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.
Depart PDS
Tour TN State Capitol
Recess at Centennial Park
Tour the Parthenon
Tour the Hermitage
Dinner and Games at Camp Widjiwagan
Breakfast at Indian Creek Camp
Tour Brushy Mountain
Bus Tour of Oak Ridge
Play at World’s Fair Park
Bridgemont Camp
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.
4th Grade - April 21-23, 2027
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Each year may be different, depending on availability. We will typically stay at Camp Widjiwagan and the Bridgemont Camp.
Electronics are not allowed on Cultural Expedition Trips. Daily communications are sent through Remind App and trip chaperones.
Yes you are allowed to bring a bag.
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.
