Youth Outdoors
Nature Education Programs
See below for descriptions of our our outdoor education programs and registration information.​
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Our Outdoor Education Scholarship Program provides equal opportunities for children to attend camps. To request an application, contact BRMC at info@brmconservancy.org.​
“It was probably one of the best adventures and learning experiences my son has ever had. He came home every day happy in his wet shoes and clothing and talked non-stop about everything he saw, learned, touched, and experienced with an enthusiasm and sparkle in his eyes I had not seen before. Each morning he could not wait to get back to the conservancy to see the snakes, be on the mountain, and catch whatever critters he could assist with.”
-PARENT OF A YOUTH OUTDOORS PARTICIPANT
Herpetology Camp
JUNE 2026
Guided by an expert herpetologist, participants aged 7-14 spend two days in natural areas like Leopold’s Preserve and Hopewell Sanctuary for hands-on learning experiences, where they learn learn about the habitat and adaptation abilities of these remarkable creatures.
Activities include:​​
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Reptile and amphibian identification
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Searching for and observing frogs
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Skills on handling reptiles and amphibians properly
Summer Naturalist Camp
JULY 2026
​Activities include:​
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Hiking
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Stream walks
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Frog and salamander catching
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Bird watching
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Butterfly and insect collecting
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Games
Budding Naturalist Camp
JULY 2026
​It's never to soon to explore the wonders of nature!​
Serving children aged 4-6 over five full days, Budding Naturalist Camp provides an early start in outdoor adventure. Parents join in on the fun, where everyone learns about birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, and reptiles.
Activities include:
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Stream exploration
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Discovery hikes
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Games
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Snake viewing
Chesapeake Watershed Workshop Camp
JULY 2026
With support from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, BRMC offers six scholarships for 15- to 18-year-olds interested in conserving rivers and streams that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Participants visit the Bull Run Mountains headwaters, the Little Bull Run stream, and Catharpin Creek and North fork wetlands to learn how these waterways form one of the most important ecosystems in our region. Contact us at info@brmconservancy. org for more information. ​
Activities include:
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Stream monitoring
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Vegetation analysis
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Stream habitat and riparian buffer evaluations
Winter Naturalist Camp
DECEMBER 2026
When you know where—and how—to look, the winter woods are full of wonder! Children ages 7-14 embark on a winter adventure to learn about all the activity happening around them in the woods, where birds are more easily seen and the sounds of nature resonate in the winter stillness. Pre-registration required.
Activities include:
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Hiking
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Birdwatching
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Bonfire
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Games