Jocassee Wild Child outdoor learning experiences
Jocassee Wild Child Outdoor Learning Experiences are fun, engaging, and structured to support SC state educational standards.
Join Jocassee Wild Child for an unforgettable day of adventure and discovery!
Make Spring Break a FUN Adventure!
Join Jocassee Wild Child for outdoor exploration on beautiful Lake Jocassee — waterfalls, wildlife, hands-on learning, and fresh-air fun! Kids will discover nature through curiosity, build confidence through adventure, and connect with the outdoors in one unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a Wild Child Outdoor Laboratory Experience. Come explore, learn, and grow wild hearts in wild places this Spring Break!
Drop-offs are welcome (6+yo), but parents are invited to join the fun on their own private Parents’ Tour. Special discounts apply!
Limit 1 adult per child on kids’ boat; adults have the option of an adult OLE adventure on their own boat.
Dates: Spring Break OLE
March 17th, 2026
April 3rd, 2026
April 6th, 2026
Dates: Homeschool OLE
April 28th, 2026
May 21st, 2026
Make Spring Break a FUN Adventure!
Join Jocassee Wild Child for outdoor exploration on beautiful Lake Jocassee — waterfalls, wildlife, hands-on learning, and fresh-air fun! Kids will discover nature through curiosity, build confidence through adventure, and connect with the outdoors in one unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a Wild Child Outdoor Laboratory Experience. Come explore, learn, and grow wild hearts in wild places this Spring Break!
Drop-offs are welcome (6+yo), but parents are invited to join the fun on their own private Parents’ Tour. Special discounts apply!
Limit 1 adult per child on kids’ boat; adults have the option of an adult OLE adventure on their own boat.
Dates: Spring Break OLE
March 17th, 2026
April 3rd, 2026
April 6th, 2026
Dates: Homeschool OLE
April 28th, 2026
May 21st, 2026
Make Spring Break a FUN Adventure!
Join Jocassee Wild Child for outdoor exploration on beautiful Lake Jocassee — waterfalls, wildlife, hands-on learning, and fresh-air fun! Kids will discover nature through curiosity, build confidence through adventure, and connect with the outdoors in one unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a Wild Child Outdoor Laboratory Experience. Come explore, learn, and grow wild hearts in wild places this Spring Break!
Drop-offs are welcome (6+yo), but parents are invited to join the fun on their own private Parents’ Tour. Special discounts apply!
Limit 1 adult per child on kids’ boat; adults have the option of an adult OLE adventure on their own boat.
Dates: Spring Break OLE
March 17th, 2026
April 3rd, 2026
April 6th, 2026
Dates: Homeschool OLE
April 28th, 2026
May 21st, 2026
Make Spring Break a FUN Adventure!
Join Jocassee Wild Child for outdoor exploration on beautiful Lake Jocassee — waterfalls, wildlife, hands-on learning, and fresh-air fun! Kids will discover nature through curiosity, build confidence through adventure, and connect with the outdoors in one unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a Wild Child Outdoor Laboratory Experience. Come explore, learn, and grow wild hearts in wild places this Spring Break!
Drop-offs are welcome (6+yo), but parents are invited to join the fun on their own private Parents’ Tour. Special discounts apply!
Limit 1 adult per child on kids’ boat; adults have the option of an adult OLE adventure on their own boat.
Dates: Spring Break OLE
March 17th, 2026
April 3rd, 2026
April 6th, 2026
Dates: Homeschool OLE
April 28th, 2026
May 21st, 2026
Make Spring Break a FUN Adventure!
Join Jocassee Wild Child for outdoor exploration on beautiful Lake Jocassee — waterfalls, wildlife, hands-on learning, and fresh-air fun! Kids will discover nature through curiosity, build confidence through adventure, and connect with the outdoors in one unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a boat ride — it’s a Wild Child Outdoor Laboratory Experience. Come explore, learn, and grow wild hearts in wild places this Spring Break!
Drop-offs are welcome (6+yo), but parents are invited to join the fun on their own private Parents’ Tour. Special discounts apply!
