In 2024, we were fortunate to receive a generous grant from Dominion Energy, which allowed us to bring a long-held dream to life: a new nature oasis classroom tucked deep within our 25-acre campus. Thanks to this support, we purchased a stunning Atlas High Wall canvas tent from local outdoor gear legends, Diamond Brand Gear—a 10×12-foot structure with 6-foot-high ceilings, screened windows, and even a stove jack to allow for cozy winter use.
When the tent was ready, Mr. Daniel and I
visited the Diamond Brand Gear factory and were treated to an inspiring tour by their director. We learned how this historic company—serving Western North Carolina since 1881—prioritized sustainability, minimized material waste, and created progressive employment opportunities. It was a powerful reminder of the value of supporting local businesses with strong values and deep roots in our community.
Though we originally hoped to install the tent last fall, Mother Nature had other plans. Fortunately, “Papa Brown” (my dad!) made a special early spring trip to WNC and devoted an entire week to building the classroom from the ground up.
This was no small task. With the help of a dedicated student’s father, these two heroes carried every single piece of material—by hand—over a quarter mile into the forest and up 400 vertical feet. Heavy rains had made the trail too slick for our Ranger vehicle, so human grit and determination carried the day.
Here’s how it all came together:
- Day One: Materials were hauled in, trees were cleared, the build site was mapped, and the plan was finalized.
- Day Two: The platform footers and framing were installed.
- Day Three: The deck boards were laid, and the tent and rainfly went up—with help from our Littlest Learners, who proudly carried pieces of the frame up the hill!
We are beyond thrilled to introduce our third roofed forest classroom at Farmstead: the Explorers Outpost (name still in progress!). This new space will provide year-round access to the wild beauty of our land with the infrastructure our students love—shade, shelter, composting toilet, potable water, and plenty of room for imaginative, child-led play.
But this classroom is more than just a tent in the woods.
It’s a tribute to collaboration, determination, and legacy. We hope to use this space not only for our school-year programs but also for Cedarsong Way Teacher Trainings and custom professional development for other forest and nature schools.
Sadly, just months after our visit, Diamond Brand Gear suffered devastating flooding from a hurricane. Their facility in Fletcher, located near three creeks, was overwhelmed by three feet of water, destroying critical equipment and inventory. Despite their best efforts, they made the heartbreaking decision to close on December 18, 2024.
We are deeply honored to have one of their final, exquisitely crafted tents standing strong in our forest. It serves not only as a classroom, but as a lasting tribute to a company that shaped the outdoor culture of our region for over a century.