed with one friend is substantially better than sharing a tent with five. The students were both entertained and a bit horrified to learn how medical care worked for a colonial soldier. Any soldier labeled as “sloven” could be forced to wear a sign around his neck as punishment. Be sure to ask your student about that, and maybe prepare your own sign as motivation.

Our courage was tested during a weapons demonstration, and most of us freely admitted that the site of a hundred armed soldiers aiming their guns at us would cause us to turn and run without even a shot being fired. The courage of the colonial soldier in the face of overwhelming odds was truly remarkable.

While the battlefield at Yorktown may not have all the bells and whistles that some of our other stops did, the import of what happened there cannot be overstated. Seeing the lush green field, the tall trees, the remnants of revolutionary trenches, it’s hard to imagine that this same field would have been marked with rubble, bodies, and the terror of war as our country fought for her independence.

As we all lined up for a group picture in front of the Yorktown monument, I was especially struck by what a great group of students we have. Our students are learning not just the dates of the history of our country, but the foundation of our nation’s identity. They will have the opportunity to advance the cause of freedom because of the generations that have preceded them.

It was a pleasure to meander around Colonial Williamsburg one last time this afternoon. I watched as students carefully selected gifts for family members back home, or as mementos for themselves. I was privileged to be present as a student faced her fears and sat down at a replica of an ancient harpsichord and played. I witnessed polite and respectful students ordering a meal in a colonial tavern, graciously thanking their hosts, and engaging in lively conversation with their peers and chaperones around the dinner table. They were each eager to share their experiences, and re-tell many of the things they learned in this week.

It has not been a week free of difficult situations, but our students have persevered. Our devotions for the evening focused on love. Not the love that is warm and fuzzy, rainbows and unicorns. The love that is patient, and kind; a love that bears all things. We discussed ways that we have been shown love by others this week and ways that we can show love to others tomorrow on the long bus ride home. I am confident that our students will rise to the occasion tomorrow and will return to you with stories of love shown even on a sixteen hour bus trip home.

We look forward to seeing you all Saturday night!

Inspiring students to love beauty, think deeply, and pursue Christ's calling.

Tag: field trip

Experiencing More Of Washington, D.C.

April 25, 2019

Museums and Making Memories

April 24, 2019

And the Cannoli Was Amazing

May 14, 2018

Faith Expressed Through History and Art

May 11, 2018

Light In The Darkness

May 10, 2018

Morning Colors, So Many Questions and Andy Grammer

May 10, 2018

Beauty, Structure, and Function

May 9, 2018

15,000 Steps

May 9, 2018

Eighth Grade Dominoes and Finding Beauty

May 8, 2018

War and Peace, the colonial version

April 28, 2018

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