Upcoming trips

A hands-on sustainability and engineering experience focused on reusing materials that are commonly thrown away. • Students will explore plastics, glass, cans, textiles, organics, and the circular economy. • They'll use the engineering design process and problem-based learning to create something new. • Adults are welcome; field experience pricing is arranged by the school.

Students will step into a real startup environment, brainstorm ideas, experiment with AI, collaborate in small groups, and BUILD. • Parents are absolutely welcome to join us. • Because this is designed to give older students space to focus, collaborate, and build, we kindly ask that younger siblings sit this one out when possible. • We completely understand that childcare is not always easy to arrange—please reach out if that creates a challenge for your family.

A service-and-give-back experience supporting childhood cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand. • Families should link up with other Elysium and RIPPLE families to schedule their service opportunity. • Students will also join a Zoom conversation with Dr. Samuel Brady, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientist with a PhD in Cancer Biology, to connect their service to real-world cancer research. Times will vary.

Students will explore how cities are designed through a walking tour and hands-on activity. • We'll learn what the Urban Design Center does and how design decisions shape the places where we live, work, and play. • Students will also explore careers in urban design, architecture, city planning, and related fields. Time to be confirmed.

A full science field experience in Uptown Charlotte with grade-level programming. • 6th grade: Geometry & Design Lab. • Older students: planned Tech Lab + AI experience, including real-world discussion of how AI can increase efficiency in industry. • Free lunch space is included. Chaperone ratio is 1 adult per 10 students. • RSVP/payment information will be shared with families; school planning deadline is September 3.

A relaxed community day with our RIPPLE friends. Final movie, time, and location will be shared once confirmed. Status: TENTATIVE.

A fall community field experience at Historic Rural Hill with RIPPLE. • Final arrival time, cost, sibling guidance, and parent/chaperone details will be shared closer to the event.

Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Charlotte-Mecklenburg prepares for and responds to major emergencies. • Hosted with Paige Grande, Public Information Officer and Community Preparedness Coordinator. • We'll explore emergency preparedness, crisis communication, coordination of resources, and careers in emergency management and public safety. Time to be confirmed.

Students will decorate a trunk, bring candy, and help create an amazing Trunk or Treat experience for RIPPLE students. • The primary purpose of this event is service: showing up, helping, and creating something special for others. • At the end, Elysium students will also have a chance to participate in the Trunk or Treat. Time to be confirmed.

Students will explore the engineering and physics behind indoor skydiving—and then put the science to the test. • Topics include forces, motion, aerodynamics, gravity, and wind-tunnel engineering. • Waiver required. • Bring lunch for 12:30. • Final school headcount/payment is due October 28. • Capacity is limited to 26 students.

A creative field experience exploring art, design, craftsmanship, and how artists and designers turn ideas into something tangible. • Students will look at creativity and design in the world around them and connect museum work to creative careers. • Specific lesson/tour details will be shared once finalized.

A service-focused Friday with RIPPLE. Details and participation instructions will be shared closer to the date. Remote service experience / time to be confirmed.

A holiday service opportunity with RIPPLE. Final volunteer roles, timing, and family details will be shared closer to the event.

Students will enjoy an educational version of The Nutcracker and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the performance is produced. • During intermission, the curtains will open so students can see how the production comes together. • Headcount needed by November 15.

A community connection day with RIPPLE's 5th graders. More details will be shared as the plan is finalized. Status: PLANNED.

January 8 is being kept light as participating students prepare for the Future City competition on January 9. Calendar note for relevant student teams.

Current planning includes a Lowe's-connected experience for 6th grade and Science at RIPPLE for older students. Status: IN PLANNING. Time and location(s) to be confirmed.

We are working on an innovation-focused experience exploring how AI is changing the way creative teams and businesses work. Status: IN PLANNING. Time and location to be confirmed.