On Sept. 21, Sidwell’s freshman class left for what has become an annual tradition of a field trip to Butler’s Orchard. While the school-sponsored activity is a way to kick off the fall season, it is also part of the larger transition and orientation process for the new class as they adjust to high school.
Butler’s Orchard, located in Germantown, Md., hosts a Fall Pumpkin Festival each year, and 2023 marks its 44th anniversary. Throughout the season, the orchard draws visitors from Maryland, Washington, and Virginia.
This spring, Wade Butler, the owner of Butler’s Orchard, was recognized as a Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer. This awards program has been running for 97 years and is one of the most prestigious in the country.
In addition to its fall event, Butler’s Orchard holds festivals in the spring and summer, but the Fall Pumpkin Festival remains its most popular. On weekends, tickets often sell out, and attendance increases as the fall season progresses. This year, the fall pumpkin festival opened on Sept. 21, the day the freshman attended, and will continue to be open on Wednesdays through Sunday, Nov. 3.
At the festival, students could participate in hayrides around the farm, a corn maze, a corn pool, giant slides, a giant pumpkin-smashing cannon, a hay loft, a recently added playground, and many other games and countless fall activities.
When asked about her favorite activity at the orchard, freshman Martha Pendle decided that it was “probably the corn maze because it was fun to do with friends.” She also added that it was extra special because “the view was good from the center platform above the maze.” Freshman Jayna Agrawal agreed and said that her favorite activity was also “definitely the corn maze.”
On top of the attractions, the Orchard offers food and beverages through their onsite eatery, The Farmer’s Porch Kitchen. At the Kitchen, the Orchard offers a variety of food, including classic meals and sides such as hot dogs, fries, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks and pizza. They also carry a wide menu with various delicious desserts such as milkshakes, hand-dipped ice cream and authentic fall treats such as kettle corn, apple cider donuts and pumpkin rolls.
The trip is free of charge to Sidwell ninth graders, making it accessible to all students. Although attendees are responsible for purchasing their own food, the school covers transportation. The students departed from the Sidwell Washington campus at 11:45 a.m. and returned at 4:30 p.m., which gave the students a couple of hours to explore the Orchard before their 40-minute bus ride back.
The trip to Butler’s Orchard serves more of a purpose than just fall fun. Ninth-Grade Dean Dr. BA explained that the goal of the field trip was “community” and that “it’s an opportunity for the class to bond and to enjoy each other’s company.”
Earlier in the month, freshmen had ample opportunity for community time during the transition program and orientation. Just like these two programs were an opportunity for ninth graders to build friendships and bonds, BA explains that her personal favorite part of the trip to Butler’s Orchard is “seeing new and old students hanging out together.”
Agrawal noted that “The entire experience was super fun to hang out with our whole grade in a non-academic setting.” She added, “The bus rides to and from the orchard were one of the best parts,” as there was “lots of karaoke, even with the teachers.” Overall, the trip was an enjoyable activity for the ninth graders, and allowed them a place to socialize in a non-school setting.