Cherokee Creek Boys School is located in Westminster, South Carolina in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Here in the Northwest corner of the state, our campus sits on the border of Georgia and is not far from North Carolina and Tennessee. Our 77-acre wooded campus is right in the middle of some of the most beautiful national parks, waterways and historic sites in the country. Oconee County encompasses three very large and beautiful lakes: Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, and Lake Jocassee. The nearby Chattooga River is known for its breathtaking scenery and thrilling rapids, and we are located close to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the nation. The Tugaloo River, Chauga River and the Sumter National Forest surround our campus creating a serene and peaceful environment. The setting is an ideal place to learn lessons about the natural cycle of life and our connection to the earth and the world around us. This beautiful setting also provides many opportunities for fun and play. Students enjoy our outdoor curriculum, which features hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and a ropes course.
Oconee County takes its name from a Cherokee word meaning "land beside the water." This area was home to the Cherokees before the Indians gave up their lands in treaties signed in 1777 and 1816, which led to the historic Trail of Tears. Beyond South Carolina, we also enjoy the natural and historic resources of nearby Asheville, North Carolina and have access to activities and events in Atlanta, Georgia just two hours southeast of our campus. The area is also home to countless learning opportunities, including museums, historic sites and the resources of nearby Clemson University.
TO FIND US ON THE MAP
Cherokee Creek Boys School is in Westminster, South Carolina, within a few hours drive of Atlanta, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina. There are major airports in these three cities, and the closest smaller airport is in Greenville, South Carolina. Visitors to our campus travel via the Atlanta Airport (1½ to 2 hours south west) or the Greenville Airport (1½ hours east.) Our nearest neighbors are the small towns of Seneca, South Carolina and Toccoa, Georgia, and we are 20 miles west of Clemson University.
Click here for a map to our campus.
OUR CAMPUS
At the heart of our 77-acre wooded campus is our 6,500 square-foot lodge. This beautiful log building houses a reception area, dining hall, kitchen and living room with comfortable sofas, rocking chairs and a stone fireplace. A spiral staircase leads upstairs to our indoor classrooms, library and administrative offices. The bunkhouse serves as the student sleeping quarters and also houses additional offices. Outdoor learning centers, historic cabins and plenty of creeks and trails on campus are used for our outdoor program, class projects and overnight outings.
“Earth, ourselves,
Breathe and awaken.
Leaves are stirring,
All things moving,
New day coming,
Life renewing.”
-Pawnee Prayer