Adult/Teacher Chaperone (Limited to 1 per every 10 students)
36 HIGHWAY 510
BLEDSOE, KY 40810
(606) 558-3571 | PineMtn.org
@pinemountainsettlementschool
March 11, 2025
Hello! I welcome you to explore a tradition 112 years in the making! Pine Mountain Settlement School is a National Historic Landmark nestled in Harlan County, Kentucky in the small community of Bledsoe. Established in 1913 as a boarding school for children in the remote mountains, the school was born from the inspiring efforts of Katherine Pettit, Ethel DeLong, and William Creech.
It can be difficult to fully capture the depth and breadth of our work . In fact, I am often asked who we are and what it is that we do: Are we a school? Are we a hotel? Are we a wedding venue? Are we a museum? Are we a restaurant? Are we a farm? Are we a nature preserve? The answer to all these questions, and others like them, is “Yes”. Who we are and what we do is really defined by experiences of the people who come here. The Spirit of Pine Mountain is housed in the memories of tens of thousands of people. However, since 1972 our focus has been environmental education. Of course, what that means has changed considerably in the last 53 years. We now understand that our total experience cannot be understood as separate pieces; we are part of a syste m, and we must design a more holistic approach. We offer immersive educational experiences centered around Environmental Literacy, Appalachian Art, Culture, and Craft, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. These three “buckets of work” enable us to address connection with Self, Environment, and Community and illuminate the individual’s role as a member of an ecosystem.
Our lessons are aligned with Kentucky standards and designed to encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and discovery. Most importantly, however, visitors to Pine Mountain Settlement School highlight the shared experience that leads to compassion, empathy, and team building. An educator shared his thoughts:
The biggest thing for me as a teacher was the bonding experience with the students. You get to know them so well and they really gain a level of trust for you that you can’t get in a classroom. So that means they end up working harder for you in the classroom setting. Their behavior is better, you just have a new relationship with them afterwards. I know it might sound cliche but for the students it truly is a once in a lifetime time experience.
We look forward to building your memories of Pine Mountain Settlement School!
In the Spirit of Pine Mountain ,
Kiristen Webb Program Director
2
K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1 3LS3-1 3LS3-2 4-LS1-1 HS-LS4-4
K-LS1-1 K-ESS2-2 K-PS3-1 1-LS3-1
*Accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility
In the case of inclement weather, this experience can be modified to be indoors +The experience can be tailored to meet the standards listed.
*Accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility
In the case of inclement weather, this experience can be modified to be indoors +The experience can be tailored to meet the standards listed.
*Accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility
In the case of inclement weather, this experience can be modified to be indoors +The experience can be tailored to meet the standards listed.
*Accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility
In the case of inclement weather, this experience can be modified to be indoors
+The experience can be tailored to meet the standards listed.
determined by age 11 3.G.KGE.1
K-LS1-1 K-ESS3-1
*Note any allergies to bees 11
*Seasonal Course available in August, February, March, April, and May 11
Mobility
any allergies 11 CCSS.ELALiteracy.SL.1 .1
Portal 31 Trip K-12 ● 3 hours
*Note any allergies
*Accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility
In the case of inclement weather, this experience can be modified to be indoors
+The experience can be tailored to meet the standards listed.
*This is an OFFCampus Experience that will require students to be transported via vehicle
*Requires additional cost
Environmental Literacy Experiences
Guided Hikes
Travel through our nature preserve and see all it has to offer. An old-growth forest has so much beauty at all times of the year. Travel the split rock loop for an easy short hike with lots of sights to offer. Traverse the spicebush trails and see the enormous boulders laid between the mountains. For the seasoned or truly adventurous, take on the summit hike, our most strenuous! This trail climbs over 1000ft in approx. 1.25 miles! Guided hikes lead your group along the trail through amazing scenery and fantastic views. Proper footwear is recommended. All distances and times are approximate:
● Split Rock /Spice Bush – EASY – 1 Mile – 1 Hour
● Upper and Lower Dogwood – Moderate – 1.25 Miles - 1 Hour
● Galax – Moderate – 1.25 Miles - 1 Hour
● Wintergreen – Strenuous – 1.75 Miles - 2 Hours
● Summit – Strenuous – 2.5 Miles – 3 Hours
● Summit and Greenbrier Sand Cave – Strenuous = 6 Hours including lunch on the trail –A true wilderness experience with no modern amenities.
