(8-11 yrs.) See how the park’s geology is affected by the hydrology of the Pohick Creek which runs through it. Explore both the aquatic and terrestrial environs as campers learn what rocks/minerals, fish, and plants call this home. This camp has a very active field study approach with hands-on learning in the natural setting. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(3-Adult) It's dinner time at the nature center and worms and insects are on the menu. Help our naturalist care for and feed the nature center's animals.

(5-Adult) Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores. Topics vary by date. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(13-Adult) Smartphones have tremendous power to take great photos if you know what you are doing. In this class, we will explore the wonders and push the limits of cell phone photography. We will cover how to create photos with depth, stop and capture motion, editing and how to take good photos in low light.

(All Ages) What do you want out of your park? What is important to you and to our community? After experiencing a sampler of our hands-on activities, guided hikes, and science demonstrations, share your feedback and have a say in the future of our programs. Let your voice be heard and have fun while doing it! If you cannot attend, please contact fcpaHiddenPondPrograms@fairfaxcounty.gov to submit your feedback.

(8-Adult) Participants in this introductory session will practice John Muir Law's "I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of" nature journaling strategy to hone their observational skills and then learn different approaches to recording their observations on the page using images, words, and numbers. The objective is to connect to the natural world without an expectation of making great "art" or collecting/learning facts. Drawing paper, colored pencils, black fine tip markers, watercolor brush pens and watercolor paints will be available, or bring your own supplies if you'd prefer.

(9-12 yrs.) Dig in the soil to find treasures from the past. Campers will learn about the people of Fairfax County and their interaction with land over time from the found artifacts. Discover how scientists use techniques like ground excavation and artifact analysis to decode the mysteries of history. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-7 yrs.) Campers will become junior paleontologists as naturalists lead discovery of the latest in dinosaur knowledge through crafts, games and fossils. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(8-10 yrs.) Campers will become junior paleontologists as naturalists lead discovery of the latest in dinosaur knowledge through crafts, games and fossils. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(7-10 yrs.) Hidden Pond and the adjacent Pohick Stream Valley Park offer a natural classroom that is an action-packed learning experience. Young naturalists will learn about nature through stream and pond studies, bug hunts, reptile surveys and amphibian habitat exploration. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(3-6 yrs.) Be a part of the long-running naturalist program designed for preschool-age explorer. From field to stream and everything in between, children learn about many of our local animal species hands-on and in the field. Program topics vary each week.

(4-6yrs) From field to stream and everything in between, children will learn about many of our local animal species up close and in the field. Learn what animals do to survive and thrive, what they eat, where they live and about animal populations big and small. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(9-12 yrs.) Future scientists will explore the world of lab experiments, hands-on fieldwork, wildlife observations, and outdoor adventures. Investigate the waterways and landscapes of Hidden Pond by testing out your hypotheses and following the scientific method. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(3-Adult) Bring the whole family to explore the Pohick Stream Valley. The evening includes a twilight pond and stream study, a swamp walk and campfire.

(3-Adult) Join us for this exciting program to meet and learn about our native turtles. Learn about their behaviors, diet and other fun facts.

(6-9 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. No camp July 4-5. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

Join our naturalist on outdoor adventures and field studies in nature. This is for serious nature lovers who don't mind getting dirty. Campers learn outdoor survival skills such as using maps, making fires and building shelter. Experiments, games, activities and observation skills help us explore the many habitats in our parks. Bring a lunch, snack and a drink. No camp June 19. Once registered, download camp forms from website.