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 on weekends and others on weekdays. You can learn more about each type of program below. You can also find our calendar of events here; you can filter by Program Type (Adult, Family, Youth) depending on what you’re looking for. We hope we’ll see you out here soon!
Pre-K-12 / Homeschool Field Trips
Explore our Field Trips page, where you can find our program calendar, field trip request form, payment and policy info, and FAQ’s. Please direct any questions to our Education Associate Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org).
Teacher Reviews
We provide high-quality experiential learning field trips that give students of all ages and abilities the opportunity to explore nature, gain new skills, and learn about Virginia’s native biodiversity. Here’s what teachers who have brought their students here have to say:
“The women who guided the children were fantastic in engaging the students in the topic of vernal pools and amphibians. Initially I had some children who were not excited about the field trip however when we were leaving I had many of them say to me that they really enjoyed being at the Institute and loved collecting and analyzing the data. As a science person, that spoke to my heart!”
“This was our second field trip to the Clifton Institute – I was once again impressed by the quality of their program and the Clifton educators… We’ll definitely be back next year.”
“This is my favorite field trip of all time and I’ve been teaching for more than twenty years! It was fun, interesting, reasonably priced, and educational. We will be returning soon!”
Piedmont Polliwogs (Pre-K)
This September – May program for preschoolers is all about building independence and natural history skills in a fun setting! Students attend with a family member for one Thursday morning each month. Students start by checking in with each other, learning about a new topic through a hands-on activity, listening to Blossom the Opossum read them a story, and going on an adventure on one of Clifton’s many trails.
Nature Club (6th-12th grade)
Do you have a nerdy young adult in your life who needs some space to commune with other nerds? This may be the place. Nature Club meet on the first Saturday of each month starting in September and culminating with a party in May. This year, students will be experience what it’s like to work on the three different pillars of the Clifton Institute–restoration, research, and education. This could range from spending a day collecting seeds and planting plugs, to conducting plant and amphibian surveys, to creating lesson plans and teaching materials for younger students. W also allow for plenty of time for students to build friendships and spend some precious, un-rushed time together outside.
Summer Camp Programs
*Registration for Summer 2025 will open on Feb 15th, 2025*
We hold four, week-long summer programs in for children interested in spending time outside and following their curiosities about the world around them. From 5-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.
Mid-June
Ages: 5-6 (Drop-off)
Hours: 9am – 12pm
During Young Explorers 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. Each day has a different theme, which is explored through hands-on activities, a children’s book, and an exploratory walk. Returning campers should note that this is now a drop-off program, so each day will also include elements that build independence, such as learning how to open snack, ask for help, and help others!
Young Naturalists (Week 1 & Week 2)
Early-Mid July
Ages: 7-12
Hours: 9am- 4pm
Each day at Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each week will follow a different theme (insects, plants, vertebrates, fungi, etc.), so you can sign up for both weeks and still learn new things! Each day begins with a Morning Workshop where campers dive deep into the subject for the day, which prepares them for the rest of the morning which is spent exploring through the lens of what they learned earlier. After a picnic lunch on the front lawn, students are given the chance to cool down by playing in the hose before getting ready for Afternoon Choices. Afternoon Choices give campers agency in shaping their camp experience by picking what they prefer to do from a set of 3 options which are different each day. These could include things like water coloring at the beaver pond, hiking to the lichen rocks, playing camouflage, or foraging for wine berries! Lastly, we give each camper a journal and conclude each day by sitting and reflecting in small groups before ending with Closing Circle–a chance to share what we liked, what we were challenged by, and things we’re looking forward to.
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
Mid-June
Ages: 13-18
Hours: 9am- 4pm
*For regulars, please read the description as there are changes from previous years!*
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?
Cancellation: 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: You should receive a confirmation email upon registration, which will contain a link for filling out your camper’s emergency contact form and liability waiver. You must submit your paperwork by 3 weeks prior to the start of camp. 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!
Participant Age: Campers should be within the specified age range for each program at the time of the program.
Vaccination Policy: Staff and campers must be up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here).
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please email camps@cliftoninstitute.org We will not let financial challenges keep a camper from attending!
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!
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.
