In Maine and in Michigan, along the calm Boundary Waters and through the rushing rapids of the Salmon River, Principia Upper School students engage in weeklong “character trips” each fall.

While locations and specific activities may vary, the aim of these expeditions is the same across all grades: to move beyond the sometimes individual, independent nature of traditional learning by intentionally creating challenges and opportunities for collaboration, group decision-making, and leadership.

Despite—and because of—often being out of their comfort zones, our students discover that they can step up to the challenge and express perseverance, grit, leadership, and follower-ship. Find out how Principia students and faculty are transferring and applying these lessons to academics and campus life.