Blue Ridge Institute
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Blue Ridge Institute
July 8-16, 2021
July 29 – August 6, 2021
Join us as we:
- Immerse yourself in the wilds of western North Carolina
- Hike to waterfalls and balds
- Snorkel a mountain stream
- Sleep under the stars
- Learn from scientists and experts
Participating educators will study and experience the wonders of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Join us as we traverse the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherry Lane to Cherokee, exploring the wonders of this incredibly biodiverse region of North Carolina. Learn from scientists and other experts about the ecology, geology, history, and culture of the Blue Ridge. Connect with nature, gain experience in outdoor leadership, and build camaraderie with other outstanding educators as we camp at multiple sites during our adventure. Discover strategies for bringing the natural history of North Carolina to life in your classroom. During the trip, participants will provide daily updates to students in North Carolina via a blog.
Dates: This Institute will be offered twice:
- July 8-16, 2021 (A mandatory orientation meeting will be held either in Raleigh or virtually on March 13, 2021. A mandatory post-trip session with be held in Raleigh on November 6, 2021.)
- July 29 – August 6, 2021 (A mandatory orientation meeting will be held either in Raleigh or virtually on March 20, 2021. A mandatory post-trip session with be held in Raleigh on November 6, 2021.)
Locations: Multiple sites in western North Carolina and Raleigh, N.C.
Group Size: Limited to 8-9 participants.
Activity Level: Moderate to rigorous including camping most nights, walking and hiking on uneven terrain, and swimming and snorkeling in mountain streams.
Cost: $400 (Includes campsites and lodging, most meals, instruction, and supporting materials.)
The Museum can lend most camping gear if you do not have your own. To allow for social distancing and other safety protocols, participants will each have their own tent or room and will travel to each site in their own vehicle. At the conclusion of the Institute, the Museum will provide a $200 stipend to cover transportation costs.
Health and Safety Precautions:
- Participants and instructors will travel to each site in their own vehicle. The Museum is unable to provide transportation at this time.
- Each participant will have their own tent. Participants may bring their own tent, or the Museum can supply one. For the final two nights, lodging will be single occupancy, in yurts.
- The Institute will be conducted almost entirely in the outdoors.
- Face coverings are required when social distancing is not possible and during any time spent indoors.