Fourth Grade Parents,
We are just about three weeks away before your son departs for an exciting and unforgettable educational journey through the state of Tennessee.
We are including a few updates and reminders for you below. Please carefully read all the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please take time to review the most frequently asked questions about the trip.
Trip Leaders:
Brad Sewell, Tony Rudzena, Palmer Albertine, Mark Fruit, Alice Ball, and Terri Jarratt.
Each faculty member will serve as the equivalent to a camp counselor while traveling. Each faculty member will be assigned a few boys to their group. PDS will send a list of groups and assigned faculty members in our next communication.
If you have any questions, please email or contact your group leader once groups are released.
Permission Form and Waivers
Please complete the online trip permission form by April 19th.
You will need to fill out a waiver for Tremont Institute. Your son will bring home the Tremont Waiver form, and all you will have to fill out is the Name portion and Diet/Allergy portion and then sign. You do not need to fill anything else out on Tremont Form. Your son is to turn in the Tremont Waiver form to Mr. Rudzena by Friday April 19th.
Packing List
Boys will follow the PDS dress code while traveling. We ask that each boy bring a PDS hoodie or long sleeve PDS shirt for a couple of group pictures.
Each student is to have one suitcase and one backpack. The average temperatures in Nashville for late April are: 74°F (High) and 53°F (Low). For Knoxville: 74°F (High) and 51°F (Low). Please be mindful of the temperatures as you pack for the trip.
- Backpack
- Raincoat / poncho (no umbrellas)
- We will take two group photos while on the trip in PDS attire. We will notify the boys of the days they are to wear PDS attire. We ask that each boy bring a PDS hoodie or long sleeve PDS shirt.
- Each day of the trip will follow PDS dress code.
- 1 pair comfortable walking shoes
- Sleeping attire
- Spending money (small bills if possible) / secure wallet
- Toiletry items (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, brush/comb).
- Camera
- Medication (if needed) in ziploc bag labeled
- Pillow
- Sleeping Bag
- Towel
THINGS NOT TO BRING
- Phones / tablet / computers / gaming devices
Medications
Please give any prescription and over-the-counter medications with instructions to Mrs. Alice Ball, our school nurse, by Monday April 22nd
All medication for your son should be turned in to Nurse Ball by Monday, April 22nd.Â
Bus Departure
We will arrive at PDS at 7:15am to load up our Charter Bus and depart for Nashville. More details on the logistics of drop off will be provided in the next communication.
Lodging
Indian Creek Camp
Great Smoky Mountains at Tremont
Remind App
Pictures of the boys’ experiences in Tennessee will be sent via the Remind app. Please text 81010 with message: @pdstn or click this link.
Food Costs
The cost of two lunches, and a dinner will be each boy’s responsibility. We suggest providing $20 for each meal for a total of $60. If you want your son to purchase snacks and/or souvenirs, you will want to send more money with him.
You may wish to send cash with your son (if so, please place it in an envelope). His group leader will help him keep track of his meals and budget.
This is an excellent opportunity to foster independence in our boys. If you are concerned about your son keeping up with his money, you may give this to his group leader before we get on the bus to depart. They will distribute his money as needed.
If you prefer to send him with a credit card, please let your group leader know. We highly suggest using a Greenlight card. Boys have been having trouble with Gift Cards at many food venues in the past few trips, so we will strongly encourage you to NOT use a gift card.
