Parents of rising freshmen are invited to an informational meeting about the Freshman Orientation Adventure (9GOA) on April 21st at 6:00 p.m. in Harden Hall. We will be sharing the mission and vision of this tradition and reviewing an overview of the trip schedule, the packing list, and the required forms. This meeting is only for parents; 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 12-15. A final instructional meeting for the freshmen will be held on August 11th in the Deming Theater following new student orientation. Students should wear their hiking boots to that meeting.

This will be the 34th 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 to build unity and community among the Freshman class and introduce them to Upper School. The class bonding, the formation of new friendships, the peacefulness of the land, and the excitement of adventure make the trip a very memorable experience.

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