Welcome from the Coordinator
I would like to thank you for your interest in the Rock Eagle 4-H Environmental Education program. For the past 30 years we have been sharing our “classroom without walls” with students from across the southeast. As of the fall of 2017, the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program has served a combined total of over 1,112,000 participants since its inception in 1979! We hope to share our experience and love for the outdoors with you and your students.
While at Rock Eagle, we believe your students will gain a greater awareness of themselves as well as the natural world around them. This unique experience builds strong bonds between students and their peers as well as between students and their teachers.
A successful field study requires detailed planning. Our goal is to make the planning process as easy as possible for you. Please use this site as a resource for developing your Rock Eagle field study, but do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lauren Kuschner, Program Coordinator
Email: lnys@uga.edu
Phone: (706) 484-2870
Lead Teacher Section
Schedule a Meeting with EE Program Coordinator
Checklist for Trip Planning & Required Trip Forms
Required Forms & Due Dates:
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- Signed Contract, $300 Deposit, and Insurance Coverage Notification returned to Rock Eagle (typically 2 weeks after receiving contract)
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- 4 weeks prior to trip: Submit Class Request Form
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- 2 weeks prior to trip: Submit Dietary and Physical Restriction Form
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- 1 week prior to trip: Submit final numbers using Participant Number Confirmation Form
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Payments & Invoices
Environmental Education Program Payments:
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- Deposit: To pay your $300.00 nonrefundable deposit (applied to overall balance):
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- CREDIT CARD: If you would like to pay with a credit card, please email Jane.Christensen@uga.edu for a deposit invoice. Once you have an invoice number you can click on the link below to submit payment: https://estore.uga.edu:443/C27063_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=10381
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- CHECK: Your deposit check should be made out to “Rock Eagle 4-H Center” and mailed to 350 Rock Eagle Road, Eatonton, GA. If you need a deposit invoice, please email Jane Christensen Jane.Christensen@uga.edu
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- Final Payment (Trip Balance): 1-2 weeks after your Rock Eagle trip, the reservation contacts from your trip will be emailed a final invoice to be paid within 30 days of receipt.
Georgia 4-H Foundation Payments (Canteen):
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- Email sarabmassey@uga.edu to request an invoice(s). Gift shop and t-shirt orders are separate from your main Rock Eagle payment, checks will need to be made payable to the Georgia 4-H Club Foundation.
Environmental Education Classes
Environmental Education Classes
Rock Eagle Led Classes
Click to download à Residential Classes & Descriptions – Rock Eagle 4-H EE Programs 2024
Independent School Led Classes
Click to download à Independent Led Classes & Descriptions – Rock Eagle 4-H EE Programs 2024
Rock Eagle 4-H Classes correlate with Georgia Standards of Excellence. Please view which classes best fit for your grade’s standards below.:
Videos of classes in action for select classes below:
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- Lake Ecology
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- Watershed Studies
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- Ornithology (Birds)
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- Herpetology (Reptiles)
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- Pioneer Life
Sample Schedules
Within ~1-2 weeks of your visit, your specific program schedule will be emailed to you based on the classes you have selected.
Sample 2-day/1-night schedule:
Sample 3-day/2-night schedule:
Arrival Day-Check In & Departure Day-Departure Times
Arrival Day – Check In: Check in time for most Environmental Education groups will be 10:30 AM. When you arrive at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, you will be directed to check in at the Administration Building. Please be prepared to share your FINAL student and adult numbers for invoicing.
Departure Day – Check Out: Cabin check out time for groups will be 8:30 AM (moved out prior to your last class). You will still have access to your home building space. Departure will be around 11:30am-12:00pm after your final meal in the dining hall.
Homebuildings
Each school is assigned a “Homebuilding” upon arrival. During your stay, this is your homebase for all activities. There are restrooms, water fountains, and AC/Heat available in these spaces. Rock Eagle Staff will meet you there for ALL classes to dismiss and escort you to your teaching locations. Schools may use this building as a storage space while on the trip and can store luggage there on the last day. This is a great place for students to enjoy snacks, refill water bottles, and socialize in between activities.
