(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.

(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.

(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, create a mosaic and more. No camp July 3-4. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(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. Older group will enjoy an off-site day trip; transportation included. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

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

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

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

(Adults) Meet at Visitor Center. Learn to identify Riverbend's beautiful spring ephemerals, and discover the folklore that has grown up around them, as we walk along the banks of the Potomac River. Canceled if rain.

(3-Adult) Celebrate the Virginia Bluebells that carpet the early spring forest! Enjoy wildflower walks, live animals, exhibitors, live music, kids crafts and food. $10 per person online until 4/6, $12 per person day of event admission.

(6-11 yrs.) In this week-long outdoor sampler, campers will participate in rock climbing, meeting our exhibit animals, fishing, hiking, exploring wildlife and taking a park wagon ride. Different themes each day teach primitive skills while enjoying outdoor recreation and a campfire cookout. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

This program satisfies many of the requirements to earn the Camping Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

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

(4-Adult) Discover how you can help your planet as you play your way through fun games and activities. Beat the clock in Recycling Rendezvous, race against your family in Waste No Water Relay, test your mind in Lifespan of Litter, and more! Bring an old piece of clothing to repurpose into a cool new reusable bag. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Communication Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

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

(8-12 yrs.) Become an eco-warrior as we discover ways to help our planet! Topics include eating locally, pollution prevention and general conservation efforts. Campers gain experience with composting, upcycling and kayaking and enjoy an off-site trip to a u-pick farm; transportation included. No camp June 19. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

Most of the requirements met for two merit badges with the completion of the preclass assignment.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Energy Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Environmental Science Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Exploration Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

(8-Adult) Join us for a walk through the spring wildflowers as we explore the insects who make these beautiful blooms possible! We will conclude the program with making seed-bombs and a native bee house to take home!

(12-15 yrs.) Fish from shore and on kayaks as you work on fishing skills with our experienced instructors. Enjoy an eight-mile float trip by kayak for smallmouth bass along the Potomac River. Bring snack, lunch and water bottle. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Fishing Merit Badge. All equipment and supplies provided. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

(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. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(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. No camp July 3-4. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(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.

(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!

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Geocaching Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

(6-9 yrs.) Discover natural wonders while excavating rocks, minerals and fossils. Hike the park, make fossils, play games and enjoy hands-on activities in this everyday adventure. Riverbend campers enjoy a canoeing expedition. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(16-Adult) There are so many ways that you can improve sustainability both inside and outside of your home. We will discuss clean energy and energy-saving tips, water usage, and other general conservation habits. We will explore sustainable landscaping through the use of native plants, run-off mitigation, and rainwater collection. We will take a (virtual) tour of unique eco-homes and public structures to give us a sense of what the future of architecture could become! Participants will leave with a native plant to add to their yard.

(16-Adult) For this final class, participants will learn about the fascinating concept of biomimicry. This is the process by which 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. We will look at businesses and products that have already adopted this structure and who are committed to reducing, repurposing, and repairing. We will end the class with an upcycling project where participants will turn old magazines into jewelry!

This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Insect Study Merit Badge. Visit the site's website for pre-work and information.

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

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