Details for 2025 Added Below!
The Outdoor Lab offers three, week-long overnight camp sessions that provide a number of nature-related activities and experiences to Arlington Public School students who have completed grades 4 through 8.
A blend of traditional camp activities (hiking, evening campfires, crafts, skits) and nature exploration make this program fun and informative. Staff safely guide campers through various activities that may include aquatic studies, natural history, survival skills, and more. Campers are also provided opportunities to explore the natural world through focused activities of their own choosing and self-directed free-time activities, such as boating and fishing.
Students are transported from Arlington to the Phoebe Hall Knipling Outdoor Lab in Broad Run, Virginia on Monday morning, and returned to Arlington on Friday afternoon of the same week. Campers sleep outside in platform tents and spend most of their day outside (weather permitting). They are provided three meals and snacks every day.
Sessions for 2025
- Session A – Middle School (for students who just completed GR 6, GR 7, GR 8): June 23 to June 27
- Session B – Elementary School (for students who just completed GR 4 or GR 5): July 7 to July 11
- Session C – Elementary School: (for students who just completed GR 4 or GR 5): July 14 to July 18
Applications
Parents may apply for their student to attend camp by completing a short Google form found at Outdoor Lab – Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us) (Link will be provided when available).
- Registration opens in early March 2025.
- Applications will be accepted on a first come-first served basis.
- Once a student has been accepted, the family will be emailed an invoice for the tuition.
- Payment will be made through the APS online payment system.
More Info
More information about summer camp can be found here: Outdoor Lab – Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us).
Questions about summer camp should be directed to Outdoor Lab Coordinator Rochelle Proctor at [email protected] or 540.347.2258
Apply for Counselor-in-Training (High School Students)
The Outdoor Lab welcomes APS high school students in grades 9 through 11 to apply to be a Counselor-in-Training (aka Junior Staff) for one session of camp. These are volunteer positions, but students may earn community service hours for their work.
CITs participate in all aspects of camp life: student hikes and activities, night programs, helping to prepare and serve meals, clean up, etc. A cooperative spirit and sense of enthusiasm are required!
CIT/Junior Staff Application
Please visit Outdoor Lab – Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us) for the CIT/Junior Staff application. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 28, 2025.
Students currently in GR 9 may apply for one of the Elementary sessions
- Session B: July 7 – July 11
- Session C: July 14 -July 18
Students completing GR 10, 11, 12 may apply for either Elementary session or the Middle School session
- Session A: June 23 – June 27
- Session B: July 7 – July 11
- Session C: July 14 – July 18
Questions about applying for CIT positions should be directed to Outdoor Lab Coordinator Rochelle Proctor at [email protected] or 540.347.2258
