Invertebrates of the Dock

“Whose Hiding under There?”

Marine Invertebrates.  Investigate the incredibly diverse community of invertebrate organisms whose homes can be found on the submerged surfaces of docks and pilings.  Using our hands and nets, we remove and study these creatures, then return them to their habitat.

CAROLINA HISTORY COMPONENTS

Native American Folklore & Games

“Chief WH & the Tribe”

History.  Students learn how Native American tribes thrived along the coast. Teams will represent different tribes and develop their own languages, traditions, headdresses, songs, dances and more. Take a hike through a state forest and learn to identify animal tracks and the resources of nature.

Ft. Fisher Hermit’s Beach & Bunker

“Folklore & Legend”

Local History/Lore.  Paddle or hike to uncover the interesting and curious life of Robert Harrill a.k.a. The Ft. Fisher Hermit.  We venture out to his beach where he feasted on fresh oysters, clams & fish.  Visit his WWII bunker home where visitors listened to his stories about the simple life & “common sense”.

Ft. Fisher Historic Museum & Site

“The Last Southern Port Stronghold of the Civil War”

Civil War History.  Take a guided tour through the remnants of the historic civil war fort, Ft. Fisher, the largest earthwork fortification of the confederacy.  Not only do we learn about the fort’s history but the civil war history of the entire Cape Fear region.

OUTDOOR RECREATION COMPONENTS

Introduction to Kayaking

“Paddling Zeke’s Island:

Eye Level with the Egrets”

Kayak Exploration.  Begin with a brief paddling class, then explore the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve.  Kayaks are the perfect vessel to access the flat shallow waters of the salt marsh.  See our feathered friends up close.  Identify plant and animal life of the estuary and discover the dynamic ecology of barrier islands, including their role in protection of the North Carolina coastline.

“Exploring Our Waterways” with Captain John

“The 3 Hour Tour……”

Marine Animals, History & Folklore.  Motor Vessel Voyage.  Interpretive overview of the east and west banks of the mighty Cape Fear River.  Capt. John’s perspective brings to life history, folklore and marine creatures.  Travel up creeks past the Battery Island Audubon Sanctuary and along the first project of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Journey to Masonboro

“A Natural Barrier Island”

Beachcombing & Shell Collecting.  The uninhabited island of Masonboro offers the perfect natural history museum.  After a short exhilarating boat ride, take a beach walk and uncover the shell remains of mollusks & crustaceans.  See a barrier island in its natural state free of development.  How does it differ?

All About Fish

“Where are You in the Food Chain?”

Fish Anatomy, Habitats & Life Cycles. Who eats who? Figure out the pecking order and you know everything you need to catch any fish. Employ these tools to catch and release your fish.

Teambuilding Focus

“Help Me, Help You”

Group Dynamics.  Need a little help from your friends? Develop strong bonds among members of your group. Structured team challenges provide opportunities for students and leaders to connect and accomplish goals. Individuals gain self-confidence, trust and cooperation with others, while experiencing the outdoor world.

Survival Techniques

“Stranded like a Castaway”

Orienteering.  Introduce basic survival skills and learn how to navigate by map, compass and GPS. Small groups will work together to brainstorm ways to make a shelter, find

food, stay warm, and makes clothes. Using their new skills, teams will complete a mini scavenger hunt.

EVENING COMPONENTS

Sea Turtle Talk

“Crush’s Cool Crew”

Sea Turtle Species, Habitat and Life Cycle.  Each student starts together in a turtle nest as little hatchlings. Play a game and see who makes it to the open sea. You will be surprised at the odds! Learn all about a turtle’s life and how we can preserve these majestic creatures. Activities may include a slide show, or depending on conditions, a visit to an actual sea turtle nest.

Shark Talk

“Dundundundundun……SHARK!!!!!”

Shark Species, Anatomy & Habitat.  Mistakenly thought to be man-eating machines, as we learn about the mysteries of this grey suited, big toothed animal, we’ll discover how the hunter is really the hunted!

