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Remains of a settler's cabin on Hazel Creek

The text below is from our press release for the Smoky Mountain Times. Staff, students, and our wonderful volunteer all had a blast. We can't wait to do it again and stay a lot longer to take full advantage of all the educational opportunities afforded by Hazel Creek. Enjoy the photos.

The Mountain Discovery Charter School eighth grade recently went on an overnight campout to the abandoned town of Proctor.  Students and staff left the Almond boat dock in the morning and rode down the lake to Hazel Creek.  The low lake level afforded the class an opportunity to see a variety of rock outcroppings, including the infamous Anakeesta Formation. The class spent the rest of the trip learning to camp and studying the social and natural history of the area.  Park ranger and MDCS parent, KK Stuart, instructed the group on minimal impact camping.  Students then read and discussed information on Proctor’s history before exploring the area.  Their explorations included the Proctor cemetery and the ruins of the Ritter lumber operation.  “This is my favorite part of the trip,” said MDCS science teacher Jim Killebrew as students and staff spread out through the woods, theorizing about their discoveries.  “We’re all equals.”  The group did manage to find the buildings pictured in an old photograph of the millpond and sawmill.  “I love bringing students over here,” said MDCS co-director Carter Petty.  “Hazel Creek is so rich in natural and local history.  It really gives the kids a sense of the area.  My only regret is that we didn’t stay for at least two nights; we barely got to scratch the surface.  This trip is going to become a standard part of the eighth grade curriculum.” 

Billie, Summer, Mary and KiKi have little fun in the tent.

Kenyon enjoys night life around camp

KK and Mr. Killebrew enjoy lunch with the students on the way home

The class pauses for a photo opportunity behind the ruins of the old Ritter Lumber company kiln. The kiln was last used in 1928.

Mary shows wear after spending thiry-six hours with eighth grade boys.

Pippy discovers that her backpack weighs more than Victoria.