Discovery Day Camp
31 kids had a fun-filled week of exploration as part of BRDC's Discovery Day Camp. From splashing in the water and examining what lives in a mountain stream, learning to use a map and compass, studying birds, bugs, flowers and rocks, nature arts and crafts, fun games and songs, to the age old pastime of dropping handcrafted vessels into the creek, exploring the Blue Ridge has never been so much fun!
Announcing 6 Camp Scholarships in partnership with Friends of Mount Rogers!
BRDC is seeking applicants for six full scholarships ($795 value) to our Discovery Camp, July 31 - August 5, Ages 9-12 or 13-15. Location: Base Camp, Troutdale, VA
Birding Adventure in the High Country
6 kids went on a gravity-defying adventure in the high country participating in BRDC’s inaugural Ornithology Camp. For four days and three nights, the kids camped out and honed their ornithology skills, searching for bird species that inhabit the diverse appalachian ecosystems of southwest Virginia.
Travel Down the Rapids of the New
New River Expedition: Wed-Sat, July 19-22 for ages 12-15. Want to experience a true river expedition? Join our crew and travel down the rapids of the New River while pitching camp on remote islands!
Summit Day Camp
Seven students from Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC were able to get a firsthand perspective into the wonders of the Blue Ridge during a week of exploration lead by the Blue Ridge Discovery Center.
Wilderness Backpacking Camp June 27-July 1
One of the most rewarding opportunities of the summer is discovering more of the Blue Ridge in the company of exceptional guides on this multi-day backpacking expedition. 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.
Still time to apply for an Ornithology Camp Scholarship!
BRDC's Ornithology Camp, for kids ages 9-12, offers 4 days and 3 nights all about birds: eagles, warblers, herons, wrens, woodpeckers, owls, thrushes and more!! The camp, which is funded through the William Roberts Memorial Fund and volunteer support, runs Wednesday-Saturday, June 7-10, and includes all meals and snacks.
Women's Fly Fishing Weekend
Fri-Sun, Apr 21-23
3 days / 2 nights
Experienced and beginner fly fishers welcome!
This weekend will provide participants with an intense hands-on introduction to the sport of fly fishing.
Check Out BRDC's Summer Camp Lineup!
Check out our great line-up of Summer Camps for 2017!
Our camps are led by highly skilled guides who understand how to develop curiosity, foster autonomy and be model citizens. Adventure is not the end, but rather a gateway to developing deeper connections with your surroundings. The farther you push the closer you get to discovery.
Discounted camp rates with family membership- Join Today!
The creation of an Ornithology Camp in honor of William Roberts
Blue Ridge Discovery Center, in gratitude and honor of our recently departed and most principled birder and outdoor enthusiast, would like to advance his contagious interest in birds, flight, majesty of raptors, seasonal surprises of migration, and his boundless curiosity.
We believe that the best way to share his love of birds is to create an Ornithology Camp supported by a scholarship fund in his name.
Mount Rogers Wilderness Camp
We finished off summer camp season by heading up the mountain and exploring the habitats of Mount Rogers with a basecamp at the Scales on Pine Mountain. Unfortunately we timed it with a massive system that brought three days of solid rain!!
Impromtu Fly Fishing Camp!
At the request of a couple of campers from a previous camp we put together another Fly Fishing Camp to end the summer. Shortened by a day, it became an action packed three day initiation by fire. On the ride to camp we all agreed to treat this as an intensive course rather than the typical shenanigans of a summer camp. The result was one seriously focused group of kids.
Explorers Adventure Camp II
Campers had a very hot week of outdoor fun! Saddle Creek conditioned the air and provided the kids with several creek related programs and the occasional and unscheduled full immersion.
New River Expedition- Summer Fun!
There is no grander journey than pushing off from shore in a boat on a one-way trip to wherever the current carries you! On July 14, intrepid explorers from throughout the region did just that. Launching our kayaks and canoes from the King's Creek access along the South Fork of the New River, we began a four day journey down the currents of the New. With the guides paddling the canoes full of gear, the kids were free to explore the river at their own pace.
Seeking Scholarship Applicants for Camp
BRDC is seeking applicants for full scholarships ($450 value) to our Mount Rogers Wilderness Camp. The scholarships were provided by The Friends of Mount Rogers National Recreation in support of youth exploration of the Mount Rogers area.
Blue Ridge Explorers Overnight Camp
Fourteen intrepid explorers joined BRDC for four days and three nights of adventure packed fun during the Blue Ridge Explorers Camp. We kayaked, hike Whitetop Mountain, and swam in the New River, but most importantly we learned what it means to be a Naturalist.
Explorers Adventure Day Camp I
BRDC's first week of Explorers Adventure Day Camp offered a variety of opportunities for kids to investigate mud and weeds, ponds, woodlands, creeks and river- five days of nature exploration and wonder.
Recap of the Explorer’s Adventure Camp (August 3rd-5th, 2015)
For years people have requested that we provide some kind of camp for kids and this year things all fell into place at last. BRDC’s goals behind this camp, aligned with our mission, were to connect kids with nature through immersion, give them the opportunity to learn potentially life long enriching hobbies, and teach them 21st century skills including problem solving and critical thinking through interest-driven activities.
Explorer Adventure Camp Photo Gallery
The 1st Annual Explorers Adventure Camp documented in photos.