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Outdoor Education |
Current OE Program Offerings
Come join us for our own unique version of a Mom’s Morning Out …outside that is (Dads/Grandparents welcome, too!) This special class is offered for toddlers through kindergarten. We will explore nature and the alphabet together as we play games,…
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Adaptations are physical features that improve an animal’s (or a plant’s) chances for survival. Students will be introduced to reptiles, mammals, and amphibians to observe and discover each animal’s adaptations. Students will be encouraged to observe and touch live animals…
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Ever notice the expression on a student’s face when an animal’s footprint is pointed out in the dirt? We do! That look of wonderment inspired our Animal Tracks program where we teach students how to identify various animal visitors. After…
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Students become research biologists as they study and test water samples from Lake Fellowship. Using nets and buckets they will collect macro-invertebrates such as crayfish and larvae, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and plants to identify using books and charts.…
Look out, Robin Hood! Come test your shooting skills at our archery range situated beside beautiful Lake Fellowship!
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Who doesn’t love to sink their toes into soft white sand? Come and have fun playing a little beach volleyball, Chestnut Ridge style!
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"Variety is the spice of life" - that old saying is a good way to describe biodiversity. In our gardens at Chestnut Ridge, we encourage biodiversity of plant life as part of our practice of sustainable agriculture. Through engaging activities…
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Chestnut Ridge is home to several colonies of honey bees, one of which lives in an observation hive (late April-early October). Come out to see the bees at their work. Can you find the queen bee? Learn about the different…
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Gather ‘round our extra large fire pit to enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures…soon you’ll be hearing, “S’more, please!”
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We have a variety of canoes and kayaks for the beginner, expert, and everything in between! Life jackets and paddles provided.
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Solid, liquid, or gas? Water can exist as all three as we will observe in this class. Students will get the opportunity to experience liquids turning into solids as they make their own candles and make (and eat) ice cream!…
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Soap is made from combining an acid (oil/s) and an alkali (sodium hydroxide) in precise proportions. A chemical reaction occurs (heat) and when the soap is finished “cooking” all caustic properties of the sodium hydroxide (lye) have disappeared! In this…
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Chestnut Ridge is home to chickens, goats, cows, pigs, and horses! It’s the perfect place to learn about animal life cycles. Students will get hands-on experience with our farm animals and play games to learn about how animals grow and…
Spend some time learning the way children in colonial times learned including writing with quill pens, elocution exercises, reading from a horn book, and doing arithmetic on slates with chalk. Dress your teacher like a schoolmarm from the year 1810!!…
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At Chestnut Ridge we try to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and one way we do this is by composting our food waste. Students will visit our compost bins, get an up-close look at who’s at work in there, and build…
Go on a night hike with one of our trained naturalists without the use of flashlights in order to fully experience the woods at night. You will be trained to call coyotes and owls. You will learn about bats, discover…
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Students will investigate alternatives to pesticides by the use of beneficial plantings and insects. Students will also be introduced to the benefits of raising heritage breed farm animals such as Jacob sheep and goats. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goals 1 &…
Did you know that flowers are not only pretty but they often hold the seeds of a plant! Seeds are amazing! A 100 foot tall tree grows from a tiny seed! Take a walk through the woods to find seeds…
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Students explore Newton’s Laws of Motion by creating their very own marshmallow launchers. Students will also explore these concepts launching various items using Chestnut Ridge’s trebuchet, ballista, and other projectile devices! (NCSCOS Science Standards: 1st-Goal 4; 5th-Goal 4)
Our earth’s forests are being depleted faster than they are being replenished. Deforestation is a major environmental issue as cities and roads have been built in areas that were once home to thriving forest ecosystems. This impacts not only the…
In this program, students will study the food chain from garden to plate. Students will have the opportunity to make and eat some of their very own food creations. Students will learn that food involves math and science as well…
Students will investigate and explore alternative energy sources including hydro, wind, and solar power. Students will make their own solar oven to bake a food item (weather permitting) and take home for future use! (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 2 &…
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Ride through forests and fields on our tractor pulled hay wagon! At Chestnut Ridge we have over 362 acres to explore! The scenery is beautiful no matter the season.
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Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians such as frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles (terrestrial and aquatic) snakes and so on. Have fun while working out “in the field” learning collection techniques and how to record data on common herps…
Challenge yourself and test your limits on our high ropes course. Let one of our certified and experienced facilitators tailor your high challenge course experience to meet the needs of your group. We offer both static and dynamic courses, 45’…
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Hooping is a great way to express yourself while getting exercise and improving motor skills and agility. This class is an introduction to this form of dance that is regaining popularity. Hoops provided, wear loose, comfortable clothing. Learn how to…
Hop on one of our beautiful horses to explore our miles of trails here on 362 acres at Chestnut Ridge. Our experienced equestrian team will guide you through the process whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider.
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Come outside and play, away from electronics and video games. We will teach your students (and you) how to have fun with few props, in the great outdoors!
