Adventure Awaits: Upper School Kicks Off a New Year

At the start of every school year, Upper School students at The Peck School step outside the classroom for experiences designed to strengthen friendships, build confidence, and bring each grade together.

This year, fifth graders traveled to the Princeton-Blairstown Center for the day, where, in collaboration with the center’s staff, they took part in an outdoor adventure focused on building camaraderie and leadership. Through a variety of activities, students practiced self-reliance, teamwork, and grade-level bonding as they began their first year in the Upper School.

Sixth graders headed to YMCA Fairview Lake for their first overnight trip as Peck Upper Schoolers. Working with YMCA staff and their grade-level teachers, students participated in group games, a ridge hike, boating, archery, and team-building activities—all while enjoying a little more independence and strengthening connections with classmates.

Seventh graders traveled to the New Jersey School of Conservation for an overnight trip, where professionally trained staff led them through games, team challenges, and outdoor activities. The experience gave students an opportunity to bond within their advisories and come together as an entire class.

Eighth graders kicked off their final year at Peck with a Lasagna Dinner (the grade’s annual tradition in September), gathering with their families outdoors after school to celebrate the beginning of this milestone year. Their own outdoor adventure is still to come, as the Class of 2027 will travel to YMCA Camp Mason next week.

“Outdoor education trips are the perfect way to start off the school year as it removes the pressure of starting traditional classwork and puts students in an environment where the main objective is to get to know one another, work together toward common goals, become exposed to new beautiful places and experiences, and above all have fun,” says History Teacher and Outdoor Education Facilitator Dave Carlo. “It also gives teachers the opportunity to get to know their new students for their authentic selves outside of a classroom setting.”

Each experience is thoughtfully planned to meet students where they are developmentally while encouraging them to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Whether tackling a new outdoor challenge, navigating an overnight away from home, working toward a common goal, or simply sharing time with classmates and families, students begin the year building the confidence, connections, and sense of community that will carry them through the months ahead.