Adult Potomac Adventures Camp (Adults)

(Adults) Want to get outside and explore your local watershed? Come join our experienced instructors and immerse yourselves in the great outdoors with our all-adult 3-day adventure camp! Experience rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and white-water rafting down the Potomac Gorge! Prior experience is not required. Bring snack, lunch, and a water bottle. No camp July 4-5.


Anglers & Archers (8-12 yrs.)

(8-12 yrs.) Enjoy this combo camp of two popular outdoor activities- fishing and archery. Learn to use a classic bow and arrow, atlatl and other primitive tools. Gain knowledge and experience in fishing using a variety of tackle, both on shore and by boat. No camp June 19. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Animal Ambassadors (6-9 yrs)

(6-9 yrs.) Go hiking to explore our native mammals, birds, fish, insects and reptiles in their habitats. Learn why animals are important to our ecosystem through resident animal interactions, crafts and games. As campers explore in the forest, pond, river and meadow they will learn how animal habitats are being threatened and what they can do to protect them. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Art in Nature (4-6 yrs)

(4-6 yrs.) Discover the shapes, colors, textures and patterns hidden in the natural world through scientific exploration. Paint with natural dyes, sculpt with clay, craft musical instruments, design jewelry, and create a mosaic. No camp July 4-5. Camps the week of June 10 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Art in Nature (6-9 yrs)

(6-9 yrs.) Discover the shapes, colors, textures and patterns hidden in the natural world through scientific exploration. Paint with natural dyes, sculpt with clay, craft musical instruments, design jewelry, create a mosaic and more. Camp includes an off-site day trip. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Art in Nature Camp (Adults)

(Adults) Immerse yourself in the outdoors while honing your artistic skills and developing a personal relationship with the natural world. Kayak the Potomac, hike along our many trails, and practice your scientific illustration skills. Explore art mediums such as sketching, watercolor, acrylic and collage. Participants will enjoy an offsite trip to a nearby museum and sculpture park. Prior art experience is NOT required, beginners welcome! Bring snack, lunch and a water bottle. No camp July 4-5.


BGS-Letterboxer

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.


BGS-Outdoor Adventurer

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.


CGS-Primitive Camper

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.


CSB A Bear Goes Fishing

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.


Environmental Science Merit Badge

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.


Fish and Float

(16-Adult) Begin your search for trophy smallmouth bass on the upper Potomac with an experienced instructor. Participants will embark on a wagon ride upstream and float downstream on kayaks in search of smallmouth bass using spinning gear.


Fishing Adventures (12-15 yrs.)

(12-15 yrs.) Fish from the shore and on kayaks as you work on fishing skills with our experienced instructors. Throughout the week, campers will use a variety of fishing techniques in preparation for a float trip by kayak for smallmouth bass along the Potomac River. Bring snack, lunch and water bottle. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Fishing Merit Badge

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor. All equipment and supplies provided.


Forces of Nature (6-9 yrs.)

(6-9 yrs.) Plants, animals and sun, all are forces in nature. How does weather impact the earth? What is the roll of plants as a natural force? What animals change their environment? Learn the answers and more with experiments, science tools and games. No camp June 19. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Freshwater Fishing Fun Camp (8-12 yrs)

(8-12 yrs.) Gain knowledge and experience in freshwater fishing using a variety of tackle. Fish the Potomac River for sunfish, catfish and bass on land and by boat. Learn how to rig and use a fishing rod as well as the safety and importance of catch-and-release fishing all while having fun. Bring a rod or borrow one from the park. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Full Moon Meditation

(Adults) Take time to set intentions for the next month while engaging in mindfulness practices under the full moon along the Potomac River. A variety of techniques such as breathwork, gentle stretches and purposeful movement will be used. Please bring your own yoga mat or camping chair. Appropriate for all skill levels.


Games After Dark

(5-Adult) Playing games outside is a blast but it's double the fun when the sun goes down! Bring the whole family to celebrate national backyard games week as we run around with flashlights, test our memories, compete in a scavenger hunt, decrypt a secret code, and challenge our 5 senses. Prizes will be won and the evening will conclude with a campfire and smores!


Geocaching by Boat

(10-Adult) Kayak or canoe along the Potomac River in search of hidden treasure! Use a GPS receiver to navigate the waters then dock at the islands to find geocaches. Some paddling experience preferred. All participants must sign a boating waiver.


Geocaching Merit Badge

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.


Insect Study Merit Badge

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.


JGS-Geocacher

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details. This title allows online group registration.


Kayak Tour - Moonlight (14-Adult)

(14-Adult) Experience the Potomac River in a new light as we paddle under the moon. Discover the peace and wildlife of the evening river as a guide leads you on a tour through the calmest section of the river during each full moon this summer. No paddling experience necessary. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Single & tandem kayaks and PFDs are provided. Each individual must register.