Accommodations Services & Requests
University of Georgia/Georgia 4-H is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution. If you need reasonable accommodation or language access services, submit the form below to Rock Eagle 4-H Center (LNYS@uga.edu) at least three weeks prior to arrival date of program.
ACCOMDATION FORM: Georgia 4-H Accommodation Request
Meal & Dining Hall Information
ALLERGIES
The 4-H centers strive to routinely evaluate practices to promote the safety of guests. As such, the 4-H centers have been working together to create consistency in the approach to food allergens.
Please note, the 4-H centers are “allergen aware” not “allergen free.” The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes nine major food allergens as: crustacean shellfish, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat. All guests should be aware that products, prepared items, and cooking facilities may contain or have had contact with these nine major allergens at the 4-H centers.
If you have questions or concerns about accommodating allergies during your upcoming trip, please contact your trip organizer then contact our Dining Commons Manager, Mike Raedy, at mike.raedy@uga.edu or call 706-484-2327.
MEAL SERVICE & FACILTIES
Rock Eagle 4-H Center has its own dining hall facility that prepares meals for groups visiting the Center. Meal times are individually scheduled.
A guaranteed count for meals is required seven (7) days in advance. The group will pay for the guaranteed number of meals or actual meal count, whichever is greater. If the group fails to contact Rock Eagle concerning these counts, the group will pay for the estimated attendance or actual meal count, whichever is greater.
All food services must be arranged through the Administration Office. No outside catering services are allowed.
MEAL CARDS
Schools will be given meal cards upon arrival to use at the dining hall. An adult will be assigned to the turnstile in the dining hall where they will swipe each participant into the serving line space.
DINING HALL PROCEDURES
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- Schools will be escorted inside the dining hall for lunch and dinner by their Rock Eagle Lead Staff each day. Please do not enter on your own.
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- For breakfast, schools will enter on their own. Your entire school should arrive together at your scheduled time. An adult should lead the school in the line to let the Dining Hall staff know you are there.
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- Always enter the dining hall through the side entrance and follow the hallway to your designated door in single-file lines.
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- For dietary needs, please have these individuals in front of the line and tell the serving counter the need.
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- Students will get their food first (including everything they need i.e. utensils, sauces, dessert) – only 1 trip through the food area. After seated, students may then get their drink (students can choose juice or water)
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- Please have ALL students and adults sit together. It is important to fill every seat at the tables you are using. Other schools will also be using the dining hall during your stay.
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- It is the responsibility of teachers and chaperones to supervise their students during meals.
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- Once finished eating, students should be dismissed by table to prevent congestion. When finished, students will need to make sure everything is cleared off the tables (trash, trays, glasses, and silverware) and take to the Tray Return area. Students should push in chairs after use.
Learning Groups
Supervision
We request groups plan for a 10:1 ratio of youth to adults for our programs.
All groups will provide supervision of youth participants at all times, including, but not limited to, class, meal, recreation, and lodging times. The Rock Eagle 4-H Center requests an adult to youth ratio of 1 adult: 10 youth. Programming led by Rock Eagle staff cannot proceed without adult supervision. If an adult gets sick or cannot provide supervision, programming will be directly affected.
Number of Groups
The number of learning groups will be assigned by the Rock Eagle Program Coordinator 1 – 2 weeks prior to your trip.
Learning Group Assignments Templates
Security
A security gate controls entrance access to the Rock Eagle 4-H Center. An attendant is at the gate 24 hours a day when there are guests on the Center. Every vehicle that enters the 4-H Center will receive a parking pass. Guests may be required to give their name and tag number before receiving a parking pass.
Any guest needs while on-site should be directed to the groups designated Lead Staff member or the security guard: 706-484-2821.
Policies & Additional Information
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- Driving on 4-H Center: The speed limit on the Rock Eagle campus is 24 miles per hour. Guests should constantly watch for children crossing the road. Georgia 4-H does not allow youth under the age of 18 to drive on the Rock Eagle campus. Rock Eagle does not allow people to be transported in the back of trucks or in the trunk of cars.
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- Utility Vehicles: Groups bringing utility vehicles (golf carts, etc.) must follow the Rock Eagle 4-H Center policy on the use of utility vehicles. The policy is available to those groups that make prior arrangements with the administration office.
