Target Archery programs and camps offer a good foundation in technique and form for the beginner archer.

Take an Introductory Class to be eligible for the Target Archery Skills Club.

Open Range time available at Alpha Ridge Park on select dates and times: See the archery page for details and to sign up online!

Pedals & Paddles Beginner and intermediate bikers and kayakers, learn basic kayak skills on Centennial Lake to prepare you for a river kayak trip. Bike the Columbia Pathways to prepare you for a 10-15-mile bike ride on the C&O Canal Towpath. Must have a well-maintained bike and bicycle helmet. Schedule is subject to change. Camp is held rain or shine. Fee includes bus or van transportation, supervision and activities. Bring a nonperishable lunch (no nut products) and beverage. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769. 11-13 yrs  / 4 days /  Centennial Pk South - Pavilion A RP9725.401    Jul 24    9am-5pm    M-Th    $219 Adventures to Go Develop outdoor adventure skills, improve self-esteem and explore the natural environment with activities and games. Learn basic canoeing skills on Centennial Lake, bike the Howard County pathways, participate in team-building activities, go hiking, swimming and swift-river tubing on a Maryland river. Camp prerequisite: must have a well-maintained bike and bike helmet. Camp is held rain or shine. The schedule is subject to change with alternate activities. Fee includes bus or van transportation, supervision and activities. Bring a nonperishable lunch (no nut products) and beverage. (No camp 7/4.) Info: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754. 9-11 yrs  / 4 days  /  Centennial Pk South - Pavilion B RP9705.401    Jun 19    9am-5pm    M-Th    $209 RP9705.402    Jul 10     9am-5pm    M-Th    $209 RP9705.403    Jul 24     9am-5pm    M-Th    $209 RP9705.404    Aug 7     9am-5pm    M-Th    $209 12-14 yrs  / 4 days /  Centennial Pk South - Pavilion B RP9705.411    Jul 3     9am-5pm    M,W-F   $209

Visit the Adventure and Outdoors camps page for more information on these and other exciting Adventure & Outdoors summer camps!

Tech support for Summer Adventure Camps powered by Race Pace Bicycles, www.racepacebicycles.com

Rockburn Skills Park: An innovative skills area within Rockburn Branch Park, created in partnership with the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) and the Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE).

• Detailed information will be emailed to participants in the week prior to the program start date.
• Under 16 must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian
• Family fees (if available) are for three or more immediate family members - must call 410-313-7275 to register at the family rate!
• Registration: 410-313-7275 or click the RP numbers to sign up online
• For more Information contact Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.

Campfires

*** Check back soon for campfire opportunities.

Camping

Parent/Child Camping in the Park
All ages / Sep 15-16 / $55 (one child & one adult)
Introduce your child to the joys of camping. Go on a flashlight walk and participate in your favorite campfire activities. Bring a tent and sleeping bags; snacks and breakfast are provided. Tents are available to borrow; indicate when registering. Fee is for one parent and one child - ONE additional immediate family member may be added for $10 (must call to register).  Detailed information is emailed to participants.

RP9091.501   Rockburn Pk West - Campfire Ring   Sep 15, 6pm to Sep 16, 8am    F-Sa

Click the RP number above to sign up online!  A family of 4 must register as 2 pairs; to register one additional person, you must call 410-313-7275.

Adventure and Outdoor Camps offer a wide variety of activities including archery, fishing, canoeing & kayaking, rock climbing & much more!  Below is a list of the camps offered for Summer 2017; visit the Adventure camps page at howardcountymd.gov/adventurecamps for complete details including how to sign up online!

For a complete listing of ALL Howard County Recreation and Parks Camps, visit howardcountymd.gov/camps!

Find your own Adventure!

Let us work with you to design a unique adventure.  Gather your scout troop, school group or friends and we will do the planning and leading! Activity choices include archery, biking, campfires, camping, canoeing, geocaching, kayaking, indoor and outdoor rock climbing and river tubing.

Click here for a printable Custom Adventures flier! 

Custom program means exactly that:  we’ll work with you to provide an exciting experience and meet the needs of your group! 

