Classes and Activities

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. Camp Leopold classes are divided into three separate emphasis areas to achieve these goals.

Social-Emotional Learning Emphasis: These are classes where students are challenged by choice.  Students must utilize teamwork to achieve group goals. Students will also have opportunities to push themselves and develop confidence in their own abilities.

Nature Exploration Emphasis: These classes encourage students to become more comfortable with exploring the natural world around them. Our Nature Exploration Classes help students develop the soft skill that every budding conservationist needs, such as making accurate observations and thoughtful connections. 

Applied Science Emphasis: At Camp Leopold, we believe anyone can be a scientist! Our Science Application classes allow students to collect real data and practice using different scientific tools. The goal is for students to have so much fun, that they don’t even realize how much science they’ve performed.

Daytime Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.