By Audrey Bartlett

About halfway through the Semester program, Island School students embark on one of the most transformative (and anticipated) parts of the experience: expeditions. 

During these multi-day trips, students venture away from our campus in South Eleuthera and immerse themselves in the community and nature that surrounds them, challenging themselves to grow in ways they never expected, building new relationships, and developing new perspectives. 

Students are divided into four expedition groups and cycle through two rounds of expeditions. During the first round, two groups set off on an eight-day kayak trip, while the other two groups embark on a five-day down-island trip. After a few days of rest back on campus, groups switch and experience the trip they didn’t go on the first time. This provides the opportunity to have a well-rounded experience—seeing the island from different perspectives and gaining experiences that will stick with them beyond their time at The Island School.

Kayak: Growth through Challenge 

During their eight-day kayak trip, students paddle around the “whale tail” of South Eleuthera for a total of around 34 miles of open water. 

Within their first few days on campus, students hear the motto “you can do hard things.” Many students are reminded of this phrase during their kayak trip. While students started their semester with a four-day kayak excursion, eight days feels like a significantly longer time away from the comforts of campus and their peers. This part of expeditions also includes a 48-hour solo, where students camp alone to have time to fully unplug, reflect, and engage with nature. Even though our students prepare throughout the semester with Querencia—dedicated alone time in which students return to the same spot near campus for quiet meditation—48 hours alone on the beaches of the Bahamas without speaking to anyone else can feel daunting for many. 

Despite the initial apprehension, students return from kayak with stronger relationships and increased confidence, as well as stories and experiences they will never forget. 

Student Reflections: Kayak

Ethan, a Semester student, found that the most magical part of kayaking was bonding with peers during challenging situations. He recalls navigating a tricky channel while their expedition leader called out instructions as they paddled as fast as they could. It is in moments of teamwork like these that the strongest connections are forged. 

Emerald, a Semester student, shared the importance of community during kayaking. Even tasks such as paddling a tandem kayak meant learning to always have someone else’s back and being there for your group. This interdependence quickly builds community. “We kind of all understood, we all had one goal in mind,” Emerald said, “But being with each other made it more feasible.” 

The solo experience proved to be equally transformative. “I have never really been on my own and really having to do stuff for myself, so it made me realize to be grateful for what I have,” Ethan said. “What I’ve learned from being on solo is the simple Island School saying ‘you can do hard things.’”  

Kayaking is an exciting and challenging adventure, which means it’s not always easy. This trip challenges the students in ways they might not have even realized, but on top of seeing the beauty of the island, it shows them what they are capable of, which is far more than they think. 

Down Island Trip: Building a Deeper Sense of Place 

One of the main pillars here at The Island School is a sense of place, and the Down Island Trip (DIT) exemplifies this principle in action. 

This part of expeditions is designed to get students out in the community of Eleuthera, exposing them to Bahamian culture in authentic and meaningful ways. While campus life provides a strong foundation, DIT pushes students to engage with the cultural and natural landscape of this island and develop a sense of place beyond the campus perimeters. Their travels span the length of the island, from South Eleuthera all the way up to Spanish Wells, stopping to explore and interact with the local communities along the way, such as Harbour Island, Gregory Town, and the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, just to name a few. 

What makes this trip truly special for the students is the human element. Throughout their journey, they don’t just pass through settlements, but take the time to talk with locals, learn about their businesses, and gain insight into daily life on Eleuthera. Ursula, a Semester student, said the most memorable part of the trip was getting to interview people in the settlements, and she truly enjoyed how friendly and eager to chat people are around Eleuthera. For George, another Semester student, these interactions opened his eyes and expanded his concept of the island’s dynamics and how different each settlement can be.

Not only did students get to know the communities they visited, but they also built community with one another. Spending five days crammed into a van and camping at night can feel tricky, but it’s an experience that brings you closer and pushes you to grow. George, a Semester student, recounts how things did not always go as planned, but it was these moments that helped him grow both as a leader and a friend. Throughout the trip, students learn to appreciate the little moments, such as the rainbows, sunsets, conversations, and jokes along the way, creating memories that only those on the trip will share.

Lessons Beyond Expeditions

The impact of these expeditions extends far beyond the students’ time at The Island School. It provides them with experiences that will shape their future. Students reflected on how these trips helped them learn and grow in a number of ways. 

After DIT, students reported developing a deeper appreciation for responsible tourism and a newfound curiosity about the places they visit. As Ursula said, “One thing I can take home from here is to be an engaging person who visits new places and actually gives back to the community.” 

Whether navigating challenges on the water or exploring settlements across the island, expeditions remind students to get out of their comfort zone and explore what is around them. They learn that they can do hard things and that facing challenges alongside others makes it all the more fun.