Kayak Tour - Wildlife of the Potomac

(14-Adult) Watch for deer foraging on the islands, and osprey and bald eagles searching for fish as we paddle through this wildlife-rich section of the Potomac River. This is not a whitewater tour. No previous experience required. Kayaks provided, one person per kayak. Download waiver and bring completed to tour: https://go.usa.gov/xnJUB. Canceled in case of inclement weather or hazardous river conditions.


Kayaking Merit Badge

Scouts must have completed the BSA swim test before class start date and must bring certification to first class. This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Kayaking Merit Badge. Fee includes kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and helmets. Course offered at Riverbend is completed on the Potomac River and includes river safety, reading the river and river navigation. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.


Keepers of the Earth Camp (6-9yrs)

(6-9 yrs.) Learn about the rich indigenous heritage of Riverbend Park and make connections with the natural world. Delve into the foundations of Earth Science through investigation, exploration, and hands-on experiments and learn about environmental stewardship and survival skills through the lens of Native American values and culture. Campers will expand their creativity, self-reliance, and friendships through games, storytelling, arts & crafts, archery and nature hikes. Bring snack, lunch and water bottle. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Paddle & Paint the Potomac

(16-Adult) Take a short paddling trip up the Potomac River and take in the beautiful scenery. Stop at an island to paint the scenery then float back to shore. Art supplies provided. Some paddling experience preferred. All participants must sign a boating waiver.


Preschool Registration Fee 2024-2025

preschool deposits


Primitive Basics

(6-Adult) Learn ancient techniques of starting a fire, working on a dug out canoe, and using a bow and arrow.


River Fishing by Boat (5-Adult)

(5-Adult) Fish for smallmouth bass and sunfish from a canoe or jon boat. Get started with an introduction to boating and fishing basics. Previous experience rowing or paddling not required. Boats and PFDs provided. Fishing rods and bait provided. Canceled if inclement weather or hazardous river conditions. Maximum three participants per boat, one of whom must be 16 or older. Each participant must register.


Riverside Campfire - Fishing Fun

(6-Adult) Fish from the river bank and learn about the fish's world. S'mores provided. Borrow our fishing rods or bring your own, tackle and bait provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.


Science for Wizards (7-11 yrs.)

(7-11 yrs.) Explore science with this spell-binding camp filled with an array of bewitching lessons and experiments mesmerizing even the most astute sorcerer. Study natural herbs, potion preparations, mythical creatures and more in this outdoor and indoor camp. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


SGS-Paddling

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.


Start Your Journey-Sow What? -SGS

Satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. See site’s website for details.


Trainers on the Go

(8-Adult) Combine your interests with a guided Pokémon Go hike at Riverbend Park. Learn about nature while enjoying playing Pokémon Go with your family or friends. Participants must be familiar with Pokémon Go, supply their own smart device, and have Pokémon Go already installed. Backup battery or charger recommended. Program will be outdoors, so participants must dress for the weather.


Wetlanders Camp (12-15yrs)

(12-15yrs) Discover water dynamics and wetland habitats. Explore how the living and non-living interact in a wet ecosystem. Using science tools, experiments and games, find the answer to why water habitats are so important and what makes each kind of wetland unique. Includes a kayak trip and an off-site visit to a local wetland. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Wetlanders Camp (8-12yrs)

(8-12 yrs.) Discover water dynamics and wetland habitats. Explore how the living and non-living interact in a wet ecosystem. Using science tools, experiments and games, find the answer to why water habitats are so important and what makes each kind of wetland unique. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Women in the Woods (7-10yrs)

(7-10yrs) Discover your inner outdoorswoman! Learn about influential women trailblazers of the past and leave with important life skills and knowledge to survive and protect the outdoors. Activities include rock climbing, paddling, fire building, outdoor cooking, shelter building and more. This camp satisfies requirements for numerous Girl Scout outdoor skills badges, however you do not need to be a scout to attend. Badges not included. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Women in the Woods (9-13 yrs)

(9-13 yrs.) Discover your inner outdoorswoman! Learn about influential women trailblazers of the past and leave with important life skills and knowledge to survive and protect the outdoors. Activities include rock climbing, paddling, fire building, outdoor cooking, shelter building and more. This camp satisfies requirements for numerous outdoor skill badges for both Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts, however you do not need to be a girl scout to attend. Badges not included. Once registered, download camp forms from website.


Women in the Woods Camp (Adults)

(Adults) Discover your inner outdoorswoman at Riverbend Park. Immerse yourself in the wilderness with our all-adult 3-day adventure camp! Learn about influential women trailblazers of the past and leave with important life skills and knowledge to survive and protect the outdoors. Activities include rock climbing along the Potomac, paddling, fire building, outdoor cooking, archery and foraging. Bring snack, lunch, and a water bottle. No camp July 4-5.


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