Geology of Pine Mountain
Students will model geologic processes that form landscapes. By exploring the formation of Pine Mountain, students will examine the geosphere as part of the Earth system and identify its role in the movement of energy and matter through the spheres. (1.5 hours)
Animals of Pine Mountain
Students will interact with a variety of animals native to Pine Mountain. Students will be able to identify the species of the animals they encountered in class, describe their basic characteristics, and discuss their role in the ecosystem. (1.5 hours)
Stream Ecology
Collect, study, and compare biological, physical, and chemical indicators from the streams on campus! Through scientific inquiry and data collection, you will become a stream scientist and discover the health of stream ecosystems. In the short class, evaluate one of the streams on campus, for the longer class examine and compare 2 or more stream sites for a truly scientific time. Wading boots provided. High chance of getting wet. (1.5 hrs. or 3 hrs.)
Mysterious Mammals
Students will use a dichotomous key to identify skulls of mammals native to Pine Mountain and experience how morphology relates to function. Working in small groups, student teams will identify several skulls and the behavioral characteristics of each animal based on the features of its skull. (1.5 hours)
Orienteering
In this team-driven activity, learn how to use a compass! You will navigate an outdoor orienteering course using compass bearings and natural landmarks to travel from one point to another. Building on teamwork and problem-solving skills, this activity can provide you with useful orienteering knowledge and experience. (1.5 hours)
Forest Treking
Wander through the James E. Bickford Nature Preserve and explore the natural world around you. You have three options that let you explore. (1.5 hrs.)
1. HabiTrekking - Look around and find evidence that wild animals are around you. During this trek, you’ll be looking for tracks, scat, skulls, fur, midden, and scrapes.
2. EcoTrekking – During this trek, explore the flora and fungi of Pine Mountain
3. GeoTrekking – Develop an understanding of what makes Pine Mountain and the rocks and boulders on its slope special
Forestry
Students identify trees and learn strategies to properly manage a forest. Students will use forestry tools to determine tree size and height and calculate harvestable board feet. (1.5 hours)
Sand Cave Trip
Located just a short drive from campus, the Greenbrier Sand Cave offers a unique habitat for you to experience! Learn about cave formations as you explore each of the three rooms inside of the cave, discovering how specially adapted plants and animals rely on these underground habitats. (3 hours)
Night Hike (EVENING PROGRAM ONLY)
Experience the forest from a different perspective while hiking after sunset! Using all five senses, you can learn how certain animals are specially adapted to thrive in the dark. Be on the lookout for deer, beavers, owls, salamanders, and other nocturnal animals. This is a safe and unconventional way to interact with an ecosystem at night. Only offered as an evening program. (1 hour)
Appalachian Arts and Culture Experiences
Early Settlers
Students will learn a bit of history about early settlers in Appalachia and take a tour of our historical campus. They will step inside the cabin of William and Sally Creech, built in the late 1800’s and still furnished with the everyday tools they used. The instructor and students will discuss how different life was and how people made or obtained the things that were needed. This is a hands-on experience where students can use tools used during the time of early settlers (1.5 hours)
Folk Dance (EVENING PROGRAM ONLY)
An after-dinner experience! Students will learn folk dances and party games that have brought joy and connection between communities for hundreds of years (1.5 hours)
Weaving
In this class students will learn the history and process of weaving, where materials come from, how they’re processed and how it’s important to Appalachian history. Next they’ll step into our beautiful loom room that’s full of antique floor looms, one of which is original to the building. They’ll learn how a loom works, then choose their own yarn and experience making their own weaving. (1.5 hours)
Sewing
A class favorite for all ages, students learn basic hand sewing skills while making a personal, decorative pillow. They choose their own fabric, learn to thread a needle, make knots and sew small stitches while making a pillow and discussing the importance and history of this skill. (1.5 hours)
