Home About Us Institutes Undergraduate Studies Graduate Studies Special Programs International Activities News & Events Opportunities for Giving Getting Involved Job/Internship Opportunities

Institutes

George B. Jr. and Helen C. Hartzog Institute for Parks (Website under construction)

The Hartzog Institute for Parks was established in June, 2007 in recognition of a 30-year relationship with the former Director of the National Park Service, George B. Hartzog, Jr. and his wife Helen. Its mission is to conduct, broker, and communicate a comprehensive program of research, education, and management practices that enhance the protection of the world’s parks and protected areas, while concurrently increasing the understanding of the natural, historical, cultural and recreational value of these treasured resources among a global citizenry.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a membership organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for adults to further their knowledge in both academic and recreational pursuits, and to share their experience and interests with other members. Our vision is to provide residents of the Upstate of South Carolina with an excellent lifelong learning program while embracing the uniqueness of our members and Clemson University.

Clemson International Institute For Tourism Research & Development

The Clemson International Institute for Tourism Research & Development is a unit in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. It is managed by the director, Dr. Andrew Yiannakis. Other members of the Institute team include Ken Backman, Sheila Backman, Laura Jodice, Bill Norman, Chi-ok Oh, and Bob Powell. Several graduate assistants work as consultants in the Institute providing research and support services.

On November 7, 1985, the Recreation, Travel and Tourism Institute was approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education as a research center within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Clemson University.

The Recreation, Travel and Tourism Institute was created to provide a focal point for coordinating research, extension, and teaching programs related to recreation and tourism at Clemson University and within the state of South Carolina. The Institute grew out of the increased recognition of the economic, social and environmental impact of the tourism industry to South Carolina and the importance of recreation to the quality of life to South Carolina residents.

The growth of tourism in South Carolina has resulted in the need for Clemson University to address some of tourism's complex issues such as market analysis and promotion, land-use planning, geographic distribution, public-private cooperation, coastal resource development and the integration of tourism with other community development strategies.

To address this wide variety of issues, and because of the multi-disciplinary nature of tourism, we have collaborative relationships with a number of area experts at Clemson from Economics, Sociology, Forestry, Architecture, Business and Marketing. The Institute is also well positioned both nationally and internationally by having collaborative relationships with experts (Distinguished Scholar Associates) and institutions in the United States and abroad.

Outdoor Lab

The Clemson University Outdoor Lab is located five miles from the university campus on a beautiful peninsula on Lake Hartwell. In the midst of the 17,000 acre Clemson forest located only 45 minutes west of Greenville, SC, the Outdoor Laboratory provides meeting and programming possibilities that can be found in few environments. Excellent accommodations for conferences, workshops, retreats and other programs are available.

The Outdoor Lab also leads a number of residential camps for children, youth and adults. Many of our camps are designed specifically for those with special needs. We are the summer home of Jaycee Camp Hope, Camp Sertoma and Camp Lions Den. Also, we offer delightful residential camps for active older adults.

Whether you are seeking a quiet spot for a family vacation, planning an event for 200 or looking for a residential camping experience second to none our staff and facilities stand ready to meet your needs.