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Home » Science » Outdoor Lab

Outdoor Lab

Outdoor Lab School Year Program

The Outdoor Lab is an approximately 200-acre outdoor education facility in Fauquier County, Virginia, about an hour west of Arlington.  It is owned by the  Arlington Outdoor Education Association and used by Arlington Public Schools during the school year to run education programs for students.

The materials listed below provide parents/guardians the information and forms needed to prepare for a day or overnight trip to the Outdoor Lab. If you have additional questions, please contact Rochelle Proctor, the Outdoor Lab Coordinator at 540-347-2258; rochelle.proctor@apsva.us

Field Trip Permission Slips and Supporting Information

Outdoor Lab Summer Camp – 2023

CAMP APPLICATION for current Arlington County Public School Students.  Applications accepted March 3 at 6pm until March 31, or a session becomes full:

  • All Camp Sessions are FULL for Summer 2023 at this time.

Dates for Outdoor Lab Summer Camp for 2023:

  • Middle School: Session A (for students entering Grade 7, Grade 8, or Grade 9 in Fall 2023): June 26 to June 30. (WAITLIST FULL)
  • Elementary School: Session B (for students entering Grade 5 or Grade 6 in Fall 2023): July 10 to July 14. (WAITLIST FULL)
  • Elementary School: Session C (for students entering Grade 5 or Grade 6 in Fall 2023): July 17 to July 21. (WAITLIST FULL)

Program Descriptions

  • Elementary School Camp:   A blend of traditional camp activities (hiking, evening campfires, crafts, skits) and nature exploration make this program fun and informative. The Outdoor Lab summer camp provides students with the opportunity to explore the natural world at their own pace. Staff safely guide campers through various activities that may include aquatic studies, natural history, and nature’s supermarket.
  • Middle School Camp:  This program is an extension of the elementary Outdoor Lab summer camp. It provides more in-depth nature studies and different activity options to give campers a distinct experience. Students are also provided opportunities to explore the natural world through focused activities of their own choosing and self-directed free-time activities.

Both overnight programs are conducted at the Phoebe Hall-Knipling Outdoor Laboratory near Warrenton, VA. Students are transported to the Lab 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).  Tent mates are assigned by the Camp Director.

Program Cost

The cost per session is $718 regular/$119 reduced. Rates are set by the School Board. Only Arlington residents who qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year are eligible to pay the reduced tuition fee.  The price includes round-trip transportation via APS school bus; all meals and snacks (except students bring a bag lunch the first day); tents and foam sleeping pad; and all supplies for projects.

Once a student has been accepted, the family will be sent an invoice for the tuition. Payment is by check or money order.

Application

Applications are closed for the 2023 Summer Session. ALL SUMMER 2023 SESSIONS ARE FULL.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first served basis until Friday, March 31, or until a session is full.  Applications submitted after a session is full will be placed on the waiting list.

Questions About Camp?

Questions may be directed to Rochelle Proctor, Outdoor Lab Coordinator and Summer Camp Director (rochelle.proctor@apsva.us).

High School Volunteers/Counselors-in-Training (CITs):

The Outdoor Lab welcomes APS high school students to apply to be a CIT for one session of camp.  These are volunteer positions but students may earn Community Service hours for their work.  Students who are currently in GR 9 may apply to help at one of the Elementary sessions (Session B: July 10-14, or Session C: July 17-21). Students completing GR 10 & 11 may apply to volunteer at either an Elementary session or the Middle School session (June 26-30). Students who have graduated from GR 12 may apply for a paid position under the APS employment page, one summer positions are posted.

The CIT applications are closed for the 2022-23 school year.

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!

If you have any questions about the CIT positions, please contact Clare Mclean at clare.mclean@apsva.us.

FORMS

  • Welcome Letter and Instructions for Session A
  • Welcome Letter and Instructions for Session B
  • Welcome Letter and Instructions for Session C
  • Parental Authorization Combined Form
  • Luggage and Lodging Search Permission Form
  • Authorization for Medication (Prescription) Form
  •  Over-the-Counter Medications List and Form
  • Over-the-Counter Authorization for Medication Form
  • Outdoor Lab Camper Form
  • Suggested Equipment List for Campers
  • Information Sheet on Ticks in English  or Spanish for Campers and Staff

 

Outdoor Lab Driving and Parking Address:

Phoebe Hall Knipling Outdoor Lab
5554 Beverleys Mill Road
Broad Run, Virginia 20137

Driving Directions to the Outdoor lab

Questions About the Lab and its Programs?   Please contact the Outdoor Lab at 540-347-2258 or the Science Office at 703-228-6166.