Why Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center?With the depletion of our natural resources and growing consumerism, the number of visitors to our national parks continue to grow yearly with people and families escaping their material lives to rediscover nature, wildlife, and themselves. Nature’s simplicity reminds us what life is like without cell phones, computers, and TVs.
What if there was a place where we could go to study this natural world? What if we could gain a better understanding of life that we share this earth with? What if we could leave our phones and remember what it is like to be outside? Welcome to Blue Ridge! Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center views environmental education as a process of opening awareness and gaining knowledge of our world through hands on activities and programs. We offer students of all ages the chance to see and touch the natural world around us, as well as understand the impact people have on our world. Building on this philosophy, we teach environmental programs, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to challenge students to grow into active citizens and conscious stewards of this natural world. |
Westminster's Outdoor Classroom Experience |
The Outdoor Classroom experience at Westminster dates back to the early 1990s when our science department wanted students to experience outdoors what they were studying in the classroom. Over the years, 7th grade students have enjoyed their Outdoor Classrooms at Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega, GA, Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, GA and in 1997 they began coming to the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center, then in its fourth year of operation. Located at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, GA, we've returned every year since.
Originally the emphasis was on the experiential learning of science outdoors. Although students still learn about ecology and hydrology (water cycles) the emphasis during the week is now focused on team building, setting goals, trust, cooperation, critical thinking and respect for the outdoors. Nearly every activity involves team work and trust, whether it be white water rafting, climbing the high ropes, cleaning up after meals, or performing a skit during campfire. Students prepare for their trip weeks in advance by reviewing these subjects and many others using a self study workbook. Weekly assessments are made to check a student's progress. Learning and then experiencing is all part of the fun. |
About Camp MikellBlue Ridge Outdoor Center
Philosophy of Blue Ridge Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center offers students of all ages the chance to see and touch the processes at work in the world around us and to get a sense of their special place in that system through environmental education. We regard environmental education as a process of opening awareness and gaining knowledge of our world. Building on this philosophy, we teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills to challenge learners to grow into active citizens and conscious stewards of the land that nourishes us all. Location Ecologically speaking, our location is unique. Blue Ridge is nestled in the transitional zone between the Piedmont and the Appalachian Mountains and richly blessed with the flora and fauna of both regions. We have more than 30 species of trees, abundant wildflowers and herbaceous species, providing habitat for a healthy community of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. This diversity is spread out over 480 acres of forested ridges and shaded coves, including a wetland, waterfall and a trout stream. The inviting landscape and unusual ecosystems make Blue Ridge a rich learning environment. This text and more can be found at the Blue Ridge Outdoor Center website: |
As you climb into the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, you know that you are headed toward heaven, and when you arrive at Mikell, it is so beautiful that you know it has to be God's country! People come away to Mikell to breathe the country air, to meet in a quiet setting, to plan, to pray, to walk in the woods, to revitalize and renew friendships and working relationships. On a personal level, it's a setting where you can gain awareness of yourself, your place in the universe, and the radiance of God.
The Mikell Camp and Conference Center was established in 1941 by the Right Reverend Henry Judah Mikell, Bishop of Atlanta, as a setting for Christian education and recreation for young people. Over the years it has developed into a year-round conference center serving people of all ages in the Diocese and its parishes, as well as other groups whose purposes complement our mission. Since 1993 the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center, a program of Mikell, has offered hands-on environmental education for school classes, church groups and others. Mikell boasts beautiful creeks and trails, a boardwalk in a wetland, high and low ropes courses, a climbing tower, swimming pool, volleyball court, and nature center. In addition, we have a wonderful Chapel for worship and meditation. Then there's the food! Mikell is known for its great country cooking, yet with an emphasis on a healthy balance of offerings. Many of our weekend guests especially look forward to the homemade bread! This text and more can be found at the Camp Mikell and Conference center website: |