Chesapeake Bay Studies - The Gunston School
Source: http://www.gunston.org/academics/chesapeake-bay-studies
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Chesapeake Bay Studies - The Gunston School
Chesapeake Bay Studies
Sunday, May 17 - Thursday, May 21, 2026
By using the Chesapeake Bay as a microcosm, Chesapeake Bay Studies (Bay Studies) increases awareness of the Chesapeake Bay and our relationship and responsibility to the natural environment. Students develop a deep sense of history and understanding of economic and social issues.
Bay Studies incorporates all disciplines in its exploration of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. A week long program, Bay Studies draws on both outside agencies such as Outward Bound, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Sultana Foundation, as well as Gunston's own faculty to explore the various components of life in and around the Bay including environmental studies, history, and social and cultural influences. Primarily experiential, Bay Studies incorporates field trips, analysis of primary sources, in-depth study of specific topics, discussion, journal writing, lab work, computer analysis, and lots and lots of fun.
Transportation
Daily bus and van transportation will occur at the normal bus times
Transportation is provided for all off-campus and overnight travel.
Carpooling groups may be assigned together to facilitate transportation
Why does Gunston have Bay Studies?
Is Bay Studies required?
Will my teachers give me homework or have class?
How can I find out more about my workshop, packing lists, medical forms, etc?
What about bad weather?
Bay Studies incorporates all disciplines in its exploration of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Region. A week-long program, Bay Studies draws on both outside agencies such as Outward Bound, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Sultana Foundation, as well as Gunston's own faculty to explore the various components of life in and around the Bay including environmental studies, history, and social and cultural influences. Primarily experiential, Bay Studies incorporates field trips, analysis of primary sources, in-depth study of specific topics, discussion, journal writing, lab work, computer analysis, and lots and lots of fun.
Participation in Bay Studies is required as part of Gunston’s graduation requirements. Students earn ¼ academic credit for each year they participate. Graduating students must have attended a climate science Bay Studies.
Bay Studies gives us the opportunity to step away from our traditional classes and into the immersive and highly experiential learning environment. Classes besides Bay Studies do not meet during the week and academic coursework is not assigned. Teachers may assign a project or paper before leaving for Bay Studies that is due after the week; in this instance, the onus is on the students to plan their time accordingly and work on the project before and after Bay Studies.
Contact Ms. V at
rvesnaver@gunston.org
Bay Studies workshops take place rain or shine. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather (and the changing weather) and to make the most of their time. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, high winds, tornado warnings, etc) we will work to preemptively address the situation with early dismissal, delayed start, or change of location.
Difficulty rating system
1:
Day trips, minimal physical activity
2:
Day or short overnight trips, walking/standing for 1-2 hours
3:
Overnight trip, standing/walking for 4-5 hours daily
4:
Overnight trip, standing/ walking/ climbing/paddling for 5-6 hours daily
5:
Overnight backcountry trip with standing/walking/paddling/climbing for 6-8 hours daily
Comfort Rating
1:
Day trips
2:
Day or short overnight trips, hotel, flush toilets and showers
3:
Overnight trip with guest house/motel accommodations
4:
Overnight trip with bunkhouse accommodations, composting toilets, no showers.
5:
Overnight trip with tent/backcountry accommodations & primitive bathroom facilities (or lack thereof)
BAY ECOLOGY 201
9th & 10th Grade
Chesapeake Heritage / Echo Hill Waiver
Chesapeake Heritage
Driving Question:
How have boats been used to travel and fish the Bay?
In partnership with Echo Hill Outdoors School, live aboard two historic vessels, the skipjack
Elsworth
and buy boat
Annie D
while immersed in life on the Chester River. Live along the water while experiencing the Heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. How have boats been used to travel and fish the Bay? What is the state of the Chester River watershed? With the past as perspective, students will explore the Chesapeake's natural/human history and culture during a four-night stay aboard the
Annie D.
and the
Elsworth.
Away Overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 2 | Comfort: 4
Student Waiver and Packing List
Nature Experience with Echo Hill Outdoor School
Driving Question:
What kinds of ecosystems can be found along the Chesapeake Bay and how do they function?
