Youth Outdoors Program
Youth Outdoors Scholarship Program
Our Youth Outdoors Scholarship Program provides equal opportunities for children to attend camps. To request an application, contact BRMC at info@brmconservancy.org
The mother of one beneficiary wrote: “I can honestly say that it was probably one of the best adventures and learning experiences my 8 year old son … has ever had. He came home everyday happy in his wet shoes and clothing and constantly talked non-stop about everything he saw, learned, touched and experienced with an enthusiasm and sparkle I had not seen before in his eyes …. Each morning he got up and 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 in the ‘river’ as he called it. As a parent all of these things make me happy and grateful my son had this opportunity.”
Herpetology Camp
Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. BRMC invites your child to spend two days hiking and handling, searching and observing salamanders, frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles on Hopewell Sanctuary (Private) and Leopold's Preserve. Ages 7-14
Two, two-day sessions are offered every June.
Summer Naturalist Camp
Children ages 7-14 spend an adventurous week interacting with the natural world. Each day we will focus on different groups of plants and animals on and around the Bull Run Mountains. Campers will add to their understanding of natural systems though hikes, stream walks, frog and salamander catching, bird watching, butterfly and insect collecting, and games.
Two week-long sessions are offered every July.
Winter Naturalist Camp
Children ages 7-12 spend time interacting with the natural world. Campers embark on a winter adventure and learn more about the winter woods. Birds are more easily seen in leafless trees and sounds are magnified in the winter stillness. Dress for the weather -- snow makes the day all the more fun.
Sessions are offered every December.
Budding Naturalist Camp
At this week-long camp, young children will be exposed to the outdoors and wildlife, as they explore life on and around the Bull Run Mountains through a series of discovery hikes, frog and salamander searches, snake viewing, and stream exploration. Ages 4-6.
Offered every July.
Marty Martin shows a black snake to campers
Summer 2016
Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina
Seasonal Nature Days
Kids ages 7-12 spend a nature-filled day outside learning about the ways each season impacts the plant and animal life and natural systems on the Bull Run Mountains.
Spring and Fall Nature Days offered in May & October.
Home School Series
Kids of all ages (and parents!) are led by a professional naturalist on a 2-hour hike through the Bull Run Mountains. Each hike focuses on a different theme, including forest ecology, watershed/stream ecology, geology, natural history, human history, and others.
Home School Hikes are offered once a month, usually on the 3rd Thursday.