Adventure Day Camp
YOUR CHILD'S SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE STARTS NOW.
With convenient pickup locations throughout Northern Virginia and unique experiences tailored to the camper's age, there's a day camp for everyone ages 8-13 at Adventure Links at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park.
"My daughter described activities with enthusiasm as she kept saying 'And then...' My daughter asked me the cost of the camp, when I told her, her response was 'That was worth it!' I have never seen my daughter so happy about a camp."
Elisabeth, Camp Parent
"Josh had a fantastic experience! He made new friends and was able to do so many different activities. He was a little wary about going, but came home happy and talking nonstop about everything they did..."
Katie, Camp Parent
"My son had a great experience as a first timer at Adventure Links. His little brother can't wait to go next year too!"
Maria, Camp Parent
"My son says that Adventure Links camp 'is exhausting, tiring, fun, exhilarating, and a stamina workout'. He can't wait to try another AL [Adventure Links] camp next summer."
Kathy, Camp Parent
"She had a great time. It was interesting and she learned new things that she would not have learned elsewhere. Highly recommend it to kids who like to be outside."
Melissa, Camp Parent
Our Camps
Adventure Links Day Camps at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park offer an exciting introduction to outdoor adventures. Our options provide opportunities for return campers to raise their level of challenge year after year. Each of our day camps will meet at one of our convenient pickup locations located throughout Northern Virginia each morning and afternoon. From the pickup spots campers will depart on an Adventure Links vehicle to that day's activity, making this one of the most convenient summer camp options.
Classic Adventure
Sample Itinerary
Grades 3rd - 5th
A day camp that encompasses a spectrum of classic adventure activities, Classic Adventure begins with a day of our signature team building course and high Flying Squirrel element to help campers get to know each other. Campers will then explore Hemlock Overlook for three days by hand and foot (climbing, paddling, hiking and Outdoor Living Skills), and take a caving day field trip!
Ultimate Adventure
Sample Itinerary
Grades 6th - 8th
Structured similarly to Classic Adventure, Ultimate Adventure ventures out a little further. Campers will enjoy our Zip Line as part of our signature team building course day, go kayaking, and even explore further heights with a rock climbing field trip to Carderock, MD! This camp is a great next step for Classic Adventure graduates, and also suitable for campers both new and experienced in outdoor adventure activities.
Please see below for pickup locations and use our Camp Finder to find the perfect camp for your schedule.
All camps run Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
Classic Adventure
- Rising 3rd-5th Graders
- Challenge Course with Flying Squirrel
- Canoeing
- High Ropes Course
- Caving
- Outdoor Living Skills
- Eight Convenient Pick-up Locations throughout Northern Virginia
Ultimate Adventure
- Rising 6th-7th Graders
- Challenge Course with Zip Line
- Kayaking
- Rock Climbing
- Caving
- Outdoor Living Skills
- Eight Convenient Pick-up Locations throughout Northern Virginia
PLEASE NOTE: Campers going into 5th grade who have previously participated in Classic Adventure are eligible to bump up and participate in the Ultimate Adventure Camp.
Included in All Programs
- Transportation to and from the pickup location to the day's activity in new passenger vans
- All necessary equipment for all activities
- Personal flotation devices (life jackets) for all water-based activities and other personal protection equipment
- An appreciation for the outdoors and our environment
- Expert instruction in all activities by trained camp instructors who have all passed a criminal background check and undergo pre-employment and random drug screenings
- The expertise of a company with 20 years experience in summer camps, outdoor education, and team building

Our camps in Northern Virginia are located on 425-acres at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park in Clifton, VA. Hemlock Overlook Regional Park is managed by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and Adventure Links has partnered with NOVA Parks and is the exclusive provider of summer camps and team building at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park.
Pick-Up Locations
Summer Camp 2020 is June 15th through August 28th
Adventure Links is one of the only summer camps to offer ideal pickup locations! For your convenience, Adventure Links offers pick-up locations across Northern Virginia for our Classic and Ultimate Adventure Day Camps. Drop off your campers at 8 AM and pick up at 5 PM daily at one of these pick-up locations and Adventure Links staff will transport campers to and from the various activity sites!
Click the pick-up location below to see camp options for that location!
All of our pick-up locations are listed on the map below. Additional pick-up locations in Fairfax County are offered through Parktakes. Parktakes locations include: Cub Rub RECenter in Chantilly, Frying Pan Park Visitor Center in Herndon, Oak Marr RECenter in Oakton, Spring Hill RECenter in McLean, Lake Fairfax in Reston, and South Run RECenter in Springfield.
Not all pick-up locations are offered every week of camp. Please refer to our schedule for available dates.
--- All camps pickup each day 8AM and drop-off each evening at 5PM. ---
Are you ready to give your kids the summer of a lifetime?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The American Camping Association, a nationally recognized certifying body, accredits Adventure Links (accreditation reviewed and approved October 2017).