During lessons on our adventure/challenge course, in our nature preserve and its freshwater swamp, and around the waterways and fields of rural Kent County, participants will experience a ‘eureka’ moment when their classroom environmental science lessons jump out of the textbook and into real life—the foundation of environmental literacy. This program aims to form a practical understanding of the environment based on hands-on experiences, and through them, to help each student grow their sense of self-reliance, confidence, and independence.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 2 | Comfort: 2/3
CBF Residential Center Student Packing List
Health Form
Oysters for the Bay
Driving Questions:
What role do oysters play in restoring the health of the Bay and how are they impacted by climate change?
This program, led in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, takes students to study and stay on Smith Island where students research and experience the Bay first hand. Day trips on Thursday and Friday further explore the role of oysters in restoring the Bay.
Day trip Monday, Overnight Tuesday - Thursday | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 3
CBF Residential Center Student Packing List
Gunston School FT Child Photo Release Waiver
Health Form
Forests for the Bay
Driving Question:
What role do forests play in the health of the Chesapeake Bay and how are forests being impacted by climate change?
Led in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, this program will take students to Bishops Head in Maryland’s Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to learn about the natural history and ecology of this remote area, by getting out on the water and mucking around in the marsh. Day trips on Monday and Friday will introduce students to the parameters by which Bay health is measured and the importance of forest in protecting the Bay.
Day trip Monday, Overnight Tuesday - Thursday | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 3
Early History and Geology of the Bay
Driving Question(s):
How have geological processes shaped the Chesapeake Bay region over thousands of years, and what insights do they offer into its environmental history?
What archaeological evidence exists within the Chesapeake Bay area, and how can it help us understand the lives and cultures of early human inhabitants?
How do geology and archaeology enhance our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and the environment in the Chesapeake Bay region throughout history?
Embark on a captivating journey through time, delving into the geological and archaeological treasures of the Chesapeake Bay. Dive into hands-on experiences as we uncover the ancient secrets hidden beneath the Bay's waters and shores, exploring how its geological formations and archaeological findings offer insight into early human history and environmental changes.
Day trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 2 | Comfort: 1 *Open to 9th, 10th, and 11th
Student Residential Waiver and Packing List
Sultana Day Trip Canoeing Packing List
Survival on the Upper Chesapeake
Driving Question:
How have animals and humans survived in the Chester River watershed?
Led in partnership with Sultana Education Foundation, explore the Delmarva Peninsula and its quiet and scenic waterways by canoe as you paddle key stretches of the Chester River. Students will learn how animals and humans have survived along the Chester River for thousands of years, mixing ecology with survival skills by gaining hands-on experience with fire and shelter building, knot tying and canoeing.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty 2 | Comfort 2/3
CBEC Waiver #1
CBEC Waiver #2
The Ecology of Invasive and Native Species
Driving Question:
How do invasive species impact the health of the Chesapeake Bay?
Native and invasive species are an important part of the history, ecology and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay. Join staff in a physically active exploration, deep diving into invasive species and their impact on Bay ecology. You will see how invasives interact and compete with the native species of the Bay. Every day, you will be hiking, biking, or kayaking in a new location, studying a new species, and making connections along the way.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty 2 | Comfort 2/3
EXPERIENTIAL DEEP DIVES
10th & 11th Grade
Gunston Overnight Form and Packing List
Immersion into the Ecology and History of the Chesapeake Bay
Driving Question:
What is the history of resource use on the Delmarva peninsula and what are the current and future strategies for sustainable resource use?
Offered in partnership with Sultana Education Foundation, this course will examine past and present ecological practices and investigate further strategies for sustainable resource use. The week offers students who love to fish and explore the opportunity to learn more about the science and history that underlie the nature of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students will travel all over the Delmarva peninsula to investigate current and past relationships with fisheries, wildlife and land use. Students will camp, kayak, and explore areas near Blackwater Wildlife Refuge and Janes Island State Park.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 5
Native American History & Culture
Driving Question:
How does engaging with sites, stories, and contemporary Native voices change our understanding of Native history in the Chesapeake watershed?
