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Appalachian
Geography Hike
How did these mountains get here? What makes this region of Georgia
unique? We are situated where the Piedmont and the Blue Ridge regions
overlap which makes for a fascinating mix of species and landscapes.
This introduction to our area answers these and many other questions
on a hike up and over a ridge with views to the southwest. Topics discussed
include: geology, physiographic regions, and succession.
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Nature
Center
Our Nature Center
is equipped with an array of interactive learning stations. Choose
which topics you and your students would like from a list including:
adaptations, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, water, recycling,
paper-making, and plants. We also have compost bins, a garden, and
a variety of local and exotic critters to meet. Topics vary.
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Team
Building / Group Initiatives
As an introduction to cooperative learning and group problem-solving,
we facilitate team building activities. Students tackle a variety
of unique physical and mental challenges while learning to work together.
The lessons learned will be valuable during your visit, back at school,
and for the rest of your students' lives. Topics discussed include:
effective communication, cooperation, trust, respect, and problem
solving.
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Forest
Ecology
Plumbing in a forest? While walking with a staff naturalist on the forest
trail, students see how the soils, plants, and animals are all interconnected
in an intricate web. Our mixed deciduous forest provides the perfect lab
for examining how organic and inorganic components depend upon one another
to survive. Everyone can see how our lives too, are connected to the forest.
Topics discussed include: producers, consumers, decomposers, forest life
cycles, layers of the soil, vegetation investigation.
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Aquatic
Ecology
How healthy is this habitat? Students get an intimate look at our beautiful
wetland and a pristine mountain stream including an up-close look at some
stream inhabitants. After observing the aquatic habitats and features,
the students sample the water for dissolved oxygen content, pH, and temperature.
The students then conduct a biological survey. After analyzing the results
of the chemical and biological testing students will be able to determine
the health of each aquatic habitat. Topics discussed include: water characteristics,
habitats, aquatic plants and animals, chemical testing, biological indicators,
and macroinvertebrates.
Predator-Prey
The dynamics of this important relationship
are central to most ecosystems but often poorly understood by students.
This large group simulation is way for them to see it in action! Students
represent various levels of the food web actively seeking the food, water,
and shelter they need to survive…without becoming food for a predator
themselves! Topics discussed include: habitat, survival needs, trophic
cycle, interdependence, parasites, biomagnification.
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Land
Navigation
Students learn to use a compass and read maps and combine
these skills to find their way through an orienteering course. Students
do not just learn about land navigation, they actually DO it! They also
learn how teamwork can help them accomplish difficult tasks. Topics
discussed include: compasses, topography, maps.
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Waterfall
Hike
Students hike up and over the ridge to a 12' waterfall. Along the
way they will push their physical limits while exploring the natural
world with a theme of appreciation. Topics may include nature poetry,
visual arts, music, sensory exploration, and/or nature philosophy.
Humans
and the Forest
In this
advanced class, students investigate their own role in the forest
ecosystem, examining both how forests affect their lives and how
human activities can affect the forest. Students learn about succession
by hiking up a ridge and through an eighty-year old hardwood stand,
a 20-year old pine stand, and into a recent clear-cut. Along the
way, students develop their own plans for how to manage forested
land from the point of view of a homesteader, a logging company,
a park office, and a city dweller. For grades 8 and older.
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Trek!
Trek is a creative problem-solving adventure which combines a scavenger
hunt with team building elements. Participants work together to overcome
a series of challenges that culminate in a final "rescue."
Overcoming the obstacles encountered requires teamwork, imagination,
and critical thinking. Trek! usually requires 3-4 hours to complete.
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Appalachian
Culture
Around a campfire in front of a log cabin, students will participate
in early Appalachian life, reenacting the European settlement of
the region and learning a few old-time skills necessary for life
in the mountains. Along the way, they get a chance to sing, hear
jack tales, and learn about Appalachian culture in the modern world.
Topics discussed include: settlement, farming, traditional homes,
hunting, and entertainment.
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Cherokee
Culture
Come learn about the Cherokee that lived in these woods in our campfire
area. Experience their history, hear their stories, and learn what
they did to survive in a difficult and sometimes hostile environment.
This program dispels stereotypes and gives many insights into these
remarkable and once-powerful residents of this area. Topics discussed
include: arts and crafts, how the Cherokee lived, the history of
the Cherokee People, Cherokee culture today.
