(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 and beyond. 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 work together on a collaborative recording project and will also have the opportunity to attend a matinee performance of a Broadway show in New York City.
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
Are you looking for a field where you can apply scientific and mathematical principles to creatively solve practical problems and improve human lives? This program will expose students to a variety of engineering topics and methodologies through a series of hands-on projects that will culminate in the construction of an autonomous and tele-operated robot. Along the way they will learn about engineering design principles, mechanical and electronic systems, computer programming, CAD, machine learning and soldering skills.
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.
FOXES VISIT COLLEGE
How might we evaluate whether and to what degree a particular college or type of campus experience would be a good fit in alignment with personal goals and values? Perhaps the best way to truly understand the qualities that make certain colleges “good fits” (or not-so-good fits) is to get out and visit schools firsthand. Through this experience, students will analyze the major factors of college fit, reflect upon what would make for an ideal college experience, and evaluate these personal values of fit as we tour and explore a variety of college campuses throughout the week.
“LOW & SLOW” — THE 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 MFS staff.
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! 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. Note: Students should be prepared for up to 5-mile hikes each day in any type of weather!
PODCASTING
How can we use the podcast format to explore a passion or inform people of an important issue? What can we learn about the most effective ways to podcast in order to reach people, capture their attention and inform them? Do you have a passion for a particular subject? Do you love to talk about sports, movies, music, the news, or anything else? Sounds like you need a podcast! Starting during our pre-IL planning sessions, each member of this program will design and research their own podcast episode. During IL, we will learn techniques and best practices to allow each participant to record and share their podcast.
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.
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.
UPPER SCHOOL OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
CHINA: LANGUAGE & CULTURE
This immersive program offers MFS students an unforgettable journey through China’s ancient wonders and modern marvels, providing a deep, hands-on understanding of the nation’s past, present, and future. Participants will walk through history at the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, stand before the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, experience the serene beauty of Yunnan’s diverse landscapes, and explore the neon-lit streets of Shanghai. Beyond the iconic sights, students will immerse themselves in vibrant local culture by savoring authentic regional cuisines and practicing Mandarin with native speakers in real-world settings. A highlight of the trip is the opportunity to connect with local peers during a visit to a Chinese high school, fostering cross-cultural friendships and first hand insight into daily life.
EXPLORING ECOSYSTEMS: A GLOBAL STEM JOURNEY THROUGH PANAMA’S WATERWAYS & WETLANDS
From working alongside practicing scientists on a wetland conservation project to visiting a local research station on the Caribbean coast, this IL trip will focus on how the incredible engineering feat of the Panama Canal impacts the surrounding ecosystems of this Central American oasis. Students will gain insight on how Panama’s wetlands and waterways shape life for people, wildlife, and the planet. How the region’s rich history and cultural identity influence modern-day Panama by experiencing traditional folklore through music, art, and performance. This IL trip is a great way of connecting cultural heritage with ecological stewardship through visits to historic sites and coastal ecosystems in Panama.
GIVE KIDS THE WORLD, FLORIDA
Students will immerse themselves in a service learning experience. During most of the week, the students will help at Give Kids the World. GKTW is a non-profit resort providing children with critical illness and their families with week-long, cost-free vacations. The students will have time to relax and spend time with their peers at group meals and swimming between service shifts. The week is capped off with a visit to Disney World.
ICELAND: CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABILITY IN THE ARCTIC
Iceland offers a fascinating natural laboratory for studying Earth science, climate change, and sustainability in the Arctic. Its unique geological setting, straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, results in intense volcanic and geothermal activity, while experiencing the impacts of rapid warming, including glacial retreat, permafrost thaw, and changes in ecosystems, making it a crucial location for researching the effects of climate change and developing strategies for sustainable resource management. Come explore recent lava fields, geysirs, waterfalls, glaciers, spas, and geothermal plants as we wrestle with how Iceland has responded to these challenges and how we can address them systematically, locally, and globally. Our unique local partnership allows us the opportunity to interact authentically with local educators, scientists, business owners, and tour providers to provide additional perspective on the resilience of Icelandic culture and its people.
MAGICAL MOROCCO
Discover the vastness of the Sahara, the beauty of palm oases, and the majesty of the Atlas mountains through your own eyes, and the perspectives of the indigenous Amazigh people we will meet along the way. On this trip, you will also get to experience daily life in a Muslim country, build friendships with teenagers like you from both rural and urban parts of Morocco, and enjoy legendary Moroccan hospitality.
MARTINIQUE: LANGUAGE & CULTURE
Enhance your French and embrace Caribbean culture. This program is the perfect balance of culture and hands-on experiences, offering students an unforgettable opportunity to learn, explore, and make a positive impact.
PATHWAYS TO UNDERSTANDING: SERVICE & SPIRITUALITY IN THAILAND
How does completing service projects in Thai Buddhist temple schools and meaningfully engaging with students and monks deepen our understanding of Thai culture and spirituality while shaping our own values, perspectives, and sense of global citizenship?
Travel to Thailand for a unique blend of service, cultural exchange, and adventure. Volunteer in Buddhist temple schools, support local students, and engage in meaningful conversations with monks about Thai spirituality and daily life. Explore stunning temples, vibrant markets, and historic landmarks, and visit an ethical elephant sanctuary to learn about conservation and animal care. This immersive journey offers hands-on learning, deep reflection, and unforgettable memories. This is an opportunity to grow as a global citizen while experiencing the heart of Thai culture.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
FIFTH GRADE: LIVING OUT QUAKER VALUES IN OUR COMMUNITY
Our emphasis will be on recreation and study outside of the typical class day. This allows students to better understand and step into Quaker leadership. Over the course of the week, students will learn more about our local community of Moorestown. We will be visiting Strawbridge Lake and working with a local volunteer group to participate in community service. In addition, the students will also visit a camp for a three-day, two-night outdoor education experience full of team-building and fun. On Friday, the students will become leaders and plan an hour of team building activities for the fourth grade students. We are looking forward to a week that celebrates our Quaker practices through various lenses and allows students a chance to explore, learn, and bond together!
SIXTH GRADE: EXPLORING THE NATURAL WORLD
A major emphasis for the Sixth 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: WHAT WE CHOOSE TO PROTECT – PEOPLE, PLACES, & PRINCIPLES
This year’s theme will take us from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. as we explore how people, places, and principles shape –– and are shaped by –– the intersections of community, culture, and the environment. The week begins with service at Palmyra Cove, where we will replant trees that were lost to invasive species. Students will then spend three days in the nation’s capital, where we will visit the National Zoo, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Logan Circle. We will also visit the National Mall to reflect on monuments that represent the people and principles we choose to uplift and protect.
EIGHTH GRADE: CELEBRATING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & COMMUNITY
Our eighth grade program allows students a chance to explore, learn, and bond. Eighth graders will have the opportunity to continue to engage with their service learning focus, Food Insecurity, by organizing and taking part in service projects that serve our local South Jersey community. 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.