O'Neal Students Embark on Memorable Class Trips Across the Region
From the mountains of North Carolina to the nation's capital and the Carolina coast, students in grades 5 through 12 spent September 2-4 exploring, learning, and building connections during The O'Neal School's annual Class Trip Week.
Designed to strengthen class communities while providing meaningful educational and experiential opportunities, the trips offered students a diverse range of adventures that blended leadership, teamwork, history, college exploration, and outdoor learning.
Fifth-grade students traveled to Camp Rockfish, where they enjoyed a traditional overnight camp experience filled with team-building activities, archery, outdoor wilderness skills, boating, zip lining, campfires, and challenge courses. Throughout the three-day excursion, students developed confidence, cooperation, and problem-solving skills while creating lasting memories with classmates.
Sixth graders headed to Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk for a mountain adventure featuring kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, axe throwing, zip lining, and campfire gatherings. Before returning home, students explored Linville Caverns, adding an educational component to an experience centered on teamwork, personal growth, and outdoor exploration.
The seventh-grade class traveled to North Carolina's Outer Banks, where history, science, and environmental education came alive. Students visited Somerset Place, Roanoke Island Festival Park, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Jennette's Pier, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the Coastal Studies Institute. They also climbed the dunes at Jockey's Ridge, visited the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and searched for Corolla's famous wild horses while learning about the state's unique coastal ecosystems and rich history.
Eighth-grade students journeyed to Washington, D.C., for an immersive study of American history and government. Their itinerary included visits to Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford's Theatre, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Archives, where students viewed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The class also explored many of the nation's most iconic monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln, Jefferson, Korean War, Vietnam Veterans, World War II, and Washington memorials, while gaining firsthand insight into the country's civic institutions.
Ninth graders spent their class trip at Camp Caraway, participating in a variety of team-building experiences and outdoor challenges. Activities included a zip line, climbing wall, sitting volleyball, Bazooka Ball, swimming, lake activities, hiking, karaoke, scavenger hunts, and campfire gatherings. The experience emphasized resilience, leadership, and strengthening the bonds within the freshman class.
Sophomore students combined college exploration with outdoor adventure as they traveled through North Carolina's High Country. The group toured High Point University and Appalachian State University, gaining valuable exposure to college life and future academic opportunities. Students also challenged themselves on the high ropes course at High Gravity Adventures in Blowing Rock and visited Grandfather Mountain, one of the state's most iconic natural landmarks.
The junior class traveled to South Carolina, where they explored several colleges and universities, including the University of South Carolina, the College of Charleston, and Charleston Southern University. Students also experienced the city's rich history through visits to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and the USS Yorktown while spending time exploring historic downtown Charleston.
For members of the senior class, the annual trip to Nantahala National Forest marked the beginning of their final year at O'Neal. The longstanding tradition provided opportunities for reflection, community building, and celebrating friendships developed throughout their school journey. Surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, seniors spent meaningful time together as they prepared for the year ahead and the milestones that await them.
Class Trip Week remains one of O'Neal's most cherished traditions, providing students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom while strengthening relationships with their peers and teachers. Whether exploring historical landmarks, visiting college campuses, studying unique ecosystems, or tackling outdoor challenges, students returned to campus with new perspectives, stronger friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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