Our Program
The Outdoor Discovery Program is a week-long residential camp that provides youth with an outdoor living experience. The camp acquaints them with Maryland’s state parks while fostering a feeling of responsibility and respect for our natural environment. Using the natural environment as a classroom provides enrichment that cannot be offered elsewhere. We make outdoor learning fun!
The program utilizes adventure activities and environmental education through a weeklong tent camping experience to foster an appreciation for the outdoors in its participants. Children in the program participate in some of the following activities: canoeing, hiking, fishing, swimming, tubing, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, high and low ropes initiatives, skipjack, “Scales and Tales,” and "Leave No Trace" outdoor ethics. The program develops cooperation through teamwork initiatives, responsibility, positive decision-making skills, and drug awareness and intervention.
The Outdoor Discovery Program began as a joint effort between the State Forest and Park Service and the Baltimore City Parks and Recreation Department in 1985. The State Forest and Park Service began serving the entire state and operating independently in 1991. Since then Outdoor Discovery has continued to grow, offering camps that meet the needs of various ages and interests.
Outdoor Discovery provides camps for boys and girls, ages 8-17 years. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or physical, mental or sensory impairment.
Our Summer Program
- STAFF
Outdoor Discovery staff works hard to create the safest possible environment for your children. Our staff consists of one full time program administrator, one coordinator, and 12 seasonal employees. Our staff hold degrees or are working on degrees in recreation, education, environmental studies, or other related fields and have experience in outdoor recreation, environmental education, camp operation, and working with children.
Our seasonal staff are carefully screened and selected to ensure a quality experience for your child. The staff members are recruited through colleges and universities with majors in education, recreation, or related fields. The individuals that are selected go through an interview process, and a criminal background check. Each of them is required to be CPR, First Aid, and Canoe certified. In addition, they must have a Tuberculosis test and maintain a satisfactory driving record. The staff also receives training in camp operation through the Maryland Park Service. Our counselors and directors are closely supervised and evaluated on a regular basis.
- SAFETY
The safety of your children is our number one priority. Please "click" on this link to read about Outdoor Discovery Camp security during your child's stay.
- FACILITIES/ACCOMMODATIONS
All camps are operated in Maryland’s state parks, and most parks used by Outdoor Discovery are open to the public. The bathhouses consist of hot showers and flush toilets. All sleeping is done in tents with water resistant bottoms. Campers sleep on the floor of the tents in sleeping bags (bringing a sleeping pad is recommended). The tents are not on platforms, therefore cots are not permitted.
The Department of Natural Resources encourages the participation of individuals with disabilities in its programs and activities. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Seven days advance notice is requested.
- CAMP WEEK
Outdoor Discovery is a residential camping experience for today’s youth. This Monday-Friday tent camping experience serves first time campers, as well as children with previous outdoor experience. After the child meets their staff at either of the pick-up points (Sandy Point State Park, Greenbelt National Park or Patapsco Valley State Park), the group travels to their site to begin the camp week. Enrollment is limited to 15 campers per site to ensure that each child is safe and receiving adequate attention to enjoy the full camping experience. Outdoor Discovery maintains a 5 to 1 camper to counselor ratio.
During the week, the campers will have the opportunity to participate in hiking, swimming, canoeing, environmental education, cultural education, teambuilding, games/initiatives, fishing, arts and crafts, journals, campfires, Junior Ranger, and Scales and Tales. The campers will also have the opportunity to explore the park and take part in the main activities planned for each specific camp week. In addition, campers will learn to set up/break down camp, participate in outdoor cooking, and learn the responsibilities that go along with outdoor living.
What's New
In an effort to continually grow with our youth, Outdoor Discovery will be exploring new horizons for the 2008 camping season.
- Multi-Adventure I
Outdoor Discovery will continue to have camps at Tuckahoe State Park, Pocomoke River State Park and Rocky Gap State Park.
$375/week for ages 8-10.
- Multi-Adventure II
Will feature Rocky Gap Adventure, Northern Maryland Adventure at Susquehanna State Park, and Western Maryland Adventure at a new location - New Germany State Park.
$450/week for ages 10-12.
- Multi-Adventure III
A new fishing camp is being offered "Western Maryland Fishing" at New Germany State Park, along with past favorites - Northern Maryland Specialty at Susquehanna State Park, Fishing at Tuckahoe State Park, Rocky Gap Fusion, Lower Shore Specialty at Pocomoke State Park and Water Sports at Assateague State Park.
$475/week for ages 11-13.
- Multi-Adventure IV
This group will start the summer with one of several new Multi-Adventure IV camps Exploration at Big Run. The popular Extreme Camp will be held at Swallow Falls State Park and New Germany State Park. Additional new camps are Hiking the A/T at Greenbrier State Park, Off-Road Biking at Tuckahoe State Park and Fish n' Ride at Cedarville State Forest.
$525/week for ages 14-16.
To contact us:
Phone: 410-260-8154
Fax: 410-260-8191
Email: chawkins@dnr.state.md.us
DNR ~ OUTDOOR DISCOVERY
580 Taylor Avenue, E-3
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
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Last updated April 22, 2008
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