c.r.e.a.t.e.
Christ Reveals, Educates, & Affirms Through the Environment
Discover
What is C.R.E.A.T.E.?
First Baptist School of Charleston's James Island campus features a multi-faceted 62-acre outdoor classroom. The C.R.E.A.T.E. program gives teachers and students an opportunity to experience an enhanced outdoor learning environment where students have the chance to apply their classroom learning to hands-on projects.
The C.R.E.A.T.E. program is a collaborative opportunity between students, teachers, parents, and the community to provide a place where all curriculum can be taught using new methods, facilities, and activities in an outdoor setting.
THE BOSS
Quick Links
Informational Presentation
Parent Resource Bank
Online Giving
Current & Proposed Projects
Blog Posts
Location
2055 George Griffith Blvd.
James Island, SC 29412
Interactive Outdoor Learning
The C.R.E.A.T.E. Program gets students out of the classroom and gives them hands-on learning experiences that enhance academic curriculum. Here are just a few subjects students are applying through C.R.E.AT.E. projects:
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Biology
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Environmental Science
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Chemistry
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Math
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Physics
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History
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English
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Art
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Bible
What We've Accomplished
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Clearing and creation of the BCL Trail
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Clean-up and maintenance of trail and surrounding grounds
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Construction of Carolina split rail fencing at trail entrance
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Planting of native plants and flowers around grounds
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Initiated a botanical survey of the property (led by FBS parent volunteer, Patrick Dollason, Horticulturist for Charleston Parks Conservancy)
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Identification and management of local wildlife
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Building and setting up habitats for various wildlife (i.e. bluebirds, bats, and purple martins)
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School and community demonstrations
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Establishment of the annual Dr. Alexander Garden Trailblazer Award for dedicated service to First Baptist School's Outdoor Education Center C.R.E.A.T.E. Project
Upcoming Projects
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Establishing additional bird, mammal, insect, and amphibian monitoring and management resources
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Addition of an Outdoor Learning Amphitheater
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Introduction of bee habitats around newly introduced wildflower fields that will allow for the production and harvesting of honey
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Construction of outdoor garden boxes for the growth of produce with potential to establish a weekend FBS Farmer's Market
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Revitalization of pond with introduction of native fish species
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Construction of an observation tower overlooking the C.R.E.A.T.E. space
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Further trail enhancement and expansion
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Archaeology excavations and studies to discover artifacts dating back to colonial and civil war period land use
impact
“As a biologist, I understood the importance of classroom time and labs, but what really got me excited about studying and ultimately choosing my career field was when I stepped out into God’s classroom and was able to see, touch, hear and smell His creation! My love of fisheries, wildlife management, forestry, and ecology grew exponentially in the “outdoors classroom”! My hope is for C.R.E.A.T.E to become the catalyst for our students to gain a new perspective on their First Baptist School experience! And my prayer is for them to gain a better understanding of God and glorify Him in new and exciting ways!”
- Tom Bryce, C.R.E.A.T.E. Facilitator
"When I learned of the C.R.E.A.T.E. program, I volunteered immediately. Today's children are spending less and less time outdoors, and as parents of two kindergarteners, my wife and I are determined to do what we can to help buck the trend. And as a horticulturist with the Charleston Parks Conservancy, I recognize the value that nature presents to the health and development of our youth. I look forward to the opportunities that C.R.E.A.T.E. will provide for my children and others as they continue their journey at First Baptist."
- Patrick Dollason, Parent Volunteer
"C.R.E.A.T.E. will add even more value to a FBS education. We know that students learn best when they actively participate. This program puts students outdoors observing, learning, problem solving - and having fun."
- Sheree Bridges, former FBS College Counselor
Support C.R.E.A.T.E.
Your generous donations help us continue the mission of our CR.E.A.T.E. program.If you would like to donate online, you can do so through our Giving Portal.
We appreciate every gift, no matter how big or small.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
Job 12:7-10
