Education
Education
Programs for pre-K-12 Students
We have all sorts of programs: field trips for school groups, programs for the whole family, and drop-off only programs meant just for students, some one weekends and others on weekdays. You can learn more about each type of program below. If you’re not familiar with the names of our programs and who they’re intended for, you can find a flow chart here. You can also find our calendar of events here. We hope we’ll see you out here soon!
Pre-K-12 Field Trips
**Spring Field Trip Calendar FULL!**
You can learn about the field trip programs we offer in our Program Guide. To schedule a field trip, please submit a Program Request Form or email our Education Associate Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org).
Each of our field trip programs focuses on a particular aspect of the natural world, like life cycles or forest succession, each of which targets particular grade-specific SOLs. We spend part of every program on a guided hike, exploring and observing different parts of the field station. We complement the hike with games and activities that teach concepts relevant to that program’s theme.
In elementary school, we teach students the basics of ecology and evolution, while encouraging them to engage in critical thinking, to recognize patterns in nature, to formulate questions, and to describe their observations to us and their peers. As students move up to middle school, we teach them about the tools and techniques scientists use to study biology and ecology. In high school, we guide students toward conducting independent studies and practicing field methods. Groups are encouraged to visit us year after year as students progress from one grade to the next. Out Field Trip Policies are below:
Fees and Minimums:
- $5 per student for schools for half-day programs (invoice sent upon program conclusion), $10 per student for full-day programs.*
- $10 per student for homeschool, Scout, and other groups (due day-of, at the start of the program)*
- All adults are free
*We require a minimum of 10 students in order to run a program, or we charge a minimum flat rate of $50 for groups of fewer than 10 students.
Weather/Cancellation:
Weather Plan: We are prepared to hold programs in light and/or intermittent rain and have an indoor space, if needed, for up to 20 students. Larger groups will be rescheduled in case of bad weather. We will communicate with you the day before the program to make weather-related decisions.
Cancellation Policy: Program cancellations within 7 days will be charged a $50 fee.
Homeschool Groups: Special Notes
Drop-off policy: Our K-12 themed programs are drop-off only. One adult leader may accompany the program, if desired. Parents/caregivers are welcome to accompany groups on guided hikes.
Registration paperwork: At drop-off, parents will be asked to fill out a registration and liability form for each student participating in the program, even if they registered and paid online. (If we already have a form on file from a past program, there is no need to fill out the paperwork a second time. However, it is important that parent contact information remains up-to-date.)
We also offer regular youth programs that are open to children and families. Please check our calendar for upcoming events.
Second grade students observe a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar.
Virtual Programs
We understand many classes are not able to visit us in-person during the pandemic. You can find virtual program options in our Program Guide or visit our YouTube channel for pre-recorded educational content.
Monthly Family Nature Walks
We offer monthly family nature walks to give young naturalists and their families the opportunity to get outside and learn about the northern Virginia Piedmont ecosystem. During these programs, we explore the field station together and learn about the plants, animals, and fungi that live here. You never know what we’ll find! These walks are free to attend, but please register: dates and times can be found on our calendar.
Families at on a nature walk have a quiet moment
2022 Summer Camp Programs
As of February 15, 2022, registration is open! You can find registration links here.
We will hold four, week-long summer programs in 2022 for children interested in spending time outside and following their curiosities about the world around them. From 4-year-olds to young adults, students are given the chance to explore our 900-acre facility full of fluffy, scaly, slimy, crunchy, sometimes stinky, mysterious, and abundant life. Before registering, please carefully read the policies and camp descriptions below.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a full refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork: Within 3 days of registration, you will be emailed medical and emergency contact forms to be filled out and returned by April 15, 2022. If you do not submit your paperwork by this date, you will be refunded all but the $50 and the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list. Paperwork is important for us to plan! Please send it to camps@cliftoninstitute.org upon completion!
Participant Age: Campers should be within the specified age range for each program at the time of the program.
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, in addition to being up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here). Previous COVID-19 exposure does not exempt campers from vaccination requirement.
Mask Policy: All campers and staff are required to have a mask with them at all times. We enforce mask wearing when social distancing is not possible and if inside due to inclement weather.
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out this Scholarship Application Form and email a completed copy (or photo of it) to camps@cliftoninstitute.org before registering so that we can ensure you are not charged full price.
