Providence Canyon Hiking and Camping Trip
Middle School Hiking/Camping Trip Information
Kingfisher Academy Middle School Providence Canyon State Park Hiking/Camping Trip March 27-28, 2008 Overview: We will explore Providence Canyon State Park on March 27-28, 2008. Often called “Georgia’s Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon is a series of gullies, canyons, and pinnacles formed from erosion 150 years ago. However, this erosion wasn’t a natural phenomenon; rather, it was created due to poor agricultural practices by early Georgians in the area. In all, the park covers approximately 1,000 acres, containing canyons that can reach one mile long and 300 feet across, offering unique hiking opportunities. Erosion has revealed several million years of the geologic record, and due to minerals staining the sediments, the exposed colors explode in hues of pinks, reds, oranges, purples, browns, and blacks. We will depart the school parking lot at 8:30 a.m. sharp. We’ll have a 2 ½ hour drive down to the state park, which is located just outside Lumpkin. Transportation will be in the school van. We’ll stop for a quick fast food breakfast/lunch before reaching the park. Upon reaching the park, we’ll park the van and begin our hike. Students will not need to carry their heavy packs for the hike, but they should carry a light backpack containing a water bottle, a small trail snack (trail mix, energy bar, dried fruit or nuts, etc.), a notepad/sketchpad and pencil, a sweatshirt or another layered garment to put on if the weather cools, and a parka (optional, depending on weather). Along the hike, we’ll have an adult at the front and at the back of the line, and we’ll communicate via walkie-talkie. We’ll be grouping at various places along the trail for lessons in geology, natural history, and Georgia history, in addition to spur-of-the-moment talks as topics come up. After the hike, we’ll proceed to the pioneer campsite. It consists of a 3-sided covered shelter, a covered picnic table area, a fire ring, and an outhouse. The shelter should hold all the students and their belongings, and we’ll set up private tents for the adult chaperones. We’ll cook dinner over an open fire. It will consist of chili and/or beans over rice, with hot dogs (including turkey and veggie), dessert s’mores, and tea or hot cocoa. The evening will include songs and stories around the campfire. In the morning, students will have cream-of-wheat or oatmeal for breakfast, with hot tea or cocoa, then we’ll break down the campsite and re-pack the bus. We should have time for another short hike in the morning before leaving the park for the return to Atlanta. Again, we’ll stop for a fast food bite to eat on the return trip, and we plan to arrive back in Atlanta by 3:30 p.m. Kids that usually go home on the bus will be dropped off as usual. If your child is typically in aftercare, it is strongly suggested that you pick your child up earlier than usual that afternoon, as they’ll likely be quite tired and wanting a warm bath! When we have cellular service, we’ll be calling to check-in with the school, so feel free to call the school if you’d like an update on our progress! Finally, students with special dietary needs should discuss the menu with Mr. Johnson prior to the trip. What to wear: • Jeans or other comfortable pants (not ripped, torn, or too long/baggy, as is sometimes the fashion – they need to be functional) • Tee-shirt • Long-sleeve tee-shirt or turtleneck • Sweatshirt or flannel work shirt • Hat • Thick, warm, comfortable socks • Comfortable, well-broken-in shoes or hiking boots (with good soles and without holes) What to bring: • Extra tee-shirt, sweatshirt or flannel, jeans/pants, undergarments, and socks • Weather-appropriate jacket or coat and/or raincoat/parka • Comfortable, warm clothes in which to sleep (sweatshirt and sweatpants, flannel pajamas, etc.) • Sleeping bag • Small pillow (optional – some kids prefer a small rolled-up blanket, to use in case they get cold at night) • Backpack • Water bottle or canteen and 2-liters of water (in addition to their personal water bottle) • 3 zip-seal sandwich bags and 2 garbage bags • Essential toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, necessary feminine items, analgesics, etc.) • Notepad/sketchpad and pencil • Wallet or change purse containing approximately $10 for fast food meals on the way there and back and optional incidentals) • Small roll of toilet paper • Flashlight (optional) • Camera (optional) • Small pocket knife (optional) • Book or free reading item for the trip (optional) Do not bring: • Items inappropriate for a school trip • Larger, “bear-stabber” knives • Portable electronic items • Items a student wouldn’t want soaked, soiled, or dropped down a canyon *Remember, everyone carries what he/she packs, so pack light! Essential contact information: • Mr. Johnson’s cellular: (404) 784-1425 • Providence Canyon State Park Ranger Station: (229) 838-6202 ***There is a $20 fee for this trip, which will cover transportation costs, supplies, campground reservations, etc. This is in addition to the $10 students will carry for their fast food meals and incidentals. Please pay by cash or make checks payable to Kingfisher Academy. Trip fees should be submitted with the signed permission slips no later than Monday, March 24, 2008.
Memorial Day (school closed)
