- Are you an educator looking for an incredible experiential learning opportunity for your students? Come learn with us on our 200+ acre outdoor classroom! -
Educational Field Trips
It’s more critical than ever for students to develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, and other important life and learning skills in order to be effective and productive members of society. There is no better way to help students learn these skills than the experiential learning model where students learn by doing. Experiential learning provides opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of subject matter not possible in the classroom, to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, and inspires them to become life-long learners. Check out these experiential education offerings from the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center to help your students be the best they can be.
Questions? Contact the Education Director, Kyle Shillinglaw at kmshilli@ncsu.edu
- Grades 2-6 -
Environmental Education
Experiential science and cultural history learning on our 200+ acre campus serving as an outdoor classroom for grades 2-6. We offer over 20 environmental science and history classes aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study. Overnight and day programs are available. For a list of class offerings and standards alignment, click the button below.
- Grades 5-8 -
Soaring Through Spaces
Life skill development and character education for grades 5-8. This program utilizes group initiatives, team-building activities, a high ropes course and facilitated discussions to promote self-efficacy and the development of life skills in each student. Intensive overnight programs allow for the most growth, but day programs are also available. Soaring Through Spaces can also be adapted for high school, college, or corporate groups.
- Grades 6-10 -
Project O.R.I.E.N.T
GPS-based outdoor research in environmental sciences, math, and technology for grades 6-10. Students embark on a giant, multi-day scavenger hunt using GPS and topographic maps to explore the amazing natural ecosystem of BJP. Student groups lead themselves with guidance from expert instructors, finding engaging environmental science, math, technology, and team-decision making challenges along the way. ORIENT offers an immersive student experience.
The camp experience is so important for these children because it gives them a sense of identity, a sense of purpose, it adds to their self-efficacy ten times over. It changes you.
Coming here is going to be the best week of your life. Regardless of what week you come, regardless of who you are, you’re going to change.
We love 4-H camp. It builds relationships, leadership skills, self-discipline, self-motivation, and gives young people a safe environment for personal growth.
This place, I feel like I can be myself. I’ve waited a whole year for summer just to get back here.
First I was afraid to talk to people and I was shy. Now I can talk and be myself.
Everybody makes it so that every week is the best week of your life here and that’s really special.
Every year there is always the person on your side of the cabin who becomes a great friend.
Coming to BJP showed me there are people out here that want to help you, there are people who want to change your life every day, there are people who are going to pick you up.
I always said I can’t and now I say I can.
Betsy-Jeff Penn Center Director - Stacy Burns
Camper and Camp Counselor - Joey Garron
Shawn - Parent
Camper - Taqqee Richardson
Camper
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Camper and Camp Counselor -Joey Garron
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