Armstrong County Junior Naturalist Camp
June 22–24, 2026
9am–2pm
$100/student
The Armstrong County Junior Naturalist Program introduces students ages 8–12 to a variety of nature and conservation topics through fun games, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Over three full days, students will learn from certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalists and other experts, sharpening observation skills, recording and sharing their findings, and working as a team with fellow young naturalists. This program is designed to inspire a lasting passion for exploring and protecting the natural world.
Each student will receive a backpack filled with naturalist tools to use during camp and take home, including a field journal, pencils, hand magnifier, flashlight, rain poncho, pocket naturalist guide, and more. Students will explore the Outdoor Discovery Center’s animal room, classroom, outdoor classroom, trails, and nearby ponds throughout the program.
Students should bring their own lunches. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided by the Outdoor Discovery Center.
Scholarship Opportunity
The deadline for Junior Naturalist Camp Scholarship Applications was April 30, 2026. Thanks to the generous Junior Naturalist Fund, one full scholarship was awarded to a student camper
Registration
Registration for the Junior Naturalist Camp is full and closed as of June 9, 2026.
Join us for a Forestry Health Series with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources! Levi Thompson, DCNR Service Forester supports Armstrong, Clarion, and Jefferson counties and will lead this three-part series. You'll learn about sustainable forestry practices, cost-sharing programs, tools, funding, and assistance available to landowners to increase the health of their forested areas. These programs are free but please register. Light refreshments will be served.
April 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Tree Care - Registration Closed
This program will teach the audience how to plant a tree - the planting process, maintenance, how to protect it, and the commonly overlooked: proper tree selection.
May 18, 2026 at 5:30pm - Invasive Species - Registration Closed
This presentation will talk about invasive plants, why they're a problem, and how we can stop them. Mr. Thompson will go over many of the most common invasives in Armstrong County, and discuss ID and control methods. We'll search the Outdoor Discovery Center grounds to see if we can identify any invasive species.
June 29, 2026 at 5:30pm - Timber Harvesting - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Mr. Thompson will talk about many of the pitfalls that surround timber harvesting and teach landowners how to properly assess their forest, and how to make sound management decisions that will benefit them and their property for generations.
Summer's Last Fling 2026
A Benefit for the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek
Celebrating 25 Years of Outdoor Discovery
Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 6:00-9:00 PM for Summer's Last Fling, the fifth annual fundraiser benefiting the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek.
Hosted by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning, this family-friendly community celebration supports outdoor education, recreation, and outreach programs that connect thousands of children, families, and lifelong learners with nature each year.
In 2025 alone, the Outdoor Discovery Center served more than 4,300 participants through camps, field trips, homeschool programs, educational workshops, outdoor recreation opportunities, and community events. As we celebrate the Outdoor Discovery Center's 25th Anniversary, your support will help ensure these programs continue to grow and remain accessible for years to come.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road, Ford City, PA 16226
Adult Admission: $25/person
Child Admission: $10/person (children ages 5-12)
Children Under 5: Free
ENJOY AN EVENING OF
- Live music by Yachtness Monster Band and Billy Postle on acoustic guitar
- Delicious food and refreshments
- Basket raffles featuring a variety of great prizes
- Silent auctions with unique items and experiences
- A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere in Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area
TICKETS
Tickets for Summer's Last Fling may be purchased online by clicking here. Additionally, paper tickets may be purchased by contacting the Armstrong Center for Community Learning at 724-543-2599, or visiting the ACCL at 104 Armstrong Street, Suite A, Ford City, PA 16226.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Proceeds from Summer's Last Fling directly support:
- Youth outdoor education programs
- School field trips and homeschool learning experiences
- Summer camps and family programs
- Conservation and environmental stewardship initiatives
- Community recreation and outreach activities
As demand for our programs continues to grow, your participation helps us expand access to meaningful outdoor learning experiences for individuals and families throughout our region.
CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS
During Summer's Last Fling, we will recognize our 2026 Outdoor Discovery Center Volunteers of the Year. These awards honor individuals whose dedication and service help make outdoor education and recreation opportunities possible for thousands of participants each year.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to support Summer's Last Fling through sponsorships ranging from $50 to $2,000.
Sponsors receive recognition though event materials, social media, website promotion, and event signage while helping strengthen outdoor education opportunities in our community.
Sponsor Deadline: August 28, 2026
Click here to download the sponsorship information.
DONATE A RAFFLE BASKET OR AUCTION ITEM
We are also seeking donations of raffle baskets, gift certificates, outdoor recreation equipment, experiences, and silent auction items. Your contribution helps make this event successful while supporting the Outdoor Discovery Center's mission.
HELP US CELEBRATE 25 YEARS
Whether you attend, sponsor, donate or volunteer, your support helps connect people to resources that enhance lifelong learning through education, recreation and outreach.
We hope you'll join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 25 years of outdoor discovery and investing in the future of our community.
PA Master Naturalist Certification Training
Registrat
ion is open for the Fall 2026 PA Master Naturalist training cohort. A cohort is held every other Fall at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek.
Do you enjoy learning about the natural world? Are you interested in sharing that knowledge with others? Would you like to know more about supporting natural resource conservation? Pennsylvania Master Naturalists are a dedicated group of people who share a passion for nature, getting outdoors and giving back. If you enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, being outdoors, and volunteering, you’ll love being a Master Naturalist.
Become a Master Naturalist by attending our 50-hour training course at the Outdoor Discovery Center. Classes will be held weekly on Thursday evenings (6:00 - 8:30 PM) from August 13 to October 29 with four field sessions on Saturdays (August 22, September 12, October 3, and October 10)
Click here to access the Fall 2026 schedule.
Visit the PA Master Naturalist Facebook page by clicking here.
You can also visit https://pamasternaturalist.org/become_a_master_naturalist/ for additional information about becoming a Master Naturalist.
Learn more about PA Master Naturalist training course application at https://bit.ly/PMNtraining.
For more information and registration details, contact Rachel Filippini, ODC program coordinator at [email protected].
