Benjamin James looking out over Athens, Greece, from the Acropolis.

LISBON — A new school group, the Lisbon Explorers, believes in the power of experiential learning and that traveling can expand students’ understanding of academics, the arts, world cultures and themselves.

In April 2016,  they took their first trip to France and Spain, and this year they explored Greece and Italy.

Pending school board approval, the Lisbon Explorers are planning trips to China (2018) and the capitols of the British Isles (2019).

The trips are open to the community.

FMI: pouellette@lisbonschoolsme.org.

Shown in front of the Colosseum in Rome are Jill Paterson, Caitlyn Ramsey, Benjamin James, Pam Ouellette, Lisa Ouellette, Denise Chase, Elise Chase, Jim Greene, Ashley Greene, Emily Chase, Emma Fullerton and Denise Fraser.

Pictured in front are Pam Ouellette, Elise Chase, Denise Chase and Lisa Ouellette; back, Michelle Gamache, Abby Gamache, Jordan Kates, Eric Yim, Jordan Frederick, Jessie Frederick, Emma Fullerton and Daniele Fraser.

All women are required to wear skirts in the Meteora Monastery, so wrap-around skirts were distributed to women who were wearing pants. Skirts were returned before leaving. From left are Denise Chase, Pam Ouellette Jill Paterson, Elise Chase, Emily Chase and Lisa Ouellette.