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.

An 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". Through teamwork and discussion students will create a timeline of how long everyday household trash stays around on our planet. Each student will also make a useful object out of throw away items. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 5^th-Goal 1.07; 6^th-Goal 4.01)

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 that can change the outcome of a hunt, and the challenges of survival. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 1)

In case you are wondering what an owl pellet is, it is the non-digestible part of the prey that the owl  must regurgitate! Learn about the role and interdependence of predator and prey animals in our forest ecosystem. Students will dissect an owl pellet to identify skeletal remains of rodents and other animals. Our pellets have been sterilized and wrapped in foil for your dissection pleasure. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 4^th-Goal 1)

Many fascinating geologic features await you in this study of landforms. In this program students will learn specifically about local landforms. They will also investigate and explore our 362 acres as they discover the role water, wind, and time play in forming many features found at camp. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 5^th-Goal 2; 6^th-Goal 3; 8^th-Goal 5. NCSCOS Social Studies Standards: 4^th-Goal 1.01)

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 found in NC. (NCSCOS Science Standards: K-Goal 1; 1^st-Goal 1; 2^nd-Goal 1; 3^rd-Goal 1; 4^th-Goal 1; 5^th-Goal 1)

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 trees and plants, but also the wildlife that depend on the forest for their food. Our Forests Forever program teaches about the importance of forests. Students identify over a dozen items we use every day that come from our forests. They will also recieve their very own pine tree sapling to take home to plant. (NCSCOS Science Standards: 3^rd-Goal 1; 5^th-Goal 1; 6^th-Goal 7)