In the spirited and enchanting state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains kiss the sky and the Atlantic Ocean whispers to the sandy shores, there exists a bustling community of child nature enthusiasts. They are led by an eccentric and lovable character named Peculiar Pete, a mythical possum with a floppy straw hat and a penchant for belly laughs. His fur, a mix of gray and white, shimmers like stardust under the warm Carolina sun. Pete, is not your typical possum. You see, he doesn't play dead; rather, he plays alive! Peculiar Pete and his gang of enthusiastic young adventurers spend their days engaging in all kinds of fun and educational outdoor activities. From climbing the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to spy on the sky hugging hawks, to snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Outer Banks to say hello to the playful dolphins, these kids are never short on excitement. They investigate every nook and cranny of the Great Smoky Mountains, where they gather around Pete, with eyes wide and hearts ablaze, listening to his tales about the legendary Cherokee warriors. Their laughter rings through the lush forests of Pisgah as they race each other to find the most colorful mushrooms, or tumble down sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, cackling like mad sandpipers. This isn't just a gang of kids, oh no! They are the young knights and sorceresses of nature, armed with binoculars and butterfly nets, their imaginations their most powerful tool. In the wild lands of North Carolina, they learn, they explore, they laugh, and under the watchful eyes of the twinkling stars and the ever-so-cool Peculiar Pete, they thrive.
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is celebrating 40 years of protecting and educating the public about raptors. CRC’s mission is to promote environmental education, rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors, and environmental stewardship. The Raptor Trail is a three-quarter mile walking trail and zoological facility that houses and displays more than thirty birds of prey. These birds act as ambassadors for their species, allowing people to experience wildlife in a safe and respectful manner. On the trail, visitors can learn about birds of prey from around the world, deepening their appreciation of these majestic creatures. As a non-profit, CRC relies on public financial support to continue their mission. Together, we can ensure the protection and education of raptors for years to come.
Rural Hill is a unique piece of Mecklenburg County history. John and Violet Davidson were the homesteaders of this historic site, which has been preserved for over 250 years. John was a Major in the Mecklenburg County Militia before and during the Revolutionary War and also signed the famous “Meck Dec” of 1775. The couple moved to Mecklenburg County from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1752 when John was 16 years old. After he turned 21, he began purchasing land and eventually built the two-room log cabin known as “Rural Retreat” for his family when he married Violet Wilson in 1761. This homestead has been maintained over the centuries and remains a beloved landmark of the county.