Life Adventure Center and
Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
2014
Adventure Programming Guide
Teaching teamwork, communication, and leadership in a natural, outdoor setting.
859.873.3271 lifeadventurecenter.org
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CONTENTS
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ADVENTURE STARTS HERE Course 4/ Challenge Elevate your teambuilding with a truly unique experience!
Adventure 6/ Outdoor High adventure programming in a natural, outdoor classroom. Join us for your next adventure!
8/ Equestrian Our well trained horses accomodate any skill level. See how they are a part of our team.
Education 12/ Environmental Engage, educate, and empower your students through educational programs directly correlated to Next Generation Science Standards.
Unit 14/ Mobile Can't come to us? We bring Adventure to you!
@ LAC 16/ Facilities Retreat? Corporate Meeting? If you're in need of a beautiful location for your next gathering, LAC has the facility for you!
Programs 18/ Sample Pick and choose your adventure! Here is an easy layout of all the half day and full day programming options.
20/ Impact How we change lives! Story 26/ Our Just a little history lesson about the birth of the Life Adventure Center. Scan to visit our website, www.lifeadventurecenter.org
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Challenge Course TEAM BUILDING FOR GROUPS OF ALL KINDS At Life Adventure Center we recognize the value of a unified team. A successful team is a group of many hands, but one mind. We know that the process of reaching that unity can be a challenge. We give your group the tools needed to become a more effective team.
THE CHALLENGE COURSE WAS THE BEST WAY TO STRENGTHEN OUR GROUP AND FORM TRUSTING, WORKING RELATIONSHIPS. -Madison County Youth Service Center Coordinator
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Our challenge course is a resource for your group to practice and develop many of the skills they need to reach their potential. We believe that effective communication, solid leadership, creative thinking, goal setting and trust are all key components for any team's success. Our professional facilitators custom design your program to meet your organization's specific needs and goals. With our facilitators, your team will explore their individual and group strengths and discover that they each play an important role in your team's success.
Choose your own adventure!Below are just a few of the program options available. See page 18 for a full list of our programming choices. For more information contact chris@lifeadventurecenter.org
Challenge Course
THE EXPERIENCE OF CUSTOM DESIGNED ADVENTURE
Programming Options *All of our Challenge Course programming conforms with 2013 KY Core Academic Standards.
Low Ropes Elements
thirteen obstacles
High Ropes Elements
eight treetop obstacles
Climbing
40' high Rock Wall
Dual Zipline
Our professional facilitators encourage each participant
Teambuilding Initiatives
over 300 ft. long fully mobile
to make healthy choices for themselves, allowing them to choose their own level of participation while continually staying committed to and supportive of their team. We believe that success is NOT determined by achievement, but by your willingness to try.
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WHITEWATER CANOEING DOWN BIG SOUTH FORK RIVER
ROCKCLIMBING ADVENTURES IN THE RED RIVER GORGE
THE LIFE ADVENTURE CENTER’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMS
We offer backcountry adventures, backpacking, canoeing, and many other activities that can cater to any group! Our certified instructors will handle logistics, planning and instruction, with the best environmental practices. So relax and let LAC plan your next adventure!
REACH INTO MANY DIFFERENT AREAS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.
Outdoor Adventure OUR EXPERIENCED STAFF USE THE NATURAL CLASSROOM TO FACILITATE GROUND-BREAKING PROGRAMMING, ALL WHILE PROVIDING THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME. No Gear? No Experience? No activities that cater to all groups Problem! At Life Adventure including families,teens, schools, Center we offer Outdoor churches, corporations, and much Adventures that include more. Enjoy the best that nature backpacking, canoeing, has to offer. team-building, and many other
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All of the Outdoor Adventure programming options at Life Adventure Center can be customized to your group's needs. Whether the focus be teambuilding, communication, or just experiencing an adventure outside of your norm, LAC has the ability to create a memorable experience for you and your group. All of our activities can range from just a few hours to several days in a variety of locations.
Outdoor Adventure
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING DOWN SHOWSHOE MTN.
BACKCOUNTRY MT. BIKING TRAILS ON OUR 575 ACRE PROPERTY
Programming Options Outdoor cooking clinics
See page 18 for a full list of our programming choices.
Overnight trips
Backpacking Canoeing Vertical Adv.
