As a part of our newly launched Cultural Expeditions Program at PDS, we believe that giving students the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of their own culture, its history, and their nation’s capital is essential to developing their understanding of civic duty, their identity as U.S. citizens, and their ability to think globally. This trip is intended to immerse our students in the functions of our federal government, our nation’s history, and to experience one of the most important cities of the world.
We will visit the Capitol, Supreme Court, pass by the White House, Library of Congress, a bike tour of the monuments, visit the major memorials, Mt. Vernon, Monticello, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Museum of American History, and the Air and Space Museum. We try to provide the students with a balance of serious historical, cultural, and governmental sites tempered by a fun way of experiencing this from biking the city to investigative walking tours.
Mr. Sewell will oversee the first Washington D.C. Trip. He will be accompanied by Coach Fruitt, Coach Spain, Mr. Rudzena, Coach Warner, and Mr. Hewer. We may have additional chaperones depending on the number of boys attending.
As we are early in the process of scheduling the trip, we are providing a window of time. The window covers more days than the actual trip. After registration closes, we will quickly notify you of the exact dates.
5th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Window – November 5 – 11, 2022
6th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Window – March 31 – April 6, 2023
Hotel rooms will be monitored by chaperones. Additionally, each night a security guard is present on the floor in the hotel that’s booked for PDS boys. Typically, there will only be two boys per room. All rooms are sequestered on a floor with chaperones and a security guard present throughout each night.
Our desire is for every boy of PDS to experience their nation’s Capital and many of the most important sites in the founding of our country. While Cultural Expeditions Trips are not mandatory they will be an essential component of PDS culture and curriculum starting in the 2022-23 school year. Students not electing to participate in the program will complete the same curriculum and engage in project based learning on campus.
Food costs are not included in the amount except breakfast. The cost of lunch, and dinner will be each boy’s responsibility. We suggest that each student budget $30 daily for lunch, dinner, and snacks. In order to help you budget for food costs, we will give a precise schedule of meals prior to the trip.
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. Bring additional money if you plan to buy souvenirs, eat larger than normal portions, or buy snacks.
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. We are not traveling to Siberia, but remember that your extremities tend to get cold first so plan accordingly. We walk 7+ miles a day so it is essential that everyone wear a good pair of walking shoes. If you plan to purchase these prior to the trip, we suggest that you wear them a few times to break them in before the trip to avoid blisters. The packing list will be sent several weeks before the trip.
Yes. When we attend Arlington National Cemetery for the wreath laying ceremony, those students selected for laying the wreath will need to comply with the dress requirements stipulated by Arlington National Cemetery. The day we visit the Capitol and Supreme Court, students will need to wear PDS spirit shirts or hoodies. Additionally, no baseball caps are allowed.
Each year is typically different, depending on hotel availability. We will typically stay near Reagan Airport in Washington D.C. and near Federal Hall in Philadelphia.
It’s safe to assume that you will walk on average 7+ miles a day. Since we travel primarily by Metro, it requires that we walk from our hotel to the Metro to every site on the itinerary. We make this an active trip for boys to harness their energy and keep them engaged.
Yes. However, your bag will be examined and at some federal buildings you are not allowed to bring drinks inside. Chaperones will communicate what is allowed in bags before visiting federal buildings.
Presbyterian Day School (PDS) is a private, Christian preschool and elementary school serving boys from 2-years-old through 6th grade for almost 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.
Parents
News
Giving
