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Grandfather Mountain Announces Summer Campout Hosted by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

May 16, 2013. Grandfather Mountain is pleased to announce the Grandfather Mountain Campout this summer.  The Campout, July 26-28, is a weekend-long event hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

imagesDuring the campout, guests will spend up to three days and two nights camping in MacRae Meadows and taking part in organized programming all over the Mountain.  Grandfather’s education staff is present in the camp area to assist novice campers, answer questions and even offer campfire treats and activities.  The campsite will be safe, cater to all levels of camping experience and welcomes families, couples, and solo adventurers throughout this weekend of wonder.

Registration is $30 per campsite per night for the general public plus daily gate admission.  This covers all Campout programs except the Behind The Scenes tours and guided hikes that have an additional fee.   Annual pass holders only pay $25 per campsite per night and any additional fees for Behind the Scenes tours and guided hikes.

After a check-in period at MacRae Meadows on Friday, the weekend kicks off with a welcoming campfire program.  During this time, staff will introduce themselves and give some general information about the itinerary of the weekend.

At 8:30 p.m., guests have two options to finish the first evening: a Campfire Program or a Night Adventures Program.

On Saturday morning the programming includes “Brooks, Birds and Boulders,” a Behind the Scenes habitat tour, a climate and weather program, a tree and shrub walk and an orienteering workshop.

As the sun sets, Campout participants will come together around the campfire.  The Campfire Program and Night Adventures Program will once again be offered.

 Sunday’s fun begins at 8:30 a.m. with birding in MacRae Meadows.  Guests will join staff naturalists for a tutorial on how to look for birds, how to identify features and behaviors of different birds and how to use binoculars properly.

The programming for the rest of the day includes another Behind the Scenes habitat tour, “A Bug’s World” program, a clouds and weather program, a butterfly program and “Mile High Swinging Bridge: Fun Facts and Historical Tales.”      

Registration for the Grandfather Mountain Campout and a full schedule of events are available on www.grandfather.com.  Registration forms must be printed and mailed in.  Those who wish to register for a guided hike and/or a Behind the Scenes tour must make sure their registration is received by July 23.  Registration for the campout must be submitted by July 26.  For questions about the Campout please call 828-733-4326.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.