Caving/ Rappelling Rockclimbing Wilderness Skills
Top Rope Single Pitch Orienteering/ Geocaching
Canoeing
Partnerships
WITHIN THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE COMMUNITY ARE IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING LIFECHANGING EXPERIENCES. Life Adventure Center is proud to announce new partnerships with Canoe Kentucky, and Nature Reliance School.
addition to our own high adventure programming. Contact us now to book you next adventure! info@lifeadventurecenter.org
Through these partnerships we are able to better serve you by offering paddling and wilderness survival in
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OUR WELL-TRAINED HORSES ACCOMMODATE A VARIETY OF SKILL LEVELS FROM BEGINNER THROUGH ADVANCED.
At Life Adventure Center our dynamic team of experienced professionals are excited to work with youth, adults, and organizations. Our staff shares a commitment to excellence and a strong desire to serve others.
Our equestrian center has both an indoor and outdoor arena that makes riding lessons and other activities possible in all types of weather. No prior experience is necessary, just a desire to learn and have fun!
The Equestrian programming at Life Adventure Center conforms with all 2013 KY Core Academic Standards.
Equestrian
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Equestrian
RIDING LESSONS ARE A GREAT WAY TO BUILD CHARACTER AND LEARN RESPONSIBILITY Want to give horseback riding a try? The Life Adventure center offers many different lessons targeted at novice riders all the way through advanced levels. Don’t own your own horse? No problem, LAC has a diverse group of horses. We’re sure to find a companion that will fit your personality and riding style.
Blue Loop Yellow Loop Green Loop
Pavillion Challenge Course Horse Trail-head/trailer parking
LA C
Woodland Center Cabins Staff Housing
Caution: Mt. Bike Trail intersection
Horse Barn Offices Indoor/Outdoor Arena
Corn Maze Milner Rd.
Riding Trails
To Lawrenceburg
Highway 62
To Versailles
WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET OUT AND ENJOY THE TRAIL WITH YOUR FAVORITE FOUR-LEGGED COMPANION. In 2013, Life Adventure Center created 3 looped horse trails that take you through our 575 acre farm. These trails vary in length and skill level, so regardless of your riding goals,
you are sure to enjoy your day at LAC!
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Special Equestrian Programs NOT YOUR AVERAGE RIDING LESSONS! Our professional equestrian staff have years of experience in a variety of horse related activities. These activities incorporate the ground breaking programming model of Life Adventure Center, teamwork, leadership, and communication.
ADAPTIVE RIDING This form of riding allows for us to safely accommodate special needs participants of any age. Riding is a great way to boost motor skills, self-esteem, and fitness.
TEAMBUILDING Great for corporate groups, sports teams or school groups and requiring no riding or prior experience, these activities build trust, communication skills and teamwork through innovative encounters with horses.
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To many, the words love, hope, and dreams are synonymous with horses. -Oliver Wendell Holmes
Equestrian
Unbridled Vaulting Club of Life Adventure Center Vaulting is best described as gymnastics on the back of a moving horse and is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the U.S.A. Vaulting uses the lunger/ horse team to enhance communication and trust. It also emphasizes fitness as participants do un-mounted strength, endurance, and balance activities.
Open Vaulting is an opportunity to try your hand at the sport during an open lesson format. Held most Saturdays from 4:30-6:30, registration is required and fills up quickly. If interested call 859.873.3271 or send an email to Kara@lifeadventurecenter.org
Programming Options 2-4 Hr Vaulting Wrkshp Adaptive Riding
single/ group
Mobile Unit Riding Lessons
single/ group
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Environmental Education BUCKLEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
IN 2013, THE LIFE ADVENTURE CENTER TOOK OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CLYDE E. BUCKLEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. THIS ADDITION DEDICATES OVER 370 ACRES TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING LAC’S MODEL OF CUSTOM DESIGNED PROGRAMMING AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION. DURING OUR ONSITE WORKSHOPS, PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT TO;
BUCKLEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Participate in an up-close and hands-on experience of the world around them. Have an opportunity to develop and practice positive environmental ethics. Discover new and interesting aspects of their local plants and wildlife.
Programming Options Trail Hikes
THE ACTIVITIES ALIGNED PERFECTLY WITH OUR CORE CONTENT AND THE AGE OF OUR STUDENTS. -2nd Grade Teacher Southside Elementary
day/ night
Forestry
leaf / tree Identification
Wildlife Programs
local wildlife identification
Bird Blind See page 18 for a full list of our programming choices.
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Our professional facilitators and educators engage participants in playful learning. Lessons are custom designed to meet your group's specific learning goals.