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Underground
Railroad Simulation*
Was there a conductor on the Underground Railroad? Students will never
forget this real-life escape from slavery! Moving in small groups, teachers
lead students along the route to 'Jubilee', encountering slave hunters
and some well-meaning folks on the way.
*This program requires participation from teachers/chaperones. Limit
of 80 participants for each evening. Please note that this class
is in the adventure pricing bracket.
Underground
Railroad Culture Class
Would you have what it takes to escape from slavery? Students delve
into the history of the Underground Railroad and perform for their classmates
as they demonstrate some of the ingenuous ways slaves escaped to freedom.
Topics discussed include the Middle Passage, plantation life, conductors,
code words, escape methods and routes, the Fugitive Slave Act, abolitionists.
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Environmental
Debate
Who's right? Who's
wrong? Students play roles with opposing views of a current environmental
issue. They will come to consensus, present their arguments, and compromise
in order to reach a workable solution. Topics discusses include: fact
vs. opinion, compromise, and creative solutions.
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Owl
Prowl
Whoo cooks for you-all? Three species of owl rule the night here at
Blue Ridge. With our owl mounts, students will see first-hand what makes
these birds such deadly nocturnal predators. Students will also dissect
owl pellets and go on a short night walk to try to hear our local owls
and experience the night the way they do…without lights! Topics
discussed include: nocturnal animals, adaptations, senses, and predator/prey
relationships.
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Night
Walk
Light's OUT! This sense-sational class provides a safe way to explore
the magical nocturnal world. Through stories and demonstrations, students
learn about nocturnal animal adaptations, night vision, and themselves
on a walk near camp. Topics discussed include: senses, nocturnal animals,
bioluminescence, and fears.
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Movie
Night or Skit Night
Enjoy the very relaxed
atmosphere of a video or some live entertainment after a full day in eco-venture
programs.
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Adventure
programs offer participants the chance to push their physical
and emotional comfort levels in a safe environment. While the
risks taken may be physical, mental, emotional, social, or even
spiritual, the outcomes can be profound as each individual comes
to a new level of self-confidence, awareness and understanding.
The rewards of these programs can last a lifetime.
At all Blue Ridge adventure programs, we adhere to a philosophy
of Challenge by Choice. The participants decide what level of
challenge they feel comfortable with and push themselves that
far. The participant will find support and encouragement from
the group to help them achieve their goal. One does not have to
complete any task to be successful, simply giving their best try
is enough.
*Please note that Eco-Adventure classes fall in a higher pricing
bracket than our other classes.
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Ropes
Course
The high ropes course's unique design allows groups to work on cohesiveness
while letting individuals set and meet personal goals. Situated 35 feet
up in a grove of trees, the ropes course consists of several elements, ending
with an exhilarating ride down the zip line. |
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Climbing
Tower
Mikell's newest challenge is our 38-foot climbing tower. Whether you climb
only a few feet or all the way to the top, the tower offers fun and excitement.
Neither experience nor great strength are required for success at the
climbing tower. Setting a goal, trying hard, and having fun are the objectives
at this site. Our tower is built to accommodate a wide variety of ages
and talents.
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White
Water Rafting on the Chattooga River
If you are scheduled
for a Rafting trip, contact Blue Ridge for the Rafting Release Form. Each
of the participants will need a copy before the trip.
Congress declared the
Chattooga River a "Wild and Scenic River" in May, 1974. This
designation means, among other things, that it cannot be dammed or developed
up to a quarter mile of its banks.
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Except when schedule
conflicts exist, we book trips with Wildwater, LTD, a professional
rafting company with over 23 years guiding experience. We travel by
van to the river (approx. 25 min). Participants wear lifejackets,
helmets, and wet suits (in cold weather).
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We raft Section
III, a beautiful five mile stretch of class II and III (one class
IV) rapids. Wildwater guarantees a professional guide in every other
raft.
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Wildwater lets
adults serve as guides in rafts which stay between professionally
guided rafts. One or two trained Blue Ridge staff members go along
as additional guides. Teachers and/or chaperones can also accompany
the groups as guides, but they must pay a reduced rate rafting fee.
Wildwater will guarantee a professional guide in each raft for an
additional fee of $50 per guide. Please call if you have questions
or concerns regarding these policies.
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What to bring
for a rafting trip: Shoes that can get wet and stay on feet (i.e.
no flip flops), a bathing suit, sunscreen and a bag to carry wet
clothes in. During cooler weather also bring wool socks, polypropylene
or other synthetic clothing such as long underwear (NOT cotton).
In addition, students may want a wool sweater or fleece to put on
after rafting.
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