Learn Like a GEEC
Education Programs
The Gale Environmental Education Center at Pinecrest: Cultivating stewards of the earth to be rooted in inquiry, growing through adventure, and branching out as leaders.
Field Trips and Student Retreats
Meet Doodle the Noodle!
We offer single-day programs for your school group, and two or three-day retreats filled with fun outdoor education. Check out our available programs by browsing our Field Trip Guide
For overnight retreats, check out our Adventure Planning Packet
to prepare for your visit.
SPRING CELEBRATION - GRADES K-3
spring celebration - expand for details
Weds. April 8, 2026 10am-Noon
Students in grades K-3 will enjoy a day-out at Pinecrest that combines learning and fun! Learn about plant parts by making a silly soup, meet forest babies, enjoy a s’more and sing a campfire song, learn the names of beautiful spring flowers, and give pets to the farm friends.
$12/student, $5 chaperones, teachers free.
Bring a picnic lunch to stay and play.
Reservations required, limited space available.
Register here: https://forms.gle/QrMiYHFJ5a2AYLpMA
Email Charity@camppinecrest.org with questions.
At Pinecrest, our educational programs invite students of all ages to rediscover the wonder of the natural world. Through hands-on learning, immersive field trips, and seasonal programs for both public and homeschool students, we foster curiosity, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the environment. By engaging with nature, we unlock new ways to balance our time, explore our gifts, and celebrate our shared world.
Science, history, team-building, personal reflection, and more help educate and emphasize our mission of cultivating stewards of the earth to be rooted in inquiry, growing through adventure, and branching out as leaders. We offer experiential programming that involves opportunities to support and engage all 7 learning styles.
Public and homeschool events
Students make connections between the classroom and the real world. Our adventures support 3-D learning, Expeditionary Learning, STEM and STEAM curriculum, experiential learning, homeschool groups, forest-school, and more in an outdoor classroom setting. To create stewards of the earth, we know we need to provide ample time to explore and connect to grow appreciation for the diverse facets of nature and natural processes which roots them in inquiry.
Expand Each section for more details!
Questions: Email charity@camppinecrest.org
Little Explorers
Mini-adventures for you and your little one. Recommended ages 3-7.
$10 per child. 1 adult helper free per family. Additional adults $5
click here to register
Questions: Email charity@camppinecrest.org
Field school for homeschool
Local science and history comes to life in our specialized outdoor education programs through hands-on interactions, field journaling, and expertise of our Education Director.
Recommended grades 3-8. Siblings welcome.
10am-Noon select Wednesdays.
2026 Spring Dates Coming Soon!
$48/semester per child or $15/class
One adult free per family, $5/additional adults.
Register here: pinecrest.campbrainregistration.com
tIYAK Homeschool Tutorial
Spring semester begins January 13! Click here for our info flyer.
Register at pinecrest.campbrainregistration.com
Deadline to register is January 20.
stargazers u-night
Sat. January 10th, 5-7:30pm
All ages and levels are welcome to join us in the Dark Sky fields for stargazing. We’ll start indoors with a presentation on an introductory dark sky topic, then head out to our dark sky fields to view deep space objects through the incredible telescopes of the Memphis Astronomical Society. BYO binoculars for added fun.
Pay what you can, suggested $5 per person donation.
RSVP: Charity@camppinecrest.org or call 901-878-1247
*Our event this evening is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy “Dot” Wellford, March 19, 1930 – December 19, 2025. Dorothy was a beloved supporter of Pinecrest and loved stargazing with her children. To learn more about the wonderful life of Dot, visit Canalefuneraldirectors.com
hike with a biologist
#OptOutside Fri. November 28
10am-Noon
Explore up and over the hills to the Overlook and back. Look for animal tracks and traces, signs of autumn, and more with our knowledgeable biologist. Approximately 1 mile. Family-friendly. Meet at the Lodge. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for rugged trails and bring water.
Pay what you can, $5 suggested donation per person.
RSVP: charity@camppinecrest.org or call 901-878-1247
One of the most important outcomes of experiential learning is emotional growth, whether or not it’s intentionally built into the program structure. Outdoor programs are found to help students improve:
– Self-concept
– Social skills
– Academic and personal achievement
Thus students are confident to branch out as leaders.
Pinecrest is a proud Organizational Member of the
Tennessee Environmental Education Association
Learn more at eeintennessee.org