Our Environmental Education programming is provided for half day, and full day adventures! For more information or to schedule your group, contact Barb@lifeadventurecenter.org
ENCOUNTER THE PERFECT CLASSROOM WITHIN OUR ECOLOGICALLY DIVERSE forest. Our interactive lessons and workshops are site-specific and are aligned with Content for Next Generation Science Standards, which correlates easily with classroom curriculum. Participants discover and explore the interconnectedness within the natural world, including their own importance. Lessons communicate gardening, birding, forestry, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and other natural themes.
Environmental Education
RICH IN ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, OUR PROPERTIES ARE FULL OF WILDLIFE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT. THE MARION LINDSEY BIRD BLIND OFFERS EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS OF BIRDS, MAMMALS AND INSECTS.
THE SANCTUARY HOLDS A RICH ECOSYSTEM THAT HOSTS MANY DIFFERENT PLANTS AND ANIMALS.
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Mobile Unit BRING ADVENTURE TO YOUR DOOR! If you’re unable to visit our center, we can come to you. Many of our programs have mobile components that encourage participants to explore effective means of communication, develop leadership abilities, and work as an effective team. Our facilitators will gather information from you to help better understand the dynamics of your group, what your goals for the group are, and the specific needs of your group. This information will help us select the appropriate activities for your custom experience.
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The Challenge
Over the years, the Life Adventure Center has been privileged to enhance the teams of some very notable participants;
Purposeful Play
Midway College
Work with peers to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks and transfer these lessons to your daily life.
Council of State Government
Communicate expectations with fellow participants. Build fast, effective decision making skills and initiate successful group discussions.
Mobile Unit
Mobile units can operate in a one-day session all the way up to multi-week sessions. Some activities may require running and obstacle course-type situations; enough space is required for your group to complete these comfortably. A gym, cafeteria, large classroom, or outdoors all work well.
Morgan Stanley ...just to name a few. Discover how Life Adventure Center can build your team call 859.873.3271 or send an email to chris@lifeadventurecenter.org
Set individual and team goals.
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Facility Rentals at Life Adventure Center A BUILDING FOR ALL OF YOUR MEETING OR RETREAT NEEDS ASSEMBLY BLDG.
CABINS
• 3,200 sq. ft of meeting space • Nestled in a beautiful forest • Grand stone fireplace • Side meeting room • 70 inch Sharp LED/LCD TV • Sound bar • WIFI equipped • Classroom seating for 100 • Banquet seating for 80 • Theatre seating for 100 • 8’ rectangle and round tables • Separate men’s and women’s restroom with shower facilities
• Ideal for group retreats • Minimum group size 12 • 3 cabins (in the woods) • Cabins accommodate 8-12 with bunk beds and loft mattresses • Electricity in each cabin • Restrooms and Showers in close proximity • Campfire area, log seating, and space for tent camping in addition to cabins • Per person/per night rental available • Additional camping equipment available for rent (tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, etc)
Scan code for a video showcasing the many faces of LAC
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YET CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ALL THE COMFORTS. UTILIZE OUR RENTAL FACILITY SPACES FOR CORPORATE TRAININGS, GROUP MEETINGS, BANQUETS, AND GROUP RETREATS. PERFECT FOR BOTH YOUTH AND ADULT GATHERINGS.
Facility Rentals
Away from it All
Call today to schedule a tour of our facilities! 859.873.3271 If you would like more information, or would like to reserve any of our facilities for your next event, email randy@lifeadventurecenter.org
ARENAS
• Indoor/outdoor riding arena • Lighted 120’ x 200’ indoor arena with viewing area • Variety of jumps and equipment • 100’ x 200’ outdoor arena with all-weather footing • Miles of groomed trails and outdoor riding areas • Small cross-country course with 18 inch fences • Round-pen
PAVILION
• Large pavilion adjacent to Challenge Course • Accommodates 150 • Picnic table seating • Large stone fireplace • Separate men’s and women’s restroom facilities • Large grassy area adjacent to the facility for relaxing and playing games • 1/2 day and full day rental available
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Half Day Programs 1-4 hours Challenge Course
Outdoor Adventure
Low Ropes Course
Canoe and Kayaking
Rock Wall Climb and Zip Line
Wilderness Survival
Mobile Unit Programming Corporate Teambuilding High Ropes Course
Equestrian
Environmental Education
2-4 Hr Nature Stories Group Vaulting Sensory Trail Open Vaulting Hike
Corporate Navigation and Teambuilding Orienteering Mobile Unit Knot Tying Programming Workshops Special Needs Mobile Unit Programming Programming Riding lessons Belay Clinic (single and group)
Animal Adaptation Intro to Maps Leaf Identification Geology and Rock Cycle Soils and Erosion
Custom Adventure is at your fingertips Listed above are only a few of the half and full day programs at Life Adventure Center. Feel free to mix and match half day programs to create your own custom full day experience. Or even mix our full day programs to create a multi-day excursion customized for you and your group's needs and interests.
