In the spirited and enchanting state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains kiss the sky and the Atlantic Ocean whispers to the sandy shores, there exists a bustling community of child nature enthusiasts. They are led by an eccentric and lovable character named Peculiar Pete, a mythical possum with a floppy straw hat and a penchant for belly laughs. His fur, a mix of gray and white, shimmers like stardust under the warm Carolina sun. Pete, is not your typical possum. You see, he doesn't play dead; rather, he plays alive! Peculiar Pete and his gang of enthusiastic young adventurers spend their days engaging in all kinds of fun and educational outdoor activities. From climbing the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to spy on the sky hugging hawks, to snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Outer Banks to say hello to the playful dolphins, these kids are never short on excitement. They investigate every nook and cranny of the Great Smoky Mountains, where they gather around Pete, with eyes wide and hearts ablaze, listening to his tales about the legendary Cherokee warriors. Their laughter rings through the lush forests of Pisgah as they race each other to find the most colorful mushrooms, or tumble down sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, cackling like mad sandpipers. This isn't just a gang of kids, oh no! They are the young knights and sorceresses of nature, armed with binoculars and butterfly nets, their imaginations their most powerful tool. In the wild lands of North Carolina, they learn, they explore, they laugh, and under the watchful eyes of the twinkling stars and the ever-so-cool Peculiar Pete, they thrive.
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Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.
Camp Illahee has been a place of growth and discovery since 1921, when Hinton and Francis McLeod established a unique environment for young women to thrive. The camp’s commitment to its campers is stronger than ever, with its current directors, Gordon and Laurie Strayhorn, continuing the legacy of the McLeods. Camp Illahee’s focus is always on the campers, and the Strayhorns are dedicated to making sure each camper feels recognized and heard. With their individual attention and commitment to the campers, the Strayhorns are helping to ensure that Camp Illahee will remain a place of growth and discovery for many years to come.
Nancy Barnum Clarke was passionate about providing a unique experience for the young women who came to Rockbrook. She was inspired by the nature around her to create a camp filled with activities that nurtured a connection to the natural world. Outdoor AdventuresNancy designed activities that would get girls outdoors and exploring. She was a firm believer that the best way to build self-esteem and appreciation for nature was to spend time outdoors. She spearheaded hikes, biking trips, and river rafting adventures. Girls also had the chance to learn how to canoe, cook over a campfire, and do other activities that connected them with nature. Life SkillsNancy was also passionate about developing life skills and encouraging personal growth. She believed that nurturing a sense of self-reliance and self-awareness was just as important as outdoor education. Her program included classes on music, art, and craft making. She also taught lessons on respect, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Girls learned to live together as a community and to take responsibility for their own actions. Nancy Barnum Clarke was a pioneer in the field of outdoor education. Her legacy lives on today in Rockbrook, the camp she established nearly 100 years ago. Her commitment to helping young girls discover the joy and freedom of nature continues to shape the lives of those who visit the camp.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful mountains of Brevard, North Carolina, Camp Pisgah is a 160-acre all-girls camp. Our campers can choose from day, resident and family camp programming, as well as weekend programs throughout the year. School groups, families, church groups and more can also take advantage of our group rental program. At Camp Pisgah, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for all of our campers. Our experienced counselors create fun, memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. We believe in the importance of building strong and confident individuals who can unapologetically be themselves with courage, confidence and character.