the pioneer project
Program Summary
Our students live in community housing and are an integral part of running an organic vegetable garden on campus that we will use to feed our domestic community. Students will learn experientially how to live a more sustainable and self sufficient lifestyle through growing and cooking their own food, sourcing honey from our own bees, and eating eggs from the chickens that they will care for. Additionally, through participating in a variety of traditional craft workshops taught by local artisans twice a week, our students get to flex their creative muscles, develop skills, and create beautiful hand-made keepsakes. Students also embark on extended wilderness expeditions around the region, which will be increasingly planned and executed by them (in longer programs). Weekends are scheduled with a variety of outings, from rock climbing or mountain biking day trips to visits to nearby cities of Asheville or Atlanta for tours of urban farms or ecovillages and exploring the city. Outside of structured activities, students will have the opportunity to develop an independent project of their choice.
Our Guiding Principles
• Clarity of Purpose
• Empowerment
• Interdependence
Group Size:
3-10 students
Ages:
17+ for Gap Year Programs
15+ for Summer Programs
Costs:
See Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter pages
Our campus has inspired visitors for decades and is an ideal classroom
Learn about farming through doing it in our 1/4 acre garden
Progressively take more ownership during expeditions and develop leadership skills
Our campus has inspired visitors for decades and is an ideal classroom
Dates
Visit each program's webpage to read more about what makes each season unique.
The Pioneer Project Immersion Experience
Immersing yourself in The Pioneer Project's programs will help you explore your passions and
direct your course to emerge as a leader who cares for others and the planet and
is empowered with real skills to make a difference!
Click on a photo of a subject below to learn more about each program component.
"I don't know how to express a big enough "Thank You" for the many positive conversations I am having with Lew about the people and places he experienced during his time with The Pioneer Project. He can't think of anything he didn't like about the program."
-Grandparent of Fall 2013 Student
"After spending (the Fall) with Pioneer Project as a student, I can honestly and with no hesitation recommend this program to all young adults (especially gap year students) who are on the path to self discovery, practical learning experiences, and a community living opportunities...This Program gives real experiences where real learning happens. We learn by doing, and leave with unforgettable lessons and experiences that are helping me shape my future. "
-Student from Fall 2013