Weblogic

COURSE SUMMARY: This thirteen-week expedition offers a wide diversity of learning experiences as we journey along the Appalachian Trail. Educational opportunities abound as we explore America both on and off this historic pathway.  This educational adventure focuses on the history, literature, flora, fauna and geology of the region.  Students rotate between academic instruction at our Balsam Base Outdoor Learning Center and experiential adventure opportunities as they hike sections of the Trail, and explore the mountain regions of the Appalachains. Students take an active role in expedition planning, including the location, adventure activities, budgeting and meal planning. Typically groups visit Harper's Ferry, Washington D.C, and the Shenendoah’s as they explore this country’s rich history. Students participate in additional adventure opportunities as they move through each unique phase of this program.  These include multi day canoe treks, rock climbing, caving, whitewater rafting and more. Additionally, the students have a chance to participate in service-learning opportunities, allowing them to give something of themselves to the different areas they choose to visit.

Summary: This three-month course begins at the Balsam Base Outdoor Learning Center in North Carolina. Students will travel to the Rockies experiencing classroom settings as diverse as the thermal and geologic wonders of Yellowstone, to the magnificent grandeur of the Colorado Rockies.  Participants may explore the majestic Snake River as it meanders in the shadow of the magnificent Tetons, hike the other worldly canyons of Bryce and Zion, and mountain bike the trails of Moab encountering dinosaur foot prints, and primitive drawings from this lands earliest inhabitants.  The course begins with students learning fundamental wilderness skills.  Educational opportunities abound as students continue their academic education, and engage in a wide range of adventure opportunities.  Students are involved in expedition planning, creating itineraries, choosing adventure activities, and developing their travel budget. Students may explore diverse Native American cultures as they traverse the great Rockies into Utah, and Wyoming.  Service learning opportunities allow the students develop a strong work ethic, as they strive to give back to the environments they encounter.

COURSE SUMMARY:  This four month course is an exciting program developed for students with a deep affinity for water and coastal environments.  Classroom settings are as diverse as the natural splendor of the Florida Keys, the tropical environments of Costa Rica or Belize, and the rich history of the North Carolina Outer Banks.  Students create the schedule for the course after researching the multitude of opportunities available to them in both the Caribbean and southern coastal regions of the United States.