Field Trip Program Components
MARINE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The Salt Marsh Players
“Mighty Mud Mongers”
Salt Marsh Ecology & Wildlife. Each student will play a particular role in a “simulation salt marsh” and see how their Components interact with the estuarine ecosystem. After the simulation, students will actively collect and identify salt marsh organisms and create a food pyramid.
Aquarium
“Undersea Adventure“
Marine Species. Students visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to get a bird's eye view of some of the magnificent ocean life off our coast. Students may participate in scavenger hunts in the aquarium, experience a live feeding, or talk with a diver in the 24 foot dive tank with live sharks! Students will gain an understanding of the impact human interaction and development has had on marine fisheries, and explore ways to counteract future problems for marine species.
Beach Dynamics
“It’s All about the Waves”
Beach Ecology & Barrier Island Dynamics. Learn how waves shape the coast and how animals and plants adapt. Map the beach profile and discover how the beach environment changes with the seasons. Study how dunes form and dune plants survive on our coast.
Coquina Outcrop Study
“Underwater Reefs on the Beach”
Rocky Intertidal. Unique to our area, the coquina outcrop here is part of a system that becomes an offshore reef. The rocks on our beach hold sea life that has adapted to the ever-changing surf habitat of the intertidal zone. Explore the outcrop and collect living specimens for a hands-on understanding of adaptation for survival on the reef.
Coastal Habitats Nature Hike
“Beware….Meat-Eating Plants”
Maritime Forest. Investigate several different coastal ecosystems within the Carolina Beach State Park. Explore the Venus Fly Trap trail, the Sugarloaf Dune and Carolina Bays, all fascinating features found only in the Coastal Carolinas.
CCA’s Nature Challenge
“Keep Looking!”
Use knowledge about local ecosystems to engage in friendly competition against peers to locate different objects at beach or coastal forest. This challenge emphasizes quick logic skills, knowledge of environment, physical agility and teamwork.
Introduction to the Environment
“Everyone Can Help”
Learn how to carefully observe the nature around you and interpret the many secrets of its beauty. Learn the current issues affecting the local wildlife and the steps you can take to make a difference. Teams will devise a plan to increase environmental awareness through a local project. Teams may also participate in cleaning up the beach or salt marsh as part of their trip.
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.
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!
