Every Friday, Carmel students take their learning beyond campus and into the community. Through field trips, visits to Chicago, and community service, students experience the world around them while building independence, awareness, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a community.

The Bike/Trike Hike is a favorite annual tradition at Carmel and our first field trip of each school year. Students of all ages spend the day outdoors riding, playing, and learning to look out for one another while building independence, patience, and a strong sense of community.

A favorite Carmel fall tradition, the annual trip to Jonomac Orchard brings students and families together for apple picking, cider donuts, outdoor activities, and plenty of time to explore. Paired with the Barn Dance, it’s a tradition that stays with families—often bringing former Carmel families back to celebrate with the community year after year.

Each fall, Carmel’s Erdkinder students head out on an annual camping trip where science, outdoor learning, and community come together. Students explore the year’s science focus while learning camping skills, preparing meals, hiking, solving problems, and sharing the responsibilities of life at camp. It’s a chance to learn beyond the classroom, build independence, and grow closer as a group.

Each year, Carmel’s high school students take an extended history trip as part of their curriculum, bringing what they study to life through firsthand experiences. Recent trips have taken students to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., where they explore historic sites, museums, and landmarks while learning together beyond the classroom.

Every three years, Carmel’s High School students take their learning beyond the classroom with an international history trip. Traveling together allows students to experience the history, culture, art, and places they have studied while building independence and creating memories as a community.