May 16th- AOEA Annual Meeting

Since we had to cancel our Spring Open House, when we normally have the AOEA annual meeting, we will now meet virtually on Saturday May 16th at 12 noon. 

If you are interested in participating, send an email to Arlingtonoutdoorlab@gmail.com and details will be provided. 

The primary agenda item will be the AOEA board elections – but we will also provide information about the “State of the Lab”.  Hope you can join us – stay safe and “keep the fires burning”.

Cancelled- Summer Camp 2020

Due to COVID-19 the 2020 Outdoor Lab Summer Camp has been cancelled. Check APS website for more info.

The Outdoor Lab offers three, week-long camp sessions that provide a number of nature-related activities and experiences to Arlington Public School students.

Campers sleep outdoors in tents and are provided three meals and snacks every day. Activities include nature hikes, survival skills, night walks, games, skits, arts and crafts, animal exploration, boating, fish, and much more.

Sessions for 2020

  • Session A- Elementary School  (for students who just completed GR 4 or GR 5): June 22 to June 26
  • Session B- Middle School  (for students who just completed GR 6, GR 7, GR 8):  July  6  to July 10
  • Session C- Elementary School:  (for students who just completed GR 4 or GR 5): July 20 to July 24

Applications

APS students can apply for Outdoor Lab Summer Camp through the APS Summer School Program:

  • The APS Summer School Catalog, application forms, fees and deadlines can be found on the APS Summer School Resources page.
  • Applications are accepted from March 5 to April 3, 2020.
  • There is a separate form for the Elementary and Secondary (Middle School) sessions.
  • Applications are NOT accepted on a first come-first served basis. Once the registration window closes, if there are more applicants than available slots, a lottery will be held to determine enrollment.

More Info

More information about summer camp, including paperwork and a suggested packing list can be found at www.apsva.us/science/outdoor-lab/

Questions about camp registration should be directed to the Arlington Public Schools Science Office at (703) 228-6166 or chris.reid@apsva.us

Questions about camp activities or meals should be directed to Joanne Godwin at joanne.godwin@apsva.us

APS Summer Camp 2020 Brochure

Cancelled- Spring Open House

Due to COVID-19 this event has been cancelled. Check back in Fall for the next Open House events.

The Outdoor Lab Open House is scheduled for Saturday May 16th 12-4pm.

Enjoy nature with your family as you hike the trails, try fishing in the pond, paddle a canoe, or visit with the animals in the Lab. We’ll have a cookout with hot dogs and smores or you can bring a picnic to enjoy. It’s fun for all ages and free for Arlington Families and friends.

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!

Consider carpooling with neighbors or friends to reduce your carbon footprint. Directions can be found here and parking info will be posted closer to the event.

In case of inclement weather, check back here for cancellations or updates.  An Open House Rain Date has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 30th 12-4pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

VOF features OutdoorLab

Our partner the Virginia Outdoors Foundation wrote a great article about the Outdoor Lab with an interview of new Lab Director, Michele Karnbach.

The Arlington Outdoor Education Association partnered with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to place our land under open-space easement to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Continued development in our “neighborhood” brings the importance of such easements into vivid detail.

OutdoorLab @ Barnes&Noble Dec 7-8

The Outdoor Lab at Barnes & Noble in Clarendon

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts? Join us December 7th & 8th at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Clarendon or Online, to meet volunteers for the Outdoor Lab.

Gift wrapping will be available at the store on both days. Look for us at the store on the lower level by Starbucks and simplify your Holidays by getting gifts wrapped while enjoying a treat. Volunteers from the Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA), the non-profit that owns the Outdoor Lab, will also be on-hand to share info about our mission.

The AOEA has been in partnership with Arlington Public Schools (APS), serving the children of APS for over 50 years.

Sharing this information with your family and friends would help us tremendously.

The in-store Bookfair dates:

  • Saturday, December 7th  10am-10pm
  • Sunday, December 8th from 10am-9pm

The on-line Bookfair dates:

  • Saturday, December 7 – Thursday, December 11.
  • Go to bn.com/bookfairs and use Bookfair ID #12577557 at checkout to link your purchase to our fundraiser

Thank you for your continued support. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

CANCELLED-Fall Open House- Sunday Oct 27th 12-4p

Due to weather forecast the Open House is cancelledfor Sunday October 27th.

Check back in Spring for our next open house.

Enjoy nature with your family as you hike the trails, try fishing in the pond, paddle a canoe, or visit with the animals in the Lab. We’ll have a cookout with hot dogs and smores or you can bring a picnic to enjoy. It’s fun for all ages and free for Arlington Families and friends.

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!

Consider carpooling with neighbors or friends to reduce your carbon footprint. Directions can be found here and parking info will be posted closer to the event.

In case of inclement weather, check back here for cancellations or updates.  An Open House Rain Date has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday October 27th 12-4pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

Outdoor Lab at County Fair

VISIT the AOEA – Outdoor Lab Booth at the Arlington County Fair starting Friday August 16 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

Come visit our Booth (at E16 inside the gym), we’ll have animal related “artifacts”, T-shirts ($5) and SweatShirts ($10) for sale, and you can register daily for our free T-shirt “raffle”. You can also share your favorite memories of the Lab – or send a “Happy Summer note to ODL staff”…

Join Us at the Arlington County Fair:
-Fri, August 16 4p – 10p
-Sat, August 17 10a – 9p
-Sun, August 18 11a – 7p