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- Loss or Damage: Groups will be billed for the cost of repairs or replacement of lost or damaged Rock Eagle 4-H Center property. Groups that leave the Center with large amounts of litter on the grounds will be billed a minimum of $250.00 for cleanup. The Center Director will make this determination.
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- Lost and Found: Items that are found at Rock Eagle are tagged by date and location where found. You may call the Administration Office at 706-484-2899 to see if any lost items were found or turned over to Rock Eagle personnel. After 30 days, if no one claims these items they are donated to charity.
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- Pets: No pets, livestock, or horses are allowed on the Center.
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- Recreational: The use of pools, waterslide, recreation areas and recreational equipment are available to groups on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be contracted through the administration office.
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- Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals: Service animals are allowed on the Center. Emotional Support Animals are not allowed on the Center. Additional information may be found at: https://eoo.uga.edu/ADA-Accessibility/uga-animal-policy/
Student & Adult Leader Section
Residential Packing List
Packing List
This list is an example of what to bring for a 2-night, 3-day stay. Add or delete as necessary. It is important to remember the variations in climate which exist during the school year. Please bring clothes and shoes that can get dirty/wet!
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We are outside for the majority of the time – even when it is hot or raining. Please be prepared!
Adult Leader Guidelines
The University of Georgia and Georgia 4-H are committed to providing a safe learning environment for our participants.
Click to download → Adult Leader EE Guidelines
All adult visitors follow the Adult Code of Conduct which is found at the following link: https://secure.georgia4h.org/documents/AdultCodeofConduct.pdf. Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct shall result in the immediate dismissal of the individual in violation of the Adult Code of Conduct from the premises. If the dismissal of an individual results in the loss of the required number of chaperones, the entire group may be asked to leave the premises. There will be no refund given in the event that an individual or group is required to leave the premises due to a violation of the Adult Code of Conduct.
Georgia 4-H is also pleased to provide access to the training video that we require of all adults who work with 4-H youth, which meets the training requirements outlined in Exhibit A (of your groups signed contract) including mandatory reporting obligations, appropriate contact with minors, safety and security procedures, and known or suspected child abuse/neglect: https://georgia4h.org/get-involved/volunteer/training-and-certifications/risk-management-training/
Visit our Georgia 4-H risk management hub to aid you in providing safe programs and activities for youth. Our hub provides additional resources to address policy requirements, procedures, and protocols as you engage with and supervise others in working with youth. to aid you in providing safe programs and activities for 4-H youth. This hub is aligned with resources needed to comply with the UGA Policy for Programs and Activities Serving Minors.
Youth Guidelines
Click to download à Student Environmental Education Guidelines:
Canteen (Gift Shop)
The Canteen/Gift Shop area (located within Sutton Hall) can be opened upon request by your school. Rock Eagle will assign an evening and a time for your visit, typically between 5:00-7:00pm.
Emergency Procedures
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the event of a life-threatening situation, call 911 and provide our physical address: 350 Rock Eagle Road, Eatonton, GA. Then notify Rock Eagle 4-H Center Guard House: 706-484-2870.
AED LOCATIONS
Rock Eagle 4-H Center has 7 AEDs (automated external defibrillator) on property, indicated on the map. Locations: Guard House, Dining Hall, Sutton Hall, Georgia Power, Administration Building, Founders Lodge, Health Cottage.
