(8th Grade Parents) Freshman Orientation Adventure (9GOA) Parent Meeting (April 9)

Parents of rising freshmen (current 8th graders) are invited to an informational meeting about the Freshman Orientation Adventure (9GOA) on April 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Sikes Theatre. This meeting is only for parents. At the meeting, an overview of the trip schedule, a packing list, and the required forms will be reviewed. Current 8th grade students will be meeting shortly after for their own informational meeting. 

The ninth graders will camp on platform tents or in traditional tents at Unicoi State Park in Helen, attend outdoor field and stream activities at Smithgall Woods Environmental Center, hike the Smith Creek Trail, and raft the Chattooga River. All freshmen are expected to attend the trip, which is scheduled for Wednesday – Saturday, August 13-16. A final instructional meeting for the freshmen will be held on August 12 in the Deming Theater following new student orientation. Students should wear their hiking boots to that meeting.

This will be the 33rd class to experience this exciting adventure, which is a strong testimony to the educational and spiritual benefits of the trip. Graduating seniors have consistently named this trip one of their top memories of their years at Episcopal. The trip has been designed not only to meet specific English, history, and science objectives but also to create a sense of community within the class. The class bonding, the formation of new friendships, the peacefulness of the land, and the excitement of a water activity made the trip a memorable experience.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Megan Wickenden at wickendenm@esj.org.