History, baseball, and plenty of time together made Philadelphia the perfect backdrop for Grade 8 students to strengthen connections with classmates and teachers early in the academic year.

Sixty-two students and six chaperones traveled to the “City of Brotherly Love” for the annual trip, an experience designed to combine learning beyond the classroom with opportunities for students to build relationships early in the year.

For Grade 8 Team Leader Ken Lewis and the Grade 8 faculty, creating those opportunities for connection began well before the buses left King.

“We set a clear standard for kindness and challenged students to step away from their phones during key activities,” said Lewis. “Overcoming screen detachment paid off: students were fully present, engaged in exhibits, and truly talking to one another.”

Reflecting on the experience during an advisory session after the trip, students noted its personal impact.

For Teresa Paraschac ’31, who joined King this year, the experience was particularly meaningful.

“The trip helped me build connections by sometimes having to make conversation with people I usually don't talk to, like on the bus or rooming with someone I didn't know,” she said. “Being a new student, I didn't really know anyone, but in the end I felt much more connected to my grade.”

The two-day itinerary spanned the city, including visits to the National Constitution Center, Museum of Illusions, Franklin Institute, Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution. The trip also included a Philadelphia Phillies game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I really enjoyed learning about all the women in the revolution and how they played their part for society,” added Teresa.
“My favorite part of the trip was the baseball game." said Cameron Fedele ’31. “It was awesome!”

A balance between structured activities and informal time was central to the trip’s purpose. Bus rides, meals, museum exploration, hotel rooming, and a night at the ballpark gave students opportunities to interact with their grade, starting the year with a greater sense of familiarity and belonging.

“My favorite part of the trip was small moments, like the grade all cheering together at the baseball game, and seeing the actual tent that George Washington lived in during the American Revolution,” said Eliza Cooper ’31. “I also got closer with my teachers when walking around museums. Experiencing things together was very special, because usually they are the people showing us things!”