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Call our office now to find out more about what we offer and to create your own custom programming for your corporate, church or youth outing.
859.873.3271 info@lifeadventurecenter.org
4+ hours, or mix and match any of our 1/2 day programs for your own, custom experience. Challenge Course Low and High Ropes Course
Outdoor Adventure Canoe and Kayaking
Equestrian Group Vaulting
Environmental Education Forestry Trail Hike
Mobile Unit Programming
Wilderness Survival
Corporate Teambuilding
Corporate Teambuilding
Overnight Camping
Mobile Unit Programming
Caving and Rappelling
Any Combination of half day programming.
Backpacking
Sample Programs
Full Day Programs
Animal Adaptation Advanced Maps Any Combination of half day programming.
Rock Climbing Mobile Unit Programming
ce re Experien u t n e v d A Your Custom dventure Day 1 low a 0am 8:00am-9:0 0am 9:00am-10:3
troduction Welcome/In nge Course lle a h C s e p o s Low R ership Focu ilding, Lead Teambu
riefing Group De-b Lunch ian Vaulting r t s e u q E p Grou adventure 2 elevated for shuttle C A L t a t e Me 0 iver Gorge R d e R 8:00am-8:3 t a Arrive g Adventure in 10:30am b m li c k c o R 0pm LAC 11:00am-4:0 el back to v ra T 0pm ye 4:30pm-6:3 Say good-b 6:30pm
0am 10:30am-11:0 0am 11:00am-11:3 0pm 11:30am-4:3 Day
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Changing Lives SIMPLY PUT, LIFE ADVENTURE CENTER CHANGES LIVES IN AND AROUND OUR COMMUNITY. kids discover the joy of summer camp, •Impoverished supported by scholarships! See how on page 21. kids learn that they can overcome life's •"At-risk" challenges by conquering our climbing wall and zip lines, supported by donor funding. servicemen and women complete their •Wounded recovery through the camaraderie and healing power of our free outdoor programs, supported by sponsorships. However, we can't do it all on our own. We need your help! We depend on generous gifts from people just like YOU to “bridge the gap.” Make your tax deductible gift and change a life today! Donate on-line at lifeadventurecenter.org or call 859-873-3271 to give by phone.
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Please also consider the significant impact of planned gifts. Bequests, annuities, gifts of appreciated stock, charitable remainder trusts and other vehicles may offer income or tax advantages. Please, feel free to call or email us for more information. Tim@lifeadventurecenter.org
Impact
Summer Camps at Life Adventure Center We believe in the power of transformational experiences. In the life of a child, few moments come with more potential to change the course of a child's life than a summer camp. That's why we take such care to design our camps to engage and educate each child. Every camper leaves more confident, more aware of possibilities in their future, and
more capable to meet challenges. In the woods and on the water, we provide age appropriate skills and knowledge for each camper. All of our activities provide opportunities for growth through personal challenge. Hiking, canoeing, and our High Challenge Course, every camper has the chance to grow and develop.
2014 Camps
Spring Break Adventure Camp
Mar. 31April 4
Adventure Camp Session 4
July 14-18
Adventure Camp Session 1
June 9-13
Adventure Camp Session 5
July 21-25
Adventure Camp Session 2
June 16-20
Adventure Camp Session 6
July 28Aug. 1
Adventure Camp Session 3*
June 23-27
Age varies by camp. *overnight element
To sponsor a camper contact jeremiah@lifeadventurecenter.org
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LIFE ADVENTURE CENTER
WARRIOR ADVENTURE PROGR AMS
Helping those who have sacrificed so much. The Warrior Adventure Program of the Life Adventure Center creates an environment where injured service members and their families build relationships and interact as a part of a healthy community. By allowing these men and women to do something they love, and at the same time continue to build their community, this program helps wounded veterans heal.
There is no doubt in my mind, this program is saving lives.
-Soldier Participant of 2012 program
TO SUPPORT OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WARRIOR ADVENTURE PROGRAMMING VISIT LIFEADVENTURECENTER.ORG OR CALL OUR OFFICE AT 859.873.3271. BYRON@LIFEADVENTURECENTER.ORG.
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Impact
A program built through partnership. THE LAC WARRIOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED OUT OF A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN KENTUCKY DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY, AND KENTUCKY UTILITIES TO DEVELOP A HEALING ADVENTURE FOR INJURED SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN. “saving lives”. These injured servicemen and women participate in activities despite the challenges that they are currently facing.
