Explore the interesting animals of the Laurel Highlands – both real and imaginary! Investigate the real mammals, amphibians, birds, and reptiles that play important roles in the Appalachian environment, and unravel the mysteries of the mythical creatures that live only in imagination. From the real but elusive hellbender to the mythical crying squonk, discover the animals that play a role in fact and folklore and what those stories can teach us about the natural world.
Learn more about Myths and Legends: Animals of Appalachia.
Do you have the drive and determination to survive in the wild? Build your survival skills as you play team-building games, decipher puzzles, and problem-solve your way through challenges. Investigate and identify edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants. Build a shelter, practice filtering water, and learn navigation techniques. Compete in a series of friendly competitions to see if you have what it takes to survive. The challenge is on!
Learn more about The Drive to Survive.
Spend the week creating crafts and enjoying nature like you live in a cozy cottage in the woods! Trek through the forest to watch for Pennsylvania birds, press flowers from the meadow, and pick fresh raspberries for homemade pies. Try your hand at sewing and upcycle old fabric to braid into rugs. Extract essential oils to use in candle-making, and relax with puzzles of all types. Make a scrapbook of your adventures to remember your cottage core camp!
Learn more about Cottage in the Woods.