Iredell County Government Center
200 S. Center Street
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 878-3103

 

Outdoor Education Center

Mission Statement
The mission of the Iredell County Outdoor Education Center is to further develop and enhance the character of participants through individual and group achievements in a variety of shared outdoor experiences. Participants have a safe, supportive atmosphere in which they can explore their personal potential and capabilities. Groups learn the value of cooperation, positive leadership, support, and encouragement.
Out goals are to:

• Build confidence and self respect
• Develop capacities for leadership
• Enrich the lives of families, teams, and groups
• Teach an appreciation for mind, body and environmental awareness
• Work towards understanding and welcoming diversity
• Provide an atmosphere for creative development and personal growth
• Educate through experiential processes

The Outdoor Education tries to offer programs for everyone with a level of professionalism while maintaining personable, meaningful programs.

Ropes Challenge Course

What is a Ropes Course? A ropes challenge course is a unique program where individuals and groups come to create more effective teams.  They learn to communicate better with each other, are more willing to work together, and leave the program with a shared positive experience, as well as personal enrichment.  A ropes course is not an obstacle course or a survival course, but a series of individual and group challenges presented in a natural setting, guided by a staff of professional facilitators. Participants have a safe supportive atmosphere in which they can explore their personal potential and capabilities.  Groups learn the value of cooperation and encouragement.  As people move through the course, the focus is on what can be accomplished as a group.

Some of the High Ropes Challenge Course Elements, including Giant's Ladder, Pamper Plank, Balance Beam, and Cargo Net (click for larger image)

The Benefits & Goals of a Ropes Course Experience

• Improve Teamwork
• Expand Communication Skills
• Develop Leadership Capacities
• Understand & Accept Diversity
• Foster Trust
• Increase Self Confidence
• Challenge Yourself
• Create Positive Morale
• Make New Friends
• Have Fun!

Why Our Program?

Rappelling and Climbing Tower

50 foot 4-sided Climbing and Rappelling Tower (click for larger image)

For additional adventure programming, try our 50' Rappelling/Climbing Tower!  Our 4-sided structure provides challenges for the beginner as well as the advances.  The tower allows rappelling and climbing with 1 face rappel, 1 free rappel, and 6 different levels of climbs!  In   addition to these we also have an awesome bouldering wall! These programs are tailored to meet the needs of the group.  We offer 1/2 day, full day and 2 day programs with emphasis on teaching proper techniques in rappelling, climbing and belaying. The Basics Minimum group size of 10 Maximum group size of 30 We offer custom programs to youth, adults, non-profit & professional groups Fees are based on group type and program We operate 12 months a year, 7 days a week, excluding Holidays Half day, Full day, and 2 day programs available Advanced notice required to book a course

Primitive Camping Area

Nestled in the 45-acre Outdoor Education Center, is a small primitive camping area, which accommodates approximately 24 people. This was primarily developed for use by organized groups, with the help of several Eagle Scouts from different BSA troops in Iredell County. Four 3-sided Adirondack Shelters, a picnic shelter, fire ring and gravel parking area are available for use. Water and a bathhouse with toilets and hot showers are available to campers.

For reservations (which are required) or more information contact Michelle Hepler with Iredell County Parks and Recreation at 704-878-3103.

Environmental Education Programs

ewest to the Outdoor Education Center is the designation of the property by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission as a North Carolina Wild Site. This designation makes it a perfect setting for hosting Environmental Education classes sponsored by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission, as well as our Outdoor Education Staff. Topics of interest and classes can cover skills such as Wildlife Tracking and Identification, Tree Identification, Stream Study, and more.

To find out more information, to book a program, or to visit the facility, contact: The Iredell County Recreation Department at (704) 878-3103.