Erdkinder Camping Trip

Each fall, Carmel’s High School/Erdkinder students head out on an annual camping trip that brings together science, outdoor learning, independence, and community.

The trip connects to the science focus of that year, allowing students to take what they are studying in the classroom and experience it in the world around them. For example, the 2026 focus on Physics and Physical Science takes learning out onto the dunes, the water, and the surrounding landscape, where students can explore physics through hands-on activities and experiments.

Just as important is learning how to travel and live together as a group. Students practice camping skills while working cooperatively to set up camp, prepare meals over the fire, hike together, care for their shared space, and eventually break down camp. Everyone has a role, and students learn to rely on one another, contribute to the group, solve problems, and adapt when things don’t go exactly as planned.

There is plenty of room for fun, too. Time spent hiking, exploring, sitting around the fire, and simply being together makes the camping trip an important bonding experience for the Erdkinder community.

With a different science focus each year, the experience changes, but the heart of the trip remains the same: learning together, taking on responsibility, spending time outdoors, and growing as a community.