(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.

(3-6 yrs.) Discover if frogs really say "ribbit" and birds call "tweet". Learn the real sounds of local species and see how good you are at recognizing animal calls. Child must be accompanied by an adult.

(4-6 yrs.) Explore the woods, creeks and ponds as we look for all sorts of critters. Learn about frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish and insects through hikes, projects and games. No camp July 4. Camp the week of June 9 and August 18 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(6-11 yrs.) Explore the woods, creeks and ponds as we look for all sorts of critters. Learn about frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish and insects through hikes, projects and games. No camp June 19. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(5-8 yrs.) Explore the woods, creeks and ponds as we look for all sorts of critters. Learn about the animal life science of frogs, toads, birds, mammals, snakes, turtles, fish and insects through hikes, projects and games. Camps the week of June 2 for non-FCPS participants. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(4-Adult) Learn identification tips by sight and sound and how to make your yard more attractive to native species. Students can borrow binoculars form the class for a view of outdoor bird feeding stations. Registration required for children and adults.

(3-Adult) Explore the trails with a naturalist to learn about the different characteristics that can be used to identify birds. Keep an eye on your surroundings as you fill out a bingo sheet to better connect to our friends in the sky.

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-Adult) Use your eyes and ears to identify native birds as you embark on a guided walk with one of our naturalists. Both beginner birders and veterans welcome. Bring your own binoculars or use one of ours.  

(3-12 yrs.) Walk alongside a naturalist and a group of youth birders as you learn new tricks to identify the birds around you. Develop new skills such as using binoculars, identifying birds with a field guide and writing down observations in your own birding journal. Journals will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own if they prefer.

(13-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led birding trip by kayak. Park Authority lakes are home to more than 100 species of birds and hold many unique habitats. See how these small vessels can provide a closer look into the world of birds. Travel in a one-person kayak.

(12-Adult) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(12-Adult) Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you hike with a naturalist and look for birds. The program will begin with a short discussion of the concept of bird-friendly coffee. To reduce waste, please bring your own mug to fill. Tea and hot cocoa options will also be available. 

(6-11 yrs.) Join our park naturalists as we search for inspiration from nature’s engineers-honeybees, beavers, birds and plants. Test out different materials to create things that blend in, shelter, float or fly. Explore the great outdoors using nature as inspiration to create your own inventions. No camp June 19. Once registered, download camp forms from website.

(6-Adult) Hummingbirds are a beautiful treat to see in the gardens. Enjoy making a hummingbird craft. Go on a walk to spot hummingbirds and learn which flowers to plant at home to attract them. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(8-Adult) Join our park naturalist on a hike and explore wild plants and animals throughout the trails. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to take pictures of things you find along the way. Smart phones, cameras and binoculars welcome. Each hike will feature a different theme and may include: salamanders, birds and other wildlife, wildflowers, trees, nature photography, cultural history, or a scenic destination.

(6-12 yrs.) Learn the how mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish are classified. We use outdoor exploration, observation and lab skills to explore this topic.

(2-5 yrs.) Youngsters and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature’s wonders in this interactive class. Experiences include: meeting animals, stories, games and outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather. Quiet infants welcome. Topics covered are: 3/3 Under the Sea, 3/10 Hanging Around, 3/17 Green is Great, 3/24 Pink Animals, 3/31 Amphibians, 4/7 Outstanding Otters, 4/21 Signs of Spring, 4/28 Creeping Crabs, 5/5 Bird Nests & Eggs, 5/12 Animal Moms, 5/19 Woodland Animals.

(5-Adult) Join a naturalist to search for signs of raptors, also known as birds of prey, and explore what makes them different from other birds.

(6-10 yrs.) Discover how flight developed from birds and insects to balloons and kites, then to planes and rockets. Conduct hands-on experiments to see how lift, drag, weight and thrust make flying possible.

(6-13 yrs.) Immerse yourself in the wonders of the woods! Campers will create a variety of hands-on activities, such as making whimsical fairy houses from natural materials, and crafting colorful bird feeders to attract local wildlife. They'll also design intricate wood slice ornaments and paint vibrant forest landscapes using acrylics. Once registered, download camp forms from website.