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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

This program meets all the requirements to earn the badge.

(6-Adult) In this adapted version of the popular Escape Room games, race against the clock to solve puzzles and unlock secret codes to complete the mission of saving the captured animals. This exciting, critical-thinking adventure is both fun and educational. Learn about common animals you might encounter at Riverbend Park, what threats they face, and what we can do to protect them. End the event with prizes and a meet and greet with one of our box turtles.

(3-6 yrs.) Bring a cozy blanket or sleeping bag and huddle up by the fireplace to listen to a winter-themed story while you sip on hot cocoa. Then create a cool craft based on the theme of the story. Five programs run bi-weekly throughout the winter season.

(6-Adult) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(14-Adult) Much of our food, personal care, and cleaning products are filled with toxins that harm our bodies and the environment. With so many products and claims saturating the market, it's hard to know which ingredients to avoid and which ones we can trust. Learn how to read labels, spot "greenwashing" tricks and become a savvy sustainable shopper in this interactive workshop. We will explore common products and find healthier alternatives by using a cosmetic scanner app. Then we will end the class by crafting our own personal care products made with simple, natural ingredients.

(14-Adult) Explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry and how we can model natural systems and structures to solve complex problems and create a greener world. We will compare our current "take-make-waste" system to an updated model known as the circular economy. Get inspired by businesses and products that are committed to reducing, repurposing and repairing. We will end the class with 3 unique upcycling projects that you can gift to your friends and families just in time for the holidays.

(14-Adult) Explore the 5 parameters of what makes a food system truly green and gain the skills and knowledge to be a part of the solution to food issues. Learn the truth about the pollinator plight, factory farming and food deserts and how we can support regenerative farming practices through eating locally. Take a hike through the park in search of edible plants, learn how to recycle food scraps through composting and practice basic homesteading by make your own hummus and nut milk from scratch.

(14-Adult) Single-use plastics and papers are pervasive in every aspect of our modern life. So much time, energy, money and resources go into creating something that is destined for the landfill-what a waste. Join us as we take a deeper look at what we throw away and learn simple ways to minimize your individual impact. Test your recycling knowledge with a sorting game, play bingo for a chance to win some eco-friendly products, and make your own all-natural cleaning spray to take home.

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.

(6-14 yrs.) Help feed your feathered friends this winter by making and taking home your very own pinecone bird feeder. Find out what those familiar bird calls are as we discuss common birds you may see visit your feeder.

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.

(2-5 yrs.) With the help of Mr. Bear, learn about the weather with a felt-board story, bubble play, an ice cube race and songs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(5-Adult) Using found natural objects and recycled materials we will craft unique pieces of art for you and your family to take home and proudly display. Materials included in price.

(3-9 yrs.) Learn about penguins, polar bears and other animals who enjoy the chilly temperatures. Create fun crafts and activities. Build and race penguins and create a snowman. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

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.

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) Learn the science and art of building a fire and then test your skill with primitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques. Use your new skills to roast some s'mores at the end. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(8-Adult) To many people, the winter season is often seen as cold and dark and foreboding. But to the earth, this is a vital time of rest, beauty and restoration. Join us for a short lecture about the joys of winter from the perspective of nature and venture out on a hike in the woods to see what the plants and animals are up to during this silent season. Conclude the event with a warm drink and meet one of our resident animals.

(4-Adult) Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. Feel free to bring your own guides, binoculars and spotting scopes. Site will have a limited number of supplies for participants to borrow for the duration of the program.

(6-Adult) Celebrate the winter solstice at Riverbend Park. Take a hike with a naturalist through the peaceful forest, craft an ornament with natural materials, sip on warm spiced cider and pine leaf tea, and cozy up around the campfire. Conclude the program with a fire ritual to set new intentions or let go of negative thoughts by releasing them into the flames. Program canceled in case of inclement weather.

(8-Adult) Hike with a naturalist to search winter waterfowl along the Upper Potomac River. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes.

(6-11 yrs.) Join our naturalists to learn about how animals prepare for winter by catching food, finding shelter and preparing to hibernate. Practice skills humans use to stay safe and warm when adventuring in the cold outdoors. Play games, enjoy hands-on activities and engage in cool experiments. No camp December 24, 25 and January 1.

(4-9 yrs.) Join our naturalist for six bi-weekly story time classes to learn about animals and their unique adaptations that help them survive the cold winters. Then bundle up and take a hike to look for signs of winter wildlife or participate in a themed game or activity based on the story.