Prior programs have included:
Adventure Themed Birthday Parties
Scout Programs/Badges
School Field Trips
Adventure School Clubs
Adult Adventure Clubs

For more information, contact Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754.

Fishing programs, camps and events for a variety of ages and experience!  Click the logos below for more information:

Spring Fishing Tournament - Recreational tournament for kids and adults held the first Saturday in May

Nite Bite Fishing - Spend the evening fishing after dark on select dates

Jordan Craig Hock Memorial Fishing Derby - Free youth fishing derby with a Boating Safety theme, held the first Saturday in August

Variety of Fishing Camps and opportunities to fish in other Adventure and Outdoors Camps:
Fishing Camp
Archery & Fishing Camp
Paddling & Fishing Camp
Ultimate Fishing Tour
& many more!

RP9170.501  Rockburn Branch Pk West    9-10:30am   Sa

Geocaching is a great activity for groups, schools and families!  Contact us for more information on a custom geocaching program just for your school group, scout troop or just a group of friends!

For more information on placing geocaches on Howard County parks land, Open Space and managed properties, visit our Geocaching policy page at howardcountymd.gov/hcrpcaches

Canoeing and kayaking on Centennial Lake and beyond!

Check out the boat rentals at Centennial Lake to practice your skills!

Indoor Rock Climbing on the 26-foot-tall climbing wall at the Roger Carter Community Center!

Don't miss the School's Out Rock Climbing & Swimming!
9-13 yrs  /  Oct 20 /  $73
Rise to new heights on our indoor climbing wall!  Build confidence and make new friends while participating in rock climbing and team building games, then relax in our indoor pool.  No experience necessary; fee includes equipment, instruction and supervision. Detailed information is emailed to participants prior to this fun-filled day. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.
RP9241.501  Roger Carter Comm Ctr   9am-5pm   F

Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing in Adventure Camps!

Rock & River Camp
Wilderness Adventure Camp
Total Adventure: Climb, Zip, Soar & Shoot

School's Out Archery, Fishing & Kayaking
9-13 yrs  /  Dates below  /  $73
No School? Come spend the day outdoors, on land and water!  Make new friends while trying your hand at archery, fishing, kayaking and field games.  Fee includes equipment, instruction, supervision and lunch. Detailed information is emailed to participants prior to this fun-filled day. No experience necessary. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.

RP9240.501  Centennial Park South - Pav E   Sep 21  9am-5pm   Th

RP9240.502  Centennial Park South - Pav E   Sep 22   9am-5pm   F

School's Out Rock Climbing & Swimming
9-13 yrs  /  Dates below  /  $73
Rise to new heights on our indoor climbing wall!  Build confidence and make new friends while participating in rock climbing and team building games, then relax in our indoor pool.  No experience necessary; fee includes equipment, instruction and supervision. Detailed information is emailed to participants prior to this fun-filled day. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.

RP9241.501  Roger Carter Comm Ctr   Oct 20  9am-5pm   F

Join the Howard County Recreation & Parks Trail Hike program and leave the driving and navigating to our experienced leaders!

Current Trail Hike schedule:

Fall 2017 Trail Hike Schedule

Catoctin Trail Sec #4: Houck Area to Mt Zion Rd
RP9182.501   Sep 16   8am-4pm   Sa

Antietam National Battlefield
RP9181.501   Sep 23  8am-4pm   Sa

Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Sec #5: Rt 34 to Pine Grove Furnace State Park
RP9183.501   Oct 14   8am-6pm   Sa

Billy Goat Trail
RP9181.502   Oct 28   8am-4pm   Sa

Catoctin Trail Sec #2: Mountaindale Rd to Hunting Creek
RP9182.502   Nov 11   8am-4pm   Sa

Virginia Appalachian Trail Sec #4: Ashby Hollow to Ashby Gap
RP9184.501   Nov 18   8am-6pm   Sa

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #7: Weverton to Harpers Ferry
RP9180.501   Dec 9   8am-4pm   Sa

Call 410-313-7275 to register or click the RP number above to sign up online!  Full information available at howardcountymd.gov/trailhikes