(All Ages) Enjoy a tour of historic Colvin Run Mill built c.1811. The Mill is a tribute to industrial and mechanical innovation, and to the working people who made it happen. Learn the importance of the Mill to the multifaceted, surrounding community. Explore why our operational, water-powered gristmill is a prime example of how people, technology, and society rely upon each other for survival and success. See how the miller continues to make flour and cornmeal today. The tour covers the main grinding floor and the basement, including the gear pit. This tour is ADA compliant. Private tours available upon request. Please contact the site for details. Grain products ground at the Mill are available for purchase in our General Store year round.

(6-13 yrs.) Campers explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence by designing and building AI-powered mobile apps. They learn how AI recognizes images, understands speech, and makes intelligent decisions. In coding, campers learn how to code their own games, animations, and interactive stories using Scratch. Stemtree’s Science Explorer Camp sparks curiosity and deepens students’ appreciation for science through engaging and hands-on learning experiences. No camp December 24, 25 and January 1.

(12-Adult) Discover how people of the past patched, stitched and darned to mend worn clothing. See and touch examples of mending techniques. Learn how to thread a needle, make basic stitches and sew on a patch to extend the life of your own garments. Materials will be provided.

(16-Adult) Join expert Joan Betzold for this hands-on workshop. Learn all the basic principles of start and stop hand weaving, while making your own basket to take home. Finished basket is approximately 9 inches wide by 7 inches tall, with holes to secure a bandana that lines the bottom. Basketweaving materials provided. Bring a lunch.

(8-Adult) Northern Virginia Carvers present beginning soap carving. Enjoy an individual or family evening with wooden carving tools and bars of soap. Go home with skills and tools to continue the experience. This craft can become a gift or a home decoration. Learn history of soap. Persons under 18 require an adult present.

(4-Adult) Decorate candy canes made by our Blacksmith. Explore holiday traditions and finish with hot cocoa and candy canes.

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

(All Ages) Bring up to eight people and learn how to use an old-fashioned cider press by making your own cider. Your group needs to bring approximately 100 apples of their choosing and tightly sealable containers for transporting approximately 2 gallons of cider. Participants will carry and press their own apples and cider. Dress accordingly. All participants will be contacted prior to their program with full details. Colvin Run Mill offers weekday timeslots, call 703-759-2771 for availability.

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.

(8-12yrs) Experience history as you churn your own butter, make other historic foods, gain traditional crafting skills and play games from the past.

(14-Adult) African Americans' labor, experience, and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County.

(4-Adult) Discover how sailors were fed during the War of 1812. Explore the mill as we grind grain using the power of the waterwheel. Meet members of Ship's Company, a War of 1812 reenactors' group and hear stories about life at sea. Make ship biscuits, also called hardtack. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(5-Adult) Discover nineteenth century crafts and trades and see demonstrations by craftspeople of today. In the 1800s, people depended on experts who hand-crafted the goods they needed. Some of these crafts and trades are practiced by contemporary artisans. Demonstrations may include basket weaving, wood carving, broom making, spinning and dyeing, distilling and cider making. Make time to see our historic mill in motion, powered by the water of Colvin Run. You can also visit the general store and explore the miller’s house exhibit. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

(4-Adult) Celebrate the holiday season by making your own holiday card. Explore the history of holiday greetings in the historic house and finish with hot cocoa.

(4-Adult) Explore the history of wrapping paper as you enjoy making your own while sipping a hot beverage.

(2-5 yrs.) Explore Colvin Run Mill with your toddler or preschooler through STEAM activities, hands-on history, crafts, stories, and games. Adults must participate with children. Prepaid reservations required. A different program each week: 9/14: Discover Waterwheels; 10/5: Making and Drinking Apple Cider; 10/19: Fall Colors; and 11/16: Giving Thanks.

(12-Adult) Learn needle felting basics and make a project to take home. Supplies included. Length of workshop determines complexity of project. One registered adult must accompany each registered child in this program.

(5-12 yrs) Shop for friends and family at Colvin Run Mill's General Store in a sensory-friendly environment. Children of all abilities are accompanied by a secret shopper to assist them with purchasing holiday gifts. Assistants help wrap and tag gifts. Adults and family members may assist their shopper or tour the site and visit the Miller's House exhibit while waiting. This event will feature limited attendance, reduced background noise and additional time for transitions between activities.

(3-Adult) Bring your child to the mill and celebrate winter with this snowflake-themed tea party. You'll enjoy tea, savory and sweet treats, along with a winter craft and 19th century games. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(12-Adult) What do our legends say about us? Learn about local ghost stories, legends, and tales of the supernatural on this nighttime lantern-lite tour. The tour guide will lead you through the historic house and the 19th century gristmill.