Limit 1 adult per child on kids’ boat; adults have the option of an adult OLE adventure on their own boat.
Dates: Spring Break OLE
March 17th, 2026
April 3rd, 2026
April 6th, 2026
Dates: Homeschool OLE
April 28th, 2026
May 21st, 2026
The Jocassee Gorges region contains some of the most unique ecosystems on earth, making it the perfect outdoor classroom for children to explore, discover, and ponder. From stream ecology to plant and wildlife adaptations to climate and geology, there are lessons in nature everywhere one looks. We explore Lake Jocassee by way of a pontoon boat, stopping along the way to explore the expansive shoreline, hike in the surrounding woods, and play in the beautifully clean water! We begin our fun and educational journey at the main boat dock at Devils Fork State Park.
Ideal for 3rd – 7th graders, Jocassee Wild Child Outdoor Lab Experiences can be tailored for all ages and support South Carolina state standards!
Meet Odyssey the Blue Otter — explorer of the Blue Ridge Mountains and guardian of the Jocassee Gorges.
Who is Odyssey?
Odyssey is our adventurous blue otter who loves exploring the outdoors and learning about the natural world!
Curious, playful, and always ready for a new adventure, Odyssey is here to guide students through forests, rivers, and trails while making every experience fun and memorable. He’s always diving into new adventures, uncovering hidden wonders, and reminding all of us to stay curious and keep our paws muddy.
Why is Odyssey Blue?
Odyssey’s is blue because he was born in the cool, sparkling waters of the Blue Ridge. A place so magical it colored his fur for life. His bright blue color represents the misty mountain ridges, rushing rivers, and clear skies of this special place.
Odyssey is more than a mascot—he’s a friend, a guide, and a reminder that the natural world around us is vibrant, alive, and worth exploring.
Why the name Odyssey?
An odyssey is a long journey, often filled with great adventure! While our journeys are only a few hours long, they are sure to be packed with adventure!
With Odyssey guiding us along the way, every trip becomes an adventure, and every lesson about the mountains, rivers, and forests of the Blue Ridge comes to life.
Dive into learning with Odyssey - our guide to fun, exploration, and outdoor adventures!
What you will discover:
Geology
If these rocks could talk, what would they tell us?
Mountains are made of rock, and the Cherokee called rocks the ‘story keepers’. Core rocks exposed within the present-day Appalachian Mountains have witnessed more than a billion years of history, since the Appalachians are built on the footprint of some of the oldest mountains on planet Earth.
Students explore the rocks, waterfalls, and gorges of Lake Jocassee to see this geological history firsthand. Through hands-on observation and experiential learning, they discover how the Earth shapes the landscape around them.
Join Odyssey to learn the stories of the rocks.
Flora
How does a fern from the cloud forests of Mexico survive in the mountains of South Carolina?
The Jocassee Gorges are home to one of the most biologically rich forest ecosystems in the country, supporting an astonishing variety of plant life.
Towering hardwoods like oak, maple, and tulip poplar create a lush canopy, while mosses, liverworts, and ferns carpet the forest floor. Rare wildflowers, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels bloom throughout the year, adding color and life to the gorges.
Students explore this vibrant landscape up close, learning to identify species, apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world examples, and appreciate the complex relationships that sustain plant communities. These hands-on experiences allow students to witness the incredible adaptability of plants in a temperate rainforest environment, understand the role of climate and topography in shaping plant communities, and develop respect for the preservation of these unique and fragile ecosystems.
history
Who lived in the Jocassee Valley, and what stories did they leave behind?
The clear waters of Lake Jocassee hide a rich history — from Cherokee homelands to the communities that were flooded to create the lake in the 1970s. We share these stories with students through hands-on exploration and engaging storytelling, helping them imagine the world beneath the surface. By connecting past and present, we turn the lake into a living classroom.
Fauna
Did you know the Jocassee Gorges are teeming with species you won’t find anywhere else in the state?
