May Program Turns 50

Celebrating half a century of life-changing, experiential learning

By Director of Marketing and Communications Alicia Bowers

May Program, a hallmark of an Oldfields education, began in 1971 with special two-week programs called capsule courses. In 1972, abroad trips to Paris and Madrid were introduced for foreign language students. The other students, who remained on campus, were offered a wide variety of experiential learning experiences that included everything from Stock Market Practices to Beginning Shorthand. Just like today, the programs were designed to provide real-world experiences that complement the academic curriculum. This hands-on experience provides a rich opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, their peers, and the world at large. May Program has come along way since the 1970s, growing into an integral part of the Oldfields Experience, with 20+ programs offered in a typical year. Everyone looks forward to the two-week culmination of the academic year as faculty program leaders share a personal passion or area of expertise outside the traditional curriculum, and students enjoy the freedom to focus on an area which they want to explore. Students often discover interests that eventually become careers and/or life-long passions. A constant, year after year and decade after decade, is the use of the phrase "life-changing" when the students describe their experiences. The new perspectives they gain and strong friendships that form stay with them long after they graduate. May Program provides an opportunity for self-discovery, leadership, and confidence-building. Galloping across the plains of Iceland, soul searching on the beaches of Normandy, nailing drywall for local Habitat for Humanity homes, watching the sunrise from a mountain top in Maine even, learning how to change a tire—it's incredible to think of all the powerful lessons learned, near and far, over the past fifty years.

After the disappointment of canceling the May Program in 2020, a determined and creative faculty and staff put together eight truly amazing learning experiences for 2021. COVID-19 travel restrictions did limit the options, but three programs were able to offer overnight stays in Maine, Virginia, and Maryland which fell within the guidelines of our health and safety protocols. In addition, on-campus programs were filled with day trips that took advantage of the numerous cultural and natural attractions within driving distance of the School. This year, on the 50th anniversary of May Program, we can honestly say that the unique, life-expanding, and profound experiences which took place were cherished more than ever!

MAINE STAGE

HIGHLIGHTS: Acting skills workshops, an exploration of Acadia National Park including a sunrise hike on Cadillac Mountain, a lighthouse boat tour, kayaking on Sebago Lake, a Portland Sea Dogs game, performance of the hysterically funny and fast-paced performance of the play, Game of Tiaras, to the Oldfields community

MARYLAND: FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SANDY SHORES

HIGHLIGHTS: Exploring Maryland's waterways and marine life via white water rafting, kayaking at Assateague Island, crabbing and fishing on the Eastern Shore, and water sports at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Creation of an urban garden (including mixing cement!); volunteering at The Maryland Zoo; assisting at local animal shelters; and lots of outdoor fun, such as hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, and zip lining

“I wanted to become one with nature and get out of my comfort zone. I am proud and glad to say that I did just that. This was one of the best experiences of my life.” - MICHAELA A. '22

COLONIAL AND EARLY REPUBLIC HISTORY THROUGH THE EYES OF BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE AND WOMEN

HIGHLIGHTS: Visits to Hampton Mansion, Delaware History Museum, Harriet Tubman Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, VA, and Jamestown, VA

DESIGN-BUILD-PLAY

HIGHLIGHTS: STEM competitions involving catapults, blow torches, and 3-D printers; team building via an escape room; house design and construction; and a high ropes course across a lake

HIGHLIGHTS: Cultural food experiences (from Guangdong soups and Japanese shirataki noodles to French cassava crepes and plant-based smoothies); visits to Asian markets, Bonjour French Bakery, and Roseda Farm; learning the chemistry of flavor creation from a McCormick expert; and several days of hands-on cooking in our test kitchen

SPORT HORSES

HIGHLIGHTS: Clinics on how to model and jog horses, hunting and jumping, and how to care for your horse; a trip to the Devon Horse Show; visit to Fox Hall Rehabilitation; a presentation on steeple chase from alumni Casey Pinkard Savin ‘07; pony racing; and polo at Elkridge Harford Hunt Club with Director of Alumni Programs Laura Brown Register at www.OldfieldsSchool.org SUMMER 2021

HIGHLIGHTS: Yoga at local studios as well as in nature, a presentation from alumni nutritionist Ashley Grimmel '06, hiking at Oregon Ridge, DIY skincare, and community service at First Fruits Farm

INTRODUCING

new!

Winter ProgramCreated by Landan Lloyd from the Noun Project Created by Landan Lloyd from the Noun Project

On this milestone anniversary, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our experiential learning program to include a Winter Program which will take place in January when the students return after their winter break.