Explore the history and continued presence of Native peoples in the Chesapeake watershed through visits to key historical and cultural sites, beginning in Kent County and traveling across the Chesapeake Bay, concluding at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Students will taste Native-inspired foods, meet with museum curators, community artists, and folklorists, all while examining early interactions between Native communities and settlers and the rise of removal and assimilation policies.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
From Colonization to Globalization
Driving Question:
Why is the Chesapeake Bay region so important to contemporary global history?
Over the past 400 years, the Chesapeake Bay region has been central to the major forces of political, economic, military, agricultural, environmental & climate, and social development on the North American continent and beyond. This trip seeks to explore how the Chesapeake region transitioned from its Native American roots to becoming a ‘global superpower’ by visiting Historic Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Norfolk & the Nauticus Museum, Charlottesville (home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello) and Washington, DC.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 3 *open to 10th, 11th & 12th
Iron Chef, Chesapeake
Driving Question:
How is food grown, produced, and served in our region?
Food production and farming are critical parts of our local environment. This year’s focus is on the culinary side of the farm-to-table trend. Be ready to tromp through fields and carry the harvest to the kitchen! Through this experience, students will learn basic cooking skills, cook on a daily basis, and focus on local farms and restaurants around the Chesapeake.
Day trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
Arts of the Chesapeake
Driving Question:
How do observation, scientific inquiry, and creative practice change the way we experience and protect the Chesapeake Bay?
Partnering with Chestertown RiverArts to create a handmade book, students begin the week with a blank canvas they will fill through an immersive exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. Guided by scientists, artists, and authors, students participate in creative workshops in science writing, eco poetry, photography, and painting, capturing the Bay’s landscapes, wildlife, and stories. By the end of the week, each student’s book becomes a personal record of learning and creativity, blending environmental education with artistic expression and fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lasting sense of stewardship for the Chesapeake.
Day trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
Packing List for Philosophy of Nature
Philosophy of Nature, Terrapin Adventures Waiver
Into the Wild: Shenandoah
Driving Question:
In what ways is wilderness changing? Is the human perspective on wilderness changing too?
Spend five days immersed in Appalachia as you explore Harpers Ferry and Shenandoah National Park, hiking along major geological features such as Old Rag Mountain and Luray Caverns. Students will hike 4-6 miles per day along the Appalachian Trail and learn about the ever changing values, features, and consequences of wilderness in our Watershed.
Away Overnight (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 5 | Comfort: 5
CLIMATE & COMPARATIVE COURSES
11th & 12th Grade
Sustainability in Art and Action
Driving Questions:
How can we use art to explore, inspire, and take action toward a more sustainable future?
Spend a week discovering how creativity and sustainability truly come to life through hands-on exploration and bold artistic expression. Students will kick things off with a full day of outdoor adventure, exploring the local landscape and responsibly collecting naturally shed materials—leaves, driftwood, seed pods, and stones—while learning about ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. They’ll then spend an inspiring day with Chestertown RiverArts, transforming their found materials into imaginative, sustainable art projects guided by local artists. Throughout the rest of the week, students will experiment with different artistic styles and mediums while exploring how art can challenge perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire real action toward a more sustainable future. By the end of the program, they won’t just have created artwork—they’ll have discovered how their creativity can make an impact.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
CBF Residential Packing List
Health Form
Islands Out of Time
Driving Questions:
How do science, culture, and human choices shape the future of islands threatened by sea-level rise?
Offered in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and based out of Port Isobel, this program invites students to investigate sea-level rise in the Chesapeake Bay and its impact on the culturally significant Tangier Island community—an island that is rapidly disappearing despite widespread skepticism of climate change. Students will explore the complex forces affecting water levels and will first visit the man-made Poplar Island to examine coastal resilience and restoration efforts before traveling to Tangier Island to compare engineered solutions with the challenges facing a historic, inhabited community
Day trip Monday, Overnight Tuesday-Thursday | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 4
Climate Change and Agriculture
Driving Question:
How are climate change and agricultural practices connected?
