Classes
Day Classes – 2 Hours
Ecology
- Lake Ecology
- Be prepared to get your feet wet in this fascinating class. Students will use dip nets to collect and identify common organisms found in Rock Eagle Lake. Adaptations to an aquatic environment and characteristics of lakes will be discussed through exploration and hands-on activities. Students will need to bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy. (Refer to shoe guide.)
- Lake AssessmentÂ
- Using the scientific method, students will investigate whether or not certain fish species can be raised in Rock Eagle Lake. Students will be guided through the seven steps of the scientific method while taking part in a real life field study of Rock Eagle Lake. Students will have an opportunity to collect macro-invertebrates with dip nets and conduct water quality experiments to prove or disprove their hypothesis. Students will need to bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy. (Refer to shoe guide.)
- Watershed Studies
- Explore a Piedmont watershed and discover how humans impact bodies of water. Students will sample for aquatic organisms in our streams and discuss how watershed assessments help monitor the health of our groundwater and bodies of water. Final thoughts will include discussions focusing on students’ actions for a healthier watershed. Students will need to bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy. (Refer to shoe guide.)
- Herpetology
- Students get the opportunity to handle, observe, and learn about reptiles and amphibians. Characteristics and adaptations of snakes, turtles, alligators, salamanders, and more will be discussed. Also, many of the misconceptions about these beneficial, but often misunderstood animals will be dispelled.
- Ornithology
- Come discover the wonderful world of birds! This 2-hour class will consist of a bird walk (with binoculars and field guides) and a visit with our Rock Eagle Raptors. Bird adaptation, identification, and ecological importance will be stressed in this interactive class. Due to similarities, this class is not recommended to take with the evening class Raptors.
Living History
- Rock Eagle Hike
- Take a hike (about 2.5 miles) to Rock Eagle’s namesake, the Rock Eagle Mound! Students will learn about local flora and fauna along the trails. At the top of the trail, they will climb a 40–foot tower to observe the effigy while learning about the historic mound.
- Pioneer Tools
- Learn about simple machines using time–appropriate tools of the 19th century. Students will tour the homestead to learn about the history of the land and use tools to make wooden shingles.
- Pioneer Life
- Learn about the lives of people in 19th century Georgia and participate in chores associated with daily farm life, including feeding animals and doing laundry. Students will tour recreated 19th century buildings and interact with artifacts form the time period to learn about early Georgians.
Outdoor Skills
- Canoeing
- Head out on the lake for this water–based adventure! Canoeing techniques,
water safety, and procedures will be covered by the instructor before students venture out onto the water to try canoeing for themselves. All participants must wear shoes and a personal flotation device (life jacket) at all times. - 5th grade & up
- Head out on the lake for this water–based adventure! Canoeing techniques,
- Orienteering
- Â Students will be taught how to use a topographical map, a compass, and how to pace. They will learn why these skills are important even in today’s world of technology.
Team Building
- Team Building
- Groups focus on the principles of team building by working through the progression of initiatives and elements. Each activity will focus on a different aspect of the team. These aspects may include goal setting, trust, problem solving, planning, or group cohesion. Most groups will progress
onto the low challenge elements during this class. Add fun to team building and you have a recipe for success. This course is physically and mentally challenging for groups.
- Groups focus on the principles of team building by working through the progression of initiatives and elements. Each activity will focus on a different aspect of the team. These aspects may include goal setting, trust, problem solving, planning, or group cohesion. Most groups will progress
Night Classes – 1 Hour
Ecology
- Ophilogy (Snakes)
- This hands-on class is a great introduction to one of the most feared creatures in the world — Snakes! Students (and adults) will be able to touch and hold snakes in this informative 1-hour class that dispels many of the myths about these animals.
- (Not available if taking the Herpetology Class and limited for groups less than 100 students.)
- Raptors (Birds)
- Visit with our Rock Eagle Raptors in this one-hour class. Students will gain an understanding on the ecological importance of raptors and their special adaptations that allow them to be the top of the food chain!
- (Not available if taking Ornithology and limited for groups less than 100 students.)
- Sensory Awareness
- Experience the sights and sounds of Rock Eagle at night and learn how nocturnal animals use their senses. Activities may vary due to seasonal constraints and weather.
- Ichthyology (Fish Dissection)
- Through perch dissection, students will explore the internal and external
anatomy of a perch!
