Summer On Campus Courses

The Blue Ridge region of South Carolina and North Carolina is saturated with historical and natural interpretive wonders. Surrounded by state and national forests, rivers, mountains, and more, the region is a hidden gem for outdoor adventure and education. This trip will consist of rafting the Nantahala River, Hiking of the Foothills Trail, Touring the Biltmore Mansion, hiking to some of the 250 waterfalls in the regions. While this is done, the student will develop an understanding of the interpretive design and its importance in the realms of outdoor recreation, outdoor education, and tourism. They will review the different types of interpretive programming and how to develop their type of programming. Also, they will be learning outdoor adventure and living skills such as multi-day backpacking and camping, river rafting, and the Leave No Trace principles (including receiving a certification of completion of a Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop). The students will work together growing a sense of community supporting each other through challenges and taking responsibility for their meals, clean up and their natural environment. The purpose of the course is to study interpretive design through a practical context in the natural outdoor and historical setting. Reading and discussion of interpretive design will enhance their outdoor experience and develop their recreational leadership skills.
To achieve its purpose, this course will expose you to:
 New skills associated with outdoor living and recreation (i.e., camping, fire building, hiking techniques, proper use of camping equipment, whitewater and facilitating trips)
 The history of upstate South Carolina and the mountain region of North Carolina, including the local culture, history, and the natural environment
 Writings inspired by interpretive design, wilderness living, and discussion of philosophical ideas that emerge
 The seven ethical principles of Leave No Trace Principles
 The direct experience of the Blue Ridge Appalachian region
 An opportunity to identify and develop their interpretive programs through a philosophy of the program

The cost is $2,184 plus a $35 application fee per person. The cost covers tuition, food, lodging, activities, and travel DURING the 10-day trip, specifically:
 Lodging and Camping
 Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for the entirety of the trip (some snack will be provided, but should be handled on their own)
 Staff compensation
 Waterfall Tour
 Visit the Biltmore
 Boat Ride on Lake Jocassee
 Canopy Tour 5
 State Park and National Forest Entry Fees
 Equipment usage (Tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpack, cooking and eating supplies, etc.)
 Whitewater Rafting
Cross-listings: PER 295/GSR 240 Interpretive Design Through Discovery Adventures
Instructors: Curtis Clemens
Course Materials: Purchase textbook(s) at eCampus.
Note: Payment must be received to finalize your course registration.