What ages can participate?

There is no strict minimum age listed; groups are designed for homeschool students and must be between 10 and 40 students. Contact staff for guidance on very young children.

How do I book and how far in advance?

Reservations should be requested at least one month prior to your visit and head counts confirmed seven days before the scheduled date.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

The walking tour is similar to a moderate hike on dirt roads; special accommodations may be possible by advance request—contact Project Chimps to discuss needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made seven days before the scheduled visit will receive a full refund. Rescheduling must be made at least 14 days before the visit.

What are the fees and chaperone rules?

Fees are $10 per student. One chaperone per 10 students is admitted free; additional chaperones pay the standard adult price of $35.

Homeschool Field Trips at Project Chimps: Hands-On STEM Tours in Morganton, GA

Q: Is food provided on site?

Project Chimps does not provide lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available for limited use for special needs; bring picnic blankets or chairs.

Project Chimps' Homeschool Programs bring classroom science to life at a working chimpanzee sanctuary: located at 2031 Lowery Rd in Morganton, Georgia, these 3–4 hour sessions pair an interpretive walking tour with a hands-on STEM lesson tailored to homeschool curricula. You arrive on a gravel drive that threads into mixed Appalachian hardwood forest; the route follows dirt roads and gentle grades that lead past family-style habitats and observation platforms where former research chimpanzees move through sunshine and shade. Guides emphasize behavior, enrichment, and species-appropriate care while relating observations back to Georgia Board of Education standards so a single visit really advances classroom objectives. The experience splits into two parts: a guided walking tour among the sanctuary roads and captive habitats, and a classroom-style activity chosen from a curated list or custom-built to fit your group. Groups range from 10 to 40 students; larger parties should book a field trip option. Practical details matter here - the chimps are most active in the morning, so scheduling between 10 a.m. and noon often yields the best viewing and engagement. Expect a moderate walk on dirt roads; special accommodations may be possible by request. What makes this program stand out is the combination of intimate animal observation with curriculum-driven lessons. The sanctuary setting - southern Appalachian foothills and mixed hardwoods - offers a clear ecological context: students see how habitat, food, and enrichment shape behavior. Educational staff tailor activities to STEM objectives, giving teachers pre-visit planning tools and post-visit takeaways that reinforce learning back home. Logistics are straightforward: meetings begin at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560; buses can park and up to five large vehicles will be accommodated. Fees are $10 per student; one chaperone per ten students is free and additional chaperones pay the standard adult price. Reservations should be requested at least one month in advance and head counts confirmed seven days prior. Payment is due seven days before the visit; cancellations made seven days ahead receive a full refund, and rescheduling requires 14 days' notice. For families and co-ops that want science beyond textbooks, this program combines real animal behavior, hands-on inquiry, and a sanctuary's conservation ethic. Bring picnic blankets and sturdy shoes, plan for morning viewing, and expect a meaningful, curriculum-aligned day that turns a field trip into a memorable classroom. Parents and teachers should also know that tours run rain or shine; severe weather can prompt refunds or rescheduling. A refrigerator and microwave are available for limited use for special needs, but groups should plan lunches—the site does not provide food. Educational staff will work with you to select pre- and post-visit materials, and many groups choose to pair the visit with local nature hikes or museum stops in Morganton and nearby towns.

About Project Chimps

Project Chimps in Troutdale, Virginia operates a sanctuary and education site where visitors meet and observe rescued chimpanzees.

The organization offers a range of guided experiences designed for families, schools, homeschool groups, scouts, and supporters. Tour options include short youth group tours, curriculum-based and homeschool programs aligned with STEM learning, scout badge workshops, and longer service projects for scout troops.

Supporter tours and private visits provide opportunities to watch chimpanzees roam, play, and rest in outdoor habitats. Discovery Days bring families to the Blue Ridge Mountains for guided hikes, a visit to the Discovery Zone, and a picnic by the koi pond. The Banana Bus Tour adds door-to-door transport and a snack at The Nest for a convenient group outing.

School field trips and curriculum-based tours emphasize inquiry-based lessons that meet educational standards and take place during prime morning viewing hours. Homeschool programs offer three to four hour visits with tailored STEM activities and flexible customization for teachers and students. Scout programs include two hour badge workshops and four to seven hour service projects that combine tours, hands-on activities, and habitat or garden work.

Every visit supports the ongoing care of the chimpanzees through small donations and participation. Booking options include private supporter tours, supporter tours with a lunch launch, and group-focused experiences that accommodate educational goals. Visitors can expect guided walking tours through outdoor habitats and multiple program lengths to fit schedules. Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and times for school groups, scouts, families, supporters, and community attendees.

Homeschool Field Trips at Project Chimps: Hands-On STEM Tours in Morganton, GA

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