- Through perch dissection, students will explore the internal and external
Living History
- Historic Games
- Students will learn about elements of American history while playing games. Some of the games included in this class were authentically played by Native Americans or European settlers, while others are inspired by their history and culture.
- Historic Campfire
- Students will learn about the history of Georgia by interacting with some if its cultural elements, including games, songs, dances, stories, or other activities related to an old–fashioned campfire. This campfire will be held at the Irby Hudson Scott historic site and will include a guided quarter mile walk into the woods.
- (2 hour class – Limited for groups less than 75 participants)
Outdoor Recreation
- Ultimate FrisbeeÂ
- Ultimate is a field based recreational game. Two teams compete to toss a disc to one another until they cross the opponent’s goal; possession changes hands when the disc is intercepted or touches the ground. Ultimate is a great way for students to enjoy playing off the excitement from the day.
Just for Fun!
- Campfire
- The campfire program at Rock Eagle provides students with an opportunity to participate in recreational and social activities. An hour of storytelling, songs, skits, and legends around a burning campfire can be a welcome addition to your outdoor experience. S’mores and roasting sticks are NOT provided, but feel free to bring your own to enjoy after Rock Eagle staff concludes their program.
- Museum Tour
- Take a tour of the 4-H Natural History Museum. Learn about Georgia history, plants and animals, dinosaurs, agriculture, the Rock Eagle 4-H Center story, and many other items in this fascinating glimpse of the past, present, and future.
- (Limited for groups less than 100 students.)
Independent Day Classes – 2 Hours
- Rock Eagle HikeÂ
- Take a hike to the Rock Eagle effigy and learn about the history and legends of the mounds.
- Provided Materials: Curriculum, Map.
- Cemetery Studies
- Students will explore two historical cemeteries located adjacent to Rock Eagle 4-H Center. These cemeteries are located at Union Chapel Church, founded in 1855. Students will compare and contrast the physical and cultural characteristics of each.
- Provided Materials: Curriculum
- New Games
- Students will experience non–traditional physical activities in a non–competitive way. This activity can work well as a daytime or nighttime class.
- Provided Materials: Curriculum, Materials.
- Students will experience non–traditional physical activities in a non–competitive way. This activity can work well as a daytime or nighttime class.
- Recreation
- Students will enjoy free time outside enjoying volleyball, basketball, gaga ball, and any other sports your students can come up with! There’s plenty of field space so students can socialize or find a quiet spot to enjoy some peaceful time outside.
- Provided Materials: Recreation equipment
Independent Night Classes – 1-2 Hours
- Movie Night
- Bring your own DVD or streaming device and snacks to put on a movie night! All home buildings have Wi–Fi, so streaming also will work.
- Provided Materials: DVD Player, HDMI cable, sound system.
- Talent Show
- Give students the chance to showcase their talents with this option.
- Provided Materials: 2 microphones, AUX hook ups, sound system.
- Nature HikeÂ
- Take students on an exploration of night life at Rock Eagle by hiking one of the trails.
- Provided Materials: None
- Social/Dance
- Bring chips, popcorn, and other snacks and let the students have some time to just hang out with their friends. You may use your assigned homebuilding for this event.
- Provided Materials: 2 microphones, AUX hook ups, sound system
- Journal/Cabin Time
- Provide students with some quiet time to wind down in their cabins and/or
reflect on journal questions. Journal questions provide a great opportunity for students to reflect on what they have learned from their field experience. Journal Questions are available on the website; please assemble booklets for students before arrival. - Provided Materials: None
- Provide students with some quiet time to wind down in their cabins and/or
- Dragons and Dragonflies
- Give students an opportunity to express their creativity with descriptive writing while practicing written communication skills by writing and drawing.
- Provided Materials: Curriculum, Animal Cards, Writing Instruments.
- Campfire
- Have your own campfire! Participating in this fun, recreational, and social activity is always a welcome addition to the Rock Eagle field experience. S’mores and roasting sticks are NOT provided, but you are welcome to bring your own!
- Provided Materials: Firewood.
- Create Your Own!
- Do you want to do something unique with your students that you’ve been
planning? Choose this course to take the time to do so! Some options with this choice include but are not limited to science projects, hikes, thank you
cards/posters, game night, etc. - Provided Materials: None.
- Do you want to do something unique with your students that you’ve been
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization.