An overnight nature exploration at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Virginia’s Shenandoah
Valley for boys and girls entering grades 5–10. 
Dates, fees, and other details
FONZ Nature Camp is award winning and accredited by the American Camp Association.
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia spans 3,200 acres and is closed to the public. It is a preserve home for native wildlife, an international conservation training center, and a breeding facility for endangered species. Outfitted with backpacks, journals, and water bottles, campers delve into SCBI’s forests, fields, and streams. Handheld GPS units, camera traps, field guides, compasses, and binoculars are some of the equipment campers use to explore the great outdoors and conduct their own research.
During daily hikes campers learn a variety of skills including:
- Orienteering: Use a compass to navigate the woods.
- Animal tracking: Identify the footprints of deer, raccoons, chipmunks, bears, and more.
- Birding/animal identification: Learn to spot feathered friends as well as other native insects, amphibians, and mammals.
- Tree identification: Go out on a limb and explore a new branch of nature.
- Animal calls: Caw like a crow, gobble like a turkey, and chatter like a squirrel.
- Geocaching: Hone your GPS and navigation skills in this treasure-hunting game.
Note: Campers hike about four miles each morning.
When not hiking SCBI’s many trails, campers can choose from a variety of activities, some of which are taught by SCBI scientists and keepers.
Camp highlights include:
- Meet a keeper: Talk to a keeper and learn what it takes to be an animal keeper.
- Tour an animal area: Learn why the species at SCBI-Front Royal are endangered and what scientists are doing to help ensure their future in the wild.
- Wildlife art: Make a dream catcher, sketch exotic species, and design cards with pressed wildflowers and recycled materials.
- Overnight camping trip: Strap on a backpack and spend a night under the stars.
- Swimming: Grab your bathing suit and take a dip in the 4-H Center’s swimming pool.
- "Fox, Rabbit, Grass, Fungus:” Play an exciting predator/prey game played at night.
- And much more.
We also offer a two-week session for ninth and tenth graders provides a unique opportunity for students to work alongside world renowned Smithsonian science staff to learn real-world research techniques. Campers will develop critical thinking skills and brainstorm solutions to conservation problems facing the Shenandoah Valley and endangered species around the world.
In addition, campers will participate in a variety of fun, engaging interactive field experiences including:
- Salamander studies
- Insect censusing
- Bird identification and population surveys
- Radio-telemetry
- And many more great outdoor experiences.
Along with the many planned activities, campers of all ages also have free time for playing games, reading, or just relaxing under a tree. Although athletic equipment is available, the camp has a strict policy of no competition, and no scores are kept. In the evenings, campers gather around the fire to hear Native American legends, sing songs, and share stories about the day’s adventures.
Please note: Campers will spend much of the day outside participating in physical activities.
