Upcoming Mark the Date Events

State Parks near where we'll be living after we move next month:

Skidaway Island State Park
Located near historic Savannah, this barrier island has both salt and fresh water due to estuaries and marshes that flow through the area. The park borders Skidaway Narrows, a part of the intracoastal waterway, and provides scenic camping and picnicking areas. Two nature trails wind through marshes, live oaks, cabbage-palmettos and longleaf pines, allowing visitors to watch for deer, raccoon, shore birds and rare migrating birds such as the Painted Bunting. Observation towers provide another chance for visitors to search for wildlife on this beautiful island. A giant ground sloth replica, birding station, nature exhibits and reptile room are featured in the park's nature center.

Great Backyard Campout
Saturday, Jun 28, 2008

Put away those TV remotes and get outside for some great fun. National Great American Backyard Campout day will be celebrated with hikes, games, crafts, nature programs, a campfire with stories, smores, and singing and more. $3 parking.

Fort McAllister Historic Park
Located on the bank of the Great Ogeechee River south of Savannah, this park is the home of the best preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The sand and mud earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads, but did not fall until captured in 1864 by Gen. William T. Sherman during his infamous “March to the Sea.” Nestled among giant live oaks and beautiful salt marsh, this park is a quiet location for camping, hiking, fishing and picnicking. The park’s Civil War museum features an interior designed to resemble a bombproof, containing exhibits and artifacts, a video and gift shop. Three cottages sit on stilts at the marsh edge, surrounded by palm trees and palmettos. The campground is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek, a boat ramp and nature trail.

July Fourth Celebration at Fort McAllister
Friday, Jul 4, 2008 10 AM - 4 PM

Celebrate our nation's birthday with the troops of Fort McAllister. Cannon firings, musket firings, blacksmithing and historical games will run all day. $2.50 - $4.

Labor Day at Fort McAllister
Saturday, Aug 30, 2008 10 AM - 4 PM

Civil War labor was much like ours today. Witness blacksmithing, woodworking and cannon firing demonstrations. Bring the kids to take part in old-fashion Civil War games. Pack a lunch and have a cool slice of melon with us. $2.50 - $4.

Fort Morris Historic Site
When the Continental Congress convened in 1776, the delegates recognized the importance of a fort to protect their growing seaport from the British. Soon afterwards, a low bluff on the Medway River at Sunbury was fortified and garrisoned by 200 patriots. When the British demanded the fort's surrender on November 25, 1778, the defiant Col. John McIntosh replied, "Come and take it!" The British refused and withdrew back to Florida. Forty-five days later, they returned with a superior force, and on January 9, 1779, Fort Morris fell after a short but heavy bombardment. Under the name of Fort Defiance, this bulwark was once again used against the British during the War of 1812. Today, visitors can stand within the earthwork remains and view scenic Saint Catherines Sound. A museum and film describe the colonial port of Sunbury and the site's history.

Independence Day Colonial Faire***
Friday, Jul 4, 2008 11 AM - 3 PM

Celebrate the 4th with colonial games, contests of skill, colonial music, musket firings, cannon firings and activities for all. Prizes will be awarded to all participants.

MARK THE DATE!
"Come & Take It!"; A Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 11 AM - 4 PM

This American Revoulution encampment commemorates Col. John McIntosh's defiant reply to a British demand for surrender, "Come & Take It!" There will be various colonial demonstrations, musket & cannon drills, a small skirmish and more...

Wormsloe Historic Site
A breathtaking avenue lined with live oaks leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate constructed by Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s first settlers. Jones was an English physician and carpenter who carved out an even wider career in the colonial wilderness. He came to Savannah with James Oglethorpe in 1733 and commanded a company of Marines charged with Georgia’s coastal defense. Jones served as constable, Indian agent, surveyor (laying out New Ebenezer and Augusta) and member of the Royal Council. He was also one of few original settlers to survive hunger, plague, Indians, Spaniards and a new environment.

The tabby ruins on the Isle of Hope remind us of the dreams and lives of British colonists who settled Georgia. Today, visitors can view artifacts excavated at Wormsloe and a film about the founding of the 13th colony. A scenic nature trail leads to the living history area where, during special programs, costumed staff show skills and crafts necessary to early settlers. During early February of each year, the site hosts “Colonial Faire and Muster” highlighting 18th century life, military drills, craft demonstrations, music and dance. This site is on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Tools and Skills that built a Colony
Saturday, Aug 30, 2008 11 AM - 4 PM

Watch craft demonstrations from the Colonial period, such as woodworking, blacksmithing, candle making, spinning, dying, and cooking.

~~~ Other possible activities and adventures ~~~

Burton 4-H Center, Tybee Island, GA
4-H Camp on Tybee Island is a week long experience that includes visits to the beach, local historical sites, dances, a riverboat cruise, wet games, and many other fun and exciting activities. 4-H Camp is a fun and rewarding experience. Cooperation and character building, along with just having a great time, are all part of the camping adventure. Three different day camps in July for 8-13 year olds including beachcombing activites, marsh mud exploration and crafts.