The Outdoor Lab Summer Camp returns for 2022!
Registration NOW OPEN with a NEW Process!
Check out Summer Camp 2022 page for all the info!
Posts by AOEAwebmaster
ODL’s Amazon Wish List
For supporters who like to give something tangible, the Outdoor Lab Staff has created an AmazonSmile Charity List to use with students at the Outdoor Lab.
Shop online or on your app and help the students experience the Outdoor Lab with hands-on STEM learning.
Dec 4th 5-9p Chipotle Ballston Fundraiser
Save the Date for our Chipotle Fundraiser- Saturday Dec 4th from 5-9pm at the Ballston Common Chipotle!
The Outdoor Lab will receive part of the sales at the Ballston Common Chipotle (4300 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203)
Please share with your friends and family to help support the Outdoor Lab! You can make it safer by ordering online for pickup. Details and flyers below…
Guarantee your purchase supports the Outdoor Lab:
- Show the cashier a digital flyer prior to paying
- Show the cashier a paper flyer prior to paying
- Flying flyer-free? Just mention the fundraiser to the cashier prior to paying
- Order online and pickup Chipotle by using the Promo Code V9EZR9M on the Chipotle app or website.
- Please note that fundraiser online ordering is only valid through pickup on Saturday Dec 4th from 5p-9p at the Ballston Chipotle location.
A few more notes:
- Don’t order delivery or through a separate app – online orders will only count for pickup through the official Chipotle App or on our website.
- Don’t place orders for your fundraiser on days other than your fundraiser date and time. Orders placed outside of your fundraiser date, time, or assigned restaurant WILL NOT be counted.
- Don’t hand out flyers to our regular customers in or around the restaurant – that’s cheating! (Which may also lead to your fundraiser being cancelled)
- Don’t alter your flyer in any way
- Don’t be shy! Make sure you tell our cashier that you’re attending the fundraiser before you pay
- Don’t purchase a gift card – gift card purchases during fundraisers do NOT count towards total donated sales, but purchases made with an existing gift card will count.
Chipotle Fundraiser Dec 2021 english 374040-flyer
Chipotle fundraiser Dec 2021 374040-spanish-flyer
Fall Events- Visit the ODL
We love to welcome families to the Outdoor Lab on Weekends.
Come see what your APS students are raving about. Enjoy the fresh air, immerse yourself in nature, and relax in the mountains.
We’re only 45 minutes from Arlington.(directions here) Pack a lunch and plan a family activity.
Fall 2021 activities are below. Due to COVID, we need all visitors to register via Eventbrite. (check back for links to each event below.)
- Sept 25: Volunteer Cleanup
- Oct 3: Fall Family Hikes
- Oct 17: Open House
- Oct 30: Family NIGHT Hike
ODL @ the ArlCo Fair 2021
Visit the Outdoor Lab’s Booth (M13) at the 45th Annual Arlington County Fair starting Friday August 20 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and surrounding grounds, at 3501 2nd Street S.
After your Goat Yoga and before the Pig Races, cool off inside and visit the Outdoor Lab Booth!
Join us at the Arlington County Fair:
- Fri August 20 4p – 10p
- Sat August 21 10a – 9p
- Sun August 22 11a – 7p
ODL supports LGBTQ+ Pride
The Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA) supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month!
The Outdoor Lab is welcoming to All Students and Families, no matter their sexual identity or orientation.
Please join us in celebrating and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in Arlington and our world.
Sat June 5th- ODL CampIN!
The 2nd Annual Great Outdoor Lab CampIN!
Join us on Saturday, June 5th 5-8pm for the Great Outdoor Lab CampIN! Set up a pillow fort inside your home, or set up a tent in your yard.
We know the Outdoor Lab Camp-Out is a highlight for our 5th Grade Students. Since we can’t host them at the Lab this year, we wanted to share the fun — virtually — with everyone!
How to participate:
Make your plans for camping indoors or outside in your yard — planning is half of the fun!
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- What supplies do you need? Flashlights? Pillows? Sleeping bags or blankets?
- How can your family pitch in to help?
JOIN US! Tonight from 5-8pm check our stream on Facebook to see how the Outdoor Lab celebrates the CampIN with snacks, games, and campfire stories!
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- What might you see and hear during your campIN? Check it out!
- Dust off your best campfire stories and get ready to share with your family!
- Visit the Outdoor Lab Trade Secrets page — we’re letting our secrets out for a limited time!
SHARE WITH US!!! We want this to be a community event and to share (virtually) in the fun with you!
Have a last minute need- Shop Local
Need new batteries for your flashlight or lantern? Or a tarp or rope? Local Arlington stores have all the supplies you need, check some out below:
Casual Adventure
A long-time supporter of the Outdoor Lab, and owned by an APS Family, Casual Adventure has everything you need for backyard camping, scouting or big adventures.
Ayer’s Variety & Hardware
Bill’s True Value Hardware
Cherrydale Hardware
Twins Ace Hardware
AAPI Heritage Month @ODL
This May, the Outdoor Lab and the AOEA celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
With staff and directors with AAPI heritage in our families, we’d like to honor all Asian American and Pacific Islander families, their contributions to science and education and the building of our nation.
In this time of violence against AAPI individuals and communities, we stand together with all who speak out against hate, bigotry, and exclusion.
Open House- Sat May 15th 10a-4p*
The Outdoor Lab Open House is scheduled for Sunday October 17th 10a-1p OR 1p-4p.
The Outdoor Lab welcomes all Arlington Families to the Open House. Grab your “pod” and explore our 226 acres of mountain trails, meadows, streams and pond. While at the Lab, your family can:
- fish in the pond (cane poles & worms provided!)
- hike our trails (over 5 miles, various hiking abilities)
- observe critters in our Nature Center (admission in small groups)
- find a perfect spot for a family picnic! (bring your lunch!)
Get your Tickets!
Due to COVID, we need families to pre-register through Eventbrite here.
- Please choose EITHER 10a-1p ticket OR 1p-4p ticket (NOT BOTH) This will allow us to meet COVID limits and allow as many families as we can.
- Each ticket is for one Carload. Please do NOT register for a ticket for each person in your car.
- Tickets are “donate what you can.” The Outdoor Lab is owned by the non-profit Arlington Outdoor Education Association (a 501c3, tax exempt organization)
- We will create a waitlist if needed, if your plans change and you don’t plan to come, please let us know
For the Safety of Visitors:
- all visitors must sign in
- masks must be worn while inside and when social distancing is not possible
- NO Dogs allowed
- please leave only footsteps and take only pictures
Other Info
While at the lab, talk to AOEA board members about the upcoming capital projects or how you could volunteer. We’re looking for additional board members and have lots of great projects on our plate!
You can find Directions here, look for signs and volunteers on where to park.
Bad weather, check back here for cancellations or updates. An Open House Rain Date has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday Oct 24th 10a-4p.
We look forward to seeing you!
Share your pictures and tag #LovetheODL
APS cancels ODL Summer Camp 2021
On March 19th Arlington Public Schools department of Teaching and Learning sent out an APS School Talk Press Release email with plans for Summer School for 2021.
Included in those plans are the decision to Cancel Summer Camp at the Outdoor Lab.
We are saddened by this decision, but understand the need to offer additional instruction in core subjects for this disjointed year.
More information can be found on APS website here.