Lake Jocassee and its surrounding forests are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. From fish and amphibians to birds, mammals, and countless invertebrates, this area allows students to observe nature in action.
Through hands-on exploration — catching and releasing aquatic creatures, analyzing calls and signs of animals, and observing habitats—students learn about ecosystems, animal behavior, and the delicate balance that sustains life here.
By engaging directly with the rich fauna of the region, they gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the importance of protecting these natural communities for generations to come.
Climate
Did you know that the Jocassee Gorges lie within a temperate rainforest?
This ecosystem is one of the wettest in the continental US, with only the Pacific Northwest seeing more annual rainfall!
This lush, wet environment is unlike anywhere else in the region. We are lucky to be able to expose students to this unique climate firsthand, observing how abundant rainfall, humidity, and mild temperatures shape the plants, animals, and ecosystems in the Jocassee Gorges.
Join Odyssey the blue otter to explore plants and animals that live in a temperate rainforest!
We Believe in...
Connecting with the Natural world
Students step into a living, breathing classroom where curiosity takes the lead. At Jocassee Wild Child, we help children build a meaningful connection with the natural world—feeling the breeze, hearing the quiet of the forest, and discovering the wonder of wild places. This time outdoors nurtures confidence, belonging, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the environment, creating experiences that stay with them long after the day is over.
Leave No trace
At Jocassee Wild Child, we are committed to the principles of Leave No Trace. We teach students to enjoy nature responsibly, minimizing our impact on the environment while exploring and learning.
By modeling sustainable practices, we help children develop respect for the natural world and understand the importance of protecting it for future generations.
Frequently asked questions regarding
the Jocassee Wild child program
The material we cover and activities we choose will vary with each outing and can be modified for all ages. Cherokee History, Geology, Water Cycles, Rainforest Ecology, local Plants and Wildlife, and Climate are some of the topics that may be covered during the adventure. Our programs and content support SC state standards.
We board pontoon boats shortly after students arrive at Devils Fork State Park, and do not return for several hours. Ensuring your student is prepared for the day helps us make this time as fun and informative as possible!
WHAT YOUR CHILD SHOULD BRING:
- Signed Liability Waiver (required for participation)
- Appropriate Clothing:
- Cool/Cold Days: Hat, gloves, layered clothing with a wind/water-resistant outer layer.
- Warm Days: Swimmers may bring a towel and extra clothes if needed.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats (secure so they don’t blow away).
- Lunch: If the school is not providing lunch, please make sure your child brings a bagged lunch
- Water Bottle: Reusable, labeled with name or initials (no glass bottles).
A Curious Mind: We encourage kids to explore, discover, and connect with the environment.
$60 per student; $65 per adult. One
teacher/chaperone per boat may come at no charge.
This price does not include park admission to Devils Fork State Park, which costs $4 – ages 4-14; $8 – ages 15-64; $5 – ages 65 and older.
Student discounts are available upon request.
Yes! All of our educators hold CPR/First Aid certifications, and many hold advanced certifications related to emergency response in wilderness settings.
A minimum of 6 people are required for the Jocassee Wild Child Outdoor Education programs.
Parents & Guardians can be placed on a waitlist – We want to avoid having more adults than children.
There will be at least one JWC Lead Educator on each boat. Each boat must have one adult—either a teacher or a chaperone—to assist the lead educator. A second adult (teacher or chaperone) is welcome, but would need to pay the adult rate.
Yes, the program operates as long as an educator and an assistant are available.
Devils Fork State Park
538 Jocassee Lake Rd.
Salem, SC 29676
Yes, absolutely. A healthy lunch is encouraged. We will have a dedicated lunch break, either on the boat or on a beach. Each child should bring a full water bottle and lunch. But please… no Soda-Pop!
Donate and Sponsor
a Jocassee Wild Child
Today!
An Educational Jocassee Experience
Book Your Jocassee Wild Child Adventure Now!
Jocassee Wild Child is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit. Please Join Us Or Sponsor A Jocassee Wild Child Today!