This was the first Atlanta Inner City Outings trip for South Atlanta High Boys and Girls Club. We had 11 participants - 6 boys and 5 girls. After meeting at Warren Boys and Girls Club and borrowing their bus we had a brief discussion of what to expect on the trip and then packed up lunches for the hike. After drivingup to the mountains we had an opening circle to discuss the roles of lead and sweep and to organize for the hike. We discussed
Leave No Trace as an outdoors ethic and talked about the importance of enjoying the outdoors but leaving it as we found it. For this trip we introducted two of the seven principles most relevant to this hike- Traveling on durableraven cliff falss
surfaces and Being considerate of other users. Then we started the 2 1/2 mile walk to
Raven Cliff Falls enjoying the other waterfalls along the route and making several stops for pictures. After about a mile and a half we stopped for lunch and then continued to the falls. At the falls we took a long break to sit on the rocks and enjoy the scenery and try out the water filter to pump water for the trip back. Part of the group made the steep climb to the upper falls. We then had a rapid hike out with a stop for a cookie break. Then it was back to Atlanta where we finished off with a closing circle. The boys and girls enjoyed getting out in nature, getting out of the house, and getting to know and talk to some different people.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 10:44PM 
South Atlanta High Boys and Girls Club went kayaking on the Chestatee River near Dahlonega. We drove up, and got on the river after lemonade and a snack. All of the teens had fun figuring out how to steer their kayaks. We had a few capsizes but given the heat, falling in the water was pleasant. We had the opportunity to see at least two snakes - one a copperhead and several turtles and fish. After a stop for a snack on a sandbar everyone braved the two rapids. We then got to the takeout, rode the shuttle van, and after another snack, headed home.