7th Grade Embark on MS CARES Trip

From September 25 to 27, our 7th grade students embarked on the MS CARES (Culture, Awareness, Recreation, Experience, and Service) trip to Hongcheon and Yangpyeong to celebrate this year's school theme, The Power of One. The three-day experience blended community service with thrilling outdoor activities and gave students the opportunities for personal growth and experiencing Korean culture. 

The trip kicked off with a visit to Sumi Village in Yangpyeong, where students worked side-by-side with local farmers to help weed cabbage fields. These efforts were crucial to preparing for the upcoming kimchi-making season and deepened their understanding of agriculture’s role in sustaining communities. In addition, students participated in a hands-on cultural activity of making traditional Korean steamed buns. 

After their morning in Yangpyeong, the group traveled to a challenge and ropes course, where they demonstrated their team-building skills and encouraged one another to embody The Power of One while navigating the obstacles. The first night was then spent at SONO Vivaldi Park, where students reflected on the day's events in small groups. They shared their thoughts, wrote blog entries to update their families, and engaged in discussions about leadership and teamwork.

Day two brought even more adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining and bouldering, as students cheered each other on to push through the challenges. Later that evening, they enjoyed a traditional K-BBQ meal, where they cooked together and celebrated their accomplishments.

The trip concluded with water-based activities of dragon boating and kayaking. These final challenges truly showed the students’ trust in each together as they paddled in sync through the water. 

Throughout the three days, the students consistently displayed leadership  while living out the spirit of The Power of One. They learned the value of teamwork, service, and the impact that small acts can have when done together. This year’s MS Cares trip will be fondly remembered fondly for its fun-filled activities and lessons learned about the power of collaboration!