Seventh- and eighth-grade students can now participate in the program. Here's what you need to know. 

I wish to inform you about an expansion of the Outdoor Education Program in the Upper School to include 7th and 8th graders.

The expansion centers on students in the 7th and 8th grades participating in the weekend trips in the fall season. The main activity of these trips is day hikes in various places around the Lehigh Valley.

If you would like to participate, please download the PDFs below and complete the permission form. 

There are six trips scheduled for this fall. The hikes will range in distance from 5-8 miles with the following timetable and expectations: 

• Meet at the Merle-Smith Campus between 8-9 AM. 

• Drive to the Hiking Area; students may meet the hiking area if this is more convenient Finish with hike between 2-3 PM. 

• Pickup at the hiking area or at the Merle-Smith Campus. 

• There will be at least two faculty chaperones on the trips. 

• The maximum number of students on the trips will be 18. 

• Students can attend multiple trips throughout the season. 

Please contact Mr. Kevin Ferdinand or Marc Yerrington with any questions or concerns about the program, its expectations, equipment, and the trips. 

Thank you, and I hope many of you will participate in the trips 

Sincerely, 

Kevin Ferdinand 
Outdoor Education Director