List Detail
Burch Outdoor Program for 9th Grade
What is the Burch Outdoor Program?
For a few days in late September, you will find yourself in the Appalachians of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Western Maryland participating actively in a wilderness adventure course run by the Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. Episcopal has chosen Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound as a proven leader in wilderness education, swayed in part by its decades of experience and stellar safety record. The particular physical and emotional challenges of Episcopal’s course have been tailored by Outward Bound to meet the needs and abilities of our group. More specifically, once at the Outward Bound base camp near Baltimore, Maryland, we will be divided into crews comprised of 11 students, one EHS faculty member, and two Outward Bound instructors. After a brief orientation, we will embark on a four-day backpacking expedition into and around the several state parks in Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Western Maryland. Crews will work closely together to accomplish all that such a wilderness experience entails: camping, cooking, cleaning, orienteering, etc. At some point during the trip, each crew member will try their hand at top-rope climbing, guided, of course, by qualified instructors. Certainly this year’s expedition will, like each expedition for over two decades, prove both challenging and memorable. Please know that we expect every ninth grade student to participate fully in this adventure, as it is an essential part of our experiential program and 9th grade curriculum. In only four days, we hope to develop trust, kindle friendships, increase self-esteem, and set a tone of constructive risk-taking for the entire academic year. Additionally, students will get to know EHS faculty members in an environment which renders them equals, and shared memories of triumphs will go a long way toward cementing friendships. It’s time to get excited. Don’t worry that you may be unable to complete the rigors of the course, though you may want to begin a regular program of aerobic conditioning in preparation for fall athletics. As long as you remain physically active between now and September, you will be equal to the challenges ahead of you. Rest assured that no one will be asked to do anything beyond their physical limitations.
For a few days in late September, you will find yourself in the Appalachians of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Western Maryland participating actively in a wilderness adventure course run by the Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. Episcopal has chosen Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound as a proven leader in wilderness education, swayed in part by its decades of experience and stellar safety record. The particular physical and emotional challenges of Episcopal’s course have been tailored by Outward Bound to meet the needs and abilities of our group. More specifically, once at the Outward Bound base camp near Baltimore, Maryland, we will be divided into crews comprised of 11 students, one EHS faculty member, and two Outward Bound instructors. After a brief orientation, we will embark on a four-day backpacking expedition into and around the several state parks in Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Western Maryland. Crews will work closely together to accomplish all that such a wilderness experience entails: camping, cooking, cleaning, orienteering, etc. At some point during the trip, each crew member will try their hand at top-rope climbing, guided, of course, by qualified instructors. Certainly this year’s expedition will, like each expedition for over two decades, prove both challenging and memorable. Please know that we expect every ninth grade student to participate fully in this adventure, as it is an essential part of our experiential program and 9th grade curriculum. In only four days, we hope to develop trust, kindle friendships, increase self-esteem, and set a tone of constructive risk-taking for the entire academic year. Additionally, students will get to know EHS faculty members in an environment which renders them equals, and shared memories of triumphs will go a long way toward cementing friendships. It’s time to get excited. Don’t worry that you may be unable to complete the rigors of the course, though you may want to begin a regular program of aerobic conditioning in preparation for fall athletics. As long as you remain physically active between now and September, you will be equal to the challenges ahead of you. Rest assured that no one will be asked to do anything beyond their physical limitations.
Required Forms
Please be sure to complete the EHS Health Center medical form and permission forms as directed by July 1. Please note that students will not be allowed to participate in the Burch Program without these forms on file with Episcopal’s medical professionals. In addition, Outward Bound requires their own separate online medical form, as well as a liability release form. The medical form is a questionnaire which does not require a physician’s signature. Complete the required forms here.
Packing List
We ask that all ninth graders arrive at EHS in September with the appropriate clothing and equipment necessary for this outing. Luckily, this does not necessitate an expensive trip to a camping supply store, as virtually all of the specialized needs of the course (tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, backpacks, etc.) are provided by Outward Bound. Still, the items found on the packing list are important to insure your child’s safe, comfortable participation. Please send your child to school prepared for this venture. Suggestions of places where you may purchase these items are Campmor and REI.
Additional Information
A Note from Outward Bound
Burch Trip FAQs
Packing List
If you have any additional questions please contact Patrick Thompson.
