Heathwood and the Boyd Foundation Break Ground on New PEAK Facilities
On January 11, Heathwood Hall, in partnership with the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, broke ground on exciting new facilities for the PEAK Program. This milestone represents months of planning and a generous Boyd Foundation gift that will enhance Heathwood’s Adventure Basecamp.
The expansion includes upgrades to existing ropes courses, the addition of new challenges, and the construction of the Boyd Foundation PEAK Center, a 2,000 sq. ft. facility that will house classrooms, offices, and event space.
About PEAK
PEAK, short for Pursuit of Environmental Adventure and Knowledge, is Heathwood’s signature outdoor leadership program, founded in 1998. Through hands-on experiences, students of all ages explore wilderness skills, environmental education, and leadership development.
On campus, students can scale the 50-ft Alpine Tower, navigate the Odyssey Ropes Course, train in Wilderness First Aid, and practice canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the school pond.
Off campus, PEAK adventures include paddling the Saluda and Congaree Rivers, hiking and camping in Pisgah National Forest, exploring National Parks across the U.S., and international expeditions in Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and beyond.
Student Leadership
Many activities are led by PEAK Student Leaders—Upper School students who undergo intensive training and serve as peer mentors. These leaders guide trips, teach skills, and inspire younger students to push their limits and grow as leaders themselves.
A Legacy of Adventure
For more than two decades, PEAK has helped generations of Heathwood students build confidence, discover adventure, and develop a love of the natural world. The Boyd Foundation’s gift ensures PEAK will continue to prepare the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, leaders, and conservationists.
Construction on the new PEAK facilities is expected to be complete before the end of 2023. The Boyd Foundation PEAK Center - rendered above - will serve as a classroom and teaching space and enable PEAK to offer programming to the greater Midlands community.
The expansion of the PEAK Program will increase the resources available to Heathwood students, enable the school to host more church groups, corporate groups, and youth groups, and expose others to Heathwood Hall and the amazing program built by Stan Wood. Hands-on learning and serving others are essential components of Heathwood's mission, and the Boyd Foundation’s gift will assist us with advancing these directives. We are deeply grateful for their support.