Target archery season delayed at Apha Ridge Park. Programs scheduled to start prior to June 1 have been cancelled. Visit page for details.

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 HCRP Target Archery Skills Club. Open Range time available at Alpha Ridge Park on select dates and times: See the archery page for complete details and to sign up online!

Visit the Adventure Camps page for complete dates & details! 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.

Visit the Adventure and Outdoors camps page for more information on these and other exciting Adventure & Outdoor 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 / June 19  / $65
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.

RP9091.801   Rockburn Pk West - Campfire Ring 

Click the RP number above to sign up online!  Online registration available for pairs only; to register up to one additional person at the $10 rate, you must call 410-313-7275.  A family of 4 is registered as 2 pairs for a total of $130.

Adventure and Outdoor Camps offers a wide variety of activities including archery, fishing, canoeing & kayaking, rock climbing & much more!  Over 800 youth participated in 2019 Adventure & Outdoors 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.

Encore Adventures for 55 yrs+

This is your opportunity to dabble in a variety of outdoor skills! Try your hand at paddling a kayak, learn the basics of archery, go fishing around Centennial Lake and much more. Earn a certificate and patch for completing at least five Encore Adventure activities within a two-year period! No experience necessary - equipment provided for use during the program. Detailed information emailed to participants in the week prior to the program.

More information? Contact Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.  Exact details and directions emailed to registrants in the week prior to the program.

Current schedule:

Intro to Fishing
New angler? Coming back to the sport? Learn or review how to cast, identify fish, rig a pole, tie knots and more. Equipment and bait provided.
RP9171.701  Centennial Park South  April 30    9:30am-Noon   Th    $25  CANCELLED

Guided Walk Exploring the Spring Migration
Join us for a guided walk around Centennial Lake to observe warblers, waterfowl and maybe catch a glimpse of an Oriole as the birds return. Receive a field guide to help you start your own birdwatching checklist.
RP9171.702  Centennial Park South    May 14     9:30-11am     Th    $25   CANCELLED

Paddling Basics
Try your hand at kayaking! Learn paddling techniques, safety and gear selection. This is an American Canoe Association instructional program. Equpment provided for use during the program.
RP9171.703  Centennial Park South    May 28    9:30-11:30am   Th    $35  CANCELLED

Intro to Target Archery
Learn the basics of target archery including equipment, safety and elements of shooting with an USA Archery-certified instructor.
RP9171.704  Centennial Park South   June 4   9:30-11:30am   Th    $35

Call 410-313-7275 to register or click the RP number above to sign up online!

Check back in the future for new dates and details on these additional Encore Adventures opportunities:

Hiking & History
Join us for a morning of hiking through history on the trails of Rockburn Branch Park.

Intro to Rock Climbing
Focus on the fun while climbing to new heights on the wall! Learn the basics of indoor rock climbing (equipment, safety, bouldering and climbing techniques).

Reignite the excitement of years past and explore the great new offerings.
Click the logo above to see all of the Encore opportunities or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/encore

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

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

Geocaching Discovery Walk

Geocaching is a great activity for groups, schools and families!  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.

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.

Climbing Classes forming now - visit the Rock Climbing page for complete details.

Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing in Adventure Camps:
Wilderness Adventure Camp, Total Adventure

We offer exciting supervised activities on select dates that Howard County Public Schools are closed. Check back soon for new dates and details, and visit the Adventure Shack & Rentals at Centennial Park or the Rock Climbing Wall at the Roger Carter Community Center for other opportunities!

Schools Out Archery, Fishing & Kayaking, 9-13 yrs  CANCELLED
No school today? Then come spend the day outdoors on land and water! Make new friends while trying your hand at target archery, fishing, kayaking and field games. No experience necessary; fee includes equipment, instruction, supervision and lunch. Click the RP number to sign up online or call 410-313-7275 to register. For more information, contact Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov.
RP9240.701  Centennial Park South    April 28    8am-6pm    Tu    $85

Join the Howard County Recreation & Parks Trail Hike program and leave the driving and navigating to our experienced leaders!  Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/trailhikes for complete details.

Spring/Summer Trail Hike schedule:

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #7: Weverton to Harpers Ferry
RP9180.701   Apr 4    8am-4pm   Sa

Virginia Appalachian Trail Sec #5: G Richard Thompson Area to Ashby Gap
RP9184.701   Apr 25    8am-6pm   Sa

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #6: Gathland State Park to Weverton Cliffs
RP9180.702   May 9    8am-4pm   Sa

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #2: High Rock to Wolfsville Rd
RP9180.703   May 16    8am-4pm   Sa

Maryland Appalachian Trail Sec #1: High Rock to Rte 16
RP9180.801   Jun 13   8am-4pm   Sa

Dark Hollows Trail
RP9181.801   Jun 27   8am-6pm   Sa

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