Outdoor Education Programs 2025 Schedule
GTC Rock Shop Geology Class – January 13, 2025
Get ready to be a rockstar! This Monday evening at 6:00 p.m., kids will get to learn basic geology at GTC Rock Shop. Not only will kids get educated about some of the very rocks they will see in Yellowstone National Park, but they’ll also get to “mine” through their own bucket of ore and take home up to 2.5 lbs. of rocks, minerals and fossils.
GTC Rock Shop is located across the hall from Barnes and Nobles, in the Frederick Scott Key Mall at 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD.
There is no cost for the kids signed up for the Yellowstone Summer Camp.
Catoctin Nature Center Animal Education Program and Hike – February 22, 2025
Our morning will start at 11:00 a.m. with an hour-long program in the Nature Center. Kids will learn the difference between invertebrate (insects, arachnids) and vertebrate (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) animals. Youth participants will also learn vocabulary related to animal anatomy, as well as differences in animal needs, particularly related to habitat. Next, we’ll get to hike through some of the 138 acres of Catoctin Park and visit Catoctin Creek. During our hike, kids will learn about how plants and fungi interact with animals in a natural forest ecosystem. Program instructions will also include discussions, songs, observation of live animals & habitats and hands-on group activities.
Catoctin Nature Center is located at 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown, MD 21769.
Dutch’s Daughter Fundraiser Dinner and Silent Auction – March 12, 2025
Participate in our biggest fundraiser event of the year on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, cash bar and wonderful silent auction items. If you plan to join us on our Yellowstone Summer Camp trip, attendance is required (bidding on auction items is not). Click here to RSVP.
Our event will be held upstairs at Dutch’s Daughter, 581 Himes Ave. Frederick, MD 21703.
Weverton Cliffs Hike – March 15, 2025
Explore 1.9 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia. Our journey will be on a moderately challenging route, but to make it enjoyable for all, we’ll hike at a slow pace. Once at the overlook, we’ll get a beautiful view of the Potomac River. Lunch will be supplied by Chick-fil-A.
We will meet at the Weverton Cliffs Parking lot at 11:00 a.m. at Weverton Road, Knoxville, MD 21758.
Cunningham Falls State Park Hike – April 25, 2025
Spring will have fully sprung for this Friday 1.2 mile hike to a stunning 78 foot tall waterfall. This hike is the perfect opportunity to get outside and soak up the spring sun, while taking in gorgeous scenery. You’re also invited to stay around after our hike and join us for some other exciting adventures with Cunningham Falls State Park.
Directions from Thurmont, MD: Travel MD State Route 77 west approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Catoctin Hollow Road. Travel about 1 mile before turning right into the William Houck Area. Travel about .5 mile past the campground road to reach the trailhead parking lot.
February Star Sanctuary Evening Cookout and Bonfire – May 24, 2025
If you love animals, this event is for you! Join us at 4:00 p.m. this Saturday for a fun evening of interacting with horses, hiking around the farm and swimming in the creek. Dinner and beverages will be provided and followed by s’mores over the bonfire. This is the perfect time to ask questions and meet chaperones and fellow participants before our Yellowstone Summer Camp trip.
February Star Sanctuary is located at 3910 Ausherman Road, Knoxville, MD 21758. Take Ausherman Road all the way until you see the farm, with a parking area on the right. Please bring a chair for your seating.
Yellowstone National Park Summer Camp – June 16-June 21, 2025
Click here for full details about this amazing adventure: 2025 Yellowstone Summer Camp Program.
Harpers Ferry River Rafting – August 16, 2025
We’ll spend the day visiting the iconic confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers with an exciting river rafting adventure.
Camping at Local State Park – October 18-19, 2025
This weekend will be the perfect fall outdoor experience with hiking, a cookout, campfire and overnight camping at one of our beautiful local state parks.
Crystal Grottoes Caverns – November 22, 2025
Our exciting cave exploration will begin at 11:00 a.m. Kids will learn about stalactites, stalagmites and many other beautiful formations within this ecosystem. This adventure will allow kids to see a world rarely visited and learn the geological history of this wonderful creation.
Meet us at 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713.
What’s Included
In addition to having a wonderful, memorable experience, kids learn valuable outdoor skills, social skills and get plenty of swag (e.g., backpack, water bottle, t-shirt, flashlight, fire making supplies, first aid kit and more). Included as part of our program are multiple guided hikes throughout the year, camping, bonfires, cookouts, geology class, group gear and educational supplies. Fundraiser dinner tickets and transportation to events are not included.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Click here to learn more: Financial Aid.
Registration is required for all events!
Outdoor Education Programs
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