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Spring 2024 Intensive Learning Local Programs

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
This IL program focuses on a variety of local arts and entertainment indistry experiences in the greater Philadelphia. Students will visit museums, tour entertainment establishments, and speak with professionals who have made careers in music, art, and theater. Potential destinations could include the Brandywine Museum of Art, the Wells Fargo Center, a matinee musical performance at the Kimmel Center, Gradwell House Recording Studio, and more!

FOLK ART & LIVING SIMPLY
How can practicing folk art forms be translated into the lives of modern US students? What can early folk art tell us about slowing down in the modern world? Creating art is an elemental process in all human cultures, particularly in the transformation of soil into ceramics, natural fibers into paper or cloth, berries or bark into natural dyes, and many other “folk art” crafts. These technologies have their origin in antiquity, yet are still vibrant art media that we will experience hands-on. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in the US on living simply and exploring a more sustainable, DIY lifestyle. We will adopt a “challenge by choice” approach to a variety of craft techniques, including pit-fired pottery, basket weaving, textile and paper making, natural dyes, and simple metalwork.

GROWING FOR GOOD
How can we feed ourselves and our community through sustainable and local farming practices? This program will serve as an introduction to sustainable farming. After hearing from expert farmers and gardeners, touring local farms and agricultural centers, and learning about soil and seeds, you will be prepared to plant your own gardens this spring. As part of the program, you will gain practical insight into the the many ways that farmers can make an immediate positive impact in their communities. We will also travel to Longwood Gardens and local farmers’ markets in order to explore the natural world and learn from those who care for it.

HANDS-ON SCIENCE
How might I engage in the sciences in a way that is outside of my normal classroom experience? Complete labs in various science disciplines that aren’t a part of the science classes offered at MFS and head out on exciting trips to various science-related museums and exhibits throughout the Philadelphia area.

HISTORICAL MOCK TRIAL — PRESIDENT ANDREW JACKSON, CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
Students of American history often learn about the forced migration of the Cherokee, from Georgia to the Oklahoma Territory, known as the “trail of tears.” The president who promoted this policy was Andrew Jackson. For this historical mock trial President Andrew Jackson will be charged with “crimes against humanity” and will be brought before the international court in the Hague. Students will learn the techniques of mock trial, international law regarding this type of crime, the history of the period, and the culture and history of the Cherokee nation. The program will conclude with the trial.

“LOW & SLOW” — THE SCIENCE, CULTURE, & PRACTICE OF TRUE BARBECUE
How does background knowledge of food and engagement in preparation of food affect one’s enjoyment of eating? What does it mean to cook for others rather than just for oneself? How does understanding the history and cultural background of a given food help us develop our own personal food culture? Students will learn, in hands-on and experiential ways, about barbecue. The experience will cover the history and cultural importance of barbecue, the science involved in low and slow cooking of tough cuts of meat, and how to actually cook barbecue. Barbecue, or barbacoa from the original Arawak, is a wholly American method of cooking. We will explore the Black and indigenous origins of this most mouth-watering of culinary traditions. We will cook and enjoy multiple meals together as well as traditionally associated dishes from the American South and Southwest. The experience will culminate with a soul food feast offered as a thank you to the maintenance and grounds crews at MFS.

PINE BARRENS EXPERIENCE
Calling all environmental advocates, historians, and filmmakers! Come learn about the amazing and surprising Pine Barrens! Students will travel to a variety of locations in the Pine Barrens where they will learn about the ecology, history, and culture of the area through a partnership with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Students will also learn basic filmmaking techniques and make their own “chasing the Jersey Devil” videos, which will be enjoyed at our end-of-program film festival and celebration. Note: Students should be prepared for up to 5-mile hikes each day in any type of weather!

SACRED SPACES
How might we develop an appreciation for religions and life experiences of our neighbors? Can we learn that it is important to interact directly with people to learn about their religion and culture. How can we assist others with issues that they feel are most necessary? We will visit congregations of several different faith groups and also engage in service to tackle important social issues that may include topics such as homelessness, food insecurity, gun violence, racism, poverty, and school funding.

