Experiential Education, Camp Torreys Style

Determined not to let COVID-19 completely disrupt the annual Experiential Education week (yet again), the Upper School team reimagined (or dare we say, pivoted) the programming to give students a week to remember. 

Dubbed Camp Torreys, students participated in a series of weeklong on-campus activities that promoted wellness, learning, camaraderie and joy. 

While the typical local and out-of-state programming, including college trips, service projects and outdoor adventures were canceled, the faculty stepped up to host a range of activities on campus.

“We knew we wanted to maintain the principles of Experiential Education—bonding and team building,” says Hadley Zeavin. “One of the things that’s great about our EE program is that we offer a lot of different activities, and we wanted to make sure that was the same for Camp Torreys.”

Students selected from options, including virtual college visits, art exploration, baseball fun, film studies, mindfulness and meditation, quilting, tie-dye workshop, spoken word, yoga, crossword challenge, team tournaments and more.

“Each day the faculty and staff (me included) got the opportunity to interact with the students, who were present in ways that aren’t always an option under normal circumstances,” shares Head of Upper School Tom Trocano. “We learned a lot about our students and each other by interacting, competing and engaging with them in the various formats. The goal of learning about and getting to know each other was clearly advanced. It was simply amazing.”