From Bloodshed to Errosion: Explore the Battles of Southwest Georgia.
A canyon carved by consequence in red clay. The servant leadership of a peanut farmer. The quiet stillness of America’s most notorious prisoner of war camp. On Red Earth & Hard Truths, you will go on an exploration of how actions shape outcomes. Through powerful sites across rural Georgia, participants are invited to reflect, question, and grow. We will attend the Living History Weekend in Andersonville, see reenactments, hear stories from those imprisoned there, and more. Then to Plains, Georgia – home of President Jimmy Carter. Meet the small town that banded together to help elect the 39th President of the United States. Finally, we explore Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. Stand at the bottom of the canyon and marvel at how it was created. By the end of the adventure, we’ll leave with a better appreciation of the choices we make and how they impact those around us for years to come.
Dates & Availability.
April 3 – April 9, 2027 | Available |
Adventure Profile.
Each Bridgeford adventure is shaped by physical intensity, environment, and the kind of challenge it offers. Learn more about how we define adventure.
Physical Intensity | Moderate |
Adventure Styles |
|
Lodging |
|
Enviorment |
|
Adventure Details.
Cost | $2,495 |
Length | 7 days |
Ages | 11-13 at trip start |
Starting Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
Ending Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
Group Size | 20 Participants |
Leaders | 4 Leaders |
Adventure Highlights
Confront the Costs of Division
Hear the stories from Andersonville. Camp Sumter was a Confederate prison camp during the American Civil War located in Andersonville, Georgia. Nearly 13,000 prisoners died here. Many of them are unknown. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site tells the story of the prisoners kept here. We will be visiting during the site’s Living History Weekend, giving you a first-hand look into the life of Camp Sumter through reenactments. Andersonville also hosts the National Prisoner of War Museum, providing participants a unique look at American POW history.
Photo Credit: Scott Dressel | 2021
Photo Credit: Oakley G. Perry | 2026
Study Leadership in its Humblest Form
Don’t let the name fool you, Plains is anything but plain. Here, the story of President Jimmy Carter is on full display at the National Historical Park. The peanut farmer from rural South Georgia turned President of the United States of America. Jimmy’s connection to his small hometown never wavered. You will walk the halls where he attended school, explore the farm he grew up on, imagine how the train depot bustled during his campaign, and see the final resting place of President Carter and his wife Rosalynn.
Witness a Canyon of Consequence
A canyon built in red clay, Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon (Providence Canyon) is a beautiful tragedy. You will hike the canyon, going to the bottom and back up. We will camp in the backcountry for one night before returning to civilization. During our time here, we will see the wildlife that call the area home, watch the sunset dance across the canyon walls, and marvel at the water continuing to dig the canyon out and reshape the land of Southwest Georgia.
Photo Credit: Robin Canfield | 2022
Photo Credit: Mark Bias | 2023
Stay at the historic Windsor Hotel
When is a hotel part of the adventure? When it is as old and special as the Windsor Hotel. Built in the late 1800’s, the hotel is an architectural marvel filled with elegant charm. It’s also reportedly haunted by a friendly bellhop who was the longest serving employee of the Windsor. During our free time, you will also be able to explore downtown Americus, Georgia – home of Georgia Southwestern University.
Photo Credit: National Park Service