Cultural Connections Trip: State

Our goal is for every boy to experience the benefits of joining this program and preparing them to be a global citizen. Scholarships are available via the He Family Foundation Scholarship for Cultural Expeditions.

Please use this form to apply for a scholarship.

PDS will utilize the same information provided for your Variable Tuition application to determine eligibility and scholarship amount for Cultural Expedition Program. If you are applying for a CEP Scholarship and not enrolled in our variable tuition program, please contact the Business Office for more information.

Tony Rudzena oversees the trip and will be accompanied by several faculty, including Head of School Brad Sewell, as well as Palmer Albertine, Paul Warner, Mark Fruitt, one additional 4th grade homeroom teacher, and our school nurse Alice Ball. Faculty act in a similar capacity to a camp counselor if your son has been to a summer camp. Throughout the trip, each boy will be part of a smaller group supervised by a faculty member. Communications will be sent during the trip via Remind App with pictures of your son each day.

4th Grade - April 24-26, 2024

On this TN trip, we will be staying at two overnight camps (that are very similar to an overnight camp our 5th and 6th grade boys stay at when they go to Victory Ranch). Boys will sleep in cabins that have a large room with multiple bunk beds with a chaperone in an adjoining room. The boys will be monitored by chaperones. 

The cost is $750 covering overnight camps, meals, charter bus, tour guides, and chaperones. Food costs for three meals and souvenirs are excluded.

Food costs are included for the meals we have at the overnight camps. The cost of two lunches, and one dinner will be each boy’s responsibility. This is a chance for boys to foster independence on these cultural expedition trips.  We suggest that each student budget $20 for each lunch and dinner. Faculty will help boys look after and allocate their money as needed or requested.

We strongly recommend that boys refrain from carrying too much cash by giving excess amounts to their group leader.  They may bring a card if that’s easier. Each morning, group leaders will distribute as much cash as needed. Bring additional money if you plan to buy souvenirs, eat larger than normal portions, or buy snacks.

We recommend dressing with layers that can be removed or worn as the weather dictates, such as a PDS collared shirt and sweatshirt with a rainproof windbreaker.  We always provide a packing list of items to be worn on the trip. 

Yes. The boys will adhere to the PDS dress code while on the trip. The day we visit the State Capitol, students will need to wear PDS spirit shirts or hoodies.

Additionally, no baseball caps are allowed.

Each year may be different, depending on availability.  We will typically stay at Indian Creek Camp and the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont.

Electronics are not allowed on Cultural Expedition Trips. Daily communications are sent through Remind App and trip chaperones.

Yes you are allowed to bring a bag.