Bullis Blog | Global Studies Trips

Dear Bullis Community, We ended our final day in the Florida Keys with fabulous bucket-list memories of swimming with dolphins, snorkeling among octopus, parrotfish, and massive (but docile) barracuda! The other bus ended the week by visiting the Turtle Hospital to learn about how marine scientists are aiding turtles afflicted with "bubble butt," which occurs when sea turtles are struck by boats and their equilibrium is compromised. The students got up close and personal with the testudine patients, and a few brave kids even adopted a sea turtle before heading to Robbie’s Marina to feed wild tarpon! The two groups convened for a poolside pizza party while the Florida sun set behind us. The group reflected on our action-packed week by watching student-created PSAs about how to protect the marine environment, and by sharing "roses and thorns" (highlights and challenges of the week) before hitting the hay in anticipation of an EARLY alarm in order to conquer the secu...

Greetings Bullis community, Wednesday greeted us in classic Florida Keys fashion—with a bright, cloudless sky overhead and crystal-blue waters all around us. Students experienced the Sea Turtle Hospital, more kayaking through brackish mangrove waters, and snorkeling off a dive boat during perfect conditions! We learned that the Florida Reef Tract is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Please enjoy the day's recap from the 7th graders themselves below: "When we first started our day, we walked in the warm air to breakfast. We ate a delicious breakfast with pancakes and bacon. Then we headed to the bus where our tour guide sang us a morning song that we do every morning. Next, we drove to John Pennekamp to go kayaking! Kayaking was super fun. We learned about the different mangroves and the colors of them which are red, black, and white. Then we pulled our kayaks into the water and started...

Hi all, We completed another fabulous day in the Keys and closed our visit with locally made ice cream, talent shows, and gratitude circles for the time we spent together. Students received shout-outs from each other for leaning into situations that are out of their normal comfort zone (from "I am NOT going snorkeling" to being the last one out of the water) and being overall community contributors. We reflected on individual daily highlights, such as feeding tarpons at Robbies Marina, as well as week-long highlights, like exercising responsibilities: setting their own iPhone alarms in the morning, showing up to the bus on time with all the materials necessary for a successful day (sunscreen and water—sunscreen, and water!!!), and keeping track of their materials. So, tomorrow we return your 7th graders to you a little pinker and more tired than you left them, but definitely more mature and experienced in the marine wonders of South Florida. Sammi HB "We walked acr...

Hi all, During our short stay in the Keys, our students have repeatedly practiced being mindful explorers; Bus 1 kayaked the mangroves and snorkeled the coral cay archipelago, while Bus 2 exemplified being caring global citizens by adopting sea turtles at The Sea Turtles Hospital and asking engaging questions about rehabilitation efforts. Today's pristine weather provided ample opportunities for bonding at Sombrero Beach and floating atop a reef. Please read below for the daily highlights, which are straight from our travel journalists. Benji S. "We kicked off the day early in the morning by kayaking. We explored the mangroves with a partner and practiced valuable teamwork skills. My favorite part of the day was snorkeling. Today, our bus went out into the ocean to explore the reefs and beauty of the sea. I saw many colorful and unique animals, including a giant blue fish with sharp teeth. Today was an amazing action-packed day, and I'm so excited to see what's t...

Hi all, First of all, you may have seen the fires in the Keys. We are safe, just a little inconvenienced by the immense traffic buildup. We also do not have internet at the hotel due to the fires, so please excuse any brevity or typos as I attempt to type this from my small phone.  On the bright side, the kids love the extra bus time together!  Today's activities included education at the Dolphin Training Center, beach snorkeling, kayaking through the mangroves, watercolor painting at sunset, and bonding during beach time. Here are the descriptions from the kids themselves: Cayla G. Wow, what an awesome day! I woke up and went to a tasty breakfast. After that, I hopped on a bus and learned all about the Florida Keys! We even went to the beach to try snorkeling, and I saw an old shipwreck. Then, we went to a dolphin center, where I got to ride with the dolphins! It was a little surprising when I went first and got a face full of saltwater, but it was still fun! We relaxed in ...

Hello! We've arrived safely in Key Largo after a looooong day of travel and adventure in the Everglades. Students viewed the wildlife from airboats, on foot, tram, and even by flashlight during an evening walk to spot nighttime predators in hunting action. It was Gator Nation down here in the Sunshine State! Please read below as some students describe their experiences in their own words: Ava N. Our first day in Florida consisted of many activities, including taking a tram tour through the Everglades National Park. Although the sun beat down on our backs, it was incredible to see the crocodiles, birds, and alligators! When we passed by a crocodile so close it could've snapped an arm or leg off, everybody took memorable photos. The fabulous fish in the crystal clear water swam with passion. As we walked up the tower, it felt as though we were on top of the world. Today was only day one, but we are already excited about the upcoming activities on our trip. Mariah R. Wal...

Good evening Bullis parents and community, Dolphins were the clear and obvious highlight of the day for our 7th graders. Our groups visited two different dolphin sanctuaries, where we learned about these majestic cetacea, derived from the Greek word for whale, kētos. Students absorbed information about their relationships and history in helping humans, their anatomical features, and participated in a dolphin training simulation based on reward and motivation. But the best part of the day was actually swimming with the dolphins; they were well-trained hosts who welcomed us to their cove as we hitched rides across the water's surface and stole kisses from the cheeky ones.  We also spent time snorkeling and kayaking, and one lucky group dissected squid in an outdoor classroom at sunset. Tomorrow holds more interactive opportunities with marine life. And more slices of key lime pie! From the journalists in their own words: The wind screamed toward Grace and l as we inched toward...