VOGAL STATE PARK 2023:

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405 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
Union County

 

ARRIVE AT 6 AM! We want to ensure a good hike and a decent return back to Atlanta. 

 

We anticipate returning to camp by 6:00 pm. Due to the group size, dismissal will take place from the Student Center.

 

Vogal is an exciting and moderate hike that takes you through the woods and to the Tralyta Falls viewing station. Our goal is to expose our campers to the beauty of nature while challenging them to a moderate day hike in the forest.

 

Afterward, we will enjoy a nice BBQ and fun games back at base camp.  We have reserved the Lake Pavilion so campers will also be able to enjoy paddle boating and other activities near our group lodge. Children of all ages may take the hike.  Our annual summer hikes are one of our most memorable camp trips.

 

Your camper must be properly prepared for the hike and have the listed supplies. Please note this is just a day hike, and whatever the kids pack, they must carry on their own.

 

Supply List:

•         Comfortable shoes for walking. Very important. 

•         Sunglasses

•         A light jacket or Poncho (in case of rain)

•         Sun-shielding Hat (camp hats are fine)

•         Shorts or light, breathable hiking pants​​

•         Beach Towel, Swim trunks/suit, and water shoes for beach/ paddle boat.

•         Camp shirt (MANDATORY)

•         Extra pair of socks (in case feet get wet)

•         A water bottle with an extra water bottle or hydration system (i.e. camel pack).

•         A Daypack (conventional backpack)

•         Small hand sanitizer

•         Insect repellent

•         HEALTHY snacks (energy bars, chews, trail mix, fruit, jerky etc)

•         A whistle

•         Bag for collecting personal trash

•         Sunscreen 

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We expect to hike 3-5 miles round trip. 

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Talk with your camper about the importance of:

•         Staying with the group and listening

•         Understanding that wild animals are around, look but do not touch them.

•         Walking and not running on the trail helps to prevent accidents

•         Refueling: eating healthy snacks and drinking lots of fluids while hiking

•         Not packing too much and being able to carry their hiking gear

•         Being quiet on the trail so won't scare off the critters they want to see.

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SNACKS:

Please refrain from packing sugary snacks for your campers' hike. Eating sugary snacks while hiking may lead to constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, cramping, fatigue, and possible dehydration.

 

Restrooms are limited or unavailable in the woods. Children will use the restroom in the woods unless we're at base camp or near the head of the trail.

 

DO NOT PACK:

KOOL-AID OR SODAS, HONEY BUNS, JUICE THAT’S NOT REALLY JUICE, CAKES, PIES etc. STAY AWAY FROM LOTS OF SUGAR.

 

DO PACK ANY OF THESE IN COMBINATION:

LOTS OF WATER, A POWERADE/GATORADE (in case of dehydration), HEALTHY BARS, NUTS, FRUIT, GRANOLA, JERKY, TRAIL MIX, CRACKERS, STRING CHEESE, LIGHTLY SALTED CHIPS, A SANDWICH AND ANY OTHER FOOD THAT WILL PROVIDE HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY.

 

We understand that your child may not want to eat the foods we’re suggesting; however, once they’ve hiked about  3 miles, they’ll be hungry enough to eat the healthy stuff and the wrapper it came in.

 

THINK FOR YOUR CHILD. Most of our hike is shaded, but It will be hot and humid (87-97 degrees), and they will need energy.

 

Our number one priority is the safety of the children. . We look forward to another great trip. See you soon!