Middle School Explores Korea for Adventure and Service
Each fall, every middle school grade participates in an MS CARES trip. CARES stands for culture, awareness, recreation, experience, and service. These trips engage students in hands-on activities that promote character development, leadership, outdoor learning, and community service. Each experience also gives students opportunities to explore Korea and deepen their understanding of its people, culture, geography, and history.
6th Grade: Suwon (September 29–30)
The 6th grade students traveled to Suwon for two days of adventure, cultural engagement, recreation, and team-building. Although only an hour from Seoul, students and staff stepped away from the comforts of city life to explore the surrounding forests and visit historical landmarks from the Joseon Dynasty. On the first day, students learned to build wilderness survival shelters, practiced using a compass, and enjoyed an evening of K-themed fun and games at the hostel, where they spent the night.
Day two included a hike along the Hwaseong Fortress Wall and a kimbap lunch. On day three, the students participated in a service project at school in partnership with WORD. They packed snack bags and wrote heartfelt messages to the elderly. The activities helped students begin forming meaningful connections with their peers and teachers.
7th Grade: Chuncheon (September 30–October 2)
From September 30 to October 2, the 7th graders and their chaperones traveled by bus to Chuncheon. Their adventure began at Sumi Village, where students learned to make traditional red bean buns—from preparing the dough to shaping and steaming it—and enjoyed their delicious creations. They also supported local farmers by pulling weeds in nearby cabbage fields.
Later, friendly competition came alive as students teamed up for dragon boat racing and kayaking. Some students ended up soaked, but the teamwork and laughter made it all part of the fun.
The next day took the group to Youngin Nature Recreation Forest for team-building activities and an exciting zipline course. Flying high above the ground challenged students to overcome fears while encouraging and supporting one another. The students topped off the day with a large-group BBQ dinner. On the last day, the students competed in a variety of games and activities before lunch and then headed back to Seoul.
8th Grade: Jeju Island (November 4–7)
Jeju Island served as the destination for the 8th grade MS CARES trip from November 4–7. Students and staff traveled by bus to Gimpo Airport, then took a short flight to Jeju. Upon arrival, they visited a tangerine farm, where they enjoyed picking and tasting some of Korea’s best mandarins. Then, the students visited the coast for an eye-opening lesson on marine pollution. A beach cleanup became a hands-on investigation of microplastics, allowing students to connect their science learning to real-world environmental impact.
Over the following days, students explored Jeju’s unique geography with visits to Ilchul Land Park, Micheon Cave, and Sunrise Peak. They participated in team-building activities such as navigating the mazes at Maze Land and joining a variety of group games.
Cultural and historical learning followed as students rode on a fishing boat and worked alongside Haenyeo—Jeju’s renowned women divers—who harvest seafood. The wonderful cooking staff at the hotel even prepared some of the students’ catch as a special snack. Jeju offered the 8th graders unforgettable experiences—hiking, fishing, exploring, and bonding with friends—that will stay with them for years to come.
Together, these MS CARES trips empowered students across all three grades to step out of their comfort zones, deepen their understanding of Korea, and create lasting memories with their classmates and teachers.
