Residential Program with Carroll County

Here at BRDC, we have been elated to host 150 6th graders from Carroll County in our Residential Education Program. These students were able to participate in an immersive, outdoor experience exploring, discovering and sharing the wonders of the Blue Ridge. Programs included nature journaling, salamander surveys, seed experiments, macroinvertebrate studies, decomposition, phenology, dendrology, and highland games. A favorite was the salamander survey. The survey was conducted using two plots consisting of 25 wooden cover boards. Students were placed in small groups and were asked to identify the salamander species found under the boards. Since BRDC is in the heart of salamander country, the students were able to find many different species of salamanders during the survey. During nature journaling, students were brought into our rain garden and asked to draw and write about interesting species that they found. During this activity, they were also encouraged to share and reflect on their findings with the group. 

We were able to host these wonderful students with the help of a grant through the Twin County Community Foundation. This funding allowed us to kick off our residential education program allowing full immersion in hands-on , experiential outdoor education. We are so glad to have hosted these students and teachers from Carroll County and hope to see them for years to come. 

Residential Overnight Programs at BRDC

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is thrilled to welcome Carroll County Middle School next week for the start of a three weekend residential overnight program with 150 of their rising 6th graders. With the renovation of schoolhouse, BRDC will host residential programs throughout all four seasons.

The 6th graders will stay overnight at the Center for an exciting immersive outdoor experience where they will discover the diversity of our native ecosystems. Students will learn about the flora and fauna that call this region home, how it changes over time, and it’s cultural history. Along with exploring the flora and fauna of the Blue Ridge on our campus, the students will participate in journaling, conduct experiments, and work together to problem solve. We are so excited to have these students on our campus, and foster the next generation of stewards! If you have a group interested in residential immersive outdoor education such as this, please email info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org for more information!