Adventures

Red Oaks’ believes that engaging and challenging our physical bodies can have a transformative impact on our confidence, strength, mental health, and resilience. Red Oaks’ Adventures invite families to meet regularly to share experiences in nature that also build bonds and community. Gather with like-minded people and get outside rain or shine! Activities will vary throughout the year and be hosted in different locations from Central to Eastern Kentucky. Experiences may include things like hiking, walking, rock climbing, canoeing, and camping among others. 

Adventure Club welcomes people from all ages, backgrounds to join us one Saturday afternoon per month. Scholarships and financial assistance are available in order to remove any barriers to participation. Please inquire for more information at info@redoaksforestschool.org.

Hiking/Walk in the woods

Our “hikes” are child-led walks in the woods that offer families time to slow down in nature, be diverted by interesting discoveries, kids a chance to meet new friends or play with old ones, and spend regular time in nature. Times vary by season and destination.

Upcoming Hikes

January 6: Jessamine County - moderate

February 3rd: West Sixth Farm - easy

May 4: Madison County - easy

July 6: Red River Gorge - easy

October 5: Red River Gorge - easy to moderate

December 7: Garrard County - moderate

Cost

$10 per family

Climbing for a Cure

Rock climbing is a great way to test your physical and mental limits in a relatively low-risk way. Climbers learn how to push past fear, build resilience and perseverance, improve motor skills and balance, and build strength in a compassionate, low-pressure environment. Climbers also have the opportunity to learn skills like knot tying and belaying. This activity is appropriate for ages 3+.

Climbing for a Cure is a partnership program with the PFIC Advocacy and Resource Network. PFIC stands for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis, which is a rare genetic (inherited) disorder that causes progressive liver disease that typically leads to liver failure. Climbing for a Cure helps raise money and awareness for this rare disease that currently has no cure. One of Red Oaks’ very first members, who has grown up in our community, suffers from the disease. You can learn more about PFIC here.

Half-day beginner: Includes gear and climbing for ages 3+ and basic knot-tying instruction. There is an opportunity to learn more as you add sessions. Cost: $35/member, $50/non-member

Half-day advanced: Includes all half-day items and belay instruction and practice. Cost: $50/member, $75/non-member

Full-day Advanced: Includes all of the above for the full day. Students will also practice technique with specific drills. Participants have the opportunity to learn to lead climb, depending on age and experience. To lead climb, participants must sign up for multiple sessions. Cost: $80/member, $100/non-member

upcoming Dates and Times

March 2

June 1

September 7

Half-day: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Full-day: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Camping

Camping is a great way to get to know your Red Oaks’ community members. Join us today for unique, nature-immersive weekends! These are primitive sites with no electricity or water, but there is access to a bathroom. Financial assistance and gear are available for these trips! More spots may open so please join our waitlist if registration is full.

Campsite is included in fee, though food and gear are not provided. Camping is for members only.

dates and locations

Clifty Falls State Park in Indiana (stay and enjoy the solar eclipse!), April 5 - 8

Join us for a campout at the Clifty Falls State Park just north of Louisville in Indiana. This campout offers a bonus day to enjoy the solar eclipse with Red Oaks! We have secured camping spots in the peak viewing area for this unique natural phenomenon. Camping is available from Friday to Monday and Friday to Sunday for those that can't stay with us through Monday. Cost: Friday - Sunday $125/family, add on the bonus day Monday for $25

Family Summer Destination Campout at Grayson Highlands in Virginia, June 21 - 24

Welcoming families to come and enjoy Grayson Highlands State Park for a truly magical getaway this summer. This experience is still a highlight to all who have attended before. Enjoy waterfall hikes, sunset hikes, boulder fields, wild ponies, and plenty of quality time with friends and family. Cost: $225/family

Tween Camp at the Smokies, July 21 - 23 Welcoming kids ages 11-14 for a camping getaway to the Smokies! We will go on hikes, explore the fauna and flora, and build plenty of skills for getting comfortable in nature. Cost: $250/child

Summer Family Campout at Obed National Scenic River in Tennessee, August 2 - 4

Welcoming families to come and explore the Obed National Scenic River and enjoy some fun by the river as we close summer programming. This campground is reserved for only Red Oaks families, contains tent only primitive sites, and is located right on the river. We will enjoy some hiking, swimming, and rock scrambling for this perfect summer adventure. Cost: $125/family

Cold Weather Campout at Carter Caves State Park in Kentucky, November 1 - 3

More information coming soon!