SOLAR ENERGY
The Solar Energy Intensive Learning program will provide students with a basic understanding of different solar energy strategies through the construction of Solar Powered Charging Stations, Solar Ovens and Solar Parabolic Cookers. While building these projects the students will learn basic electronics, Arduino microprocessors, programming, electronic soldering and building skills. We will also visit MFS Alumni Dr. Eric Teitelbaum at his labs at AIL Research in Hopewell, NJ and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University to see his work on sustainable energy construction and material science.

SOUTH JERSEY SERVICE
What does it mean to do service for others? What can we learn from doing community service? Why is it important to help others when we are able to? South Jersey Service will immerse students in a variety of local volunteer opportunities. Students will exercise a key Quaker value by “letting their lives” speak through service for others.

THE GREAT MFS BAKING SHOW
How can making and sharing food enrich our lives and the lives of others? For baking experts and novices alike. Come learn new skills or polish your baking techniques. We will tackle four different challenges throughout the week (possibilities include: cake and cupcake decorating, cookie recipe trial and error, perfecting pancakes, and gluten free or vegan baking). We will visit a professional kitchen to learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and we will share our own baked goods with the broader community. Tie on your aprons, grab your whisks, and get ready to wow the judges with your creations!

Spring 2024 Intensive Learning Overnight Programs

AUTHENTIC NORTHERN NORWAY ADVENTURE — SÁMI CULTURE IN THE ARCTIC
After a long day of travel, students on the Norway trip will arrive above the Arctic Circle to our base of exploration for the week, Tromsø. While there, we will focus on Sámi culture, customs, and traditions, visiting a reindeer camp and sharing an authentic meal in a Sámi dwelling while learning about the rich history of storytelling through folk songs, or joik. We will learn about the struggles to preserve their history and way of life despite the pressures of modern society, racism, and climate change. Our Nordic experiences will also include opportunities to view the aurora borealis, snowshoe in the wilderness, and explore the climate and wildlife of the fjords, before returning to Oslo for a day to take in the Norwegian capital.

CHINA — LANGUAGE & CULTURE
During 2024 IL, 18 students will have a very rich language and culture trip in China. They will go to Taipei, Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. The students will visit not only famous sites like Yehliu Park, National Palace Museum, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, TerraCotta Warriors Museum, Xi’an City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and Huangpu River, but they will also have Chinese culture lessons taught by local professionals. MFS students will visit a local school and go to Chinese students’ houses for dinner. This trip is designed for the Upper School Chinese program, and students must communicate in Chinese as much as they can during the trip.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — LANGUAGE & SERVICE
Familiarize yourself with the Dominican Republic through hands-on service projects, daily language lessons, and cultural excursions. We’ll work with area nonprofits and community leaders to understand local challenges and participate in a multi-day service project. Possibilities include reforestation efforts, trail-building, painting murals, and recycling projects. Immersive cultural activities – like cooking classes and visits to sustainable farms – will provide additional opportunities to use our Spanish and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, economic, and environmental issues facing this island nation and the wider world.

FRANCE IMMERSION
During 2024 IL, 18 students will have a very rich language and culture trip in France. They will go to Paris, Carcassonne, and Toulouse. The students will visit famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Le Louvre and Orsay Museums, le Père Lachaise, an enormous cemetery where Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, & many more are buried. They will also experience a “homestay” with French families in Carcassonne. MFS students will visit a local school and will be participating in restoration work. This trip is designed for all the Upper School students; the French students will be expected to speak French.

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD, FLORIDA
Give Kids The World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida. Here, children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to week-long, cost-free vacations. There, we will serve food, run rides, and escort families around the village. We will also be working at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando as well as the Christian Service Center, where we will be serving lunches to families and individuals in Orlando. Finally, after a hard-working four days, we will enjoy some fun at Magic Kingdom.

PERU
We will travel to Peru and experience an ancient Inca paradise tucked deep into majestic Andean mountains and fueled by a growing modern culture. Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is just the tip of the iceberg in a country that boasts 5,000 years of recorded history. Fascinating history throughout the Sacred Valley and the impressive ancient Pisac ruins and market. Our trip goes beyond the ordinary tourist trail and into the Peruvian communities. Whether your interest is photography, architecture, history, language learning, or adventure, this trip will be a life-changing experience through impactful service, fascinating indigenous marketplaces, and exciting adventure with your friends.