FORTSON 4-H CENTER Environmental Education Field Studies

Where we fit in:

Georgia 4-H Mission Statement: The mission of Georgia 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing citizens. Georgia 4-H Environmental Education: Naturally gets students outside and connected with the environment Aligned with the current state curriculum standards Taught by well-trained and college educated instructors Uses the outdoors as a classroom without walls Reaches students through physical and Excellence: a tradition since 1972

We are one of five 4-H Centers located across Georgia

Fortson 4-H Center Right around the corner in Hampton, Georgia, lies Fortson 4-H Center. There are 77 acres of forest, field, pond, and wetlands just waiting for your kids to explore the wonders of nature and get dirty!

Dorms 1-4 Although 4 separate dorms, Dorms 1 & 2 and Dorms 3 & 4 are each housed under the same roof. Each dorm has 11 bunk beds with a community bathroom. Each dorm also has a chaperone room with 2 twin beds and a private bathroom.

Rowan House & Smith House The Rowan House has 6 rooms with 2 bunk beds and a bathroom in each room. There is also a chaperone room with 2 twin beds and a bathroom. The Smith House has the same sleeping arrangements.

White House The White House has 2 large rooms with 8 bunk beds in each room; each room has its own bathroom area. There is also a chaperone room with 2 twin beds and a bathroom.

Dining Hall Our Dining Hall easily accommodates over 175 guests. Our staff serves up hot, kid-friendly, delicious meals and is able to meet nearly every dietary need.

Amphitheater A truly state-of-the-art facility with an incredible sound system that can be heard for miles. Outdoor seating area can accommodate 200 people. Amphitheater has a fully functioning curtain, two dressing rooms, wireless mic system, and stage lighting.

Pond Fortson 4-H Center has a pond on site that is stocked with many fish and complete with surrounding walking trails. Canoeing and Pond Ecology are both taught on this beautiful pond.

Fortson Farm Our farm is centered on the “Farm to Plate” curriculum in which students learn the importance of agriculture and the origins of different foods. Our animals include: chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, a pot-bellied pig, and more! The garden includes all kinds of fruits and vegetables!

Class Offerings At Fortson 4-H Center, we offer a diverse array of research, academic and curriculum-based classes that align with the Georgia Performance Standards in a variety of discipline areas. We categorize these classes into five program areas: Outdoor Skills Team Building Ecology Living History Night Classes

Outdoor Skills Archery: A 2-hour class where students will be introduced to some basic archery skills including safety, history and shooting technique. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes are required. Otherwise, comfortable clothing.

Outdoor Skills Canoeing: A 2-hour class that gives students the opportunity to paddle around our pond while learning proper strokes, parts of a canoe and teamwork. What to wear: Clothes and shoes that can get wet are suggested.

Outdoor Skills Orienteering: Students will be introduced to some basic orienteering skills like compass use and pacing. After being refreshed on a few math concepts, students will get an opportunity to test what they’ve learned by venturing onto an orienteering course at Fortson. What to wear: Whatever is comfortable.

Outdoor Skills Wilderness Survival: Students will work in teams while learning and practicing methods of safety and survival. Students will use teamwork while building shelters and fires (not lit) in this 2-hour class. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes are required. Clothes that can get dirty are suggested.

Team Building Team Initiatives 1 (K-4 th Grade): Students are introduced to the principles of team building. Without going on the low elements course, students explore what it takes to be an effective team. Topics addressed include trust, goal setting, and problem solving. Team Initiatives 2 (5 th Grade and Up): Groups focus on the principles of team building by working through a progression of initiatives and elements. Aspects addressed in this 2-hour class may include goal setting, trust, and problem solving. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required.

Team Building High Elements: Choose between our climbing wall or zip line for this high adventure- based 2-hour class that not only focuses on adrenal thrills, but also on overcoming internal challenges through group support. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required. Shorts or pants that would fit well in a tight-fitting seat harness are suggested. Gym shorts NOT recommended.

