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.