Homeschoolers are invited to a day at the US National Whitewater Center with programs especially for them!  Join us for an introduction to flat-water paddling on this historically significant stretch of the Catawba River Blueway, part of the larger Carolina Thread Trail. For this  2-hour program, we will learn the basics of paddling, kayak as a group upstream, discuss water quality issues, and explore the shoreline within the 16-acre Long Creek Bluff Preserve conserved by Catawba Lands Conservancy. Come learn about the link between preserved land and water quality while having fun on the water!

The rest of the day can be spent enjoying a full day of recreational activities at the Whitewater Center. Whether it’s high ropes activities, zip-lines, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, or rock climbing, see your homeschooler have an outdoor adventure!

Register here to reserve your spot for this fun homeschool adventure!

Program Schedule:

8-10am | Recommended for grades 3-5 | The Incredible Journey

Learn more about the water cycle, point and non-point source pollution, and watersheds as we follow the incredible journey of one rain drop from the Appalachian Mountains to the Catawba River.

10-12pm | Recommended for grades 6-8 | The Historic Catawba

Learn more about the “people of the river”, historic trade routes, and how the Catawba influenced the creation of North Carolina as we paddle along the historic Tuckaseegee Trail.

1-3pm | Recommended for grades 9-12 | Healthy Ecosystems and Resource Management

Do you like to drink clean water? Did you know that land management practices have a big influence on water quality? In this program, students will develop an understanding of the hydrosphere, evaluate how humans use water, and discuss the effects of land management practices on water quality. Students will learn how preserved land can influence water quality while kayaking through Long Creek Bluff Preserve.

This hike is in partnership with Catawba Lands Conservancy, Carolina Thread Trail, and the US National Whitewater Center. This program is meant to connect youth to the water resources and outdoor activities in their community.