Field Trips

Essential is taking a field trip!  Join other Essential families for this special opportunity. RESERVATION DUE DATE:  Monday, September 26th What if I have younger students?  You can also bring them, but it will be VERY important that you keep them close to you and watch them to keep them from disrupting the presentations.  American Village is an outdoor venue, so you can walk them around to other parts of the village while our group is having an activity that does not interest younger students. Can my students come independently or can they be dropped off?  Please contact Kristy at kristy@essentialchurchschool.org before securing your tickets.  A waiver will be required to be signed by the parent and to give us emergency contact information. What if our family does not reside in Shelby County?  You will have to pay the entrance fee for your attending students.  Only Shelby County STUDENTS receive special admission. What will we do on this field trip? Independence! is the newest program at the American Village, and is centered around a new building - the West Wing of Independence Hall. The new building features an immersive exhibition space and a multi-sensory theatre, designed to fully engage students in the struggle for American independence. An opening play takes place just outside the West Wing of Independence Hall. Once inside, students are transported back to revolutionary Boston on the eve of Paul Revere’s ride. From the foyer, students move into the multi-sensory theatre, where they see an original film that takes then on a journey from Paul Revere’s ride to the battles at Lexington and Concord, to the Continental Congress, and ultimately the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In addition to the experiences in the West Wing of Independence Hall, students take part in the Yorktown Encampment, learn about medical practices in the Continental Army, attend the 5th Virginia Convention and argue for independence, meet the Sons of Liberty and carry a secret message vital to the patriots’ cause. Can people outside of Essential attend?  They can, but they need to wait to reserve their spaces until after our school families have had an opportunity.  Reservations will open on the BHC website on Friday, September 16th for any open spaces. Adults MUST secure/pay for their admissions. Please make sure you only use the CHILD RSVP for Children 4 years old and younger. ***Payment - click the PayPal button, and you will be able to choose credit/debit card inside the popup***  

Join us for a field trip to explore and learn about water's role in nature and life.  Our day will include a craft, nature hike, and even an edible educational activity! Although this field trip will be geared toward our elementary students, the whole family is welcome to attend.  Young children (ages 4 and under) will need to be kept with parent at all times, and they will not participate in crafts/activities requiring use of materials.  Strollers are welcome, but the hike will not be on a paved path. Students will be divided up by grade level for the benefit of instructors, but let us know if you prefer to keep your family together in one group. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together onsite before leaving. Please reserve your tickets BEFORE October 24th - Camp Fletcher needs time to secure all the materials needed for our group.

Let's join together for a holiday season favorite!  The Alabama Ballet offers a school show performance of this timeless classic each school year, and we are reserving seats for homeschool families. Use the form below to reserve your seats BEFORE November 18th.  We have to make an advance reservation for best seats. Please note that this event is only for ages 4 and up.  Little ones will not be allowed to attend.  In addition, an adult must be with your students. FREE for students ages 4 and up $26.50 for adults

Let's enjoy a wonderful holiday tradition together! Essential is offering this field trip opportunity in collaboration with BHC.  Visit the website at https://birminghamhomeschoolers.com/event/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker-2/ Don't forget to use the BHC Discount Code for Essential families - Visit your Member Page for that coupon code.

We are excited to be invited to join the Southern Museum of Flight for a FREE tour and screening of a historical documentary about Black Aviators. 9:30- “The Space Race “ Film 10:45- “The Space Race” Q&A 11:15- Black Aviators Tour But, we need your RSVP today - by Friday, February 23rd. This tour is appropriate for students in grades 3-12.   FREE for those participating in both the tour and screening. Younger siblings may need to stay with parent and explore the museum independently if they must attend with older siblings.  This could involve museum admission.  

CREEK KIDS PROGRAM – Outdoor Field Trip at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park We have only 40 spots available. Make your reservation today! Offered by Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Aquatic Education Program and Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Follows Alabama Science Course of Study for 3rd-5th grade Located at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla, AL 9 am – 12 pm Wading in the creek, train ride, netting fish & aquatic insects, trail walk, watershed model, and PowerPoint Also includes tour of Ironworks Museum, use of playground & pavilion Tannehill’s entry fee is $5.00 per attendee (we will contact you if this needs to be collected before we arrive onsite) Families coming with other students who are not grades 3-5 can explore the park independently.  The parents and other students cannot participate with the group.

CREEK KIDS PROGRAM – Outdoor Field Trip at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park We have only 30 spots available. Make your reservation today! Offered by Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Aquatic Education Program and Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Follows Alabama Science Course of Study for 6th-7th grade Located at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla, AL 9 am – 12 pm Wading in the creek, train ride, netting fish & aquatic insects, trail walk, watershed model, and PowerPoint Also includes tour of Ironworks Museum, use of playground & pavilion Tannehill’s entry fee is $5.00 per attendee (we will contact you if this needs to be collected before we arrive onsite) Families coming with other students who are not grades 6-7 can explore the park independently.  The parents and other students cannot participate with the group.