Camp Overlook
Camp Overlook explores the close-to-home natural world with children ages 5 to 15 at Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Our camp staff works hard to create a curriculum that weaves unique activities and investigations with familiar annual traditions. Activities at Camp Overlook are designed to be engaging, challenging, educational, and fun! We highly value and encourage inclusion of all campers in all activities. Engaging activities include live animal interactions, nature hikes, team games, survival skills, scavenger hunts, nature crafts, field trips to other parks, and much more!
If you have questions or concerns about camp, please do not hesitate to contact our camp management team at campoverlook@nvrpa.org.
Camp Forms
When you have registered your camper, please be sure to fill out and submit a copy of these camp forms to Camp Overlook. No camper will be accepted to their session without completed forms. Once completed, all forms should be emailed at least 1 week in advance of camp session to campoverlook@nvrpa.org (preferred option) or mailed to / dropped off at Potomac Overlook Regional Park (2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington VA 22207). Please read these forms over thoroughly and be sure to submit them prior to the first day of camp.
Refund Policy: There are no refunds for missed days due to changed work or vacation schedules, sick days, or other non-emergency reasons. Refunds must be requested at least 45 days prior to the camp session. Refunds will only be made if we are able to fill the spot created by your cancellation. All but $25 will be refunded in the event that we are able to fill your vacancy.
CAMP OVERLOOK 2023: Thanks for a great Summer 2023 Camp Season!
Puddle Jumpers Camp (5-6 year olds)
Puddle Jumpers will participate in a variety of activities including outdoor games, arts and crafts, nature hikes, live animal presentations, bug hunts, and more! Please note that each session will follow very similar topics, crafts, activities, etc.
Camp Schedule: 8:30am -12:30pm
Junior Naturalist Camp (7-9 year olds)
Junior Naturalists will participate in a variety of activities including outdoor games, arts and crafts, nature hikes, live animal presentations, bug hunts, and more! Each week also has a different theme, and the majority of activities will focus on that theme.
Camp Schedule 9:00am-4:00pm
Session 1 (Earth):
Learn about plants, animals, ecosystems, and how to be good stewards for our planet!
Session 2 (Birds):
Meet our resident birds of prey, make your own paper towel owl, go on a bird watching hike, and more!
Session 3 (Reptiles):
Meet live turtles and snakes, watch our snakes be fed by a naturalist, take part in a turtle race, and more!
Session 4 (Creepy Crawlies):
Go on a bug hunt and meet live creepy crawlies, make a wiggling caterpillar craft, construct your own “bug hotel”, and more!
Session 5 (Water):
Take part in a stream hike, learn all about and experiment with the water cycle, make your own water strider craft, and more!
Session 6 (All Stars):
Join us for an offering that’s a mix of all our other Junior Naturalist Camps! Each day will correspond with a theme from the other five Junior Naturalist sessions: Earth, Birds, Reptiles, Creepy Crawlies, and Water. The perfect offering for a camper who wants a little bit of everything!
Junior Naturalist ½ Day Camp (7-9 year olds)
Junior Naturalists will participate in a variety of activities including outdoor games, arts and crafts, stream exploration, nature hikes, live animal presentations, bug hunts, and more! Please note that each session will follow very similar topics, crafts, activities, etc.
Camp Schedule: 12:00-4:00pm
Art in the Park Jr. Camp (7-9 year olds)
The natural world is full of beauty, and campers will experiment with a variety of techniques to capture it. Join us for a special three-day session that teaches campers new artistic techniques including drawing, painting, photography, print work and sculpture.
Camp Schedule: 8:30am-12:30pm
Survival Skills Camp (10-12 year olds)
Are you a survivalist? Learn how to make a campfire, plan your next camping trip, go hiking, and more in this camp!
Camp Schedule: 8:30am-12:30pm
Feathered Friends Camp (10-12 year olds)
If you’re an aspiring birder, fascinated by our avian friends, or just want to learn more about birds in general, look no further! Join us for a special three-day session where we’ll learn how to ID native birds, meet live birds of prey, and head into nature to seek out the best environments and conditions to find them in. Camp contains field trips to other parks each day.
Camp Schedule: 9:00am– 4:00pm
Art in the Park Sr. Camp (11-13 year olds)
There’s beauty all around us in nature! Each day will focus on a different visual art form including photography, drawing, painting, print work basics, and natural sculptures. This camp is perfect for your aspiring young artist! Camp contains field trips to other parks.
Camp Schedule: 8:30am-3:30pm
Watershed Warriors (11-13 year olds)
Learn all about our watershed, why it’s important and how we can protect it! Campers will meet aquatic animals, learn about the water cycle, hike to the Potomac River and more. Camp contains field trips to other parks.
Camp Schedule: 9:00am-4:00pm
Animals 101 Camp (13-15 year olds)
Calling all animal enthusiasts, this is the camp for you! Want to learn more about our local wildlife? Or work with reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey up close? Campers will participate in a variety of activities including animal feeding, handling, IDing, and more. Camp contains field trips to other parks.
Camp Schedule: 8:30am-3:30pm
Leader-in-Training (LIT) Volunteer Program
Looking to be a future camp counselor? Our LIT program is a great place to start! Volunteer as an LIT and gain valuable experience managing campers, facilitating activities, working outdoors, and more! LIT's must be at least 15 years old. To apply, please email us at campoverlook@nvrpa.org with your full name, contact information, age, and answers to these 3 questions:
- What makes you want to be a LIT at Camp Overlook?
- What prior experience do you have working with children and with what ages(s)?
- What is your availability for this summer?
Once your application is received, camp staff may schedule an interview with the applicant accordingly. All accepted applicants are required to attend a LIT training session in June (date TBA).
Nature Camp Counselor Position
Camp Overlook is now hiring Nature Camp Counselors! We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a passion for education and nature to join our camp team. Lead camp activities that include live animal interactions, nature hikes, team games, survival skills, scavenger hunts, nature crafts, and much more!