Investigate how climate change is impacting agriculture in this hands-on course. Agriculture is one of the leading industries on the Eastern Shore and as such is a leading contributor of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. Yet, agricultural practices and engaging with farmers needs to be part of the solution. Students will visit farms, talk with stakeholders, and make connections between climate science and farming.
Day trips Monday, -Thursday | Difficulty: 2-3 | Comfort: 1-2
Eastern Shore of Virginia
Driving Questions:
How is the Eastern Shore of Virginia being impacted by climate change and what social and environmental factors exist to make the region more resilient?
Students who join this trip will explore the very southern reaches of the Delmarva peninsula. This region provides students the opportunity to compare and contrast the Chesapeake Bay with the nearby ocean and barrier island environment. Students will experience paddles, scientific collection, barrier island visits, and historical studies in order to understand the relative level of resilience these areas have against climate change.
Away overnight (Sunday- Friday) | Difficulty: 3-4 | Comfort: 3
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Driving Question:
How is the Grand Canyon and Colorado River being impacted by climate change and what measures are being taken to combat it?
Students participating in this trip will spend a week exploring the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. They will hike daily to study the geology, ecology, and history of the region while actively comparing the impacts of climate change on the Colorado River Basin and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The trip includes a tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, a hike to Horseshoe Bend, and a trek along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon itself. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Navajo Nation.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3-4 | Comfort: 3
Charleston, South Carolina
Driving question:
How have Charleston’s natural resources and historical systems shaped its vulnerability to climate change, and how is the city adapting today?
This trip to Charleston, South Carolina provides an educational experience that combines environmental learning, sustainability, and history. Students will explore the city’s coastal ecosystem and learn how Charleston works to protect its wetlands, wildlife, and natural resources through sustainable practices. The trip also highlights the area’s rich and complex history with visits to Boone Plantation to understand plantation life and slavery, Fort Sumter to examine Charleston’s role in the Civil War, and historic sites such as St. Christopher that showcases the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3-4 | Comfort: 3
Chesapeake Bay Studies
Sunday, May 17 - Thursday, May 21, 2026
By using the Chesapeake Bay as a microcosm, Chesapeake Bay Studies (Bay Studies) increases awareness of the Chesapeake Bay and our relationship and responsibility to the natural environment. Students develop a deep sense of history and understanding of economic and social issues.
Bay Studies incorporates all disciplines in its exploration of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. A week long program, Bay Studies draws on both outside agencies such as Outward Bound, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Sultana Foundation, as well as Gunston's own faculty to explore the various components of life in and around the Bay including environmental studies, history, and social and cultural influences. Primarily experiential, Bay Studies incorporates field trips, analysis of primary sources, in-depth study of specific topics, discussion, journal writing, lab work, computer analysis, and lots and lots of fun.
Transportation
Daily bus and van transportation will occur at the normal bus times
Transportation is provided for all off-campus and overnight travel.
Carpooling groups may be assigned together to facilitate transportation
Why does Gunston have Bay Studies?
Is Bay Studies required?
Will my teachers give me homework or have class?
How can I find out more about my workshop, packing lists, medical forms, etc?
What about bad weather?
Bay Studies incorporates all disciplines in its exploration of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Region. A week-long program, Bay Studies draws on both outside agencies such as Outward Bound, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Sultana Foundation, as well as Gunston's own faculty to explore the various components of life in and around the Bay including environmental studies, history, and social and cultural influences. Primarily experiential, Bay Studies incorporates field trips, analysis of primary sources, in-depth study of specific topics, discussion, journal writing, lab work, computer analysis, and lots and lots of fun.
Participation in Bay Studies is required as part of Gunston’s graduation requirements. Students earn ¼ academic credit for each year they participate. Graduating students must have attended a climate science Bay Studies.
Bay Studies gives us the opportunity to step away from our traditional classes and into the immersive and highly experiential learning environment. Classes besides Bay Studies do not meet during the week and academic coursework is not assigned. Teachers may assign a project or paper before leaving for Bay Studies that is due after the week; in this instance, the onus is on the students to plan their time accordingly and work on the project before and after Bay Studies.
