Wilderness Expedition 2024
Our last overnight camp of the 2024 summer season. How the time flies by! We had a great group of campers, better weather than we expected, and some amazing views! And we hiked almost 30 miles!
Our last overnight camp of the 2024 summer season. How the time flies by! We had a great group of campers, better weather than we expected, and some amazing views! And we hiked almost 30 miles!
Day 1: Wilson Creek (2.5 miles)
Campers arrive, and we work on cramming all our personal gear into the vehicles. After a quick snack to get us started, we headed up to basecamp- Scales campground! Affectionately called a “hiking trail for cars”, the road to Scales is just a few miles, but takes us about 45 minutes to drive. It’s much less stressful if you’re in charge of driving the high ground-clearance BRDC work truck. Finally emerging from the woods and entering the grassy clearing, we’re shocked to see… cows? Cows around the campground are par for the course, but inside the fence? That was new. The weather forecast was still looking a little rainy, so we went ahead and set up tents and our kitchen, just in case. Once everyone was settled, we grabbed the macroinvertebrate gear and took a quick jaunt down to Wilson Creek. We found plenty of black-bellied salamanders (Desmognathus quadromaculatus), some small crayfish, and two northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon). On our way back to camp, we all munched on allegheny blackberries (Rubus allegheniensis) and highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). We also stopped for a quick bog-stomping break! But everyone was still plenty hungry for a walking taco dinner, followed by biscuits on a stick around the campfire!
Day 2: Little Wilson Creek Wilderness (8 miles)
After getting to know the cows, who enjoy eerily hanging around the bathroom at night and munching grass right around our tents, we decide to call them Bessie, Gertrude, and Fanny. They’re pretty good company, except for the presents that they like to leave behind. We got an early-ish start today to try to avoid the afternoon storm that’s predicted to roll in. Climbing up Stone Mountain and watching as our campsite gets smaller and the view gets better is a fun experience! Day 1 is a great chance to practice map skills and orienteering with Brendan! After that, we skirted just around the top of Third peak (4928 ft), and over Second peak (4843 ft) and First peak (4610 ft). Our long snack break was right by the Little Wilson Creek. We made it back right before the weather turned. Which allowed us to introduce camper-favorite activity: Whittling! Armed with knives, wood blocks, Kevlar gloves, and knowledge on blood circles, most of the campers dove right into their custom projects. One camper mentioned a water snake that was hiding behind the bathroom trashcan, and everyone ran over to watch Drew try and get it out. It was feisty! In the evening, we sat around the campfire and Shep regaled us for 30 minutes with an improvised story so epic that it cannot be described. And when it got dark enough, manhunt started!
Day 3: Lewis Fork Wilderness (8 miles)
The weather forecast was fluctuating a lot today, so we headed out a little later and hoped for the best. Starting on the Crest Trail, we again got to watch our campsite get smaller and smaller as we climbed the gradual hill. Along the way, we found a great snack spot nestled within a boulder pile with lots of (safe) climbing opportunities. Drew also introduced the group to the game Codeword, where you’re given a secret word/phrase and have to use it without getting caught. Some notable phrases: fat frog legs, laminated licorice, fergalicious, the hills are alive with music, size 13 crocs, and the singing bats of the Caspian Sea. For 20 minutes on this hike we were caught in an intermittent torrential downpour, but that was the only rain we got while hiking, so it was worth it! It did end up being a good lesson on how quickly trenchfoot can set in, and how uncomfortable it can be to hike in wet boots. But they trooped through it! On our return down the Crest Trail, we encountered wild ponies in the woods! And back at camp, we met the fourth and fifth cows in the herd who had been keeping us company. Now that the others were outside the fence, where they belonged, Georgina and her baby, Butters, made an appearance.
