Wildlife Education Center
South Carolina Waterfowl Association Education Programs
Class Descriptions
Classes and activities for Camp Leopold are designed to cover a wide range of environmental topics highlighting the natural and man-made resources students and teachers will discover. Combining the observation techniques of Aldo Leopold with the rich flora and fauna of Camp Leopold provides a unique opportunity to enrich learning and spark a desire for students to discover the land and its inhabitants.
Daytime Activities
Field Chemistry
Field Chemistry
Just because a body of water wasn’t hit with an oil spill doesn’t mean it isn’t full of chemicals! Everything in Nature is made up of chemicals no matter if it’s a plant, animal, or a rock. Students will explore these, and many other topics related to chemistry, and they will take part in experiments that will demonstrate the importance of the invisible world of atoms.
The Many Uses of the Forest
In the Forest Ecology class, students will experience firsthand the importance of forests, not only to animals but to humans as well. While trekking through the woods, students will learn about key management techniques that allow Camp Leopold to efficiently manage their forests, providing habitat for thousands of species of flora and fauna, while also providing for the people at camp.
Spooring and Exploring
To spoor is to search for a track or trail left by a person or animal. Students will learn how to identify signs that an animal has been in the area. We will look at what draws the wildlife to that area, what direction they were moving, and hypothesize where they went after they left. Each student will find a track, and use plaster molding to create their own track they get to take home!
Wonderful Wetlands
Students exploring the wetland areas of Camp Leopold will use new observation skills to start their journey aStudents exploring the wetland areas of Camp Leopold will use new observation skills to start their journey as young naturalists recording new discoveries. The interface between water and land will uncover strange plant and animal species for students to research. Students will learn how to identify a wetland and decide if wetlands are wastelands or land valuable to their community.
Canoeing at Camp
Go back in time while paddling the swamps of Camp Leopold. This adventure will bring back memories of Francis Marion and his band of men hiding out in places no British Soldier would ever think of looking. Cyprus swamp canoeing is loaded with wetland biology and the natural history of South Carolina. We will dive into the history and biology of a disappearing wetland ecosystem.
A Waterfowl Adventure
Earths seasons affect every living thing. We plan our day and every thing we do around the seasons of the year from the clothes we wear to the food we eat and even where we live. Students will investigate the forces that change our planet from year to year. Studying the conditions that affect our world and the waterfowl that visit Camp Leopold will give every student a better sense of why animals and plants have no choice but to react in amazing ways.
Creatures of the Woods
We will hike the forests of Camp Leopold to discover the complex environment of the upland forests of South Carolina. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and furry mammals are part of life in South Carolina and we will study them in their natural habitat. Mysteries that make these animals so fascinating will be discovered.
The Scarecrow and Plow
Students will enter the fields of Camp Leopold to collect and investigate cultivated plants. Here at Camp Leopold you won’t see a scarecrow because crops are planted specifically to feed the animals. Discover agricultural science and why wildlife biologists plant crops to feed and care for wild animals. We will compare cultivated plants to native plants to see the impact wise farming can have on the animals of Camp Leopold. Students will ride in the camp wagon to cover and discover all of the different crops and land management tools used at camp.
Team Challenge
Building group dynamics and teamwork to reach crazy new goals will be the focus of this class. Students will learn to work together and how to help each other reach new heights. Following this class, teachers will find their students well prepared to work together with their classmates for the remainder of their school year.
Spineless Wonders
This class will focus on learning about invertebrates – or spineless animals. We will cover their vast diversity, as well as the various adaptations these organisms possess to make them one of the key components of nearly every ecosystem.
Their Blood Runs Cold
Reptiles and amphibians are very important to the balance of any ecosystem where they are native. Camp Leopold has many different species. We will study these creepy and crawly creatures and spend the evening dispelling myths and fears about these wonderful animals.
Human Impact at Camp Leopold
During this discussion, students and instructors alike will discuss the main effects that humans have on the natural world, both positive and negative. Further discussion will unveil methods that we can all implement to reduce our negative impact and minimize our carbon footprint.
Scavenger Hunt
Students will gain firsthand experience with orienteering – using a compass to discover several key flora and fauna that live throughout the forests of Camp Leopold.
Trail Cams: A Look Into the Wild World
Trail cams have become a useful tool for scientists to monitor what kinds of wildlife are frequenting an area. Trail cams have become a useful tool for scientists to monitor what kinds of wildlife are frequenting an area. Many animals are more active during the evening and night hours at times that would make it difficult to see them. This activity will give students a look into a world seldom seen as well as teach effective ways to attract wildlife to a specific area. Trail cameras can be used to monitor different wildlife populations and species richness, indicate the presence of invasive species and monitor individual animals among a population. Separated into groups, students will learn how to set up and bait their camera site using various scents and compete in their very own Wildlife Photo Contest – 2 and 3 Day Programs only.
Birding 101
Birds are not only pretty to look at but are indicators of environmental health. Our Birding 101 class introduces students to the basics of Ornithology; the study of birds. While at Camp Leopold, students will partake in a class that not only allows them to see the feathered friends we have at camp, but they will learn a fun, scientific activity they can do in their own backyard.
Dual Zip Lines
Introducing our new dual zip lines class at Camp Leopold! During this activity, participants are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and experience the thrill of flight! Our zip line is over 150 feet long and allows for two participants to fly through the sky at the same time. Our trained staff will teach participants zip-lining basics and will help develop their confidence as adventurers.
Team Obstacle Course
Building group dynamics and teamwork to reach crazy new goals will be the focus of this class. Students will learn to work together and how to help each other reach new heights. Following this class, teachers will find their students well prepared to work together with their classmates for the remainder of their school year.
Evening Activities
Environmental Hearing
Complicated problems with complicated answers are the focus in this evening class. This is an opportunity for students to participate in big decisions affecting our communities. Your students will be presented with an environmental problem challenging our community. Students will represent a group of citizens, corporation or environmental organization to argue the merits of their position facing their community.
Download: South Carolina Public School Standards: Environmental Hearing >>
Night Walk
Walk the land at night to discover the difference between night and day. Some animals sleep while others wake up to take advantage of the cloak of darkness. In this night class, students will have the unique opportunity to see and hear some of the more illusive animals that call Camp Leopold home. Using our new FoxPro calling system you will be able to hear, and maybe see more than ever before.
Download: South Carolina Public School Standards: Night Walk >>
Celestial Navigation
Stargazing at the night sky at Camp Leopold will give everyone a sense of wonder and appreciation for the dark night sky without any distracting city lights. In this night class, students will explore subjects within astronomy such as the solar system, moon phases, and constellations. This lesson is dependent upon suitable weather conditions.
This lesson is dependent upon suitable weather conditions.
Download: South Carolina Public School Standards: Celestial Navigation >>
Let the Wild Rumpus Begin, a Campfire
Songs and silliness will bring smiles to our faces for this special time as we sing and tell stories of life at Camp Leopold.
Their Blood Runs Cold at Night
Reptiles and amphibians are very important to the balance of any ecosystem where they are native. Camp Leopold has many different species. We will study these creepy and crawly creatures and spend the evening dispelling myths and fears about these wonderful animals.
Wildlife Education Center 