Contact Ms. V at
rvesnaver@gunston.org
Bay Studies workshops take place rain or shine. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather (and the changing weather) and to make the most of their time. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, high winds, tornado warnings, etc) we will work to preemptively address the situation with early dismissal, delayed start, or change of location.
Difficulty rating system
1:
Day trips, minimal physical activity
2:
Day or short overnight trips, walking/standing for 1-2 hours
3:
Overnight trip, standing/walking for 4-5 hours daily
4:
Overnight trip, standing/ walking/ climbing/paddling for 5-6 hours daily
5:
Overnight backcountry trip with standing/walking/paddling/climbing for 6-8 hours daily
Comfort Rating
1:
Day trips
2:
Day or short overnight trips, hotel, flush toilets and showers
3:
Overnight trip with guest house/motel accommodations
4:
Overnight trip with bunkhouse accommodations, composting toilets, no showers.
5:
Overnight trip with tent/backcountry accommodations & primitive bathroom facilities (or lack thereof)
BAY ECOLOGY 201
9th & 10th Grade
Chesapeake Heritage / Echo Hill Waiver
Chesapeake Heritage
Driving Question:
How have boats been used to travel and fish the Bay?
In partnership with Echo Hill Outdoors School, live aboard two historic vessels, the skipjack
Elsworth
and buy boat
Annie D
while immersed in life on the Chester River. Live along the water while experiencing the Heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. How have boats been used to travel and fish the Bay? What is the state of the Chester River watershed? With the past as perspective, students will explore the Chesapeake's natural/human history and culture during a four-night stay aboard the
Annie D.
and the
Elsworth.
Away Overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 2 | Comfort: 4
Student Waiver and Packing List
Nature Experience with Echo Hill Outdoor School
Driving Question:
What kinds of ecosystems can be found along the Chesapeake Bay and how do they function?
During lessons on our adventure/challenge course, in our nature preserve and its freshwater swamp, and around the waterways and fields of rural Kent County, participants will experience a ‘eureka’ moment when their classroom environmental science lessons jump out of the textbook and into real life—the foundation of environmental literacy. This program aims to form a practical understanding of the environment based on hands-on experiences, and through them, to help each student grow their sense of self-reliance, confidence, and independence.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 2 | Comfort: 2/3
CBF Residential Center Student Packing List
Health Form
Oysters for the Bay
Driving Questions:
What role do oysters play in restoring the health of the Bay and how are they impacted by climate change?
This program, led in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, takes students to study and stay on Smith Island where students research and experience the Bay first hand. Day trips on Thursday and Friday further explore the role of oysters in restoring the Bay.
Day trip Monday, Overnight Tuesday - Thursday | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 3
CBF Residential Center Student Packing List
Gunston School FT Child Photo Release Waiver
Health Form
Forests for the Bay
Driving Question:
What role do forests play in the health of the Chesapeake Bay and how are forests being impacted by climate change?
Led in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, this program will take students to Bishops Head in Maryland’s Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to learn about the natural history and ecology of this remote area, by getting out on the water and mucking around in the marsh. Day trips on Monday and Friday will introduce students to the parameters by which Bay health is measured and the importance of forest in protecting the Bay.
Day trip Monday, Overnight Tuesday - Thursday | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 3
Early History and Geology of the Bay
Driving Question(s):
How have geological processes shaped the Chesapeake Bay region over thousands of years, and what insights do they offer into its environmental history?
What archaeological evidence exists within the Chesapeake Bay area, and how can it help us understand the lives and cultures of early human inhabitants?
How do geology and archaeology enhance our understanding of the dynamic relationship between humans and the environment in the Chesapeake Bay region throughout history?
Embark on a captivating journey through time, delving into the geological and archaeological treasures of the Chesapeake Bay. Dive into hands-on experiences as we uncover the ancient secrets hidden beneath the Bay's waters and shores, exploring how its geological formations and archaeological findings offer insight into early human history and environmental changes.