Day 4: Mount Rogers (8 miles)
Today was the day… time to backpack up to Mount Rogers! We took it easy in the morning, giving our tents time to dry as everyone reorganized their stuff. The only things you take up the mountain are the things you really need! While we relaxed, some campers worked on sketches in their nature journals, others put the finishing touches on their whittling projects. Annabelle and Esme created adorable nature-themed sculptures out of Babybel cheese wax. (Unfortunately no pictures were taken and they melted on the truck’s dash in the hour it took us to unload gear and say goodbye) After a hearty dinner, the hike began! It was an adjustment for some getting used to the pack size, but we made great time heading up to Rogers. Along the way, we stopped at a giant rock that we VERY CAREFULLY climbed up so we could appreciate the view, and get a good look at Mount Rogers from afar. We walked right past our campsite, and became the tallest people in Virginia! For about 45 minutes. We ate a snack, looked for (and found) Weller’s (Plethodon welleri) and Pygmy (Desmognathus wrighti) salamanders, and appreciated the beautiful and rare spruce-fir forest that we were in. Then it was time to backtrack a mile and a half to set up camp! Once everything was settled, we hustled to the top of Pine Mountain to catch the sunset, but instead got an amazing, spooky, experience in heavy fog. We had a quick campfire before heading to bed, tired from the day.
Day 5: Back to Scales (3.5 miles)
Everyone woke up early today, ready to get back down the mountain. After so many long days, today’s hike was a breeze! And mostly down-hill, so that helped! We made it back to camp by 10:00, did the final pack-up, loaded into the vehicles, and headed down the mountain. When we got back, Lisa had a lovely surprise waiting for us… PIZZA! Goodbyes are a little easier on a full stomach. The staff had a great week, and we hope all our campers felt the same! It felt almost too quiet once all the campers left.
A Wilderness Expedition
Over the entire Wilderness Expedition we covered over 27 miles of trail.
The BRDC summer camps of 2023 have officially wrapped. Campers and Guides headed up to Scales Monday, and (thankfully) all returned on Friday! Over the entire Wilderness Expedition we covered over 27 miles of trail.
Our first half day was spent setting up camp and traveling to Wilson Creek where we found crayfish, salamander nymphs, and a northern water snake (which musked all over a Guide). Clear skies at night gave us a great view of constellations like Scorpio and Cassiopeia, the big dipper asterism, and the Milky Way Galaxy.
On day two we ventured into the Little Wilson Creek Wilderness and did a giant loop. As we walked, we collected chanterelles which we cooked over the fire as an after-dinner snack. They pair great with taco seasoning!
For day three we switched direction and went into the Lewis Fork Wilderness. When we got back, we set up a moth light to practice our identification skills and roasted marshmallows serenaded by guitar (Cade). Our last full day was a little different.
With a clear weather forecast, we packed up camp Thursday morning, stuffed only the essentials into our backpacks, and headed out for Mount Rogers with the intention of spending the night at Briar Ridge. We enjoyed an hour at the highest point in Virginia, and found both Weller’s and Pygmy salamanders. After a quick off-trail scramble, we ended our journey with a beautiful view of the sunset from a rock outcropping off the Appalachian Trail!
2023 BRDC Summer Camps
Sign your young nature-lover up for one of our overnight summer camps!
BRDC Overnight Summer Camp registrations are still open! Camps we are offering this year are Wilderness Expedition, Discovery camp and two sessions of our New River Expedition. These camps are perfect for any young naturalist who enjoys learning about nature through outdoor adventures. Click on the links below to learn a little more about each camp. These camps are filling up quickly, so sign up to secure your spot today!
2023 Summer Camp Sign Ups are Still Open
Youth ages 6-17 will benefit from Blue Ridge Discover Center’s unique approach to summertime experiences.
Youth ages 6-17 will benefit from Blue Ridge Discover Center’s unique approach to summertime experiences. Our summer programs and adventures introduces the most novice naturalist to nature and promotes natural curiosity and self-discovery in meaningful, fun-filled activities. We have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and much more!
Summer camps include overnight camps: New River Expedition, Wilderness Expedition, Discovery Camp; and Nature Day Camps.
Nature Day camp, ages 6-10 is held at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center campus. Camp activities include catching bugs & butterflies, collecting and pressing plants and flowers, snorkeling in the creek, observing wildlife, citizen science projects, and art through journaling! This camp is offered June 26-30 and July 10-14.
