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Logistics

Red Earth & Hard Truths

What to Expect: Summarized Itinerary

  • Day 1:

    Arrive in Atlanta at ATL Airport or hotel between 10 AM and 1 PM. You will meet your trip leaders and fellow participants. We will depart from Atlanta and head south towards Americus. Once in Southwest Georgia, we will hold an orientation, do some activities, and prepare for the days ahead. For participants driving in, we offer a pickup in Atlanta, Macon, or you can meet the group in Americus.

  • Days 2-3:
    We will spend two full days exploring Andersonville National Historic Site. Our adventure is timed just right so we can experience the site’s Living History Weekend. You will see reenactments, hear stories from Camp Sumter, and have a glimpse of what life was like at the prison during the Civil War. On day 3, the park clears out as Living History Weekend concludes, giving us time to slow down, reflect, and take in the Cemetery and National Prisoner of War Museum. Both nights are in the comfort of a hotel room. 
  • Day 4:

    We leave Americus for the small town of Plains, Georgia. Plains was the home of President Jimmy Carter. Here, you will sit in the desk at the school where Carter attended, walk through the home he grew up in, and feel the story of a small town that shaped who he was. We will also engage with the National Park Service on our service project. At the end of the day, we leave Plains to stay in cabins at Florence Marina State Park.

  • Days 5-6:
    Are you ready to see the Little Grand Canyon? Providence Canyon State Park is our next stop. We will hike down into the canyon floor, watch as water continues to carve the landscape, and be swallowed by the red clay soil that is infamous in the region.  On day 6, we will spend most of the day continuing to explore the Canyon, including geology programs provided by Georgia State Parks. As our day winds down, we will travel back to Americus. 
  • Day 7:
    Our journey comes to a close on day 7. We will eat our last meal together, have some time for reflection, and then say goodbye to Americus. Participants can be picked up from Americus, Macon, or Atlanta. As you arrive home, you will have the memories of friendships made and the knowledge that all the choices we make can have big impacts. 

*All itineraries are subject to change due to group needs, logistics, or weather.

Where We Will Be.

Room and Board.

Lodging

Red Earth & Hard Truths participants will experience the luxurious Windsor Hotel in Americus, Georgia. Our adventure then takes us towards the Alabama state line, where we will enjoy cabins on the Chattahoochee River. Our last night will be spent back in a hotel. 

All hotel rooms and cabins will be single-gender but shared with a roommate. All participants will have a bed to themselves.  

The first two nights in the swamp are considered backcountry with limited bathroom facilities. Pit toilets will be available, but shower facilities will not. 

Meals

Our adventure will give participants the opportunity to explore the region’s cuisine. 

  • Participants will enjoy a group meal on the evening of day 1.
  • Days 2 and 3 include meals at the Windsor Hotel and at restaurants in Americus.
  • Day 4, we will eat in Plains, GA, at the Buffalo Cafe.
  • Days 5 & 6 will include camp-style meals with some group cooking experiences.
  • On day 7, we will end with our final breakfast meal.  together.  

Packing List.

Packs and Bags
  • Duffle Bag with shoulder straps | Qty: 1
  • Day pack/bag for rain jacket, snacks, water bottle, and other daily necessities | Qty: 1
Footwear
  • Trail/Tennis Shoes (comfortable, broken in, sturdy, lightweight, and able to get dirty) | Qty: 1
  • Athletic Socks (regular athletic socks, comfortable, cotton is fine) | Qty: 6
  • Neoprene Socks (quick-drying socks. Does not have to be neoprene, but must be fast drying. AVOID COTTON) | Qty: 2

OPTIONAL:

  • Sandels | Qty: 1
Clothing
  • T-Shirts – Synthetic (non-cotton, quick drying) | Qty. 2
  • T-Shirts – Cotton (for regular days) | Qty. 5
  • Quick Dry Shorts (non-cotton, quick drying) | Qty. 2
  • Pants/Jeans or regular shorts | Qty. 3 
  • Underwear (synthetic is best) | Qty. 8
  • Light long-sleeve sun shirt  (protection from the sun) | Qty. 1
  • Rain Jacket with Hood (Waterproof rain jacket with a hood) | Qty. 1
  • Swim Suit | Qty. 1
  • PJs or Sleeping Clothes | Qty. 1
Headware
  • Hat (for sun protection) | Qty. 1
  • Sunglasses (with neck strap) | Qty. 1
Toiletries
  • Dopp Kit (toothbrush and paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, floss, etc.) | Qty. 1
  • Sunscreen (for sun protection – water resistent) | Qty. 1
  • Insect Repellent (travel size) | Qty. 1
  • Hand Sanitizer (personal size) | Qty. 1
  • Chapstick (sun protection) | Qty. 1
  • Wet Wipes (travel size package) | Qty. 1
Medications

OPTIONAL: 

  • Personal Medications | Qty. 1
  • Eye Glasses / Contacts | Qty. 1
  • EpiPen® | Qty. 1
  • Inhaler | Qty. 1
Personal Gear
  • Headlamp (with extra batteries) | Qty. 1
  • Stuff Sack (for dirty clothes) | Qty. 1
  • Water Bottles (32oz wide mouth bottle) | Qty. 2
  • Whistle (small plastic is fine) | Qty. 1

Optional:

  • Camera and/or GoPro (for capturing the moment) | Qty. 1
Miscellaneous
  • Pack Towel (Absorbent and quick drying) | Qty. 1
  • Wallet and Spending Money (Be sure to include identification and spending money) | Qty. 1
  • Notebook with Pen (for journaling) | Qty. 1

OPTIONAL:

  • Binoculars (for wildlife viewing) | Qty. 1
  • Charging Packs for electronics | Qty. you decide

Flights and Travel.

While our team does not arrange flights to or from our starting and ending locations, we work with participants to ensure a smooth travel experience. 

Arrival Windows: Each adventure has arrival windows shared with enrolled participants (we do not publish these times for youth safety). A member of our team will greet your child at the airport. For youth who cannot arrive by the end of the arrival window, we can usually accommodate arrivals a day early. 

Group flights: Again, our team does not directly schedule flights, but we will share each participant’s hometown with all enrollees to help those who are close to one another book the same flight, if they choose. We will also make recommendations of flights from your closest airport to our starting location. 

Unaccompanied Minor Travel: Each airline sets its own policies and fees for unaccompanied minors. Please see our Unaccompanied Minor Travel page for details from each airline serving airports used during our adventures. 

Immunizations.

Tetnus (Tdap)

Required.

Vaccine within the last 10 years. 

Hepitatis A

Recommended

Small chance of contact with contaiminated water. 

Ready to Explore The Battles?

Enroll Now

Bridgeford Adventures designs small-group adventures for teens that combine remarkable places with challenge, service, and life skill development. Explore our upcoming adventures and discover why we believe adventure should be built to be more.