Day trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 2 | Comfort: 1 *Open to 9th, 10th, and 11th
Student Residential Waiver and Packing List
Sultana Day Trip Canoeing Packing List
Survival on the Upper Chesapeake
Driving Question:
How have animals and humans survived in the Chester River watershed?
Led in partnership with Sultana Education Foundation, explore the Delmarva Peninsula and its quiet and scenic waterways by canoe as you paddle key stretches of the Chester River. Students will learn how animals and humans have survived along the Chester River for thousands of years, mixing ecology with survival skills by gaining hands-on experience with fire and shelter building, knot tying and canoeing.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty 2 | Comfort 2/3
CBEC Waiver #1
CBEC Waiver #2
The Ecology of Invasive and Native Species
Driving Question:
How do invasive species impact the health of the Chesapeake Bay?
Native and invasive species are an important part of the history, ecology and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay. Join staff in a physically active exploration, deep diving into invasive species and their impact on Bay ecology. You will see how invasives interact and compete with the native species of the Bay. Every day, you will be hiking, biking, or kayaking in a new location, studying a new species, and making connections along the way.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty 2 | Comfort 2/3
EXPERIENTIAL DEEP DIVES
10th & 11th Grade
Gunston Overnight Form and Packing List
Immersion into the Ecology and History of the Chesapeake Bay
Driving Question:
What is the history of resource use on the Delmarva peninsula and what are the current and future strategies for sustainable resource use?
Offered in partnership with Sultana Education Foundation, this course will examine past and present ecological practices and investigate further strategies for sustainable resource use. The week offers students who love to fish and explore the opportunity to learn more about the science and history that underlie the nature of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students will travel all over the Delmarva peninsula to investigate current and past relationships with fisheries, wildlife and land use. Students will camp, kayak, and explore areas near Blackwater Wildlife Refuge and Janes Island State Park.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 5
Native American History & Culture
Driving Question:
How does engaging with sites, stories, and contemporary Native voices change our understanding of Native history in the Chesapeake watershed?
Explore the history and continued presence of Native peoples in the Chesapeake watershed through visits to key historical and cultural sites, beginning in Kent County and traveling across the Chesapeake Bay, concluding at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Students will taste Native-inspired foods, meet with museum curators, community artists, and folklorists, all while examining early interactions between Native communities and settlers and the rise of removal and assimilation policies.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
From Colonization to Globalization
Driving Question:
Why is the Chesapeake Bay region so important to contemporary global history?
Over the past 400 years, the Chesapeake Bay region has been central to the major forces of political, economic, military, agricultural, environmental & climate, and social development on the North American continent and beyond. This trip seeks to explore how the Chesapeake region transitioned from its Native American roots to becoming a ‘global superpower’ by visiting Historic Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Norfolk & the Nauticus Museum, Charlottesville (home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello) and Washington, DC.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 3 *open to 10th, 11th & 12th
Iron Chef, Chesapeake
Driving Question:
How is food grown, produced, and served in our region?
Food production and farming are critical parts of our local environment. This year’s focus is on the culinary side of the farm-to-table trend. Be ready to tromp through fields and carry the harvest to the kitchen! Through this experience, students will learn basic cooking skills, cook on a daily basis, and focus on local farms and restaurants around the Chesapeake.
Day trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
Arts of the Chesapeake
Driving Question:
How do observation, scientific inquiry, and creative practice change the way we experience and protect the Chesapeake Bay?
Partnering with Chestertown RiverArts to create a handmade book, students begin the week with a blank canvas they will fill through an immersive exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. Guided by scientists, artists, and authors, students participate in creative workshops in science writing, eco poetry, photography, and painting, capturing the Bay’s landscapes, wildlife, and stories. By the end of the week, each student’s book becomes a personal record of learning and creativity, blending environmental education with artistic expression and fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lasting sense of stewardship for the Chesapeake.
Day trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
Packing List for Philosophy of Nature
Philosophy of Nature, Terrapin Adventures Waiver
Into the Wild: Shenandoah
Driving Question:
In what ways is wilderness changing? Is the human perspective on wilderness changing too?
