2021 Summer Camp Registrations Now Open!
Registrations for the 2021 Summer Camps & Overnight Adventures are now open. Read on to learn more about next year’s lineup for youth ages 6-17!
Registrations for the 2021 Summer Programs & Overnight Adventures are now open.
Youth ages 6-17 will benefit from Blue Ridge Discover Center’s unique approach to summertime experiences. Our lineup of outdoor programs and adventures is suitable for introducing the most novice naturalist to nature and promoting natural curiosity and self-discovery in meaningful, fun-filled learning activities.
Science in Nature Day Camps
Ornithology Weekend
New River Expedition
Primitive Skills New!
Wilderness Expedition
Fly Fishing Adventures
BRDC is committed to your family's safety. All Blue Ridge Discovery Center programs will follow up-to-date recommended health and safety guidelines that are in effect at the time of the program.
Kicking Off a Summer of Discovery
From festival to forest to field, there is much to discover across the Blue Ridge during the summer. Check out what we have been up to with our friends!
From festival to forest to field, there is much to discover across the Blue Ridge during the summer. Check out what we have been up to with our friends!
A Weekend of Music and Fun
On June 15th, we had the opportunity to not only participate in the Wayne Henderson Music Festival, but also to provide the 2019 children’s activities. Despite the past record of rainy days, the sun paid a visit for the day to make the weather even more beautiful for the full day ahead. Throughout the day while getting to listen to the amazing performances, we got to make journals, leaf poundings, buttons, and other crafts. In addition to creating things together, we also got to listen to storytelling and participate in rope trick lessons, courtesy of some of our incredible volunteers.
Konnarock Discovery Day Camp: Session I
On June 17th, we kicked off the first session of our Discovery Day Camp based out of Konnarock! Despite the prevailing storms that came throughout the week, we got to participate in activities that focused on every aspect of the nature around us. From collecting and learning about different trees of the area, to having first-hand experiences with native and non-native animals, everyday was a little adventure.
Galax Discovery Day Camp: Session I
This past week, Blue Ridge Discovery Center had the pleasure of providing Discovery Day Camp for kids in the Galax area! Every day was focused on a different aspect of nature. We explored all things from birding to stream ecology and hydrography! The students learned so much, including what constitutes an owl pellet (pictured). All in all, the week was a success and our campers walked away with a greater appreciation for the physical world around them.
Discovery Day Camp Photo Album
2019 Summer Outside Initiative
Looking ahead to 2019, Blue Ridge Discovery Center will be launching its Summer Outside Initiative in an effort to connect even more youth to the wonders of the Blue Ridge for an exciting and memorable summer! With technology having such a strong presence in the daily lives of youth in the 21st Century, there has never been a more important time to get outdoors and reconnect with the myriad of benefits provided by this magnificent, natural resource.
Looking ahead to 2019, Blue Ridge Discovery Center will be launching its Summer Outside Initiative in an effort to connect even more youth to the wonders of the Blue Ridge for an exciting and memorable summer! With technology having such a strong presence in the daily lives of youth in the 21st Century, there has never been a more important time to get outdoors and reconnect with the myriad of benefits provided by this magnificent, natural resource.
What is the Summer Outside Initiative?
The Summer Outside Initiative encompasses multiple outdoor education day camp and overnight camp programs held in various locations throughout Southwest Virginia from June through August. Some camps cover a range of topics while others have focused themes, such as ornithology and fly fishing. Full camp descriptions are available on our website at: blueridgediscoverycenter.org/camps/.
Who can participate?
Youth aged 6-15 are welcome to participate in our camps, regardless of experience. Specific ages vary by camp; see camp descriptions on our website for more details.
What makes the Summer Outside Initiative different?
Our goal, new for 2019, is to offer each of our four week-long day camp programs for FREE. By offering the program at no cost to participants, we are able to reach even more youth in our core service region. This includes: Smyth, Washington, Grayson, Wythe, Carroll, Ashe, and Alleghany Counties, as well as the city of Galax. Every $125 raised will cover the cost of the day camp program for one child.
How can I help?
To raise money for our scholarship fund, Blue Ridge Discovery Center is participating in #GivingTuesday, a national fundraiser event as an antidote to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As a bonus, Facebook and PayPal are teaming up to match donations made through Facebook up to $7 million. Your contribution could have twice the impact! Donation matching begins at 8:00 am on the 27th and continues until funds run out.
If your own childhood was made up of quests through the woods, catching critters, and playing outside until long after dark, you’ll likely understand how important this opportunity is. If you would like to be an integral part of our mission, please mark your calendar and make a donation to BRDC through our Facebook page Donate button at 8:00 am on November 27th. *Donations made prior to this will not be matched.*
Thank you for your support!