Ages: 4-6 (accompanied by an adult caregiver)
Dates: June 20 – June 24
Hours: 9am – 12pm
Fee: $95 per camper
During Piedmont Polliwogs camp, your early learner will explore and engage with nature on our beautiful 900-acre field station. We aim to inspire feelings of curiosity and wonder for the natural world, while promoting healthy minds and bodies as children play and learn outside. A typical morning will include an outdoor story time, a short nature walk, snack time (please bring snack from home), and a craft project or related activity.
Ages: 7-12
Week 1 Dates: July 18 – 22
Hours: 9am- 4pm
Fee: $215 per camper
Each day at Young Explorers camp, children will explore the field station with our naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. In the afternoon, children will enjoy crafts and games that will expand their knowledge of ecology and the environment. Campers will gain a deep understanding of our natural surroundings and the confidence they need to continue spending time outdoors for years to come. We will do a different set of activities each week so campers can have interesting and enriching experiences by coming to either week individually or both weeks. Families are welcome and encouraged to register for both weeks but must pay for each session separately. Students will bring their own snacks and lunches from home.
Ages: 7-12
Week 2 Dates: July 25 – 29
Hours: 9am- 4pm
Fee: $215 per camper
Each day at Young Explorers camp, children will explore the field station with our naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. In the afternoon, children will enjoy crafts and games that will expand their knowledge of ecology and the environment. Campers will gain a deep understanding of our natural surroundings and the confidence they need to continue spending time outdoors for years to come. We will do a different set of activities each week so campers can have interesting and enriching experiences by coming to either week individually or both weeks. Families are welcome and encouraged to register for both weeks but must pay for each session separately. Students will bring their own snacks and lunches from home.
Young Scientists Research Experience
Ages: 13-18
Dates: June 27 – July 1
Hours: 9am- 4pm
Fee: $350 per student
During this unique experience, students will explore and carry out their own research project. Young Scientists will engage in inquiry-based, hands-on learning as they develop their own research questions, collect and analyze data, and present their results, all under the guidance of an experienced mentor. This opportunity is perfect for middle and high school students with an interest in the environmental and natural sciences and the desire to experience ecological fieldwork. We welcome motivated students who are excited to spend the week at our beautiful, 900-acre field station in the northern Virginia Piedmont in the company of like-minded peers.
Example research questions include:
- How does road noise affect the singing of birds, frogs, and other animals?
- Where on the field station is there the most evidence of deer and other mammals?
- Are there more insects on plants that are native to Virginia or on exotic plants?
Campers look for butterflies on native Monarda fistulosa.
College and University
We invite teachers and professors from colleges and universities to use the field station as an extension of their classrooms. Our field station is ideally situated to serve as an outdoor laboratory. We are happy to provide a lecture or a guided tour of the field station. We are also happy to let you explore and study the property on your own.
Students from American University study our grasslands.
Locust longhorn borer
We use iNaturalist to document EVERY species (of plant, animal, fungi, and everything else) that is found on the field station.
The iNaturalist app is an easy and engaging way for students to contribute to a long-term scientific project. Let us know if you or your students would like to get involved!
Internships
We provide internships for 15-20 high school and college students each year. Our interns enjoy the opportunity to learn what’s it like to conduct scientific research and to work at an environmental non-profit and they help with our scientific research projects, environmental education programs, and conservation efforts. We have mentored interns through a number of programs, including
- Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation,
- various George Mason University courses,
- Fauquier High School’s Government Internship,
- Fauquier High School’s Environmental Sciences Academy,
- and Highland School’s Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability Certificate.
We also periodically hire paid interns for specific research projects. You can find those opportunities here. If you can’t commit to a long-term internship but would like experience working at an environmental non-profit, you can find our volunteer opportunities here.
A high school intern identifies a crayfish
Adult Programs
Through our adult programs, members of our community of all ages have the opportunity to visit the field station, to learn about ecology and conservation, and to engage with other people who are interested in natural history and spending time outdoors.
We host a series of adult programs throughout the year. Some programs focus on a particular type of organism, like American Woodcocks, butterflies, or fungi. Others focus on a particular way of experiencing nature, like photography or nature journaling.
We hope these programs teach you a bit about the natural history of our property and of the area and inspire you to continue spending time outside learning about nature. You can find our full calendar of events here.
