Adult Camp at Elachee

Yes, Please!

Elachee launches its inaugural Adult Camp adventure by transforming the beloved Flights of Fancy annual event to bring out the kid in all of us.

October 6, 2022 (Gainesville, Ga.) – Elachee Nature Science Center proudly announces its inaugural Adult Camp adventure planned for Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the organization’s Gainesville campus. The Elachee Board of Trustees has transformed the non-profit’s annual Flights of Fancy fundraiser to engage the community with a nostalgic, post-pandemic return to ‘the good old days.’

This ticketed event, hosted by Elachee and presented by Northside Hospital, is a festival-style drop in experience with no seated dinner or scripted agenda. Instead, from 4-9:30 p.m. partygoers may relive camp experiences – grown-up style – by indulging in fun outdoor activities while enjoying a casual evening spent among friends, age 18 and older. Eat, drink and recapture the joy of childhood. Buy advance tickets or pay at the gate. Visit www.elachee.org for details.

“What a unique concept! No presentations or stuffy dinner; just friends, building new friendships and fun,” comments Jason Everett, Chair of Elachee’s Board of Trustees. “I love the idea of adult camp because it’s interactive and adventurous, just the way Elachee should be presented. Summer camp is the base for what we all remember about Elachee when growing up. To now have an adult camp is going to bring out the kid in all of us!”

What will Adult Camp at Elachee offer?

Activities include archery, axe throwing, rock wall climbing and tree climbing along with mock Appalachian Trail competitions, visits to the STARLAB planetarium, guided night hikes, participation in a camp art project, a photo booth, interaction with live animals, conservation film shorts and games. Or guests may simply hangout and visit with friends – there are Adirondack chairs waiting!

“I am really excited about the NEW adult camp format we are launching this year because it speaks to one of Elachee’s goals which is to provide a unique, outdoor experience to its visitors,” explains Mandi Whiting, Elachee Trustee and Chair of the 2022 Flights of Fancy FUNdraiser. “This year’s format will also create an opportunity for more attendees to come out and see what Elachee has to offer to the community.”

Whiting adds, “I am guessing many [Adult Camp] attendees may be coming to Elachee for the first time so this initial introduction to the Elachee facilities will promote more community involvement in the future, all while growing our fundraising opportunities.” 

In keeping with tradition, this 22nd annual Flights of Fancy FUNdraiser features a nature-inspired raffle open now until 8 p.m., October 22. The Elachee Board of Trustees has curated 11 epic packages of adventures, excursions and outdoor living experiences. From Atlanta Braves 2023 Season Tickets, a Big Green Egg package, a custom-built bed swing, and camping gear, these raffle packages also offer incredible activities for friends, couples and families, as well as special interest sporting adventures.

The Flights 2022 raffle packages range in value from $1,300 up to $3,150. Single raffle tickets are $20. Pay $50 for a 3-ticket bundle or $100 for a 6-ticket bundle per package. All raffle ticket proceeds support Elachee’s mission of environmental education and conservation. Purchase tickets through the event’s mobile app by texting elacheeflights22 to 243725. You do not need to be present at Elachee’s Adult Camp to win.

“We know that camp is Elachee’s ‘sweet spot,’ and we are excited to bring this tradition to new audiences,” shares Elachee President/CEO Sarah Bell. “Every year, we have Camp Elachee parents tell us that they wish they could come to camp, and now we are providing that opportunity – all while raising money through fun activities and an amazing array of raffle packages. We look forward to using the revenue generated by the event to continue serving as a community resource, so we hope our whole community will come join us for a night of fun!”

Adult Camp at Elachee will take place rain or shine on Saturday, October 22 from 4-9:30 p.m., at Elachee’s campus in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. This South Hall County address is 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504.

The 2022 Flights of Fancy pollinator-inspired silent auction goes live October 17 via the event’s mobile app. Featured items include many handcrafted bird houses, yard décor and original art. Each item will be on display during Adult Camp at Elachee.

Thank you, Sponsors!

Elachee’s Adult Camp at the 2022 Flights of Fancy FUNdraiser has come to life thanks to amazing community support! The Elachee organization is proud to recognize these annual and event sponsors whose contributions have made this transformation possible.

A Nod to Raffle and Auction Donors

The Elachee organization also wants to recognize the extraordinary generosity of local and regional businesses and individuals who contributed quality gifts that make this year’s raffle and auction so unique.

The 2022 Flights of Fancy raffle and auction donors include Bo and Renae Ackerman, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Aqua Terra Bistro, ASW Distillery Buckhead, Barnsley Resort, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Phil and Lindsay Bonelli, Brother Jack Woodworking, Builders First Source, Paula Burzotta, Sally Clark, Cloudland Vineyards and Winery, CorkIt! Buford, Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Elachee Nature Academy Students, Elachee Naturalists and Friends of Elachee, Gainesville High School Construction and Honors Art Society Students, Gainesville Paint, Lance and Kelly Gardner, Georgia Power Company, Great Wolf Lodge, Jason and Rachel Greenwalt, GRUBS Market, Howard Brothers Hardware-Oakwood, Lake Lanier Islands & Resort, The Marks Family, McKibbon Hospitality, Steve and Gale McKibbon, New Urban Forestry, Noontootla Creek Farms, Kary and Katie Nordholz, Patagonia Atlanta, Picnic Basket Meal Market, REI Co-op/Atlanta, Rico’s World Kitchen, Roger Sulhoff/Private Client Advisory, Southern Baked Pie Company, Southern Woods Plantation, The Big Green Egg Inc., The Brunch Apothecary, Timberline Glamping at Amicalola, Arden Tritt, Twisted Axes Throw House, Visit Anderson-SC, Lee Anne White, Adam and Mandi Whiting, Wild Animal Safari, and Yard House at The Battery Atlanta.

Discover, Learn, Play

Elachee Nature Science Center is busy year-round welcoming visitors to discover, learn and play as they delight in quality nature experiences. These range from K-12 children’s programs, Camp Elachee summer day camps, seasonal public nature encounters and events, adult learning programs and self-guided interpretive ecology and live animal exhibits.

A robust volunteer corps partners with Elachee in conservation initiatives. These efforts support and maintain the 12.24-mile hiking trail system in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, enjoyed by hikers from around north Georgia. This 1,440-acre woodland is one of Georgia’s largest protected and most ecologically diverse green spaces.

The Nature Center campus is also home to Elachee Nature Academy, an accredited and licensed school managed by Elachee, offering Preschool and Primary Grade level programs.

Elachee relies on earned income, donations, grants, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and the annual Flights of Fancy event to fund operations and to offer quality nature programs and ecology events on campus and in the Nature Preserve.