Savannah Walk: historic hikes for scouts, home-schoolers, individuals
Historic Savannah Hikes via Massie Heritage Center, 507 E. Gordon St. Savannah, 31401
Who can participate? Scouts of all ages as well as individuals or other groups are invited to participate in these fun, educational programs. Massie offers a version for younger and older scouts to help accommodate your particular pack or troop.) For effective supervision and safety, one adult for every ten students is recommended and admitted with no fee. Massie expects leaders and other chaperones to assist accordingly in managing their group at all times. Additional guests will be charged the regular program rate and their numbers may be limited depending on the overall size of the group.
What to expect? There are two versions of Massie’s Historic Savannah Hike: one is for younger scouts (Toonahowi) and the other is more advanced for older scouts (Tomochichi). Both hikes include a one-hour tour inside Massie, where scouts will be oriented to the downtown historic district by learning about Savannah’s city plan, architecture, historic preservation, the Native Americans who first inhabited the area, as well as what school was like in the 1800s.
Two options:
Toonahowi Hike: Explore historic Savannah on a 1.5 mile walking tour visiting eight different locations with a total walking time of about one hour. Total program time including Massie tour and hike is about two hours.
Tomochichi Hike: Explore historic Savannah on a 2.5 mile walking tour visiting thirteen different locations with a total walking time of about ninety minutes. Total program time including Massie tour and hike is about two and a half hours.
What is the cost of the program? The cost is $10.00 per participant for a guided hike with one of Massie’s Heritage Specialists, with a minimum of group size of ten. Successful participants will receive either a Toonahowi or Tomochichi patch. Scouts choosing a self-guided hike will pay the regular Massie admission fee (or special rate for groups of 15 or more) and can purchase a scout patch for $3 upon successful completion of the hike and questionnaire.
What is the minimum or maximum number of participants for a guided hike? The minimum number of participants for a guided hike is 10. Smaller groups will need to pay the full price for ten participants ($100). Massie can easily accommodate groups of up to 60 total participants (including scout leaders, parents, chaperones, etc.) and can lead up to 100 with sufficient notice and scheduling flexibility.
How do I reserve a guided hike? Please call Massie at (912) 395-5070 to make your reservation. Massie will need to know (1) the number of scouts and adults, (2) the date and time you would like, and (3) whether your group would like to take on the Toonahowi or Tomochichi challenge. Please let Massie know if you have any special needs or requirements.
What to bring? Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk the required distance in varying weather conditions. Sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle and rain gear is recommended. Strollers are not recommended. Participants will need to be careful crossing all streets and be respectful of Savannah’s Historic District, its residents, and their property. As scouts, they should remember: The city should be left better than they found it.
Where to park? The Historic Savannah Hikes will begin and end at the Massie Heritage Center on Calhoun Square at the corner of Abercorn and East Gordon streets. Limited free parking is available on the streets around Massie.
What about lunch? If you plan to bring box lunches for your hikes, Massie recommends utilizing nearby Forsyth Park, only two blocks from Massie, which has benches, a playground, and restrooms. You should bring extra trash bags and blankets. Calhoun Square across from Massie may accommodate small groups. Due to limited space, you will not be able to store lunches inside Massie. Massie hs cold drinks available for sale in the gift shop.
What about a gift shop and restrooms? Please plan your itinerary so that your scouts will have time to browse our gift shop and use Massie’s restroom facilities.
Is this program limited to scouts only? No. It is intended to be both age and content appropriate for scouts, but anyone or any group may participate in this program.
Massie Heritage Center, 207 East Gordon St. Savannah,31401 tel: (912) 395-5070, http://MassieHeritageCenter.com