Annual middle school Ark trip transforms into 'Origins Quest'

photo provided by Mrs. Kim Pfaller Last year's seventh-grade class enjoys the Ark Encounter in Kentucky. They look forward to touring the rest of the Encounter.

With a fresh group of seventh graders comes a renewed focus for the annual Creation Museum and Ark Encounter trip. This year, the head of the science department made the decision to introduce a new theme titled, the “Origins Quest.” It focuses on finding the origins of creation and comparing it to the viewpoint of evolutionists. 

“We are working on introducing a new theme for our trip, the "Origins Quest," science teacher Katie White said, “As we experience the museums that are obviously presenting information from a Creationist viewpoint, we hope to also compare/contrast that with an evolutionary viewpoint so that we can better see the differences.” 

The changes were motivated by a desire to challenge the kids to think deeper as they walk through the curriculum in their science classes. Teachers want the students to believe in what they believe not only based on their faith but evidence within creation. TKA believes that this is a key part in the kids' lives for growing their Christian beliefs.

“As we discuss creation and evolution in our 7th grade classes, our hope is to challenge students with thinking through what they believe and why they believe it,” Mrs. White said. “Much of our culture has a secular viewpoint woven into it and so we want to help students to begin to tackle the process of understanding what God's Word says and what they see around them, so they can then make wise and discerning choices.” 

In addition to the academic focus, lodging arrangements have also changed. Instead of sleeping in the hull of the Ark, seventh graders will now sleep in cabins built in the past year that are nearby the Ark. The group will have more time for all of their various activities, such as exploring the Ark and scavenger hunts due to the cabins.

“For several years, we had enjoyed going to the Creation Museum and the Ark and participating in their overnight programs; however, in the last couple years they discontinued that as an option,” Mrs. White said. “Because of this, we have been working to continue the trip but only being able to visit the museums during the day, much like regular visitors. The biggest challenge is in our lodging as we have a variety of limitations due to our group and our size. 

With the new changes, students are excited for the fresh updates to a classic TKA trip featuring new learning experiences and class bonding.  

“I am excited for the all you can eat buffet because I like food,” seventh-grader Brock Putnam said. “Everyone is really excited to go and learn.”