(click on the program title to see that group’s posts)
UPPER SCHOOL LOCAL PROGRAMS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
What does it mean to be a part of the local arts and entertainment industry in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond? This IL program focuses on a variety of artistic experiences in the Philadelphia area. Students will visit museums, tour entertainment establishments, and speak with professionals who have made careers in music, art, and theater. Potential experiences may include the art museums, stadium tours, Gradwell House Recording Studio, and more! Students in this program will also have the opportunity to attend a matinee performance of Suffs in New York City, which tells the story of MFS alumna Alice Paul and her work with women’s suffrage.
CULTURAL EXPLORATION THROUGH FOOD
In what ways is food one of the most foundational manifestations of a culture? Using French and Chinese history, culture, and food traditions as a foundation, this program explores the relationship between food and culture through both classwork and field trips. As a culminating activity, participants will conduct an independent study of a third culture’s food traditions by conducting some light research and presenting those traditions to one another on the last day of IL.
EXPLORING ANIMATION WITH THE MFS PRESCHOOL
How can we expand our understanding of “community” in separate divisions through a collaborative project around a shared interest? Students will partner with the MFS Preschool to research different forms of animation and develop a related project together by the end of the week. Upper School and Preschool students will spend half days together over a one-week period researching, planning and developing a creative project and/or presentation. The second half of each day, Upper School students will attend local trips or continue prepping their materials for the following day.
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? How can we practice the Quaker values of Simplicity, Community and Stewardship while creating works of art? 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 United States 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 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.
“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
How can we use the example of the Pine Barrens in NJ as a way to understand the importance of learning about the ecology, history, and culture of protected areas, and how can we be advocates for preservation of this special place and other places we may encounter? 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!
SONGWRITING SEMINAR
Do you write songs? Are you interested in the history of commercial/popular music? Would you like to take a shot at writing your own songs or lyrics? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this week-long exploration might be for you. We will look at the evolution of modern popular music genres including blues, jazz, folk, rock, R&B, hip hop, rap, etc. We will then craft our own music and learn about the technologies used to create contemporary music recordings. We will also speak with professional songwriters about the craft and how they approach writing.
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!
THRIVING NOW & BEYOND
What type of person do you think you are? Who do you think you want to be when you grow up? What role does your own happiness and wellbeing play in your answers to those questions? The College Counseling team at MFS often uses the framing “inward, outward, onward, upward” to describe how a student might look at the four years of high school. Of course, though, our growth and learning doesn’t stop after high school, or even after college and so it’s really valuable to think about ourselves and the multiple paths towards achieving our goals on a regular basis. It can be easy to be consumed by the process of applying to college, and we will spend some time learning about the college landscape. However, through a broad variety of experiences, including field trips and visits from guest speakers, the bulk of our time will be spent creating space to think about the bigger and, we think, more important and meaningful questions outlined above.
UPPER SCHOOL OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
ALASKA: AMERICAN ARCTIC
For the second time, a group of intrepid MFS explorers heads off to Central Alaska this year to extend our learning around native culture, wildlife, and the impact of climate change on the Arctic. Highlights of our trip include late night outings searching for the Aurora Borealis and a visit to Denali National Park as well as opportunities to practice native beading, learning to sweep the rock on a curling sheet, and a visit to the kennel of a veteran Iditarod champion to try our hand at mushing across the tundra.
ANDALUCÍA: IDIOMA Y CULTURA
Students will learn about Moorish and Western cultures in Southern Spain and practice speaking Spanish, while visiting historic sites, gardens and cathedrals and savoring authentic cuisine in Malaga, Granada, Dilar, Cordoba, and Sevilla. They will participate in a sustainable living project, and learn about the challenges immigrants face in Europe. Students will also engage with the work of Fundación Escuela de Solidaridad.
COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP IN PATAGONIA
Students will learn from community organizers and local leaders, including the Mapuche people in Patagonia, to better understand how indigenous communities address local issues and advocate for change. They will explore Patagonia lakes and grasslands and stay with host families in a small farming community. Students will also explore the political history of Argentina, and work with NGOs to learn about literacy initiatives in Buenos Aires.
CULTURE & SUSTAINABILITY IN PORTUGAL
Travel through Portugal from Lisbon to Porto learning about the county’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability. With a goal of doubling their green space, establishing a city farm in the heart of Porto, and creating pedestrian-only zones in Lisbon, the country is well on its way to its goal of surpassing the EU’s sustainability goals in 2030. Meanwhile, travel along the breathtaking coast and learn about the language, culture and history, including the impact of the Moor culture as it existed in the country from the 8th through the 13th centuries.
EXPLORING ITALY
Students will take a cultural odyssey through iconic destinations like Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome, and study landmarks such as the Vatican and Piazza Della Signoria. Students will engage with local communities, artisans, and experts; learn about archaeological marvels; and savor authentic cuisine to gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, values, and ways of life in Italy, learn different perspectives, and broaden cultural horizons.
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.
JAPAN: ROBOTICS, ENGINEERING, AND THE FUTURE OF CITIES
Based in Tokyo, students will visit laboratories, universities, and global companies to learn from scientists and engineers to see how they develop innovative solutions to global problems through STEM-focused fields. Students will explore transportation, space exploration, natural disaster prevention, and robotic technology through the lens of Japanese innovation and culture, as well as the UN Global Goals on Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Cities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
FIFTH GRADE
The theme for this week will be Living Out Quaker Values in Our Community and our emphasis will be on recreation and study outside of the typical class day which allows students to better understand and step into Quaker leadership. Over the course of the week, students will learn about environmental stewardship with a focus on creating less waste and composting waste that is created when possible. They will also visit a camp for a three-day, two-night outdoor education experience full of team-building and fun.
SIXTH GRADE
We are pleased to offer a week that celebrates outdoor adventure and allows students a chance to explore, learn, and bond together. A major emphasis for the 6th Grade IL each year is exploring the natural world around them while learning to be stewards of our environment. We will expand our view of Community by giving gifts of kindness to our neighbors at Cambridge Senior Living and by making deeper connections within our grade through team building and outdoor education during our two-night stay at the Princeton Blairstown Center.
SEVENTH GRADE
Our theme this year, “Community, Culture, & Environment” will take us from New Jersey to Washington D.C. to explore a variety of ways that community, culture, and the environment intersect. The week begins with service at Palmyra Cove and exploring hiking paths. Students will take an overnight trip to Washington D.C. to visit the National Zoo, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and historical sites including the National Mall and Logan Circle.
EIGHTH GRADE
Students will begin the week with service focused on food insecurity with a food drive, visit to Philabundance, and preparing sandwiches for Cathedral Kitchen. Students will have an interdisciplinary learning experience at the Franklin Institute, where they will explore activities that complement and enhance their science, history, and math curricula. Students will deepen their understanding of the Quaker value of community through team building activities and outdoor education during the two-night overnight trip to Camp Mason.