Ann Kieser, Environmental Education Coordinator
Voice: 864.836.3291 Extension 107 | Fax: 864.836.3140 | Email: akieser@ymcagreenville.org

We Share The Same Goals

If your goal is to help children learn more about the environment in which we live -- then we share the same goal! YMCA Camp Greenville’s Environmental Education Program is a highly organized outdoor learning experience. We aim to help students find out more about the outdoors - and themselves - by providing teaching activities which take place in the outdoors.

We believe that experiencing nature through hands-on exploration leads to lifelong awareness and understanding. Read on, and we think you will find that our program can be an outstanding complement to classroom learning and can assist you in meeting your curriculum goals.
 

A Mountain Top
Educational Experience

Our natural resources make a great classroom! At Camp Greenville students explore a 1,600 acre classroom high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We have many natural ecosystems to explore — from hardwood forests to lakes and streams. In these natural settings terms like "caddis-fly larvae," "folded mountains," and "community" take on immediate significance as the students experience their meaning firsthand.

Customize the Program to Meet Your Needs

You will be able to choose activities for your students from a list of options. Most teachers choose a mix of activities that provide a well-rounded balance of learning experiences. For example, you might want your students to learn about aquatic life, forest ecology and ecosystems, animal mountain habitats, or mountain geology. In addition, you might choose our creative writing class, one of our group problem-solving activities, an arts & crafts activity, or maybe a hike to our spectacular 150 ft. Rainbow Falls. Almost every school group participates in one of our "challenges and initiatives" activities such as "group dynamics." We’ve been told that for many students, (and adults), group dynamics is one of the most memorable activities of the program. You even have several choices for evening programs. These are generally more social and fun in nature, although our campfire programs, square dances and night hikes can be great learning experiences.

Most schools choose to participate in our 3-day program, but we can tailor the experience to suit your needs. A typical 3-day program includes seven activity periods, two evening programs, and six meals.
 

Our Staff Makes The Difference

Each instructor at Camp Greenville has been trained in a child-centered approach to teaching and either holds a college degree or is involved in this experience as part of their college program. With a ratio of 10-14 students per instructor, you can be assured that your students will have a safe and individualized learning experience full of fun and adventure.

Our Facilities Make Your Stay Comfortable

Groups are lodged in winterized, dormitory-style cabins with teachers and chaperones. Full bathroom facilities are located inside each cabin. Meals are served family-style in our Dining Hall. Sheltered and winterized classroom areas are available if the weather does not allow outdoor activities. We will ask you and your students to be prepared for mild inclement weather, though. Being outdoors is what we’re all about!

Forms Online

Below are several of our Environmental Education forms that are available for download in Adobe's Portable Document Format (Acrobat PDF). If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download free from the Adobe website using the link button below.