Cultural Connections Trip: State

Nashville & Knoxville

Boys receive a crash course on the Volunteer state! On this trip, the boys will broaden their knowledge by experiencing important cultural sites of our state, such as the State Capitol, Smoky Mountain National Park, and the Parthenon.

Our Tennessee Trip is planned in conjunction with and helped led by Jimmy Ogle, a PDS Alumni and Memphis Historian.

This trip provides the boys a great opportunity to foster independence and expand their perspectives in their learning experience of Tennessee.

4th Grade:
Dates April 21-23, 2027

LINKS
oak-ridge
Indian Creek Camp
Ft loudoun
Andrew-Jacksons-Hermitage-Nashville-16
Nashville Parthenon
Brushy Mountain
knoxville world's fair
Cumberland-Caverns-Information-1
Smoky Mountains
Treemont Hikinh
Hermitage-Exterior
manhattan-project-national-historical-park-tennessee
state capitol
centennial park 2
centennial park
cumberland caverns

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Depart PDS
Tour TN State Capitol
Recess at Centennial Park
Tour the Parthenon
Tour the Hermitage
Dinner and Games at Camp Widjiwagan

Day 2

Breakfast at Indian Creek Camp
Tour Brushy Mountain
Bus Tour of Oak Ridge
Play at World’s Fair Park
Bridgemont Camp

Day 3

Breakfast at Bridgemont
Hike the Smoky Mountains
Lunch at Bridgemont
Depart for PDS
Dinner in Jackson, TN
Arrive at PDS

Frequently Asked Questions

Which faculty will chaperone the trip?

Tony Rudzena oversees the trip and will be accompanied by several faculty. Faculty act in a similar capacity to a camp counselor if your son has been to a summer camp. Throughout the trip, each boy will be part of a smaller group supervised by a faculty member. Communications will be sent during the trip via Remind App with pictures of your son each day.

What are the dates for the Tennessee Trip?

4th Grade - April 21-23, 2027

How will lodging rooms be supervised?

On this TN trip, we will be staying at two overnight camps (that are very similar to an overnight camp our 5th and 6th grade boys stay at when they go to Victory Ranch). Boys will sleep in cabins that have a large room with multiple bunk beds with a chaperone in an adjoining room. The boys will be monitored by chaperones. 

What is the cost of the Tennessee Trip?

The Early Bird cost is $750, and non-Early Bird cost $850, covering overnight camps, meals, charter bus, tour guides, and chaperones. Food costs for three meals and souvenirs are excluded.

Is the Cultural Expeditions Trip required?
Our desire is for every boy of PDS to experience the opportunity to travel and learn about our state.  While Cultural Expeditions Trips are not mandatory they are an essential component of PDS culture and curriculum. Students not electing to participate in the program will complete the same curriculum and engage in project based learning on campus.
Is the cost of food included in our trip?

Food costs are included for the meals we have at the overnight camps. The cost of two lunches, and one snack stop on the bus ride home will be each boy’s responsibility. This is a chance for boys to foster independence on these cultural expedition trips.  We suggest that each student budget $20 for each lunch and $20 for snacks. Faculty will help boys look after and allocate their money as needed or requested. You can also give your son money for souvenirs. 

How much money should I bring?

We strongly recommend that boys refrain from carrying too much cash by giving excess amounts to their group leader. They may bring a card if that’s easier. Each morning, group leaders will distribute as much cash as needed. For 2 lunches and snacks, we recommend bringing $60. If you plan on buying souvenirs, you will need to bring more money. 

What should I wear?

We recommend dressing with layers that can be removed or worn as the weather dictates, such as a PDS collared shirt and sweatshirt with a rainproof windbreaker.  We always provide a packing list of items to be worn on the trip. 

Is there a dress code on the trip?

Yes. The boys will adhere to the PDS dress code while on the trip. The day we visit the State Capitol, students will need to wear PDS spirit shirts or hoodies.

Additionally, no baseball caps are allowed.

Where is the lodging located?

Each year may be different, depending on availability.  We will typically stay at Camp Widjiwagan and the Bridgemont Camp.

What electronics am I allowed to bring?

Electronics are not allowed on Cultural Expedition Trips. Daily communications are sent through Remind App and trip chaperones.

For more information on our Cultural Expeditions program, contact Tony Rudzena.

Presbyterian Day School

Presbyterian Day School (PDS) is a private, Christian preschool and elementary school serving boys from 2-years-old through 6th grade for over 75 years.

With our mission of striving to glorify God by developing boys in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man, we take a holistic approach to education, nurturing the heart, soul, mind, and body of each boy.

4025 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111

901-842-4600

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