Catoctin Mountain Park - For Kids (U.S. National Park Service)

A Park Ranger guides discovery during an interpretive program.

NPS Photo

A Park Ranger assists in the discovery process.

Catoctin Mountain Park offers a variety of opportunities for kids to explore. There are several short nature trails, scheduled programs such as evening campfire programs and programs just for kids staying at Camp Misty Mount. Group educational programs may be requested in advance by writing, please refer to the For Teachers link. Please call the Visitor Center at (301) 663-9388 for more information or suggestions.

First Bloom

First Bloom is a National Park Foundation program that plants the seeds for a stronger relationship between Americans and their national parks, beginning with our youngest citizens. First Bloom youth are between 4th and 6th grade and are engaged in regular outdoor, hands-on activities in order to grow as people and learn how to design and plant a native garden in a national park.

Catoctin Mountain Park and the Robert Moton Elementary School will spend the 2010-2011 school year researching and planting native wildflower gardens at both the park and their school. Over 100 students will make three field trips to the park and maintain their connection to the park through video conferencing with rangers.

But don't just take our word for it. See and hear what the students have to say about the project!