The event was best summed up by one Wounded Veteran who said, “This event changed our lives; it helped revive our spirits and renew our sense of self-worth.” Another warrior stated that we were, in fact
Men and women who took up the call to national service put themselves in harm's way. Those men and women, having returned home, are still in danger.
21%
As recently as 2012, studies found that an average of 22 veterans will take their own life every day. Two out of three families report adjustment problems following military
66%
76%
service. 76% of veterans report symptoms of mental health disorders to health care providers. As their service for us ends, our service for them needs to begin.
*Bossarte, Robert and Kemp, Janet. “Suicide Data Report, 2012”, Department of Veterans Affairs. http://www.va.gov/opa/docs/Suicide-Data-Report-2012-final.pdf *Williamson, Vanessa and Mulhall, Erin. Invisible Wounds – Psychological and Neurological Issues Face a New Generation of Veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Issue Report. January 2009. Web. January 29, 2014. http://iava.org/files/IAVA_invisible_wounds_0.pdf
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Military - Teen Adventure Camps UNITING MILITARY FAMILIES THROUGH ADVENTURE! At Life Adventure Center, we know that the family unit is just as important as the returning heroes themselves. That’s what our M.T.A.C. programs are all about: shared experiences for service members and their families.
Everything, including equipment, lodging, food and transportation is absolutely FREE! Not only are these camps fun, but they offer an opportunity for military parents and their teens to reconnect.
The experience has been both life-changing and unforgettable. -Marco Oledan U.S. Army Dad
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Our Military-Teen Adventure Camp programming is provided for military parents (service member or spouse) and their teenage children ages 14-18. Families are welcome from any state and branch of the military. For more information or to register email info@lifeadventurecenter.org
With a combined effort from Life Adventure Center, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Office and the U.S. Dept. of Defense, the M.T.A.C. programming has been secured through the 2014 season!
Impact
M.T.A.C. 2014 Schedule Big South Fork Canoeing
Wilderness Survival
and Backpacking Expedition.
Outdoor Expedition October 24-26, 2014
May 15-18, 2014 Red River Gorge Rockclimbing,
Winter Wilderness Survival
Rappelling, and Canopy Excursion
Primitive Skills Extreme
June 6-9, 2014
January 16-18, 2015
Whitewater Rafting and Outdoor
Snowshoe Mt. Ski and Snow
Quest
Adventure July 18-23, 2014
January 29-February 2, 2015
Ultimate Green River Paddling
Whitewater Rafting, Climbing,
and Caving Adventure
Rappelling, and Outdoor
August 15-18, 2014 Wounded Warrior Family Excursion
Adventure April 24-27, 2015
August 29-31, 2014 The Great Equestrian Challenge September 12-14, 2014
Scan code for 2013 highlight video.
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The Life Adventure Center ENGAGES, EDUCATES AND EMPOWERS OUR COMMUNITY TO BUILD RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY AND SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP USING HANDS-ON LEARNING IN A NATURAL SETTING.
The Life Adventure Center is an adventure based educational non-profit that uses hands-on learning in a natural setting. We plant seeds of growth in the lives of our participants and community. Our programs utilize validated theories of experiential education. Our programming is developed around our high
The Gardner family cannot begin to thank LAC enough for all you do! Because of your generosity, love and teaching, Macayla’s life has changed tremendously. -
- Zoe Gardner (Macayla’s mom)
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ropes and low ropes courses, equestrian facilities, environmental education, and outdoor adventure activities. We serve a wide spectrum, including youth and adults, from the underserved to corporate clients.
Our Story
Since the late 1800's LAC has established a rich history of serving the community through adventure based and environmental education. Life Adventure Center emerged after a historic encounter between The Cleveland Home and Life Adventure Camp. The Cleveland Home operated as an orphanage in Versailles beginning in the late 1800’s, ultimately serving as a residential facility for 17 females. Established in 1975, Life Adventure Camp instilled self-esteem and confidence in at-risk youth through wilderness experiences. Life Adventure Camp and the Cleveland Home merged in 2000. In 2005, we moved to our current location. In 2006, our name changed to Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass. In the summer of 2013, we began the management of the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary in Frankfort, Ky. With our current locations, we serve a much larger and more diverse audience in and around the bluegrass.
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Life Adventure Center and
Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
Adventure Starts Here!
(859)873-3271
570 Milner Rd Versailles, KY 40383
www.lifeadventurecenter.org info@lifeadventurecenter.org