In prehistoric times, the bow was an important weapon of war and of the hunt.  Over time, the use of the bow evolved into the modern sport of archery.  In this class, students will become more aware and appreciative of archery as a safe sport.

Students canoe in pairs or groups of three on Smith Mountain Lake.  The Canoeing class allows for the introduction of basic paddling instruction and is a great activity for embracing teamwork.  Instructors are encouraged to promote student’s exploration of the natural world within Smith Mountain Lake coves.

Whether the group is investigating an environmental issue, working together on a group project or playing a game on the playground, our daily lives are full of opportunities to work together with others.  Through a series of activities of increasing difficulty and challenge, students are encouraged to cooperate with one another, draw on inner resources and to use assets brought to the group by the individual.

The Climbing Wall offers a variety of challenges for every skill level.  Our trained staff create a safe setting in which individuals can explore issues such as risk taking, goal setting, maintaining a positive attitude, asking and giving positive peer support and accepting other’s decisions and goals for themselves.  Group discussion and processing help the students transfer their experience back to everyday life. The Climbing Wall offers a variety of challenges for every skill level.

Participants work in small groups on innovative activities such as Tinker Toy Towers, Catapult and Egg Drop.  All students are encouraged to participate in this unique approach to creative construction.

A unique approach to team building can take place while students explore the Skelton 4-H Center grounds and the surrounding natural areas of Franklin County.  A combination of Challenge Course 1, Map & Compass Mayhem and Wilderness Survival all come together on this adventure.  Intense group discussion, processing and solo journaling allow the students to apply the lessons and skills learned.

This subtle approach to team-building will teach students basic wilderness survival skills such as shelter building, fire starting and water collection.  “Leave No Trace” ethics and low impact camping will also be addressed.

What better sport to experience first hand than at Smith Mountain Lake!  Students will learn about the anatomy (internal and external) of fish to identify different fish that call this lake their home. Students will sample the lake using a seine net to check the diversity of the lake. Using simple rod and reel poles and live bait, students will experience the art and sport of fishing.

Birds have provided great inspiration to people throughout the ages with their beauty, color, songs and flight. It’s no wonder that bird watching is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation in the US!  Many people find it fascinating to watch these flying creatures, often marveling at some of their unusual and comical behaviors.

All animals need four essential things to survive: food, shelter, water and space. Animals develop adaptations, physical and behavioral, to aid in fulfilling these needs. Students will discover the importance that animals play in the ecosystems they inhabit and the importance of their adaptations in their survival.

Students will examine anatomy, life cycles, adaptations, classifications and the role of insects, worms and other creepy crawly organisms. They will see these animals in action in our Riparian Buffer Butterfly Garden, compost bins and live animal exhibits. Outfitted with hand lens, students will continue their adventures by observing native Virginia insects in their natural habitat.