(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.

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.

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.

(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.

(6-10 yrs.) Help us in the kitchen garden and practice your seasonal cooking skills.

(14-Adult) Try your hand at this traditional American wood art form. Carve a decorative Canvasback duck decoy with Northern Virginia Carvers. Participants should have some carving experience, such as having taken the beginner carving course. $60.00 supply fee to be paid on the first day of class. Class 5 carving glove(s) and a thumbguard required. Sessions are three consecutive Saturdays Oct 10, 17, 24 from 9 a.m. to 4.p.m. to carve and paint your decoy.

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

(4-Adult) Explore 200-year-old Colvin Run Mill as we grind grain using the power of the waterwheel. Hear and smell the grindstones at work. Learn how automated gristmills revolutionized flour production. Visit the 19th century Miller's House and stop by Colvin Run General Store to purchase our ground grain. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax250 commemoration.

(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.

(10-Adult) Watch an outdoor screening of Frankenstein (1931) at the 19th century gristmill. Bring your own blanket or low lawn chair. Refreshments and concessions will be available for purchase. The Miller's House Exhibit will be open for self-guided tours at 6 p.m. and will close at the start of the film. The film will start at sunset - 7 p.m.

(16-Adult) Needle Felting is a recent craft with a rich history. Learn to combine wool and other fibers with a wire armature to create a cute, posable mouse figure. Supplies for the project are provided as part of the class fee.

(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.