Swain Campus’s 8th Graders Embark on a Self-Planned Journey to Ocean City

Our 8th graders headed to Ocean City, New Jersey for their end-of-year trip—but what makes this experience truly special is that they planned the entire adventure themselves. A cherished tradition at our Swain Campus, this culminating project entrusts our students with full responsibility for designing, organizing, and executing their own capstone trip.

From the first weeks of the school year, our 8th graders have been diligently crafting their vision. They selected Ocean City for its quintessential beach-town charm—an ideal backdrop to celebrate the conclusion of their middle school journey. With enthusiasm and intentionality, the students managed every detail: creating a budget, organizing fundraisers, coordinating logistics, and shaping a three-day itinerary that reflects their collective interests and spirit.

Highlights of their trip included beach days, rounds of mini-golf, time exploring the boardwalk, and meaningful evening reflections. One particularly poignant moment was the creation of a time capsule—an activity they designed to capture the essence of their time at Swain, filled with items that represent their shared experiences, growth, and friendship.

What stands out most to the students is the deep sense of ownership they feel. In bringing their vision to life, they have learned how to work collaboratively, navigate decision-making, manage money responsibly, and adapt when plans shift. These are lessons that extend far beyond the classroom—rooted in real-world problem-solving and fueled by mutual trust and support.

This trip is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to the values we cultivate within our community—independence, collaboration, and the confidence to take on new challenges. As our students prepare to step into high school, they carry with them not only cherished memories but also the confidence and skills to shape their own futures.

At its heart, this tradition reflects the values of thoughtful preparation, meaningful collaboration, and shared accomplishment. As our 8th graders set out on their self-planned adventure, they do so with a strong sense of pride in what they’ve achieved together—and with the lasting bonds of friendship and teamwork that will carry them forward into the next chapter.