New River Expedition, an overnight kayaking-adventure camp for children ages 11-17. is offered July 5-8 and July 19-22. Activities include kayaking the New River, building campfires (learn traditional fire building techniques), Bald Eagle nest search, island exploration, hammocking, geology, swimming, snorkeling, fly fishing, games, and night-time explorations!
Wilderness Expedition, a 5 day, 4 night camp for ages 11-17 is an introduction backpacking skills in the wilderness areas of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Date is July 24-28. Activities include day hikes, backpacking (1 night outside of base camp), birding, astronomy, owl prowl, mountain ecology, orienteering and journaling.
Discovery Camp is an adventure-packed, 4-day/3-night experience catering to ages 11-17 with an interest in everything nature. Campers explore the many natural wonders of the Blue Ridge through outdoor recreational activities including fly fishing, kayaking, hiking and exploration. Explore Virginia's highest peaks to mountain streams on this overnight camp from August 2-5.
Sign up for a camp today. Direct links below:
Sign up for 2023 Summer Camp today!
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2023 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN to the public!
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2023 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN to the public!
BRDC offers a unique variety of summertime experiences suitable for youth ages 6-17 (please see individual Camp webpages for details). We feel confident that we have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and everything in between! We welcome novice and experienced naturalists who are interested in old-fashioned fun, learning about nature, and developing a sense of connection to this beautiful place that we call home. See the list of camps that will be offered next summer below. Please follow this link if you would like to be taken directly to the Summer Camps overview webpage, where you will be able to select the camp you’re interested in and Sign-Up. If you would like some additional information for each camp, check out each of their pages:
2022 Summer Camp Registrations Are OPEN!
Registrations are now open for 2022 Summer Camps.
We are excited to announce that registrations for the 2022 Summer Programs and Overnight Adventures are now OPEN!
BRDC offers a unique variety of summertime experiences suitable for youth ages 6-17 (please see individual Camp webpages for details). We feel confident that we have something for everyone -- kayaking and backpacking, fly fishing, survival skills, science experiments, and everything in between! We welcome novice and experienced naturalists who are interested in old-fashioned fun, learning about nature, and developing a sense of connection to this beautiful place that we call home. See the list of camps that will be offered next summer below. Please follow this link if you would like to be taken directly to the Summer Camps overview webpage, where you will be able to select the camp you’re interested in and Sign-Up: https://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/camps
New River Expedition
Primitive Skills
Wilderness Expedition
Fly Fishing Adventures
Nature Day Camp
Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity
Through the generous support of the Smyth County Community Foundation, Blue Ridge Discovery Center is offering full scholarships for our overnight summer camps! T
Do you have a child that loves nature? One that really wants a deeper connection with nature and the wonders of the Blue Ridge? Well, we have a camp for them! If you reside in Smyth County, your child may be eligible for a great week of fun outside with our team of guides.
Through the generous support of the Smyth County Community Foundation, Blue Ridge Discovery Center is offering full scholarships for our overnight summer camps! This Foundation supports select initiatives that promote health and wellness within our community. What could be healthier than spending time outside engaged in nature? Check out our summer line-up and apply today!
Get ready to explore, discover, and share with BRDC at one of our unique overnight camps. Youth ages 11-17 welcome at all overnight camps!
Ornithology Camp - April 23-25 and September 17-19, 2021
From our basecamp, we will explore the region's top birding hotspots including the New River, Rural Retreat Lake, Whitetop Mountain, Fairwood Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, and more! During the adventure, we will identify between 80-100 different species of birds!
Primitive Skills - July 14-17, 2021
From primitive fire building to tool making and wild harvesting, this camp offers a multidisciplinary approach to wilderness activities including hands-on crafts, natural history, ethnobotany, camping, wilderness adventure, and plain old fun!Wilderness Expedition - July 26-30, 2021
Learn new backcountry skills including meal preparation, orienteering, and fire building! On the trail, you’ll observe and document the wildlife we encounter along the way, including unique birds, trees, plants, insects, mushrooms, salamanders, and many others. Join our expert naturalists and wilderness guides on this journey of discovery through the highest mountains of the Blue Ridge.
BRDC will provide all camp gear, meals, materials, and supplies for all camps. Personal gear, sleeping bag, and toiletries are required by participants.