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Please check our main Recreation & Parks webpage for all updates. Please call our inclement weather lines about the status of camps, programs, events, facilities, and parks: www.howardcountymd.gov/inclementweatherlines.
Fall registration is open but current COVID-19 restrictions may have an impact on your program! See below for current Adventure & Outdoor programs, view schedules and sign up online! Learn target archery, spend an evening fishing or get expert tips on usng your new kayak safely in a Paddling Basics class! Call 410-313-7275 to register or click the REGISTER button to sign up online.
Summer Adventure & Outdoor Camp registration: Visit the Adventure Camps page for complete details and a list of currently operating camps.
Gain a strong foundation in a variety of outdoor recreation activities with our highly trained staff!
Custom adventure and outdoor programs available. Let us work with you to design a unique adventure. Gather your scout troop, school group or friends and we’ll do the planning and leading. Activity choices include themed birthday parties, campfires, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, tubing, camping and biking.
Detailed information is emailed to program participants in the week prior to program start (Adventure & Outdoor Camp paperwork mailed approximately two weeks prior).
Information:
Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 Adventure & Outdoor Manager
Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 Adventure & Outdoor Supervisor
Allan Harden, 410-313-4652 Superintendent, Sports & Adventure Services
Do you have a love of the outdoors? Want to get paid to share your knowledge with others? We're looking for instructors with experience in Adventure and Outdoor Recreation activities!
Contingent positions available for camp counselors and directors, boat rental and concessions staff and Adventure/Outdoor program instructors! Visit us at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty for current opportunities. Additional opportunities may be available - contact Dawn Thomas at 410-313-1754 for complete details!
Register
Summer Target archery season cancelled at Apha Ridge Park. Visit the archery page for details on Fall programs.
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.
Tech support for Summer Adventure Camps powered by Race Pace Bicycles, www.racepacebicycles.com
*** Check back soon for campfire opportunities.
Parent/Child Camping in the Park All ages / September 11 / $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.
RP9091.101 Rockburn Pk West - Campfire Ring 6pm-8am F-Sa
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 programs currently on hold due to COVID-19.
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.
Check back in 2021 for details on these Encore Adventures opportunities:
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.
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.
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.
Intro to Target Archery Learn the basics of target archery including equipment, safety and elements of shooting with an USA Archery-certified instructor.
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
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.
Trail Hikes are currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the main Trail Hike page for updates.
For most Adventure & Outdoor programs, detailed information including any required forms will be emailed to registered participants in the week prior to the start of the program. The forms below are common for these programs.
You must bring this form, completed and signed for each individual participating, with you on the first day of a program. Extra copies are available at the start of the program. Please notify the Program Director in writing of any allergies or health concerns pertinent to your experience.
Sending medication to our programs is highly discouraged. But, if it is necessary for medication to be administered during the operation of a program, a Medication Administration Authorization Form must be filled out and signed by both the parent and a physician. This includes inhalers and Epi-pens. A separate form is required for each medication. All medications must be in the original container with the medication name, physician’s name, dosage and expiration date. Please verify that you have the correct version of this form and it is signed and completed in full or we will not be able to accept the medication at the program. Unless the self-carry portion of the form is completed and signed by both a physician and a parent, all medications will be stored in a locked container with the Program Director.