Young Naturalists Camp: Week 1 (Ages 7 - 12)
2025-07-07 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
*Please note that the website will say that it is “full” until registration opens on 15th Feb.*
At Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each day of each week will focus on a different topic, 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 Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. 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 each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $275 for first camper, $220 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork Deadline: 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. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be June 16th, 2025. 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!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above 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 fill out this 2025 Scholarship Application BEFORE buying a ticket. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Young Naturalists Camp: Week 2 (Ages 7 - 12)
2025-07-14 09:00 - 16:00 | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
*Please note that the website will say that it is “full” until registration opens on 15th Feb.*
At Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each day of each week will focus on a different topic, 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 Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. 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 each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $275 for first camper, $220 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Paperwork Deadline: 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. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be June 23rd, 2025. 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!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above 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 fill out this 2025 Scholarship Application BEFORE buying a ticket. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Piedmont Polliwogs 2025-26
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:30 and 1 more date | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Piedmont Polliwogs is a monthly program for pre-K children that includes a lesson on a different topic every month, story time and short nature walk. Students get to know each other, grow their independence, and gain confidence in the outdoors with our skilled instructors.
The 9-month series will take place on the second Thursday of each month from 10 to 11:30 on the following dates: September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11, January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14.
We understand that you may have children outside the 2-5-year-old range that need to come along with you to Polliwogs. You are welcome to keep them with you or for them to entertain themselves during the class. It is also fine with us if slightly older children participate.
When you register below, please register and pay for the number of children you expect to participate in the class each month! You can think about this through the lens of: will my child want to use the materials that they see the other kids using (magnifying lenses, eye droppers, stuffies)?
Registration Notes: *If you are purchasing tickets for multiple students, please write all of their names together in the same box, i.e. “Sam, Martie, and Alex Bradshaw” when registering. The form does not give you separate spaces to enter different names for each ticket.*
Cost: $90 per child ($75 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Children ages 2-5, accompanied by a caregiver
Bring: Please bring a snack and drink. There will be a snack break.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this series, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else. No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation within 1 month of the program’s start date. No refunds will be given for any missed programs. You will be sent a liability waiver and medical form before the start of the program.
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!

Nature Club 2025-26
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-11 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-08 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:30 and 1 more date | The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
Nature Club is a program where middle and high school students who are interested in the natural world can spend time in a nerd-friendly environment. If they like bones, insects, tools, plants, fungi, research, or simply to be outdoors, then they have found their people.
The club generally meets on the second Saturday of every month throughout the school year. In the 2025-26 year, we will be focusing on the three tenets of our work at Clifton: Research, Restoration, and Education. Members will help various Clifton staff and visiting professionals from other local organizations with what they do around the field station: propagating plants, building structures, removing invasive species, studying plants and animals, and making educational materials. There will be a chance for students to share their experience with their families at the final party in May!
Nature Club meets from 1-3:30 PM on the following dates: September 13, October 4*, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14, April 18*, May 9.
Scholarship Opportunity: We have 5 full merit-based scholarships available. To apply, please fill out our Scholarship Application Google Form by September 5th, 2025. Wait to register until you have heard back from Bridget (she will register you so you will not have to pay the program fee). If you have any questions, please email Bridget Bradshaw (bbradshaw@cliftoninstitute.org)
Registration Notes: *If you are purchasing tickets for multiple students, please write all of their names together in the same box, i.e. “Sam, Martie, and Alex Bradshaw” when registering. The form does not give you separate spaces to enter different names for each ticket.*
Cost: $100 per student ($75 for Friends of the Clifton Institute)
Age: Youth grades 7-12; this program is drop off only.
Bring: Please bring a water bottle and snack.
Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snowfall).
Registration is REQUIRED.
Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this series, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can open your spot to someone else. No refunds will be given upon registrant cancellation within 1 month of the program’s start date. No refunds will be given for any missed programs. A medical form and waiver will be sent out to registrants before the start of the program (or can be filled out on the first day).
We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Institute!
*Please note that some Saturdays are NOT the 2nd Saturday due to other program conflicts and FCPS spring break!

Young Explorers Camp (Ages 5 - 6)
2026-06-08 09:00 - 2026-06-12 12:00 | VA
*Please note that the website will say that it is “full” until registration opens on 10th Feb.*
During Young Explorers, campers spend the morning learning about the natural world through hands-on activities and pure adventuring over our beautiful 900-acre field station. Topics may vary from insects to pond life to the science of smell! The small group of campers is led by 2 Clifton instructors, who will help students learn how to prepare for being outdoors and work with others in addition to the natural history of the Piedmont. Campers must bring their own snacks and reusable water bottles.
Ages: 5-6 at the time of camp. *This is a drop-off program*
Time: 9AM – 12PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $155 for first camper, $125 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 10 days before the start of camp will receive a refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Cancellations within 10 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
Paperwork Deadline: 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. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be May 19th, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, 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!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above 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 fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Young Scientists Research Experience (Ages 13 - 18)
2026-06-22 09:00 - 2026-06-26 16:00 | VA
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?

Ages: 13-18 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday (June 22-26). There will be a presentation of student research projects on the evening of Friday, 6/26, open to friends and families.
Cost: $350 for first camper, $280 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
Paperwork Deadline: 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. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be June 1st, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, 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!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above 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 fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Young Naturalists Camp: Week 1 (Ages 7 - 12)
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-10 16:00 | VA
*Young Naturalists camps are full! Please submit an RSVP to the waitlist and we will contact you if there are cancellations!*
At Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each day of each week will focus on a different topic, 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 Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. 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 each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $275 for first camper, $220 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
Paperwork Deadline: 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. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be June 15th, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, 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!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above 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 fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!

Young Naturalists Camp: Week 2 (Ages 7 - 12)
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-18 16:00 | VA
*Young Naturalists camps are full! Please submit an RSVP to the waitlist and we will contact you if there are cancellations!*
At Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each day of each week will focus on a different topic, 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 Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. 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 each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $275 for first camper, $220 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
Paperwork Deadline: 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. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be June 22nd, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, 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!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above 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 fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!
