Nature abounds on Possum Kingdom Lake! We have developed four core classes that explore the various ecological systems and terrains. We also offer numerous supplemental classes. We look forward to working with you to develop the best plan for your school.
Core Trails
- Johnson's Peak
This 1.2 mile hike is considered one of the "Crown Jewels" in the world of Camp Grady Spruce hiking. The students will traverse Johnson's Peak while learning about the horizontal stratification of various rock formations and the chemical components within them. Native flora and fauna will be studied as well during their hike to the awe inspiring view at the summit of Johnson's Peak. - Devil's Island
Journey to the Island via barge to explore the intricate interactions among native island flora and fauna. Plenty of local history will be shared during this trail as well as a bird's eye view of the Brazos River Valley as it meanders through Possum Kingdom Lake. If you want to understand land formation and horizontal stratification of rock formations, the island has it all! - Man and the Environment
1.6 miles of nature investigation! Prairie Reclamation, Nutrient Cycling, Water Cycles, Sustainable Development, Bird Blind and Natural Resources. The Man and Environment trail is the total package! Hike through long grass prairie or 200 year old Live Oaks. Observe Monarchs feeding on native wildflowers or "rattle" up some white tails. - Project Adventure Team Building
It is all about the team! The students will work together as a team to perform various low ropes initiatives. Through the staging and sequencing of tasks the students will achieve greatness.
Additional Day Classes
- Prairie Restoration/Path to Verse
Students will travel through our reclaimed mixed grass Prairie while learning about the fine art of poetry. Big Blue Stem grass, Side Oats Gramma, Hairy Gramma, Cotton Top, Cinquain’s, Haiku’s and Limericks will abound! - Texas Time Trail/Cedar Brakes
Students will learn more about the very specific ecology of a Cedar Brake and what environmental factors govern this very unique forest. Throughout this trail the students will learn about pioneer life and will participate in numerous pioneer activities! - Lake Ecology
Students will investigate and sample Possum Kingdom Lake to determine the health of the aquatic habitat. Students will determine pH, dissolved oxygen, Transparency, micro and macro invertebrates, wind speed and GPS location. - Sensory Trail
The students will become more in tune with their senses as they travel through our rope-guided trail... while blindfolded! - Canoeing
Forces in motion! The students will receive paddling and safety instructions prior to setting out on a spectacular canoe adventure on Possum Kingdom Lake. Students will learn how to properly fit a life jacket and work as a paddling team. We are all in the same boat on this one! - Fire Building (Ultimate Toast Burn Off)
Heat, Fuel and Oxygen! The students will receive fire building instruction and fire safety. Students will learn how to start a fire using primitive techniques and of course...Burn some toast! - Horseback Riding
Students will participate in an instructed horsemanship lesson lead by our equestrian staff. Helmet up and head out for trail ride! Students will learn how to navigate their horse along the trail, tack up their horse, and perform barn chores. - Orienteering
Magnetism and Polarity! Students will learn how to correctly use a map and compass. Students will participate in our poem orienteering course and create their own course for other students. - Outdoor Living Skills
Students will learn what they really need in their backpack! Students will participate in the building of a brush shelter and culminate with the awesome fire building competition! - Fishing
Students will learn how to bait a hook and discover the finer points of fishing etiquette. Students will learn more about the fish’s adaptations and their life requirements. We're on Possum Kingdom Lake……we have very photogenic fish! - Archery
Students will receive instruction concerning the proper shooting of a bow and arrow. It’s all about your stance! Students will have a friendly competition with the targets and culminate with a Flu-Flu tournament. - Conservation Projects (Fun with Limestone and Junipers)
Blue Bird Nesting Boxes, Water Bar Construction, Check Dam Construction, Composting, Mulching, Gardening, Replanting and Removal, Project Live Oak, Box Squashing and the Conservation Village. It’s all about kinesthetic learning while making our planet a better place!
Evening Programs
- Night Hike, Star Lab, Green Laser Wagon Ride Astronomy, Fort Rancher, Night Fire, Catapult, THE BEAST, Night Sensory, Starry Night, Teacher Hunt, Team Building and Campfire Culmination (S’mores will be involved).
Other Lessons
- Leopold Trail, Recycled Art, Quilt Squares, Squirrel Olympics, Mammal Scent Trail, Bartering Game, Bracelets and Flu-Flu!