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Come visit our garden and go on a bug hunt as we observe insects in various life stages. We’ll use natural materials to create a bug and its life stages to take home. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goals 1 & 4;…
Many fascinating geologic features await you in this study of landforms. In this program, students will learn specifically about landforms, investigate and explore our 362 acres, as they discover the role water, wind, and time play in forming many features…
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Our Low Challenge Course is the perfect place for team building activities that help increase self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills. You must work together to solve each element on our course…we have 17 to choose from! Our expert facilitator will…
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Have you ever wondered how so many things seem to have patterns in their design? That’s because of a phenomenon called The Golden Ratio! The Golden Ratio is comprised of Fibonacci numbers and this pattern can be found many places…
Complete metamorphosis is one of nature’s mysterious wonders; you have to see it to believe it…and now your students can! Our Metamorphosis Magic program covers each stage of the butterfly/moth cycle. From a small egg on a leaf to a…
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Some of the most imaginative games ever devised were created thousands of years ago by Native American cultures. You’ll be able to link students to the past as they learn several clever games. Students will make and take home their…
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Study the works of famous nature artist, Andy Goldsworthy, and then create your own original works of art using items found in nature. Take home a photograph of your original art created right on a woodland trail!
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Find out how North Carolinians used to live on the farm. Meet our heritage breed animals, see sustainable agriculture in action in our garden and farm (no modern chemicals here!) and learn about early farm life through storytelling. (NCSCOS Social…
In case you are wondering what an owl pellet is, it is the non-digestible part of the prey that the owl cannot digest and must regurgitate! Learn about the role and interdependence of predator and prey animals in our forest…
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Learn about life in the Neuse River Basin! Discover how point source and non-point source pollution affect our streams and rivers, and eventually find their way into the Atlantic Ocean. Using our Enviroscape, a hands-on, interactive watershed model, students have…
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Looking for some inspiration to help you write poetry? Come to Chestnut Ridge and be inspired by hundreds of species of animals, insects, and plants, not to mention our scenery! Learn techniques of Haiku, Cinquain, and Daimante poety. Overnight groups…
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The predator and prey relationship encompasses concepts such as survival of the fittest, adaptations, and the fundamental differences between animals. Through discussion and games, we’ll learn firsthand about the different reactions of prey as they are being hunted, the variables…
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Students will become geologists and investigate, identify, and classify several different types of rocks naturally found in the Piedmont here at Chestnut Ridge. Each student will begin their own rock collection and take home a sample of four different kinds…
Most people call it dirt, but soil is crucial for our survival! Come visit the forest, lake, and farm of Chestnut Ridge to discover the main types of soil (loam, clay, sandy, humus, etc) and find out how soil is…
Snakes get a bad rap for well, just being snakes! Actually snakes play an important role in the health of the forest ecosystem. Learn the positive benefits of having snakes in your backyard as well as how to identify venomous…
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Many people have a fear of spiders, but they are actually wildlife and play an important role in ecosystems. Look for evidence of spiders at Chestnut Ridge (we have lots!) and learn how to identify venomous spiders and their webs.…
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Students will have the opportunity to explore the night skies using a 6” Dobsonian telescope with one of our trained staff astronomers. Depending on the time of year you may observe Jupiter and the four Galilean moons, Mars, Saturn and…
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Come cool off in our swimming pool or play on the Lake Toys in beautiful Lake Fellowship. These aquatic activities are seasonal and open May through September.
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Identify and explore a variety of different tree types in our area. Read the rings on a tree “cookie” to discover the life history of the tree branch. Take your tree cookie home as a memento of the day! (NCSCOS…
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Introduction to the difference between decomposition and biodegradable using everyday household trash items. This hands-on activity provides a tactile approach to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Students will create a useful object out of throw away items. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 5th-Goal…
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Students construct and perform experiments simulating rain on a field, investigating how soil preparation, tillage techniques, and mulches affect soil erosion and water runoff. They take an up-close and personal look at our no-till, organic farm to learn firsthand what…
Hiking is fun and safe as long as you remain “found.” Our Trailblazers program teaches students how to follow a trail, use a compass, read a map and learn skills shared by all well-trained wilderness lovers.
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At Chestnut Ridge we are open all four seasons and experience a variety of weather phenomena. Come visit us in any season and learn about the importance of the water cycle; how cold fronts affect our weather; and how to…
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Students play a game to simulate changes in land use. They discover the effects of change on the carrying capacity of the land and the importance of preserving farm land.
A naturalist is a person who studies nature, especially by direct observation of plants, animals, and their environments. Learn these skills and let our peaceful and scenic environment inspire you as you create your own journal to write in and…
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Yes, they are wiggly and squirmy, but do you know how important worms are? Learn about worm anatomy, life cycle, and just what makes worms so wonderful. Make a vermi- (worm) compost bin to take back to your classroom. (NCSCOS…
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919.338.2820 office 866.372.5801 fax. Contact us or sign-up for our eNewsletters.Our parent organization, NC United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc. Our sister camps, Don Lee Center and Rockfish Outdoor Center.
© 2010 Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center, 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Road, Efland, NC 27243