Cornhusk Crafts
With roots in Appalachian Culture, agriculture and art, this class is fun for all ages. Students learn about resourcefulness and how to turn corn husks into beautiful decorative flowers. (1.5 hours)
Indigenous Peoples
This class has been carefully crafted to share the story, to the best of our knowledge, and honor the Indigenous peoples of the United States, past and present. Students discuss stereotypes and learn the documented timeline of events for Indigenous people from the fourteenth century to present day. We discuss the history of Indigenous people at Pine Mountain Settlement School and envision what life would have been like on the land, pre-colonization. Students are introduced to the ways in which early communities connected with the land and each other through stories (1.5 hours)
Woodcarving
Students gather in our industrial woodshop to make a wooden mixing spoon. They learn to use hand and power tools safely and customize their spoons with carving knives, dremels and wood burners. Students leave this class appreciating the time and skill that go into wood working and have reported a feeling of accomplishment, turning a wooden blank into a finished functional product. (1.5 hours)
Mixed Media
Students are simply provided space, materials and inspiration for this mixed media painting class. They use supplies such as paint, newspapers, decorative paper and ribbon etc. to create an original piece of art. This is a wonderful class, different from traditional structured workshops, where students are encouraged to explore creative freedom with no expectations or guidelines other than to create. (1.5 hours)
Storytelling
Storytelling is a traditional form of entertainment, but it is also an important part of communicating and maintaining cultural norms and expectations as well as expressing personal experience and identity. You may choose to participate in the storytelling process through a story circle or listen to traditional Appalachian tales told by a storyteller. (1 hour)
Appalachian Music History and Performance
Let us call upon the finest Appalachian musicians in the area to educate and entertain you. Celebrate our rich mountain heritage of lively tunes and heartfelt singing, while learning the history of these tunes and instruments. Tap your feet or swing your partner to the sounds of banjo, fiddle, guitar, and more. (1.5 hours)
Appalachian Play Party Games
These games, one dare not call dancing, were a reward to many old timers and kids alike after a week of hard work. Explore the rich history of Appalachian play party games and get the backstory of the traditions surrounding them while getting to take part in the games for yourself. (1.5 hours)
Exploring Appalachian Identity and Meaning
The reality of Appalachian existence is far from the stereotypes presented in the cultural mainstream. Instead of the homogeneous caricatures popular in television and movies, Appalachia is made of diverse beliefs, faiths, and traditions. In this experience, we dive into the art of Appalachia to better understand the messages we, as a cultural group, are sending out into the broader world. What does it mean to be “Appalachian”? How do we communicate
“Appalachian-ness”? How are we changing and what traditions and values remain integral to our identities? What challenges do we face as we navigate stereotypes? Various forms of art including memes, paintings, jewelry, stickers, and t-shirts will enable students to find themselves and their voices in this thought-provoking workshop. (1.5 hours)
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Experiences
Appalachian Foodways
Food is more than just calories, it is foundational to connection and culture. In this experience, students will learn the stories and meaning attached to food and prepare a traditional dish to share with each other.
All About Bees
Humans rely on bees to pollinate the plants we eat. Students will identify what they know about bees and expand that knowledge as they visit beehives and learn about the lives of bees. We will discuss strategies to ensure bees can thrive with humans. Students will make candles from beeswax and end their experience with taste-testing local honey (1.5 hours)
Compost the Most
Composting is key to a sustainable food system. Students will learn about the microbes and nutrients needed for a fertile environment while making a compost tea for the garden. We will discuss the principles of composting and model the flow of energy and matter in a sustainable food system.