Participants are transported by both van and mini-bus. All drivers are screened and must be approved by our insurance company. All of our drivers are required to complete a supplemental Adventure Links driver training program. Adventure Links strictly adheres to regulations set forth by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Our Instructors must be over the age of 19 years old, hold a minimum current certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and are subject to pre-employment drug screen, random drug screening, and Federal Criminal Background Checks. Overnight camp activities will have at least one instructor with a minimum certification of Wilderness First Responder.
All of our Instructors are selected based on their skills in outdoor leadership and a high degree of commitment to working with youth.
Participants do not need to be skilled athletes to be successful in our programs. Some of the activities may be more difficult for a child who is less physically fit. To best prepare for any active camp program, it is helpful for a child to consistently exercise and maintain good health.
Our programs are designed at mainly an introductory level. A large percentage of campers are trying at least one activity for the very first time. The structure and philosophy of the program allows for personal growth and development at a variety of skill levels.
The unique quality of adventure activities is that each child can choose their challenge level. For example, when at the rock site, all levels of climbs are available for campers to try. In addition, if a child has had exposure to any of the activities in camp, they approach the week with an increased level of confidence.
We are located at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park in Clifton, VA. Just 20 miles from Washington D.C. in Fairfax County. The 228 acre park is part of a network of 5000 acres of park land that run along the Bull Run River.
In the event of an emergency, you may contact the Adventure Links office and we will relay the message to your child. Instructors are equipped with cellular phones but due to the nature and location of Our Activities, the phones may be out of service and we rely upon messages. The Instructors on overnight and expedition programs are instructed to contact the office at least once per week during their program and immediately in the event of an emergency. It is at this time that updates and messages can be delivered. It is not feasible to receive updates on a daily basis.
Minor injuries and illnesses will be documented and reported to parents at the end of the camp day. If a major injury or illness occurs during camp, Adventure Links will attempt to contact the parent or guardian utilizing the emergency phone contact information provided on the medical form. Placed on each medical form is the authorization to provide advanced medical care in the event of a major emergency.
It is common to see campers sign as a part of a group of friends, and every effort is made to keep these campers in the same group or in the same bunk during overnight camp.
It is also very common to see groups of campers that are all meeting each other for the first time, as Adventure Links is a great place to meet new people and make new friends.
Please see our Summer Camp Policies for a detailed description of our inclement weather policies.
In summary, Our Camps run in all weather conditions. Adventure Links reserves the right to make changes to the scheduled itinerary as necessary to ensure the safety of our campers, and refunds will not be provided for activities that are altered or replaced due to inclement weather.
Please contact the Adventure Links office at your earliest convenience, preferably the evening before. We can then relay such messages to the staff departing early each morning.
We ask that parents pick up and drop off only at the designated pick-up location for their camp session due to space limitations on our vehicles.
The exception if you’d like to pick up and drop off at Hemlock Overlook for days when the camp activity will be on-site. Please contact the Adventure Links Office to make arrangements.
We maintain a ratio of 1 Instructor per 7 campers for day camps and expeditions. Residential camps have a ratio of 1 Instructor per 6 campers.
The rocks range from 15 to 60 feet in height. Our philosophy places choice in the hands of the camper, not our staff or fellow campers. We encourage all campers to try to push their limits, but clearly define the difference between support and coercion. Success is not measured by the campers’ ability to reach the top of the climb, but in the courage and effort they display in participating in the activity.
Our activities are located throughout Northern Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Please refer to the specific itinerary for the program or inquire with the Adventure Coordinator who will check your child in the first day of camp. If you have specific questions about a location you can call the office and we would be happy to address all your questions.
We have convenient sites located throughout Northern Virginia; please refer to the Day Camp Pickup Locations page for further details.
No. We like to involve and communicate with parents openly about their child’s camp experience. However, we have found that having a parent present during the camp day has a detrimental effect upon a camper’s ability to fully immerse and focus on the experience.
The food chosen for the trips is both youth and expedition friendly. We design meals with variety and nutrition in mind. We have vegetarian options and, if provided ample information and pre-trip notice, have very successfully worked with food allergies and restrictions. A “picky” eater may struggle a bit as there is not normally the option to prepare another meal at the last minute.
There is a strong participation from the Mid-Atlantic region. However, our campers have come from all over the United States and even from other countries.
All children and teens are welcome at Adventure Links! Please email summer@adventurelinks.net with further questions about this topic.
This is at your discretion. Due to the nature of the overnight programs and expeditions, students do not have many opportunities to purchase items. Students have brought spending money for mementos (t-shirts at the rafting company) during the trip.
Yes. We require that a child has had an examination within 24 months of the camp program.
Campers must be prepared to bring the items listed on the pack list for their specific camp. This may include specific items such as backpacks, sleeping bags, or certain types of clothing. All other adventure equipment such as helmets, harnesses, or paddles will be supplied by Adventure Links.
No. The Adventure Links camp program is designed to immerse campers into the natural environment and dynamics of the group experience. The use of camper cellular phones or other electronic devices is severely disruptive to maintaining this atmosphere. In the event of an emergency, it is the responsibility for the staff to maintain contact with the Adventure Links office and the parents of the camper.
Have more questions? Email your question summer@adventurelinks.net and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Are you ready to give your kids the summer of a lifetime?