FIRST AID STATION
Rock Eagle 4-H Center does not provide an on-site nurse; we recommend that, if possible, each school bring an adult with some medical training along with school approved first aid supplies. The Rock Eagle 4-H Center does provide a stocked first aid station appropriate for dealing with minor incidents. This first-aid station is downstairs in the administration building. An adult must accompany a youth to the first aid station. It is best practice to check your youths’ medical forms and/or call parents before dispensing first aid supplies, particularly consumables. Please complete the Injury Report Form at the station and return to your lead staff member. Items available at first aid station include and not limited to:
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- alcohol pads
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- antibiotic ointment
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- band-aids
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- gauze
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- pads/tampons
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- eyewash
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- gloves
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- thermometers
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- tweezers
NON-PERSCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
For over-the-counter medications, please ask your Lead Staff Member or the Main Office for access. Any medication from the Rock Eagle 4-H Center will be recorded on the Medication Log. Non-prescription medications available by request:
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- Acetaminophen
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- Ibuprofen
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- Anti-acid
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- Aspirin
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- Dramamine
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- Pepto-Bismol
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- Hydrocortisone Crème
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- Benadryl
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- Cold packs
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- Electrolyte Replenisher
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- Cough Lozenges
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- Gold Bond Powder
PERSCRIPTION MEDICATIONS / PERMISSION SLIPS / MEDICAL INSURANCE
Visiting teachers and/or school nurses are responsible for keeping up with youth medication. Visiting teachers are also responsible for keeping up with school required permission slips. Rock Eagle 4-H Center is not responsible for your group’s medical insurance. Inexpensive insurance may be available through your local Extension Office. Please contact your group leader for more information.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES
Rock Eagle 4-H Center personnel are not authorized to treat illnesses or accidents; we are NOT able to provide transportation to medical clinics or the hospitals in Savannah. We strongly recommend that an adult with your group drive a vehicle to Rock Eagle that can be used to transport individuals in an emergency. We do have a local 911/EMS service that can send ambulances to respond to emergencies.
FIRE
The fire alarm would alert individuals of a fire. All people would be evacuated from the building. No one would be allowed re-entry into a burning building.
SEVERE WEATHER AND LIGHTNING
Rock Eagle 4-H Center runs classes rain or shine. The most comfortable participants are those prepared with ponchos, rain jackets, hats, and/or rain pants. In the event of lightning/thunder, we will move classes indoors. In consultation with a group’s leadership, activities will remain inside until there has been no lightning/thunder for at least 30 minutes. In sudden severe weather emergencies, move inside as quickly as possible (take cover) and stay away from windows and appliances. If you are trapped outside, avoid tall trees, and open fields, and lie flat in a ditch if necessary.
MISSING PERSONS
It is the responsibility of the visiting adults to maintain group counts. Notify a Rock Eagle 4-H Center staff member if an individual is missing ASAP.
Tobacco Free Campus
The University of Georgia is a tobacco free campus. Tobacco use is prohibited in all areas, including outdoor areas. More information is available at http://uga.edu/tobacco-free/.
Tour of Rock Eagle 4-H Center
Post-trip Guest Evaluations
Cell Phones
Cell phones are NOT allowed in classes! We encourage an “unplugged” experience while at Rock Eagle 4-H Center and encourage students to connect with nature, peers, and teachers.
Adults are welcome to take photos!
Pre/Post Trip Learning Tools
Student Vocabulary for EE Classes
Rock Eagle 4-H Center Vocabulary is another way to prepare students for their classes at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center and after trip review!
Vocabulary Cover Page
Day Classes Vocabulary
Evening Classes Vocabulary
Student Journal Questions for EE Classes
Student Journal Questions are available for students to reflect and review their experiences at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center! Please feel free to use these journal questions in a way that best suits your students and your trip to Rock Eagle.
Answer Keys are available for teachers for Student Journal Questions. Please email Lauren Kuschner if interested.
Cover Pages for Student Journal Questions
Pre-Trip/Post-Trip Journal Questions & Experiences
Student Journal Questions for Day Classes
Student Journal Questions for Night Classes
Pre-Post EE Trip Activities for School
Rock Eagle 4-H Center Pre/Post Trip activities are additional ways to help teachers connect and prepare students to their environmental education classes either before or after their trip experience!
Pre/Post Trip Activities for Day Classes
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- Lake Ecology Activities
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- Lake Assessment Activities
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- Watershed Studies Activities
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- Herpetology Activities
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- Ornithology Activities
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- Rock Eagle Hike Activities
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- Pioneer Tools Activities
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- Pioneer Life Activities
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- Canoeing Activities
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- Orienteering Activities
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- Team Building Activities
Pre/Post Trip Activities for Night Classes
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- Ophiology (Snakes) Activities
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- Raptors Activities
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- Sensory Awareness Activities
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- Ichthyology (Fish Dissection) Activities
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- Historic Games Activities
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- Historic Campfire Activities
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- Ultimate Frisbee Activities
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- Campfire Activities
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- Museum Tour Activities