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

Lil' Archers classes forming now! Visit the archery page for complete information.

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!

Visit the Adventure Camps page for complete dates & details! 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 / 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. Info: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754. 9-11 yrs  / 4 days 12-14 yrs  / 4 days

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 14-15 / $65 (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.

RP9091.101   Rockburn Pk West - Campfire Ring   Sep 14, 6pm to Sep 15, 8am    F-Sa

Click the RP number above to sign up online!  A family of 4 is registered as 2 pairs; to register up to one additional person at the $10 rate, 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!  Over 800 youth participated in 2017 Adventure & Outdoors camps!  Below is a sample list of our camps; 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 titles below for more information on these special events or visit the main Fishing page at www.howardcountymd.gov/fishing for complete details!

 
Spring Fishing Tournament - Recreational tournament for youth and adults on 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 on the first Saturday in August

Variety of Fishing Camps and opportunities to fish in other Adventure and Outdoors Camps:
Fishing Camp
Archery & Fishing Camp
Beach & Bay Adventure
Paddling & Fishing Camp
NEW! Ultimate Fishing: Shore & Boat Adventure
& many more!

Geocaching Discovery Walk   CANCELLED

This program is not available but if you are interested in a group program let us know!

8 yrs + / Sep 15 / $9, Individual
Learn how to use modern GPS technology to find hidden treasure boxes all over the world! Geocaching is a great way for families to explore the outside world and get caught up in the thrill of the hunt! Bring your GPS unit or smartphone with Geocaching app (optional), a full reusable water bottle and hiking shoes. Under 16 must be accompanied by a participating (registered) adult.

RP9170.101  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!  Open Climbs available on select dates.

Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing in Adventure Camps!

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

We offer supervised exciting activities on select dates that Howard County Public Schools are closed.  Check out the

Adventure Shack & Rentals at Centennial Park

or the

Rock Climbing Wall

at the Roger Carter Community Center for other opportunities!

Past Schools Out offerings:

Schools Out Slide & Climb, 9-15 yrs
Zoom down the perfectly carved lanes and relax on the moving carpet as it conveys you and your tube back to the top.  You don't have to be an expert skier or boarder to have fun tubing; anyone can tube and have a blast doing it!  Retreat inside for a pizza lunch on your way to our indoor climbing wall for rock climbing and team building games.  Fee includes snow tubing at a nearby ski resort, lunch, supervision and transportation from Long Gate Park & Ride.  No experience necessary; detailed information is emailed to participants prior to this fun-filled day.

Early Dismissal Snow Tubing & Pizza!  11 yrs+ 
Spend the afternoon on the perfectly carved tubing lanes and make new friends over pizza.  Anyone can tube and families are welcome! Fee includes two hours of snow tubing at a nearby ski resort, pizza dinner, supervision and transportation from the Long Gate Park & Ride.  No experience necessary; detailed information is emailed.  Transportation from school to program may be available for an additional fee - call for details.

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

Current Trail Hike schedule:

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #5: Gathland State Park to Reno Monument
RP9180.101   Sep 15   8am-4pm   Sa

Virginia Appalachian Trail Sec #2: Shannondale Rd to Snickers Gap
RP9184.101   Sep 22   8am-6pm   Sa

Susquehanna Grist Mill Trail
RP9181.101   Oct 13   8am-4pm   Sa

Catoctin Trail Sec #3: Hunting Creek to Houck Area
RP9182.101   Oct 27   8am-4pm   Sa

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #3: Wolfsville Rd to Rte 40
RP9180.102   Nov 10   8am-4pm   Sa

Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Sec #2: Snowy Mountain Rd to Caledonia State Park
RP9183.101   Nov 17   8am-6pm   Sa

Catoctin Trail Sec #1: Fishing Creek Rd to Gambrills State Park
RP9182.102   Dec 8    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