Student Groups
On the southern coast of North Carolina, the wide Cape Fear River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Here, just off shore on the eastern tip of Oak Island, are the ruins of historic Fort Caswell. Originally built in the 1830’s and later used during the Civil War to defend Confederate positions on the North Carolina coast, Fort Caswell also served as a training ground for World War I soldiers, a spa for vacationers in the 1930’s, and as an inland patrol communications base during World War II. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina bought the property from the Federal Government in 1949. It has since served as a Conference and Retreat Center where thousands of youth and adults visit each year for field trips, conferences and meetings.
Fort Caswell is surrounded on three sides by the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean, and unsullied marshlands where the outdoors is your classroom. Public, charter, private and home schools are all welcomed. Rich in beauty the Assembly offers security unmatched by hotels, while offering a variety of educational and recreational options, and customized meal plans. Groups large and small can be accommodated.
Accommodations
Boy's and Girl's Barracks – Large bunk rooms. Guests must bring their own linens, towels and pillows.
50 person minimum, 175 maximum for each building
Residence Buildings - Dormitory style housing. Guests must bring their own linens, towels, and pillows.
Six Residence buildings available. Minimum and maximum occupancy vary by building.
Fort Caswell also offers cottages and hotel-style housing. To see a full range of housing options please visit Reservations.
Dining
Ft. Caswell has two dining facilities on campus. Meal times are flexible; however, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a leisurely cafeteria style meal, we will be happy to prepare bag lunches for your group or even quick biscuit breakfasts.
Coastal Environmental Education Programs
Our coastal education staff uses a blend of educational material available through NOAA, the US EPA, the NC Coastal Federation and others to provide exciting hands-on programs for students. Half-day, full-day and multi-day adventures based on programs listed below can be arranged. Program content is adjusted to target grade level and correlated to state and national teaching standards where applicable. These programs are also available as part of a Coastal Cape Fear Circle Tour.
Half-Day Adventures for K-12
Through field sampling and activities, students explore estuarine habitats surrounding the Fort Caswell boat basin such as tidal flats, tidal creeks, salt marsh and floating docks.
Students discover our dynamic coastline as they are introduced to forces that shape it and the flora and fauna that inhabit dune, beach and tidal zones on southeastern barrier island beaches.
From micro to mega, sea life in coastal NC waters runs the gamut in size, shape, color and survival strategy. Students participate in activities and field sampling to reveal the mysterious world of life “under the sea”.
Students delve into the world of early mariners with history tours and hands-on demonstrations of knot tying, net mending and nautical science skills still used today by adventurous swashbucklers.
Explore the connections between fresh water and the ocean through weather, water and watersheds. Activities allow students to gain both current and historical perspectives on water quantity and quality issues in the United States.
2011-2012 School Year Program Pricing:
$6/student; No program fee for teachers or chaperones.
Leadership and Teambuilding for Youth
Our coastal education staff offers a 1 ½ hour Leadership and Team building workshop for youth. The “activities with a purpose” are designed to build trust, responsibility, and cooperation and communication skills within a group setting. Students are given time to reflect and comment on observations, challenges, successes and failures of group efforts during debriefing time at the end of the workshop.
2011-2012 School Year Program Pricing:
$6/student; No program fee for teachers or chaperones.
Homeschool Programs
Fort Caswell offers opportunities for homeschool groups and families to gather and participate in hands-on educational programs throughout the traditional school year. Current programs may be seen below. If your homeschool group is unable to attend these events, we would be glad to help you create a group-specific one or multi-day field trip. Please see Coastal Environmental Education Programs for a listing of topic-specific field trip options. Youth Leadership and Team Building may be included in your experience as well. Fort Caswell offers affordable, secure lodging and on-site meals should you prefer to create your own Cape Fear Circle Tour.
**Please note: Pre-registration is required for all homeschool events**
2011-2012 Field Days at Fort Caswell
Life Science: September 23rd, 2011 from 8:30am – 3:30pm
Life Science will kick off our Fall Field Days as we delve into the realm of living organisms around Fort Caswell and our coastal waters. We will be investigating plant and animal life both big and small with Estuary Explorations and Tide and Dune Explorations. Through activities and field sampling, students will encounter everything from the mysterious world of plankton to the fine-tuned sensory system of one of our local sharks.
Life Science Program Pricing:
$25/student; $12/adult
Includes snacks, lunch and program fees.
Optional evening activity: Nighttime Ghost Crab Hunt
$2.50/person (adults and children age 6+); minimum of 15 participants required.
History: November 18th, 2011 from 8:30am – 3:30pm
Early mariners will be our History theme this year as we journey back into time. Students will participate in programs with NC Maritime Museum at Southport, and tour their new museum. A blend of history and oceanography will bring to life the world of waterways as it related to sailors and fishermen, Native Americans and Europeans and more.
History Program Pricing:
$25/student; $15/adult
Includes snacks, lunch and program fees.
Optional evening activity: Bonfire with S’mores and a Twist?
$3.50/person (adults and children age 6+); minimum of 25 participants required.
Homeschool Winter Retreat 2012
Program date, information and pricing TBA. Check back soon!
Coastal Cape Fear Circle Tour
The coastal Cape Fear region boasts a wealth of environmental education centers, historical sites and museums. Fort Caswell provides a central location for lodging and meals as you journey around to our cultural and natural history sites. We provide assistance making the connections and contacts necessary to create an unforgettable field trip experience for you and your students. There is no charge for this service. Below is a list of commonly visited educational venues from the surrounding area.
(these links will take you away from the Fort Caswell Baptist Assembly website)
US Coast Guard Station Oak Island
NC Maritime Museum at Southport
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Cape Fear Museum of Science and History
Green Swamp Ecological Preserve
Testimonials
“I liked the turtle game, because it taught me about some of the problems with sea turtles.”
9th grade student, High Point NC
“Kayaking and seining were a lot of fun!”
9th grade student, High Point NC
“I wanted to say thanks for all the work you guys put into your program. It was a great experience for the kids!”
Middle School Science Teacher, Charlotte NC