The Wonders of Space

“Hey Would You Look at That!”

Astronomy.  Navigate the night skies using a star chart. Find different constellations and even make up your own. Listen to stories about constellation origins.  Compete in interactive games with fellow students on astronomy knowledge. Have fun while learning the night sky.

Creatures of the Night Beach Walk

“What Glows in the Dark?”

Marine Phenomenon.  See the ocean’s natural night lights, bioluminescent organisms glowing at the water’s edge. See what moves about in the shadows of night. Hunt for Ghost Crabs and other nighttime nocturnals.

Girl Scouts

Carolina Coastal Adventures invites your troop to join us on “Girl Scout Saturdays” . Work towards your badges with us and accomplish your troop’s goals.  Each program is devoted to certain badges pertaining to our ecology and environment in Coastal North Carolina. 

We have certain dates set up with the Girl Scout Council.  Check your council calendars or go online to our website.  If your troop would like a personalized adventure in earning their badges we can create your very own program custom designed for you.

Below are the badges we incorporate into our programs:

Brownie Girl Scout Try-It’s

Plants/ Animals

Eco-Explorer

Outdoor Adventure: Paddling

Space Explorer

Sports and Games

Father and Daughter

Junior Girl Scout Badges

Plants and Animals

Eco-Action

Oil up

Adventure Sports: Kayaking

Sky Search

Sports Sampler

Finding Your Way

Father and Daughter

Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts Interest Projects

Plant Life

Wildlife

Eco-Action

All About Birds

Paddle, Poll & Roll

Orienteering

Father and Daughter

Boy Scouts

Come and explore the environment of Coastal Carolina with the staff here at Carolina Coastal Adventures and receive credit towards your merit badges. We explore acres of protected wetlands and miles of maritime forests. Our trained and certified staff can aid your troop in earning merit badges. We can rent your troop kayaks, canoes and gear. Or we can lead you on an expedition you will never forget.

Badges

Astronomy

Backpacking

Bird Study

Camping

Canoeing

Environmental Science

Dog Care

First Aid

Fish and Wildlife Management

Fishing

Forestry

Hiking

Indian Lore

Nature

Oceanography

Orienteering

Plant Science

Sports

Camping Trips

See page _________ for fun camping destinations.  Your troop can rent kayaks or have a fully guided program.  Build your own program with us!

Kids Camp

From the Director
Our staff is committed to providing campers with fun and exciting opportunities to grow socially, mentally and physically. We strive to instill leadership, teamwork and curiosity through challenges, games, and activities. Combining our philosophy of “Discovery by Adventure” and teaching the importance of being stewards of the earth, we hope that our campers will become the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and share their love for the marine environment.

Brief History
Carolina Coastal Adventures summer camp has been in operation since 2001. Located on the beach, we take every opportunity to explore the wonders of our beautiful coastline. Many of our activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking and exploring are focused on estuaries where much of our seafood starts its life. We teach our campers that these delicate ecosystems must be preserved for the future of the wildlife and ourselves. Knowledge and experiences gained at camp will serve campers well as they continue their science courses in school. Our curriculum is designed to reinforce concepts and ideas found in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSOS). Our outdoor, hands-on approach allows each individual the chance to experience and connect with the environment.

Accreditations
Our staff is trained in Wilderness First Aid, American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified, American Canoe Association Kayak Instructor, Environmental Naturalists, and experienced educators.  All motorized vessels are operated by United States Coast Guard licensed Captains.

Ratios
On water components will be no greater than 6 campers: 1 instructor.
On land components will be no greater than 12 campers: 1 instructor.

Staff
We thoroughly enjoy spending time learning with children. Our staff has a combined total of over 60 years of teaching experience. We encourage campers to ask us about our many hobbies which include; kayaking, surfing, fishing, boating, scuba diving, mountain biking, running, swimming, triathlons, astronomy, horseback riding, skiing, art, and music. If your children have similar interests or just have questions about any of these sports, feel free to ask. We are here for you.