Planting Party (Availability Limited by Season)
Planting has traditionally been a group activity. Communities and/or families would join together to plant the food that would sustain them throughout the year. Depending on the season of your visit, students will join in planting seeds that will, in turn, grow into food that will be served in campus meals or preserved. Students will learn about the family of plants (Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Amaranthaceae), their growth needs/seasonality, and how their structures make them useful to humans. This experience is limited to August, February, March, April, and May. (1.5 hours)
Plants and Potions
Plants are the basis for so many things, including products we use everyday. Students will learn about the properties of plants used in traditional medicine and make lip balm from beeswax and essential oils and natural insect repellent made from essential oils. (1.5 hours)
Tea Time
Tea is significant throughout world history. In this experience, students will learn to identify the plants used in herbal teas and learn about the properties that make them so important. Students will learn the etiquette of engaging in the social experience of having tea by preparing and sharing tea and refreshments with each other. (1.5 hours)
Natural Dyes
Plants are used in dyeing wool and cotton to create beautiful fabrics. Students will use plants to create dye that they will then apply to natural fibers. We will discuss the transformation of the plants into colors and discuss the chemical processes involved in creating colors. (1.5 hours)
Eggsploring Eggs
In this experience, students will dissect a brown and white chicken egg and identify the parts of the egg. We will compare various types of eggs and conclude that, although they look different on the outside, what is inside the egg remains the same. (1.5 hours)
Off-Campus Opportunities
Portal 31 Underground Mine
Let us direct you to or shuttle you to the legendary US Steel Portal 31 Mine in Lynch, Kentucky. Located just 20 miles from campus, the underground mine tour takes visitors on a coal car deep into the mountain, making stops at exhibits that explain the process and history of mining in the area.
Additional Cost Per Person
$17.95 per student
$22.95 per adult
36 HIGHWAY510
BLEDSOE, KY40810
(606)558-3571| PineMtn.org
@pinemountainsettlementschool
March 12, 2025
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Since 1913, Pine Mountain Settlement School has enriched lives and connected people through Appalachian place-based education, and we are honored now to be a part of your child’s education. Our School has played an important role in the history of this region, and we strive to make each student’s visit a unique and memorable one.
Your child’s comfort and safety are of the highest importance to us, and we want to make sure you feel at ease while your child embarks on a transformational experience here at Pine Mountain. Students will be housed in West Wind dormitory and will have meals made fresh from our farm in the historic Laurel House in the center of campus. During class times, we use both our School’s historic campus buildings and our 348-acre state nature preserve as classrooms As you prepare your child for their trip, here are some things to keep in mind:
• To help us meet your child’s individual needs, please complete the form on the back of this letter and return it to their teacher. Necessary medications will be distributed by your child’s teacher and stored in a secure location.
• This field trip is designed to help your child unplug and connect to each other, the natural world, and the cultural environment surrounding them. Cell phone service is spotty at best, but if you need to reach your child in case of emergency, call the main office at 606-558-3571.
• Students will spend most of the day outside, rain or shine. Please read over the suggested packing list your teacher provided, and make sure to pack rain gear, sturdy boots or old gym shoes, warm layers, and a water bottle.
If you have questions, or concerns or would like more information about other adult and family programs offered at Pine Mountain, please call or visit our website at pinemountainsettlementschool.com.
Students should come prepared for mud,snow,rain,andbothlong and short hikes. Clothingshouldbecomfortable,durable,andwashable. Pleaseavoidbringingnew, expensiveclothing–exceptforwintercoatsandraingear. Itemslistedinboldare essential.
It is the policy of Pine Mountain Settlement School (“Pine Mountain” or the “School”) that its staff, program guests, and other visitors shall enjoy personal safety while on campus and that the buildings, grounds, and property of the School be adequately maintained and kept secure.
Security Responsibility, Safety Plan and Protocols
Operational responsibility for security of the School’s campus, including all buildings, grounds and forestland, lies with Executive Director, with the assistance and cooperation of all employees. The Executive Director shall develop a comprehensive safety plan and protocols, consistent with Board policies, which will be approved by the Board of Trustees and reviewed by the Board each year.
Campus Access and Use
General
The School’s campus, including all buildings, grounds, and forestland, are privately owned by the School and are for its use in carrying out Pine Mountain’s mission and related programs in accordance with policies established by the Board of Trustees. Priority is given to participants in Pine Mountain programs and events. Visitors not participating in these programs and events are welcome subject to established rules and procedures.
