7TH GRADE
Big Bend National Park

Monday–Thursday, March 30–April 2, 2026

www.grandclassroom.com

This multi‑day field experience immerses our 7th graders in the rugged desert and river landscapes of Big Bend. Through guided exploration, service learning, and outdoor challenge activities, our 7th graders will deepen their academic understanding of ecology and geology, practice leadership and teamwork, and strengthen bonds of brotherhood while reflecting on personal responsibility and ethical decision‑making.

Scholarship

Our 7th graders will cultivate observational science skills and place‑based learning by studying desert ecosystems, river dynamics, cave geology, and cultural history. The boys will engage in hands‑on inquiry (rafting, natural history, Chisos Basin ecology, Caverns of Sonora tour) that connect classroom concepts to real‑world systems.

Leadership

Practical leadership skills will be developed through small‑group navigation of hikes, on‑site decision-making during activities (rafting, trail management), and peer support during multi‑day camping logistics.

Integrity

Responsibility and ethical stewardship of public lands will be practiced through a Service Project at Big Bend Ranch State Park’s Desert Garden and through Leave No Trace principles applied throughout the trip.

Brotherhood

Our boys will strengthen community and mutual support via shared tasks at camp (meal routines, campsite setup), team challenges on the river and trails, and structured reflection time to build empathy and trust.