Spend five days immersed in Appalachia as you explore Harpers Ferry and Shenandoah National Park, hiking along major geological features such as Old Rag Mountain and Luray Caverns. Students will hike 4-6 miles per day along the Appalachian Trail and learn about the ever changing values, features, and consequences of wilderness in our Watershed.
Away Overnight (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 5 | Comfort: 5
CLIMATE & COMPARATIVE COURSES
11th & 12th Grade
Sustainability in Art and Action
Driving Questions:
How can we use art to explore, inspire, and take action toward a more sustainable future?
Spend a week discovering how creativity and sustainability truly come to life through hands-on exploration and bold artistic expression. Students will kick things off with a full day of outdoor adventure, exploring the local landscape and responsibly collecting naturally shed materials—leaves, driftwood, seed pods, and stones—while learning about ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. They’ll then spend an inspiring day with Chestertown RiverArts, transforming their found materials into imaginative, sustainable art projects guided by local artists. Throughout the rest of the week, students will experiment with different artistic styles and mediums while exploring how art can challenge perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire real action toward a more sustainable future. By the end of the program, they won’t just have created artwork—they’ll have discovered how their creativity can make an impact.
Day Trips (Monday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 1 | Comfort: 1
CBF Residential Packing List
Health Form
Islands Out of Time
Driving Questions:
How do science, culture, and human choices shape the future of islands threatened by sea-level rise?
Offered in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and based out of Port Isobel, this program invites students to investigate sea-level rise in the Chesapeake Bay and its impact on the culturally significant Tangier Island community—an island that is rapidly disappearing despite widespread skepticism of climate change. Students will explore the complex forces affecting water levels and will first visit the man-made Poplar Island to examine coastal resilience and restoration efforts before traveling to Tangier Island to compare engineered solutions with the challenges facing a historic, inhabited community
Day trip Monday, Overnight Tuesday-Thursday | Difficulty: 3 | Comfort: 4
Climate Change and Agriculture
Driving Question:
How are climate change and agricultural practices connected?
Investigate how climate change is impacting agriculture in this hands-on course. Agriculture is one of the leading industries on the Eastern Shore and as such is a leading contributor of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. Yet, agricultural practices and engaging with farmers needs to be part of the solution. Students will visit farms, talk with stakeholders, and make connections between climate science and farming.
Day trips Monday, -Thursday | Difficulty: 2-3 | Comfort: 1-2
Eastern Shore of Virginia
Driving Questions:
How is the Eastern Shore of Virginia being impacted by climate change and what social and environmental factors exist to make the region more resilient?
Students who join this trip will explore the very southern reaches of the Delmarva peninsula. This region provides students the opportunity to compare and contrast the Chesapeake Bay with the nearby ocean and barrier island environment. Students will experience paddles, scientific collection, barrier island visits, and historical studies in order to understand the relative level of resilience these areas have against climate change.
Away overnight (Sunday- Friday) | Difficulty: 3-4 | Comfort: 3
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Driving Question:
How is the Grand Canyon and Colorado River being impacted by climate change and what measures are being taken to combat it?
Students participating in this trip will spend a week exploring the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. They will hike daily to study the geology, ecology, and history of the region while actively comparing the impacts of climate change on the Colorado River Basin and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The trip includes a tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, a hike to Horseshoe Bend, and a trek along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon itself. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Navajo Nation.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3-4 | Comfort: 3
Charleston, South Carolina
Driving question:
How have Charleston’s natural resources and historical systems shaped its vulnerability to climate change, and how is the city adapting today?
This trip to Charleston, South Carolina provides an educational experience that combines environmental learning, sustainability, and history. Students will explore the city’s coastal ecosystem and learn how Charleston works to protect its wetlands, wildlife, and natural resources through sustainable practices. The trip also highlights the area’s rich and complex history with visits to Boone Plantation to understand plantation life and slavery, Fort Sumter to examine Charleston’s role in the Civil War, and historic sites such as St. Christopher that showcases the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Away overnight (Sunday - Thursday) | Difficulty: 3-4 | Comfort: 3