Permission to use campus space may be granted only by the Executive Director or their designee and requires a written agreement including a description of intended uses, buildings requested, and any other information deemed necessary by the Executive Director.
Physical Access
Access to School property is through marked access roads, which are gated. Gates will be open during the regular operating hours. All buildings will be locked when not in use. The Executive Director shall develop and ensure compliance with campus access procedures, including, but not limited to, hours, signage, and rules of conduct for everyone coming to campus.
Any Visitors
Visitors who are not participants in Pine Mountain scheduled events are welcome during regular operating hours for such activities as personal recreation, transacting business with the school, patronizing the gift shop and coffee shop, touring the campus, or hiking the trails, provided that such activities do not interfere with any scheduled School programs or events and provided these persons follow established rules and procedures.
School and Youth Groups
Pine Mountain welcomes school and youth groups participating in Pine Mountain programs. Supervision, chaperoning, and discipline of students in these groups is the responsibility of the staff of the visiting group. All participants are required to follow the School’s code of conduct.
Private Events
Private events are activities such as conferences, retreats, reunions, weddings, and vacations that use the grounds and facilities of Pine Mountain solely and do not involve programming from the staff. These events may be scheduled with the approval of the Executive Director when the School’s calendar allows. Arrangements for such events must be confirmed in advance, by written agreement with the School through the Executive Director’s office. Participants in private events at Pine Mountain shall abide by all applicable School policies.
Chapel Access and Use
The Chapel’s role over the years as a place for worship and spiritual refreshment sets it apart in some ways from other spaces on the campus. Activities permissible in some campus buildings may not be appropriate for the Chapel. The Chapel is best suited to activities that have a quiet, contemplative nature or spiritual dimension Those observances need not be in alignment with any particular denomination or faith.
Groups who are participating in programming carried out by Pine Mountain staff may request use of the Chapel in connection with their stay at the time programming is booked. Groups and individuals who wish to use the Chapel for a private event as defined elsewhere in this document or who wish to use the Chapel in connection with a project resulting in the creation of a product to be distributed (e.g., art photography, sound recording, video recording) must submit a written request, preferably 30 days prior to the date of desired access. With the exception of weddings, such requests must be approved by the Executive Director in consultation with the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Weddings require only approval by the Executive Director.
Chapel doors will customarily be open to the public during the school’s regular operating hours. Guests staying at the school, staff members, local residents, and other visitors who are not participants in Pine Mountain programs are welcome to use the Chapel for personal meditation or reflection, provided that such activities do not interfere with any scheduled School programs or events and provided these persons follow established rules and procedures.
When the Chapel is actively in use by a particular group whose use has been approved by the School's Executive Director, other individuals or groups must refrain from intruding on the activities there.
Practical considerations and the age and condition of the furnishings rule out activities that would involve rearrangement of the contents of the building. Nor is it appropriate to decorate the Chapel, inside or out, in ways that might damage any part of the structure. Decorations may be permissible for events but must not harm the historic structure or furnishings and must be approved by the Executive Director before the event.
Prohibited or Restricted Activities
The illegal possession or use of controlled substances is not permitted anywhere on School property.
The School does not sell or serve alcoholic beverages. School employees are prohibited from being intoxicated or consuming alcoholic beverages during School operating hours. Adults participating as registered guests in private activities at the School may possess or consume alcoholic beverages only as may be permitted by state law and at their own risk.
Smoking is permitted outdoors only in designated smoking areas. During times of heightened danger of wildfire, the Executive Director may temporarily suspend this privilege.
Campfires are prohibited unless approved by either the Executive Director, Maintenance Director, or Groundskeeper and will follow guidance on burn bans from the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Approved campfires may only be built in the fire pit at the dancing green.
Due to the historic nature of the campus buildings, fireplaces are not to be used by guests.
Hunting is prohibited on School property. Firearms are not permitted on School property at any time, except with a written permit issued by the Executive Director.
Disruptive Behavior
Any guest or visitor on School property who disregards these policies or any other School policy, including its code of conduct, will be asked to leave. If necessary, law enforcement may be called and subsequent charges may be filed.