Ecology Entomology Students will develop a better understanding of insects through collection, classification and observation. In this 2-hour class, students will learn about basic insect anatomy and their important roles in a healthy ecosystem. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes are required. Otherwise, comfortable clothing.

Ecology Herpetology Students get the opportunity to handle, observe and learn about reptiles and amphibians. Characteristics and adaptations of snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs and more will be discussed. What to wear: Whatever is comfortable.

Ecology Forest Ecology Students will learn about and study the components of a Georgia Piedmont forest ecosystem. Exploring the forest floor, learning the identifying characteristics of common species of trees, and learning about the process of decay in forests are all some of the topics in this class. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes are required. Otherwise, comfortable clothing.

Ecology Pond Ecology Students will use nets to identify common organisms found in the Fortson Pond. Aquatic organisms, characteristics of ponds, and the movement of energy in the food web will be discussed through hands-on activities. What to wear: Clothes and shoes that can get wet are strongly suggested..

Living History Cemetery Studies Students will explore two of Henry County’s oldest cemeteries while being introduced to beginning concepts of genealogy. Students will be able to compare and contrast physical and cultural differences between the two cemeteries. What to wear: Whatever is comfortable. Farm to Plate Students will learn the significance of agriculture. This class focuses on how food gets from the farm to the plate. Activities may include collecting and candling eggs, milking a goat, harvesting fruit and vegetables and making a fresh- fruit smoothie they can drink. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required. Whatever is comfortable.

Living History Pioneer Days Rediscover life from a bygone era. This 2- hour class guides students through typical “chores” associated with life on a settler’s farm during this time period. Some chores include gardening, cotton seeding,, and making corn bread over the open fire. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required. Otherwise, whatever is comfortable. Native American Studies Students will learn about the history and culture of Native Americans of Georgia through a variety of hands-on learning activities. Students will help in the construction of our waddle and daub house, use a mortar and pestle to make cornmeal and much more! What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required. Otherwise, whatever is comfortable.

Night Classes Native American Games Native Americans played games not only for fun but also to build skills and sometimes to settle arguments. Students will enhance their skills as warriors and hunters in games like Fire Keeper, Zuni Kick Stick and Bear Rug! What to wear: Closed-toed shoes suggested, Otherwise, whatever is comfortable. Campfire Instructors lead students in a fun-filled hour of songs, skits, and stories! S’mores are included! What to wear: Closed-toed shoes suggested. Otherwise, whatever is comfortable.

Night Classes Amphibians Students will learn what makes amphibians different from reptiles and how metamorphosis works while observing several captive amphibian species. They will also get the chance to go on a frog search around the Fortson pond. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required. Shoes have the possibility of becoming muddy and damp. Sensory Awareness Hike Students explore their environment at night through a variety of sensory activities and experiences. Emphasis is placed on using the senses at night and adaptations of nighttime creatures. What to wear: Closed-toed shoes required. Otherwise, whatever is comfortable.

Rates and Fees ProgramCostWhat’s Included 3 days, 2 nights$115*/personlodging, 8 classes (6 day classes, 2 hours per class; 2 night classes, 1 hour per class), 7 meals 2 days, 1 night$72*/personlodging, 4 classes (3 day classes, 2 hours per class; 1 night class, 1 hour per class), 4 meals 1 Day$19*/person2 classes (2 hours per class); a meal can be included for an additional cost 1 Day$12*/person1 class (2 hours long); a meal can be included for an additional cost Outreach$10/person/class (plus mileage) 2-hour class at your location. Outreaches are based on availability around on-center programs *Additional Charge for Zip Line and Climbing Wall Other programs can be created upon request!

Meet Our Staff! Our exceptionally well-trained and college-educated environmental educators come from all over the United States to teach children about the wonders of the natural world in Atlanta’s boundless outdoor classroom.

Contact Information Phone: (770) Program Coordinator - Reese Simmons Center Director - Allen Nasworthy Mailing Address: Fortson 4-H Center 999 Forston Road Hampton, GA Check out our Facebook page!