Spring 2015 Intensive Learning Options: Local
Improv with Issues
Students in Improv with Issues will start the week playing games and learning improvisational theatre techniques, including time spent in Philadelphia with professional actors. The rest of the week will be spent using those techniques to explore social issues chosen by the group. There is no theatre experience or interest required – we will not be doing any traditional “performance.” Previous groups have explored issues such as race, class, and drug and alcohol use/abuse. It’s a new way to discuss difficult but important topics.
Bayshore Discovery Project
MFS students will travel daily to Bayshore Center at Bivalve to learn about the Delaware Bay wetlands ecosystem and oyster industry and help restore New Jersey’s tall ship, the AJ Meerwald. The group provides hundreds of hours of service work aboard the Meerwald, scraping, sanding, painting, and varnishing the boat to prepare her for the next sailing season, when she is used for fundraising and educational programs.
Habitat for Humanity
Students will work with Habitat for Humanity on site and at their Re-Store.
Introduction to Blacksmithing
We will go to the Harriton House in Bryn Mawr, PA to learn about blacksmithing on coal forges. Students will have the opportunity to design and make their own projects.
Quilting for Kids
Students will learn to make pillowcases, zippered bags and a quilt. Those who have not quilted before will be given a simple pattern that they can finish in a week’s time. Students who have some experience will be allowed to design their own quilt or learn new techniques to apply. The pillowcases will be donated to ConKerr Cancer, zippered bags filled with toiletry items will be given to The Ronald McDonald House, and the students can decide where the quilts will be donated: Quilts for Kids, Dooley House, Project Linus, Home of the Brave Quilt Project, etc. We will walk on Main Street to have lunch several days, and one day we will travel to Olde City Quilters in Burlington to machine quilt our projects. Students will also make a small project which they may keep.
A Unique Pine Barrens Experience
The Pine Barrens Intensive Learning will provide an opportunity for students to learn the unique history and culture of the nearby “Pinelands,” the first National Reserve created by Congress. The area has also been designated by the United Nations an International Biosphere Reserve. Yet the area is little known, even to people who live nearby. We will spend time hiking and exploring the forest as well as learning about the intriguing history of the area, including the Jersey Devil and the indigenous “Piney” population.
Social Psychology: Canine Corner
The unique aspects of canine intelligence will be explored through consideration of current research on human-canine interactions, dog training, therapy dogs, service dogs, and canine-related laws here and abroad. Students will earn service hours during trips to local animal shelters. Design projects will focus on the design of dog spaces, dog products, dog breeds, fund-raisers for dogs,and a dog service business. As we will be in close contact with dogs and other animals, please do not sign up if you have allergies to animals.
From Art to Aardvarks: Amazing Collections of Philadelphia
The week will be spent exploring the hidden treasures of Philadelphia. In expanding our cultural boundaries, students will have a positive community-building and educational experience. Following each outing, the participants will reflect on what they experienced by addressing essential questions on our group blog. Students will have the opportunity to spend the day examining the fantastic collections of the Barnes Museum with a special lecture on art. Students will explore the Franklin Institute’s Electricity (2015) exhibit, which features a classic set of sixteen hands-on interactive activities. They will have a behind the scenes tour on how an exhibit is conceived with special guest lecturers. In addition, we will visit Taller Puertorriqueño, which has been “Building Community through Art Since 1974.” Known as “The Cultural Heart of Latino Philadelphia,” Taller is a community-based multidisciplinary arts organization whose work bridges European, African, Caribbean and Latino societies and cultures. We will eat lunch at an authentic Latino restaurant after our visit. Our exploration of greater Philadelphian collections will culminate with a visit to the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and an opportunity for community service. Our week of cultural immersion will conclude with a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo or to the visual arts exhibits of Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey.
South Jerse
y Service
Students will participate in different community service projects in South Jersey. Students should be committed to doing whatever is asked of them by the organizations with whom we work.
Asian Culture
Students will learn traditions, food, clothing, arts of Asian cultures. This program will include trips to Asian communities in the area and feature guest lecturers on campus
Architecture in Philadelphia
Students will learn about architectural styles in general, see examples of these styles in Philadelphia, and build greater appreciation for our city.
Exploring Art
Students will be creating a variety of temporary works of art that focus on creating a relationship with the environment in which the works will exist. Construction of the artworks will take place on and off campus. We will be moving around the MFS campus, Jersey Shore, Pine Barrens and Philadelphia to install our temporary works of art from traditional style sculptures to contemporary street art. We are scheduled to be off campus for three of the five days. Students may choose to purchase lunch each day on location or bring a lunch, contract lunches will be available. Examples of types of experiential art can be seen on our Pinterest board.
Creativity and Design: Woods to Walls
Students who like to think out-of-the-box will have the opportunity to transform two common school areas, the MFS woods and the Greenleaf Mansion, into permanent works of art. They will design and build an outdoor classroom using material found in the woods, will repurpose organic material in innovative ways, and will make new homes, such as bat houses, bird houses, and insect hotels, for creatures that inhabit the area. The students will also use the walls of the Greenleaf Mansion as a canvas to create two murals, one with 3-D elements, and will work on other art and design projects to be used by children who attend our school year and summer programs.
Spring 2015 Intensive Learning Options: Overnight
Boys’ Lacrosse Service Trip
The MFS V/JV Boys’ Lacrosse Team will embark on an IL trip that will involve service learning, team bonding, and Quaker worship. Through the Tempe Friends Meeting, Arizona State University, Amy Silverman of Westtown School, and the Desert Vista School Boys Lacrosse Team, MFS LAX students will conduct service work by feeding the local community in need, participate in team building skills through lacrosse and hiking, and engage in service worship with the Tempe Friends Meeting. The opportunity to provide service to the communities in need, specifically the homeless in Phoenix, will be an important part of our service component while in Arizona. Skill building and team bonding with the Desert Vista Boys LAX team will provide an opportunity for team sharing and friendly competition.
Myrtle Beach Service and Baseball
One week of service and baseball in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Spring 2015 Intensive Learning Options: International
Cuba: Iglesia de los Amigos
Travel to Holguin, Cuba to join a warm and welcoming Quaker community church as they build a community center. Be a part of a project undertaken by MFS students in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Paris, Lyon and Burgundy: Cultural Exchange and Service
Paris, history and culture; Lyon, cultural exchange; Burgundy, cooking lessons.
Costa Rica Service
We will enjoy adventures in the rainforest and a service project/homestays in a small Costa Rican farming village.
Italian Renaissance
Academic & cultural immersion in the city that launched the Italian Renaissance.