Shining a Light on Our Volunteers in Preservation: The Lighthouse Learners Field Trip Team

This month, the Old Baldy Foundation is thrilled to shine the spotlight on an outstanding group of Volunteers in Preservation—our incredible Lighthouse Learners field trip team!

Over the past three months, these dedicated volunteers made it possible for almost 1,000 fourth-grade students from Brunswick County Schools to experience the rich history and natural beauty of Bald Head Island. Their efforts transformed a regular school day into a hands-on, unforgettable adventure full of discovery, learning, and fun.

For many of these students, the field trip was more than just a day outside the classroom—it was a first. Many had never set foot on a boat, let alone visited Bald Head Island. These trips offer invaluable experiences that broaden their horizons, connect them with the heritage of their own region, and spark curiosity that can last a lifetime.

Our volunteers wore many hats; from guiding eager kids up and down the 108 steps of Old Baldy Lighthouse, to leading fast-paced museum scavenger hunts, to perhaps the trickiest role of all: manning the museum gift shop. If you’ve ever tried explaining sales tax to a group of fourth graders with $5 in quarters and dreams of lighthouse-themed souvenirs, you know these heroes showed patience and humor in spades.

We owe a heartfelt thank-you to Randy, Janet, Kelly, Jaylea, Lindsey, Carol, Pat, Lynne, Kristin, Logan, Maddie, Joan, and Suzi for their kindness, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment. Because of them, students didn’t just learn about the science and history of Bald Head Island—they lived it.

As we look to the future, we hope to keep this incredible momentum going. If you’d like to support the next generation of explorers, historians, and lighthouse climbers, please consider donating to the Lighthouse Learners Program. Your contribution helps us continue providing this one-of-a-kind educational experience to students across our region—one ferry ride, one scavenger hunt, and yes, one souvenir purchase at a time!