Freshman Orientation Adventure (9GOA) Meeting for Parents of 8th Graders – April 20, 2023

Dear Parents,

Plans are being made for the Class of 2027 to go on the Freshman Orientation Adventure, a four-day camping trip to Northern Georgia in August. This will be the 31st 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.  

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 16-19, 2023. Teachers, deans, 55 upper schoolers, paramedics, and adult volunteers will accompany the students on the trip to coordinate activities and provide supervision at all times. A classroom will be available for activities in case of poor weather conditions, and there are standard bathrooms for our personal use. Experienced cooks will prepare the meals at the campground, and we have arranged to have one dinner in a fine restaurant.

An informational meeting for the trip will be held on Thursday, April 20, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Sikes Theater. Parents will hear more about the trip’s objectives, itinerary, and packing list. This meeting will be especially helpful for parents who have not had children go on this trip in previous years. At the meeting, an overview of the trip schedule, a packing list, and the required forms will be distributed. Please make every attempt to complete the forms and return them to the school by Wednesday, May 3. You may mark them to the attention of Ms. Wickenden. The medical release requires that the parent’s signature be notarized. Kit Washburn in the Head of School’s office will be happy to provide that service for you.  

A final instructional meeting for the freshmen will be held from 12:15 – 2:15 p.m. on August 15 in the Deming Theater. Students should wear their hiking boots to that meeting.

If you have a concern of a personal nature, please call Mrs. Zeiner at the school (904.396.5751, extension 1412).  During the summer months, it would be best to send an email to [email protected], and she will respond as quickly as possible. We are eager for all freshmen to participate in this exciting and educational class trip! 

Sincerely,

Marion Zeiner
Megan Wickenden
9GOA Coordinators